Élan

Something to Look Forward to

2012-03-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

I like to have something to look forward to every few months and the next months are going to be fun.

March has Spring Break in it and that is fun enough. I am going to visit my almost 91 year old Dad who lives alone in his house and is doing marvelously. When I am there, I will buy a lot of locally made honey which is the best in the country.

image source: Labyrinth Lodge website

April has a retreat with my reading circle in it. We will be heading to a lovely little place in the country called Labyrinth Lodge for a weekend of conversation, walks, good food and just a lot of FUN. April is also V. and our son D's birthday (20th). I want to do something special for this one.

May will see me going back to my friend Mary's for more fun and another reading circle. We are reading Growing Pains, Emily Carr's autobiography. Carr is a very well known Canadian artist and writer. We will then visit some of her works at the Vancouver Art Gallery. If you do not know this artist, take the time to see some of her paintings here. More on this outing later.

image source: Emily Carr website

June is exciting because it is finally warm and the last month of work before summer holidays. June 30th is our take off date. What can be more exhiliarating than that?
Those are the more important things to look forward to but in between, I am looking forward to delights on a smaller scale: an evening with my sister and her family, watching movies with my beloved, meeting with my reading circle around Half the Sky (see sidebar)...

And on a micro level, I look forward to my yoga classes, feeling the satisfaction of finishing up a project at work, interacting with my posse, cuddling up with V. on weekend mornings and having more than five things to be grateful for every day.

Have a great weekend!

Bisous,

Stella

Reading Circles

2012-02-29T09:57:00.002-07:00

I have been invited to help start up a new reading circle or book club as some may call it.

About two months ago, I went to lunch with two of my former students from long ago, one from high school and the other from the days when I taught at the university. They had a favor to ask and I was so thrilled since my lifelong passion for books and reading is shared by some of the people I have taught.

They have just started their 40's, their children are no longer toddlers, they work hard and are feeling a longing to nourish their souls and connect with other women once in a while. I can think of no better way to do that than to read, relax and share stimulating conversation than around a book. In my experience, these circles usually lead to all kinds of sharing and growth on many levels.

So tonight, I am meeting with a brand new circle of eight women of varying ages; my suggestion since different age groups can learn a lot from one another. I also recommended that they not all be in the education sector. My own reading circle has its share of teachers but we also have a massage therapist and a social worker. I have learned much from these two colleagues and they have taught the whole group about life outside the classroom.

For those of you who may be thinking of starting a circle, Oprah's book club features Lise Funderburg's 10 Book Club Commandments:

1. Meet on a reasonable schedule that allows ample time to finish the book—in our case, every other month.
2. Make new friends. Invite people who don't know each other, and have more than one person do the inviting.

3. Discuss parameters, so members know what to expect: Fiction? Current events? Classics?

4. Spread the work and the power by rotating hosting duties and letting the host pick the book.

5. Cook and clean only as much as you like. One presentable bathroom and basic munchies will do.

6. Keep meetings to three hours—it's a club, not an endurance test.

7. Send kids and spouses out for the afternoon.

8. Read on paper, but communicate electronically: Set up a group e-mail list, forward directions using Mapquest, and send out reminders a couple of days beforehand.

9. Overbook for a consistent turnout. If you want six at every meeting, have 10 on your list.

10. Talk about the book—not exclusively, especially if the book's a dud, but hold the group to its purpose.

Reading circles are the best way to pursue a passion, debate and socialize at the same time!

Bonne journée,

Stella

122 Days and a Dream Boat

2012-02-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

We leave for France on June 30th. Our last day of work is June 29. It is more than just the last day of work for V. It is his LAST day of work.

Today, I left him wrapped up in the warm and comfy cocoon of our bed. For the first time in three years, he is missing two days work because of some heavy duty dental surgery.

I know he will be thinking about the summer heat, the spring water, saucisson, rosé, good beers that come in small bottles, the pool, Tiki Beach at St-Tropez, driving the car around countless round abouts, painting the Juliet balconies off of our bedrooms and maybe, just maybe, he will allow himself to dream about owning a boat.

He doesn't want a big boat, just one with two sleeping areas! So that we can follow the coast in the south of France to the Italian coast where I've yet to visit Amalfi or Positano. He would be buying a boat for me, of course... to make my mini-dream come true!

Boat buying is V.'s dream. We've already had one dream come true. Shall we try for a second one? Why not? Whip out the dream board, let's make a little movie about the boat we want. Let's imagine it, draw it, decorate it and make a list of all the things we would do with it.

If we had a boat, I know that we would coast along St-Tropez for sure because V. has been taking pictures of it's yachts for years. This is a Riviera Sport Yacht. It would be a good start.

http://www.topspeed.com/boats/riviera-sport-yacht/ke2603.html

What do you dream of? Please tell me, it will only take a minute to write it in the comment box. I know you are out there and I long to hear from you!

Have a good day!

Amitiés,

Stella

Oscar

2012-02-25T16:36:00.001-07:00

Ever since I was a child, I've watched the Oscars almost without fail. I am looking forward to Sunday night because of the movies that are slated. Can't say that I have seen many of them, but from the trailers and the articles I have read, I am most interested in what is coming up.

Not the least of whom is the French actor Jean Dujardin who is nominated as best actor for The Artist. I have seen other movies with this actor and he is to me, sublime! Handsome, funny, expressive, versatile; now there is an Oscar hopeful. The Artist hints at the glamour of past Oscar nights.
In the best actress category, my vote goes to Glenn Close for her brilliant portrayal in Albert Nobbs. She has always been a favorite actress, not choosing roles that make her popular, but roles that show her acting ability. She is a clever, talented woman.

I have seen The Help and Midnight in Paris, both fun movies to watch but not, according to me, Oscar calibre performances. The Help was a great book to read, the story compelling, the characters lovable as was the movie. Midnight in Paris was a lot of fun because it's in Paris but mostly because you see different celebrities past come alive. The incarnations are fun and the background, delicious.
Another Oscar nominated performance that intrigues me Demián Bichir in “A Better Life” It looks Oscar worthy. The story of a Mexican immigrant and his son trying to make a good life in the US is a relevant subject for the times we live in.

Tomorrow night, like countless other Oscar Sunday nights, I will be glued to the screen with my ballot in hand to help me follow the program. You can download it here on http://oscar.go.com/ under my picks. You can also watch all the trailers of the nominated movies one after another on this same website.

What are your picks? Only 24 hours to go!

Have fun!

Bonsoir,

Stella

Adele

2012-02-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

This new singer/songwriter is very talented. Recently, I was at a nightclub where this song was sung. I didn't know she existed until then. Where have I been?

Not to be missed.

Bisous,

Stella

The Two Poison Arrows

2012-02-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

photo source: http://thrivingwithneurofibromatosis.blogspot.com/2011/08/glomus-tumors-ouch.html
We all spend much of our lives unconsciously absorbed in a future that hasn’t happened yet or in a past that is already gone and in the process, spend much of the day out of touch with the present moment, which is the only time we ever get in which to live or act. And so, we can easily miss out on the opportunities that the present moment is constantly offering us.

