In honor of Bastille Day, we'd like to know: What's your favorite thing to come out of France?
ARE YOU KIDDING????
Food and wine!!!!
I am really loving the forest nature of the yard. I can't believe how long the Trilliums have lasted and the number of Jack in the Pulpits that hide just off the path to the house.
I usually don't get political here. There are other places for that. The flurry of controversy in the American press about President Obama's bow to the King of Saudi Arabia just gets me.
To those pundits who say no bow occurred look at the video. Forget ignoring the obvious. Confront it.
We have all read about difficulties American troops have had with cultural issues in Iraq. Understanding where others come from is important. Respect begets respect.
At a sporting event do I stand for the national anthem of another country out of respect? Yes. I have been in homes where, culturally, I have had to remove my shoes. Do I do this at home? No. Do I do this in their home? Yes. Doing business in Europe or North American is it rude if a deal is made but the other party doesn't shake hands? Yes. Is it rude when I am in a nation where they do not shake hands but put their hands together and bow their head? No. Visiting the White House, would the King of Saudi Arabia expect the President to bow? No.
The bow was not some sort of submissive gesture. It was the gesture of a respectful, foreign, leader fully confident in who he and his nation are.
There is an ageless expression "when in Rome ..." Do you get it?
Relax.
What a joy friends are.
Last weekend I was experiencing a real block regarding something I had to write. A special Vox friend came through for me big time and I was humbled by her both kindness and skills.
I had friends over for a very informal supper this week. The sharing of food, drink and conversation was a much needed balm. It was also a much overdue opportunity to express my appreciation for their kindness.
Last night a very dear friend and her wonderful husband (through the years he's become a special friend, too) came from out of town for an overnight visit. Hunger took us to the local where I got to witness my very urban visitors pleasantly engaged in conversation on the topic of an unsuccessful moose hunting season. Different cultures and languages came together and I was in the middle of it all.
During the visit other friends contacted me. "Have your buddies arrived?" "Do you need anything?" "I hope you have a great visit. I know these people mean so much to you."
My visitors are back on the road now and I am left with a feeling that friendship is life's pilot light. </sigh>
Well, the move went well and I'm in the new house. Unfortunately the lease is only for ten months but I'm trying to ignore that right now. If the lease was longer I would certainly paint the place, believe me. The colours are incredible: greys, blues, oranges, and very little white. However, the layout and, of course, location are great.
The Internet connection happened yesterday, three days earlier than forecast, so I am slowly catching up on what my friends have been up to and replying to a huge stack of emails.
Now for the return to normal, whatever that is!
Laying in a hospital bed, not making much sense, my dear friend M. brought me the first chapters of her novel to read and comment on. She knew, knowing me oh so well, that I needed something in my life to reboot my curiosity and that appealed on a bit more of an intellectual than Star Trek on a little hospital TV.
It was a slow process for me. Fatigue and pain often limited reading to a couple pages a day. Soon, however, I was looking forward to those pages. I read and reread her work. Criticism? That was limited, believe me. The novel was going to be good. It was true. It was her.
I have just heard that Harper Collins has bought the book. Yes! I am so happy. It really couldn't have happened to a nicer, more talented, more sincere person. Looking into my crystal ball I predict bubbly flowing this weekend.
Almost every bit of snow is gone, even in the woods.
Last Monday I was standing on the back deck and looking out when I noticed some red on the snow in the garden. Red? Well it turned out to be rhubarb poking through the last of the snow. This is a pretty amazing sight for April in these parts.