- Jon Kabat-Zinn in Mindfulness Meditation

I am being called upon to remember mindfulness. It is a process that takes a lifetime to accomplish but an instant to forget. Mindfulness is a challenge for me and I am my own worst enemy. When my mind starts operating of it's own volition, I can go days without feeling peace.

The past week has been a reminder of how mindfulness is a major factor in the enjoyment of life and enjoyment of life is one of my most important values. I just have to regain control of my thoughts every so often so that I can be free to enjoy the gifts of life.

I was in a graduate course about 12 years ago with a professor who had lived his childhood in China. His teaching was rich with the legacy of this time in his life and one day, he told us this story: The Tale of theTwo Poison Arrows.

Once, a man was stung by the words of a neighbor and he felt the humiliation deeply. So deeply in fact, that he repeated the spiteful words of his neighbor over and over to himself and to his family when he shared what had happened.

On the third or fourth day after the incident, he shared his story with an old uncle of his. His uncle said that it was unfortunate that he was suffering from the sting of two poison arrows instead of one. «How so?» asked the man. «The first poison arrow you received was when your neighbor delivered his message, the second arrow is when you choose to relive the moment after it has passed.» answered his wise uncle.

The Tale of the Two Poison arrows are a reminder for me to be mindful and put certain events in my life in firmly in their place, where they belong. No double dose of poison arrows for me thank you very much.

Now, if I can get my thoughts to cooperate...

Bonne journée,

Stella

My Friend Mary

2012-02-19T17:14:00.001-07:00

Mary just left with her friend Lara to return to White Rock. They have been in town for a wedding at St. Albert's Enjoy Center. She was only here for one night but what a good time we shared during the few hours she was available.

It's always the same with Mary, we can talk about so many shared interests: health, the environment, business, social consciousness issues. It is never dull being with my friend. She is an amazing woman and an extraordinary human being.

Mary is a Croatian who was born in Bosnia. One day, we promise to make a trip across the north of Italy from our place in Provence to visit her homeland. Here is what the itinerary might look like:

Croation Adventure

I long to see a different part of the world where I have never been before, a part of the world that has undergone major conflict and risen up again. To see it with Mary will make it all the more meaningful.

Later this spring, my reading circle will be doing The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht:

In a Balkan country mending from years of conflict, Natalia, a young doctor, arrives on a mission ofmercy at an orphanage by the sea. By the time she and her lifelong friend Zóra begin to inoculate thechildren there, she feels age-old superstitions and secrets gathering everywhere around her. Secrets heroutwardly cheerful hosts have chosen not to tell her. Secrets involving the strange family digging forsomething in the surrounding vineyards. Secrets hidden in the landscape itself.

I have invited Mary to return to us for the circle on this book and I know that she will breathe life into the story with parallel tales of her childhood in Bosnia.

Life is good.

Amen.

Bonsoir,

Stella

Resilence

2012-02-16T19:15:00.003-07:00

Resilient: strong; able to recover quickly from injury, either mental or physical. Resilience: an ability to adapt to, recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.

When I as a little girl, I overheard my oldest brother talking to my mother about me. He said that I was resilient. I remember looking it up in the dictionary, it seemed such a strange word.

This week although not over, has seen its share of set backs. The worse kind, the kind that make you question your competence, your value as a person, your loveability, your looks, the color of your hair, etc.

I am happy to report that I am recuperating from the second set back, larger than the first which was delivered Monday. This second one is like the aftershocks of an earthquake. Already tender and cautious, it still caught me unaware.

I did the right things: self-talk, refusal to replay the event repetitively in my head and talk to the person concerned, no gossiping... I am feeling righteous but still shaky.

If one is to believe the happiness curve, the best is yet to come.

In the meantime, chin up, tomorrow is another day!

Amitiés,

Stella

2012-02-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

I've been having fun with Pinterest lately. Just a few minutes a day. Have a look at some of my boards.

This one is called Reading Places


I'll let you guess what this one is called

Jewelry to Die For

Just a little eye candy, inspiration and fun. There are a lot of recipe suggestions and some really ingenious DIY projects. Go on, have a look here.

Bonne journée,

Stella

New Cu(te)bicle

2012-02-13T10:27:00.001-07:00

Someone at the office got a promotion, so I got a new cutebicle with a window. In fact, it's a cuterbicle than my old one. Although the view is atrocious (building a high rise right next door) it faces west, so I will get a corner of afternoon sun.

The bonus is I can do some bird watching. Pigeons hang out on the terrace in front of my window. We are on the 9th floor but I am in seventh heaven dancing with the construction workers next door!

Bonne journée!

Stella

The Bathroom Saga

2012-02-12T13:23:00.003-07:00

I have started posts about three times in the last week and have been unable to finish any of them. It seems that inspiration has left me...

On another note, I have been a busy bee, what with Teachers' Convention on Thursday and Friday and a Valentine's outing with good friends on Saturday... and the interminable bathroom renovation which is to be done today! I will be very excited to post pictures and put the whole saga behind me.

Regret, I have one. Had I the TIME, I would have scoured the city for antique pieces that would have made this a more distinctive project. Instead, it will be a regular North American bathroom. Nothing out of the ordinary, just comfortable.

I have been spending time on Pinterest and some of the bathrooms you see there are stupendous.

This one is a beauty. Just look at that architectural element!
Love the color of the towels too.

Love the mirror, the fabric, the painted brick wall, the daring of it.

The mirror!


The bathtub, chandelier, curtains, colors... beautiful, restful and elegant


How about that mirror and the use of the pretty side table?

If I'd had time, I would endeavoured to find lovely pieces and have V. transform them for me. But alas! time is not plentiful.

But you know what? I CAN dream and take my time with the bathroom in Provence where I have a big blank canvas. This summer, I will dress the vanity with curtains below the sink with vintage fabric I found at the brocante. Last summer, we painted that awful salmon pink trim white. I will take my time looking for an armoire and a mirror and maybe some lovely lace for the window. Corey is finding antique curtain clips for the vanity curtains.

Picture of the main bathroom in our apartment in France in 2008.

I look forward to sharing this less frustrating renovation project with you. As I am always on holidays when in France, everything seems easier, and V. and I make sure we only do one thing at a time and do it well.

Bon dimanche!

xo Stella

Dream Come True

2012-02-05T20:17:00.001-07:00

Our town center

La Bergère Basque kindly asked what dream I had that came true in the comment section. First, thank you for commenting and secondly, thank you for your interest. Here is the story.

In 1999, V. and I took a month long trip to Europe with our two boys then 10 and 7. The trip in itself was a dream come true (not our first trip to Europe but a first with the children) and I spent a lot of time planning and organizing the trip to make the most of the gift of travel and time with the boys.

This trip was the first time that we were doing property rentals and it happened that, while scouring the Internet for good places to stay, I came upon a lovely apartment in the Var in what is called Provence verte.

I contacted the owner to make arrangements for our stay but her place was rented for the summer. However, she knew of another owner in the Moulin who might be interested in renting.

Home, where the heart is

The Moulin is a 17th century olive oil mill that was refurbished about 25 years ago into 10 apartments. It sits by a small river with cascades about two blocks from the center of town.

As it happened, the owner was willing to rent his apartment for the two week period that we wanted.
We arrived there at about 8pm exhausted from a day of driving from Switzerland where we had been visiting with V.'s cousin.

Pool with river flowing on the right

It was getting dark and it was raining. Luckily, we had the apartment manager's number and we called him and arranged for him to show us where it was. Steep little street, narrow and dark after winding our way from above the town where we arrived from the north. The children were quiet, D. had been car sick.

We parked in the narrow street across from the Moulin, unloaded the car and made our way through the gate, down the path lined with lavender turning sharply to the left, through another wrought iron gate, through the hall where the arches containing the olive presses used to be and finally, to the door of the apartment.

When I stepped through the door and into the living area, I was delightfully surprised. Everything was neat, the decor was neutral but the materials were interesting. It was getting late so we shuffled the children to bed in the twin bedroom upstairs and we breathed a sigh of relief.

After a short time wrestling with the luggage up the stairs, we dropped into bed and slept like the dead.

The stream flows on the left.

The next morning we awoke to the sound of the stream that flows by the balcony and the extraordinary light of the provençal sun. When crept downstairs and opened the shutters, the apartment sprang to life. White washed walls, terra cotta floors, pine furniture and two sets of French doors.

We could not believe our luck.

Later, we would explore the extensive grounds and the lush greenness of the river valley surrounding a lovely pool, an aquamarine jewel in the summer sun.
We spent an idyllic two weeks enveloped by the sun, the sweet spring water and the clean air of this tiny French village. The weekly market alone was an adventure not to be missed: cheeses, saucisson, fresh produce, soaps, linens, and more filled the senses and the soul. We were in love.

During the eight years that followed, we were never able to set aside our fairy tale summer in Provence. We remembered our trip fondly and frequently. We made a little video of our time spent there and I played it regularly on my computer. I would dream about it regularly and redecorate the apartment it in my mind over and over. In 2006, I made a dream board about the home I wanted to own in the area.

Late in 2007, I contacted the owner to ask him to let us know should he ever want to sell his apartment. Although we could not really afford it, one year later, a little over nine years after that fateful summer, we would travel to France on a five day fall break to sign the papers for the sale.

We have never looked back.

Bonsoir, bons rêves,

Stella

Life is a Process

2012-02-04T20:13:00.001-07:00

The bathroom renovation is trying. We have been inching forward but it seems that every step we take is longer than expected. Today, the mirror for the space above the vanity arrived but it is just an inch too high and it is really too big for the space. Beautiful but not right. Originally, I had wanted a round mirror, now, I am doing my best to get a rectangular mirror that works.

Good news, we placed the new mirror in the dining room and we will spray paint the former dining room mirror silver to put in the guest room. I found and ordered another bathroom mirror and hope it arrives before my house guests do.

Patience is a virtue that I do not have in abundance. This is challenging for me but I know that the lesson is to lighten up and keep going.

Today, we put in the light fixture, hung up the new mirror in the dining room, bought silver spray paint for the old mirror, bought a plastic cover for the light switch and had tiles cut for the baseboard behind the new vanity. Our friend Vic will put them in next week.

Tomorrow, I have to return a light fixture and a vanity set (which is way too fancy) at Restoration Hardware. Will have to get a new vanity set and wait for grey towels back ordered from Lands' End and the new mirror from Home Depot.

As I reread this post I realize how silly it is. How unimportant all of this really is, how I have built up expectation to a point where I allow my day to be spoiled by the sluggishness of the process.

There are a few hours left to this day and my intention is to live them well. A long hot shower, a clean pajama, a nice cup of tea and a movie to watch on Apple TV.

Tomorrow, I will visit my friend Carole who is living with cancer and get my perspective back in check. Life is a process, not a destination. Live each moment fully and be grateful for the gift of life that you have.

Thanks for listening.

Bonne soirée,

Stella

Dreams are Whispers from the Soul

2012-02-03T11:41:00.005-07:00

When subscribed to Simple Abundance online, you receive daily quotes by SBB. Here is today's:

One of the most wonderful truths you will discover on the path to authenticity is that your aspirations are your possibilities.

All my life I have embraced this assumption. Some may think it's rather optimistic but my life's twists and turns have proven it to be true. That's why when I asked my friend Nicole what her dreams were, and her reply was: «Hey, I'm no longer 25.» I was abashed.

People need to have dreams big and small. Dreams are how you communicate to the universe that this is what you want. I'm not saying that you will always get exactly what you want but you may get close.

«A Life without dreams is like no life at all. When our existence gets reduced to a list of problems to solve or things to check off, passion dries up. Imagine a different list, one comprised of projects and activities that are the expression of your heart and soul. Reconnect to what makes you happy. Do you know what that is?" ~Marcia Wieder

What do you dream of?

Watch Dreams are Whispers from the Soul here.

Happy Friday!

Bisous,

Stella

Thursday and Friday Take Too Long

2012-02-02T08:51:00.001-07:00

Today's post title comes from Lorrie Morgan's Except for Monday's song. Whenever I start a week at work, this song comes to mind:

Except for Monday which was never good anyway
Tuesday I get a little sideways
Wednesday I feel better just for spite
Thursday and Friday take too long
Before I knew it,Saturday's gone
But it's Sunday now you can bet that I'm alright

Personally, I love Friday night and Saturday morning because they are and feel like the beginning of the weekend. Friday night we crash with the healthiest take out that we can think of and Saturday morning we lay in a little bit. V. with TV and I with my computer or my reading or my knitting. The rest of the day is chores, chores, chores. Sunday feels like the last chance to get some weekend in and to prepare for Monday...

Thursday is o.k. at work, it is usually a good workday because the weekend is approaching and I have the workday rhythm down pat. Friday we wear jeans at work and the atmosphere is full of anticipation.

I wonder how the week will feel when I am retired? Will I differentiate the days? Will I have a little lay in every morning? Will I have a wild late night out say on a... Tuesday?

In the meantime, it's Thursday and I have to get to work!

Bonne journée,

Stella

Don't Worry, Be Happy

2012-01-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

At work today, one of my bosses told me that a few crazy hard weeks are coming up and that it's going to be trying and exhausting. That this, this, this and that have to be done before this time and that I should be ready, etc., etc.

I answered in a courteous, professional manner and took note of the long To Do list. Then, I went back to my ~~cutebicle~~ cubicle and sat myself down to work on the task at hand. I told myself, I said: "Self, don't worry about what is coming. Deal with what you must right now, make a list, check it twice daily and move along."

I love inner dialogue, don't you?

On another note... Last night I hosted my French reading circle for supper. It was a soup supper because:

soup is the ultimate comfort food.
soup is easier to prepare than a regular meal with protein, veggies cooked and raw and potato or rice.
after a day's work on a MONDAY, I need major comforting too.

On the menu were the Barefoot Contessa's Lentil and Sausage Soup and her Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. For sides, I went to Cob's and bought a bevy of breads with savory filling. For afters, strawberries dipped in Toblerone.

How fabuloso is that?

Bonsoir, beaux rêves!

Stella

Bathroom reno update

2012-01-29T10:30:00.001-07:00

Before

We had saved some tiles in case!

After

Before

Our friend Vic has finished repairing and painting the walls. Love the antique linen color by Dulux. It is creating a neutral background for the new vanity, Cloudburst and Fresh Pistashio towels from Land's End.

Still have to buy: towel bar, toilet paper holder and taps. A quick look at Home Depot and I have found what I need.

Problem: what will I do with the nearly new shower doors we put in barely a year ago? They are silver and the rest of the metal in the bathroom are going to be antique bronze. I have suggested spray painting the frames of the doors, Vic says it won't last... Maybe we'll just live with them as is for a while.

T's old bedroom is starting to look like a very comfy place indeed. A lick of slate gray paint on the closet doors and shelves, new roman shades, a glass carafe and two glasses are all that are left to do. Then we are ready to welcome friends to stay. We know we have four groups coming in the next couple of years: my friend Mary from White Rock, V.'s cousin Eddie and his wife Monique, Corey and Yann and our dear friends Christian and Stéphane from our little town in France.

On another note...

Went to see my colleague and friend Lizette sing with her band Friday night. Friday nights are usually crash and burn night but I was able to get up and go for a few hours. Their music was up beat and invigorating, the musicians and singers were lovable and engaging. I danced a few and I ask myself why I don't do this on a regular basis just to get my cardio!

Have a great Sunday!

Bisous,

Stella

Sometimes

2012-01-28T18:35:00.002-07:00

Sometimes I just wish that I could stop spinning long enough to know what I really want. To feel fully present in the moment, to savour life and it's simple abundance and enjoy it like you do a wonderful ice cream cone, slowly and deliciously.

Polyvore Playing

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday Breakfast by the Pool

St-Tropez Sands

A couple of years back, I played on Polyvore. These two outfits make me wish I could be a California girl right now.

Bonne journée,

Stella

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

2012-01-26T08:00:00.001-07:00

I finished reading this delightful book in four days. It is a gentle romance (set in the English countryside) but with a modern twist. Major Pettigrew, a 68 year old widower, loses his brother suddenly and this makes him think about his life and how, having lost his much loved wife and only brother, is now left with only a son with whom he doesn't see eye to eye, a sister-in-law and niece for whom he doesn't hold much affection.

Mrs Ali, a Pakistani lady from the market is a lady he admires and comes to know through their common love of literature. Although challenged by societal dictates, Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali discover that with each other there is hope that life still has much to offer. Through a series of challenges that each of them faces, we find out if they are able to maintain and develop their friendship.

This novel is a well-written, humorous story that will keep you turning the pages to find out what Major Pettigrew's last stand will be. This novel is a hoot and if you want to be entertained instead of confronted, this is a read for you.

I give it 4 stars out of 5.

Happy Reading!

Stella

Bucket List

2012-01-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

I thought while I was making lists, I should revisit my Bucket List. Here is a partial list, NOT in order of importance:

1. See Egypt and Morocco
2. Play the piano again

D. and T. in St. Tropez in 2009

3. Sail on the Mediterranean
4. Be slim
5. Have a beautiful garden
6. Sleep well
7. Have my boys back in France with us
8. Travel to Asia
9. Become a good knitter
10. Publish my Mom's recipes

Vietnam

Bonsoir,

Stella

To Do Lists

2012-01-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

Amy Butler checklist pad

Work stuff

I don't know if it's my age, the fact that I live in the Northwestern hemisphere or if it is both but if I want to get things done, I make a list. Lists and list crossing are very satisfying and somehow move me from first to third gear. All of a sudden, I'm focused, I am grouping tasks according to time or geography and I am so much more efficient than without them.

For example, I know that I have to order roll-up blinds for our new guestroom, have known for two weeks but haven't done it. This morning, it was first on my list and I'm already trawling the Internet to find the best product/deal.

Of course, my To Do lists include more edifying or noble ways to pass my time such as: read Le cahier rouge for Monday night or, make a date with V. in the next two weeks. Whatever the task, writing it on a long piece of paper with little circles to check off helps me do what needs doing. On weekends when I have a list of things to get accomplished before Monday morning usually see me be far more productive.

My friend Debbie gave me a check list pad as a gift and I use it for work and for home or personal tasks and I love it. I am a collector of hand creams and I may add checklist pads to my collecting pleasures. These are inexpensive and fun and just having them around reminds me it's time to make a list.

Bonne fin de journée,

Stella

Weekend Morning Ritual

2012-01-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday and Sunday morning, my V. brings me a latte in bed. He also makes my breakfast which consists of two rice cakes with peanut butter and sliced bananas with a sprinkling of cinnamon. I am like a child who likes the same book read to him over and over. I never tire of it.
It's V.'s way of spoiling me, then he jumps back in bed and we read, do emails, talk about what our plans are for the day till about 11:00, then the day's activities begin.

I am a very fortunate woman.

Bonne journée!

Stella

Bathroom Reno Update

2012-01-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

On the left where the vanity was, we have to add tile.

This is where the medicine cabinet was. It was glued and screwed on.

Thank goodness that Vic is doing the walls, we have enough to contend with with the tiles... Below is the mirror that I found for the space. No, I couldn't find a round one...

It's going to be installed sideways. I have also found a fixture:

It is going to be in an aged bronze finish. Can I tell you that I'm not 100% sure of what I am doing? We shall see won't we? Wish me luck!

Bonsoir,

Stella

-30 and Thriving

2012-01-17T10:14:00.002-07:00

The weather till now, which has been positively balmy for an Albertan winter, has turned. Indeed, Sunday, temperatures dropped from about -13 centigrade to -27. With the wind chill factor, it feels like -40 today.

But no matter, have down-filled parka, have good car, will travel.

And travel I did. Before my reading circle yesterday, I made it to Restoration Hardware after work to look up some vanity sets that were on sale. Lo and behold!

Vanity set for the guest bathroom, the one we are renovating.

And, while I was at it... a vanity set for the Master bathroom.

This is a store that dazzles the eye. Everywhere you look is a vignette positively bulging with luxury items. These unfortunately have a matching luxury price but when there's a sale, they just become expensive instead of unaffordable.

Oh! the Belgian linen sheets, the cashmere throws and slippers, the furniture, the objets as they call them, enough to make a girl want to load up her Visa. Go on, have a look here, you know you want to.

Inspiration: my sister D and I can make these.

I can put these on my Xmas wish list.

Inspiration image for my dining room in Provence.

And this, well this can remain a dream. I am happy with that.

Ah! My visit to Restoration Hardware was an Artist Date. I am overflowing with ideas for projects to make based on what I saw. I must bring my sister D. because dreams are more pleasurable and instensified when shared...

Bonne journée!

Stella

Infidel

2012-01-16T11:47:00.004-07:00

A Kindle read

I just finished reading Infidel for my reading circle that takes place tonight.

What can I say about this evocative, shocking and heart-wrenching book written by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somalian woman who escaped the clutches of an arranged marriage and lived to tell her story.

I was wary of reading this book because I did not want to read another non-fiction selection after reading The Immortal Life of Henriette Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. I had had enough for a while of poverty, despair and a life of bad luck. Henrietta died young of a horrible cancer and neither her or her family ever made a cent on the billions of her cells that are still being used in research today.

This book is different because Ayaan Hirsi rises up out of her misery and like a phoenix is born again into a life of enlightenment, education and service. Life has handed her a lemon and she makes lemonade not only for herself but for Muslim women all over the world who live under the dictates of the Koran. Hirsi Ali calls a spade a spade and she explains brilliantly why it is so. In a simple but deceptively intelligent voice, she recounts with a child's naivete, the events that lead up to her trip to Canada to marry a man she neither knows nor cares for.

For anyone who wants to understand the Muslim faith and get an unbiased analysis of the Koran and the Hadith, this book is for you.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is to be commended not only for sharing her story but for risking her life to let the world understand the life of women living under the strict laws of the Koran.

Watch the video below that she created with Theo Van Gogh (great-grandson of Vincent's brother) called Suppression. Van Gogh would be murdered for the part he played in making this film.

It is like a trailer for this powerful book which deserves 4.5/5 stars.

Bonne journée,

Stella

Theo van Gogh/Ayaan Hirsi Ali: "Submission" pt 1

2012-01-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

A Project

2012-01-14T20:53:00.003-07:00

Boy's bathroom

Towel color choice 1

As our eldest boy has gone, we now have a guest room and now, we will be having guests. The bedroom has been cleaned and prepared for the upcoming visit of my friend Mary and her friend. So V. and I have decided that it is as good a time as any to freshen up the downstairs bathroom. No, no lengthy and expensive renovation, just a primping up of sorts, to make guests comfortable.

Silly me, I did not take pictures of the bathroom as it was in order to show you before and afters, but above are pictures of the bathroom minus the claret vinyl words that were on the wall. They were words like: brush, bath, hot, cold, scattered here and there. In my enthusiasm to get the project started, I peeled them off last week and didn't think to take a picture before beginning.

Towel color choice 2

Tomorrow, we are removing the vanity, mirror, fixture and cabinet above the toilet. Later next week, our friend and neighbor Vic will come to repair the water damage to the ceiling and repair the holes in the walls and follow up with a good coat of cream paint.

After that, we will have to replace two tiles that are cracked and tile where the vanity used to be. During this time, I have to find new fixtures and a mirror (see the inspiration photo at the bottom of this post) and lastly, we will put the new vanity (below) in place.

Our vanity was purchased from Costco online. I want to put baskets where the shelves are.

Inspiration for mirror and lights - I know round mirrors are hard to find.

We'll see how close I get to the inspiration photo above...a girl can dream...

Wish me luck!

Bisous,

Bonsoir,

Stella

A Well-Spent Moment

2012-01-12T09:14:00.004-07:00

Yesterday, V. and I went out to dinner and later, for dessert. This is NOT a common practice thank goodness, as I already have weight issues...

HOWEVER, this was time well-spent as V. and I just sat in the enchanting decor at Duchess Bake Shop in Edmonton. We each perused the long pastry cases and came up with a mouth watering, melt-in-your mouth deliciousness accompanied with a really good cup of coffee.

V. had a Raspberry Chocolate Crémeux Brioche and a Coconut Macaroon...

I had a Key Lime Tart with coconut shavings in the crust...

They also make macarons to die for!

Not quite like the ones you can get in France at Ladurée (check out their cute website here)but very very good. The salted caramel one might be my favorite.
This is definitely something to repeat and to enter into my Journal of Well-Spent Moments. More about this later.

Bonne journée,

Stella

Gratitude Journal

2012-01-10T19:59:00.002-07:00

Do you have a gratitude journal? I do. I try to write five things for which I am grateful every day. Sarah Ban Breathnach who came up with the idea says: "If you seek, search and give thanks for five gifts every day, in two months you won’t look at your life in the same way as you do now."

Writing down these blessings every day help you become more conscious of what is really important in life. Isn't it so easy to get distracted and caught up in frustration and feelings of dissatisfaction? Well, with the gratitude journal, you can counter these and begin to see your glass as half full.

Today, January 10th 2012, I am grateful for:

1. The fact that winter has been MILD so far.
2. The fact that I have three winter coats to choose from depending on my needs, activities, mood.
3. My son is settled in Anguilla. He has a great roommate and apartment.
4. Finding a text message that said I was missed when I was home sick from work yesterday.
5. V. made me a cup of tea just now, without asking.

There now, doesn't that feel better?

Bonsoir, beaux rêves,

Stella

P.S. Although the journal featured above is no longer sold, copies may be found at Abe Books or Ebay but any notebook will do just the thing.

Cozy, Comfy

2012-01-09T17:03:00.002-07:00

I forgot where I got this picture, oops!, but I love what it suggests: softness, coziness, natural materials, curves, reading, light and calm. In my second life, I would have a home decorated in this style. Not very practical but oh! so beautiful.

Colette

2012-01-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

Sarah Ban Breathnach just wrote an article on Simple Abundance online on Colette. That famous French novelist and performer Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (28 January 1873 – 3 August 1954). She is best known for her novel Gigi, upon which Learner and Loewe based the stage and film musical comedies of the same title. (this with a little help from Wikipedia)

I remember being a little girl and seeing Gigi with Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier and Louis Jourdan. I positively fell in love with Jourdan and I am still know to hum: "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" occasionally.

This movie set my imagination alight. I would always yearn to travel to Europe and particularly to France. It may have begun with this movie, who knows.

What I do know is that Colette was a firebrand. She was born a century before her time, she was an eccentric, one of a kind woman who would not take no for and answer. I had long ago started her biography by Judith Thurman and never really gotten into it. Maybe now I am ready.

This is a woman that deserves a little attention, no, a LOT of attention. She knew how to live the life she wanted to live and did not give a whit what was said about her. My kind of girl!

Bonne journée,

Stella

2012-01-07T15:45:00.002-07:00

Go over to Pinterest and check out my boards here. I'm just beginning but it's fun. Seeing that I'm in bed with a cold, I thought I'd take advantage of my sedentary state. I have: made out an invoice, answered email, written a cheque, ordered online and knit. I now have to get back to the book which we are discussing in one week.

Amitiés,

Stella

This n' That

2012-01-05T18:35:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow, I'm back at work after almost two weeks holiday. I decided to do something soothing, that would allow me not to think too much about work. Knitting, polishing silver, these are activities that sooth the soul. The silver that we have comes from V.'s parents as I've never been an avid silver collector. I am enjoying the few pieces that we have and am using the very old spoons, plain and elegant, every day.

Note the old Dijon mustard jar above.*

Note the Pinot Grigio above.**

The silver and wine** are done. The teaspoons on the left are very old. I have put them into the Dijon mustard jar* on the counter. The cake serving set is used at every birthday and most holidays.

The carving knife and fork are from a dear friend in France. Exquisite!

This is our most prized piece: this tiny cup was V.'s aunt's. Her name was Lidushka and she died of polio at ten. She was V.'s paternal grandparents' first child... They went on to have a boy, V.'s dad and a girl. They have all passed and these small treasures help keep the memories alive.

After all that silver polishing, I'm having a beef curry with black pepper pappadums and Sweet Mango Chutney. Love a curry!

It's simple to make and oh so tasty and the silver soup spoons are great for eating it!

Bonsoir,

Stella

Holiday Abundance

2012-01-04T13:19:00.001-07:00

A Request and a Recipe

2012-01-03T11:00:00.002-07:00

Hello out there!

Do you know how bloggers thrive? By getting comments. I'd love to know you are out there.

On another note, the Barefoot Contessa has done it for me again. This time, it's Provençal Potato Salad. Here is the recipe which is easily available online:

Provençal Potato Salad

Ingredients

1 recipe French Potato Salad, here
1/2 pound haricots verts, stems removed
1 6-ounce can Italian tuna, drained and flaked
1/2 cup capers, drained
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup small-diced red onion
1/2 cup black olives, pitted
6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and quartered (optional)
6 anchovy fillets, optional (optional)

Directions

1. In a pot of boiling salted water, blanch haricots verts for 3 to 5 minutes, until barely tender. Drain and cover with a tea towel to let them steam for a while.

2. In a large bowl, combine the haricots verts with the potato salad, tuna, capers, tomatoes, onions, olives, eggs, and anchovy fillets. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

I did not omit any ingredients and am glad of it. The tastes are a juxtaposition of bland (potato and beans) and strong (fish, olives and those capers are a must).

Next time I will quarter the potatoes because halves are often too large and you have to cut them in your plate.
I would decrease the olive oil to 7 or 8 tablespoons instead of the suggested 10, it is really not necessary to have as much oil.

This salad is substantial enough for supper but could be served in smaller portions for lunch on a bed of lettuce leaves. Serve with a crisp cold pinot Grigio on a sunny day, yes, even in winter. I am testing recipes to make this summer in Provence and this is a winner.

Love that Barefoot Contessa and you know, I have two of her cookbooks but most of the recipes are available online. No need to pay for these winning dishes, just Google Barefoot Contessa recipes and you will hit the jackpot.

Bonne journée,

Stella

Bonne et Heureuse Année!

2012-01-01T12:51:00.001-07:00

Bisous, (one on each cheek)

Stella

Goodbye

2011-12-31T17:08:00.002-07:00

A Year of Transitions

1. January/February: Back to work after a burnout which kept me at home for two months. I worked hard on getting better: diet, exercise, sleep, therapy and making friends with my creativity again.
2. March: Went to White Rock for a few days with my two dear friends.
3. April: Went to friend's home in San Carlos, Mexico for a week long visit.
4. May: Applied for a new job.
5. Got the new job. Cleaned out my office of 8 years.
6. July: Spent the month in Provence solidifying friendships and the commitment to our second home. Envisaging staying for three months at a time.
7. August: Holidayed at home resting and readying for the new job starting on the 25th.
8. September: My big boy turned 22 and applied for SJSM in Anguilla. I start yoga 2x/week.
9. October: T. gets admitted to SJSM. Our family begins to imagine life without his extraordinary presence. Started sewing On-the-go place mats for sale with D.
10. November: Spent a few days in White Rock with Mira. We both reflect on the near future.
11. November: One year without a period.
10. December: Said goodbye to my son and cleaned out his personal space. We now have a guest room.

I am grateful for this year of turbulence, travel and transition. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow. I look forward to more growth towards a healthier, more creative me.

Bonsoir,

Stella

Anguilla

2011-12-30T15:52:00.001-07:00

Anguilla is a small island in the Caribbean. On this island is Saint James School of Medicine where our boy T. has gone to study. He is 5817 kilometres (3,613 miles)away as the crow flies and three hours ahead of us. It took him over 24 hours to get there (flights are not abundant) and he was hauling over 135 lbs of luggage.
Thanks to Skype, we know that he made it safe and sound and happy. Exhausted though he may be, he is meeting the president of the Students' Union tonight for supper. Tomorrow, he is going to walk around the island. It is about 13 miles long and 5 miles across.

Anguilla is known for it's pristine beaches and abundant sea life. T., who has always been a turtle lover, is in heaven. He will finally see the giant sea turtles that are abundant around the island.

Here is a drawing that T. did in elementary school. Turtles have been an obsession for T. Alberta pet shops are not allowed to sell turtles. We did get some from B.C. once, but they did not live long even though we had purchased all of the appropriate equipment.

In many ways, Anguilla is a dream come true for our boy. Best of all, he can carve his own future and become his own man in a place that never sees snow. Did I mention that T. is not a fan of the cold?
He is safe, he is happier than scared.

Amen.

Bonsoir,

Stella

He's Gone

2011-12-29T22:27:00.003-07:00

and my heart is breaking.

Artist Date

2011-12-27T13:26:00.003-07:00

The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly “artistic”– think mischief more than mastery. Artist Dates fire up the imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art is about the play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing… -Julia Cameron

I took myself out to an Artist Date today to Wellington Garden Centre. There was a sale on, so I thought I'd combine date and treat at the same time. It was a resounding success! The winter garden there is splendid. Bird's song filled the air and the bare branches of deciduous trees along with winter greens was stunning.

Wellington specializes in statuary from France...

They have a gift shop that is like a candy shop for adults.

I took my time looking at everything they had. They have many French imports in their gift shop too.

All Christmas tree ornaments were 70% off. I do not need more Christmas ornaments. But I bought a few to give as gifts next year. They were irresistible.

Generally speaking, the merchandise is inspiring, well-chosen and beautiful to look at.

Everywhere you look, there is a snapshot to take. Eye candy so to speak. Soul nourishment to feed the dormant artist. When I was done, I let out a big sigh and took myself down the garden path for a few more glimpses at the winter wonderland without a lot of the snow.

Where in your town could you go on an Artist's Date this holiday?

Bonne journée,
Stella

Joyeux Noël tout le monde!

2011-12-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

Merriest of Christmases to you all! Below are Navettes de Lavande or Lavender bottles. These have been kicked up a notch to look festive! I am inspired! My dearest wish is for you to be inspired this Christmas too!

Amitiés,

Stella

To Do List

2011-12-23T14:19:00.005-07:00

Costco
Safeway
Liquor Store
Home Depot

Fondue Sauces
Chili and Cornbread
Set table
Put away boxes

Clean front entrance

Talk to you later!

Bonne journée,

Stella

Christmas Eve Menu

2011-12-22T18:57:00.005-07:00

When planning memorable meals, I always give due thought to the wine and drinks we will be having. We are not big drinkers but Christmas Eve warrants special food and special drinks. The idea is not the quantity, but the quality of the beverages that are a part of the festive experience.

Christmas Eve of course, is all about a long leisurely meal. Here's what's on the menu:

Chinese Fondue: broth instead of the traditional Fondue Bourguignonne oil
Tiny potatoes with olive oil and rosemary
Spinach salad
Garlic baguette
Crème caramel
Mom's recipes for fondue sauces: à la Diable, Bourguignonne and Béarnaise

A good bottle of red, maybe a Côtes du Rhône... a Gigondas. Gigondas come from a small region by the Rhône River. The wines are full-bodied but smooth and easy to drink.

Blueberry Tea

I have rediscovered Blueberry Tea which was a standard when I was a young woman. It's lovely to warm up with a brandy snifter of this delicious concoction, preferably to be enjoyed by a blazing fire on Christmas Eve with people you love. Here is the recipe:

Blueberry Tea

1 oz Amaretto
1 oz Grand Marnier

Cinnamon Stick

Orange slice (optional)
Orange pekoe or Earl Grey tea

Mix Amaretto and Grand Marnier in a brandy snifter or glass in which you have place a cinnamon stick and slice of orange. Add hot tea to taste.

I'm going to suggest that we have a brisk walk after supper and before dessert and Blueberry Tea. My goal is to have 5 walks during the holidays.

Image and recipe from thethirstygourmet
Bonsoir, beaux rêves,

Stella

Last Minute Gift Ideas

2011-12-21T22:23:00.003-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Butterdome Craft Sale with my sister D. From there, I got a few ideas to share with you for last minute gifts (I say last minute because if you haven't got them yet, it's really getting last minute-ish). I've thrown in a few other ideas that I think make inspiring gifts. So here we go:

Beeswax candles: who can poo poo an authentic beeswax candle? Whether a pillar, a taper or a votive, beeswax is the best. It burns clean and doesn't have a lot of drip.

Votivo candles - The French Collection: if you can get a hold of them, they make a delightful gift that keeps on giving for thirty or so hours of scented light. AND they smell divine. Original and rustic in little terra cotta pots.

Red Knot McLaren Vale Shiraz: a lovely, smooth and reasonably priced red wine that makes my heart sing. Put it in a lovely box and include the recipe for Boeuf Bourguignon!

A Brie Baker: I won one at the Christmas Raffle at the office and I think it's brilliant. Dazzle your friends with your foodie know-how and include these recipes with the baker.

Amaryllis: I was at the Wellington Garden Centre in Edmonton and bought one for myself. It's a first and it's an interesting change from the omnipresent poinsettia. Mine has not yet flowered but is on the verge of. Here is another gift that keeps on giving, watch it burst into bloom!

An Artist's Date or a Creative Excursion: Coined by Julia Cameron in The Artist's Way, an Artist's Date is an excursion to a place that will prime the pump of your creative juices. A place like Wellington, or an Indian sari shop or Foodie emporium, an art exhibit... You get the idea. Give your friend or loved one a coupon for an Artist's Date combined with lunch at a favorite spot. You will be in their good books forever! Sarah Ban Breathnach of Simple Abundance renown, calls it a creative excursion.

A Pook Toque: Made with grey wool socks, these toques are cute and warm. They make the mitts too and I believe that these would make a fine gift for anyone. Go on, you know you want to! (A Canadian gift idea) O.k. it may be too late for this year but not next year!

Toast or Toasty: these are finger less gloves for your frozen friends. If you are a quick knitter, these can be made up in a few hours and they are adorable. OR why not copy the pattern here and give IT, along with some yarn and needles for a friend who knits AND is always frozen.

David's Tea: another Canadian company, makes the most inspiring teas. Check out their website and buy one or three for a dear friend. Pair it with a teacup from a second hand store for the perfect go-to-work gift. They have a new Winter Collection, I haven't tried them but they sound great: Chocolate Chili Chai, Alpine Punch, Snow Bunny, Après Ski and Hot Toboggan. They offer free shipping for orders over 50$ so why don't you get some for yourself while you're at it?

Bonsoir,

Stella

My Posse

2011-12-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

Wherever I have worked, and I have had four different jobs in education: teaching in High School, working as the Director of Practicum at the University as a consultant at the school board level and now, at the government level, I have always had my posse.

What is a posse? It's your crew, your hommies, a group of friends, people who have your back. This year is not an exception. I am grateful to these women who, like me started a new position here this year and with me, are learning the ins and outs of our new positions, of the new context and are doing it, happily, together.

We keep ourselves informed, we remind each other of events coming up, we save places at a meeting, we make our way through the maze of offices to find the spot where we are meant to be, we go for coffee breaks on Mondays, give and get Friday hugs and listen to each other during times of difficulty.

For these women I am grateful, they make my day brighter, they make me happy to come to work and they help me keep everything in perspective. Oh! and we do yoga together!

God Bless my Posse

Bonne journée,

Stella

We Did It!

2011-12-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

Here it is in all it's beauty. The most beautiful thing about it is that it was done by the four of us. My two boys have never been so patient in indulging me. D. even made the hot chocolate. Decorating this tree is quite an event as every ornament has a story. It comes from somewhere or someone special, sometimes both.

Like the tiny sweaters my Mom knitted with our initials on them or the hearts that I favour and collect wherever I can find them, or the first ornament I bought when I was pregnant for T...

The collection dates back to 1980 when, on my first trip to Europe, I bought ornaments in Germany. I have bought them every year since then but stopped in 2010 judging that the boys had enough to decorate their own tree.

Christmas ornaments tell a story about the owner and about the giver but most of all, they speak about the love that people feel for one another in a family unit. Every Christmas, they allow us to reflect on this as we hang each ornament with care, in it's proper place on the tree.

My cup runneth over. My favorite pre-Christmas music is playing and we are enjoying a moment in time, savouring it, capturing it to replay when needs must.

Life is good.

Bonne soirée,

Stella

Enjoy This, I Did!

2011-12-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Unfinished Projects

2011-12-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

The reason you haven't seen my Christmas tree is... that I didn't get it done. I refuse to do it alone you see. Christmas tree decorating is a family thing and if I can't even get at least V. to help, I won't do it. I have high hopes for this weekend though.

Another project I must finish before Sunday is the little knitting number I wrote about a few posts back. On the trip to Jasper, I got more than half of it done so I know I will get this finished on time.

Isn't this time before Christmas just a long list of things to do? Gift-giving and money raising at work, work parties (I get two because I go to V.'s party too), gifts, house-cleaning, driveway shovelling, entrance cleaning, light stringing (I still have not done the lights around the front door!), and all this added on top of everything else that has to get done on a regular basis.

Amidst all of these unfinished things to do, I am struggling to keep my focus and try to make the most of every day that our big boy is still at home. He is softening up, realizing that the days are rushing towards him and that very soon, he will not be with us anymore. Evening often finds him laying next to me in bed, reading.

We are a tightly knit little group of four. We have remained so throughout the years of distancing from my family of origin. I have five brothers and sisters but am close to my sister D. and my brother G. comes into my life only on occasion. V. is an only child whose parents passed away before the children were born. What little family he has is in Europe.

So you see, even if certain projects remain unfinished, time with the boy is what is first on the list. Those outdoor lights may not go up this year and it's o.k.

Have a great day!

Amitiés,

Stella

Jasper Park Lodge

2011-12-14T14:51:00.001-07:00

Do you want a good laugh? THIS is the ONLY picture I had the time to take during the 20 hours that I was in Jasper! The bathroom was gorgeous! As well as the room, the natural beauty of lake Beauvert, the mountains, the high school kids, the restaurant, etc. Well, I did say I was there for work!

This picture was taken while waiting to get picked up for a ride to the restaurant for supper... Here is a stock photo of what it usually looks like. Wildlife and all...

Amitiés,

Stella

Jasper, Canada

2011-12-12T12:30:00.001-07:00

I'm off to Jasper for work and will be staying overnight. Jasper, a national park nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, has incredible natural beauty.

To top it all off, we are staying at the Jasper Park Lodge! It just doesn't get any better...

Bonne journée,

Stella

Oh! Comments!

2011-12-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Labergèrebasque and Debra, you made my day! Thanks you so much for commenting! Knowing you are there makes such a difference.

Blogging isn't a one-way communication. I love to share about my thoughts and days but your sharing turns the whole experience into a kind of friendship. If my Google ID would allow me, I would answer your comments but somehow, I am unable to do so.

La Bergère, thank you for your gift suggestion. I am going to ask my son about it. And Debra, thanks for swinging by again. It's great to know the names of people who visit.

Now, I am off to put the ornaments on our tree. I'll take a picture of it when it's done.

Bon dimanche,

Stella

Sugar Pie

2011-12-09T13:37:00.009-07:00

Photo source: Recettes du Québec website

Traditionally, French Canadians make sugar pie at Christmas. Although, I have habitually eaten my mother's sugar pie, this year I am making my own sugar pie with a twist. This is a creamy, firm pie that I've heard is fantastic.

Sugar pie always put me in a mind of Québec city on a wintry day. If you haven't visited Québec, put it on your bucket list, it's worth it! If you want a treat, have a meal at Aux Anciens Canadiens on rue St-Louis and taste their maple syrup pie.

Photo source: Aux Anciens Canadiens Website

It's beautiful out today, almost 5 degrees, atypical for an Albertan December!

Bonne fin de semaine,

Stella

Yoga

2011-12-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

Cubicle Yule!

At this new job, yoga is offered for free to employees three times a week during the lunch hour. I try to get there every Tuesday and Thursday. We have the best instructor in the world: Susan is knowledgeable, adept, patient, kind, smiley and a real cutey.

Today, as I did not get a good night's sleep and some challenges are getting to me, I almost convinced myself not to go to yoga but then something inside me propelled me toward the change room and the next thing I knew, I was on my mat with my eyes closed, waiting for the session to begin.

Susan, being who she is, saw that my energy was flagging and she came up to me to ask me about it. She gave me a pep talk and then led the class through a series of long-held poses to release tension in the body (and in the mind).

At the end of the 55 minutes, I was feeling calmer, less anxious and a whole lot more positive about the afternoon ahead of me. My husband V. has often told me that when it's time to exercise, not to think about it but just do it without thinking. This is what he was talking about. Thinking leaves the door open for the ego to step in and make it's presence felt. I'm grateful for this small grace.

God bless Sue, V. and yoga!

Bon après-midi,

Stella

Letting Go

2011-12-06T09:49:00.002-07:00

Boys in St-Tropez, T. is seated.

Last night I had a conversation with my friend Lucille. We talked about letting go and detachment.

Our son T. is leaving on December 29th for St. James School of Medicine in Anguilla, a Leeward Island in the Caribbean.

My very wise Mother always told me that if one followed the seasons of life not only literally but figuratively, we would evolve toward a natural letting go when the time arose. Such is my experience with my big boy of 22. I am watching him prepare, and there are a lot of preparations, for this first of several steps he must undertake to fulfil his dream of becoming a doctor. As I watch, I am aware that I do so with some detachment because after all, this is HIS life, not mine. Although I will miss him dearly because he is an animated and fascinating person to spend time with, I know that the time has come and I am generally o.k. with it.

Detachment is not always easy but it can be natural and if it is seen as a natural occurrence, I think it is a smidgen less difficult. Also, one must remember that detachment is a process, not an event.

I have had a few moments where the inevitable tears flowed and my boys and I embraced recognizing that this is the end of an era. Life together as we know it is changing forever. All four of us are going about our days with a little more sensitivity to each other, a little more love, a lot more patience.

By letting it go, it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try the world is beyond the winning.

Lao-Tzu (BC 600-?, Chinese philosopher, founder of Taoism)

Bonne journée,

Stella

On The Needles

2011-12-05T15:06:00.002-07:00

I have been knitting on and off (mostly off) for the past 30+ years. Only lately have I begun to knit more regularly. I still stick to easy patterns as I find I easily get muddled and have to start over a million times because I don't know the tricks to undoing my work cleverly so as not to have to rip everything out.

I am knitting my fourth Light and Lacy Poncho. When someone in my reading circle has a significant birthday (I won't tell you which one), they get a poncho from me. This poncho is light and somewhat lacy but the most interesting feature is the yarn with which it is made. Bernat Matrix is no longer made, so I have to get it off of ebay or Ravelry. There are many neat colors and the names are all related to technological language: Radius Red, Copper Wire, Silver Server, and so on.

It's not the most exciting knitting but it makes my friends happy and it's a really cute piece, fun to wear over anything black. One of my friends wears it over a black dress and it's just right for an evening out.

Will try to post a pic with the lucky recipient!

Bonne journée!

Stella

Here is a Movie I Want to See

2011-12-04T20:10:00.004-07:00

What to get for Christmas?

2011-12-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

This picture is not my own but years ago, I did make wrapping paper like this with a potato stamp.

photo source here

I have been giving a lot of thought to Christmas for my three men. T. is easy, he is leaving home to study far away, so we bought an extra big suitcase and a camera. V. Is a school principal, so I got him two sleeveless cashmere sweater vests and I want to get him a lovely Panama hat for when we are in France. (Thanks to my sister for this idea)

D. Is another matter altogether. I really don't know what to get this almost twenty-year old Zen Phys-Ed guy. He has read all of my Eckhart Tolle this past fall and is into electronic music which he writes with the help of a program on his computer.I am baffled, at the same time, I refuse to give him only cash for Christmas. It feels too cold, not thoughtful. I had thought of getting him a meditation course, I know that he would love that but how do I know when he is free to take it? It's a quandary I tell you.If you have any great ideas, I would love to hear them.

I have never been this late gift-buying. At the same time, this year is the first time I will be attending the Butterdome craft sale next weekend. I hope to find something inspiring there.

Wish me luck! and to all of you, Happy Hunting!

Bisous,

Stella

Cubicle Detail

2011-12-02T09:18:00.003-07:00

A few months ago, my dear friend Lucille was attending a conference in Greece. Naturally, she did a little touring while she was there and when she came back, she gave every member of our reading circle a postcard from the Acropolis Museum. I chose this stunning back view of a caryatid of Athena, goddess of wisdom. As I would be starting a new job at the end of August, it would hold a place of honor in my workspace to remind me to be wise in my work and in my life in general. This beautiful sculpture comes from a series that is on exhibition in the museum. Click here to see where she lives. Here is where she used to live. You will see her compatriots if you ever visit the Acropolis. It's called the Porch of the Maidens.

Dear reader, yesterday, I wished you joy. Today, I wish you wisdom to follow a path of health, of peace and well-being.

Bon weekend!

Stella

My Cubicle, My Joy

2011-12-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

This new 'office' of mine is smaller, it has little privacy, no window looking to the world outside, less storage space, counter space, walls. Oh! but it is a happier place. For what is a corner office with magnificent views if you are spinning like a whirling dervish, spinning right out of your healthy mental, physical and emotional state?

This is my little cubicle of Joy and for it, I am grateful.

Amen.

Bonne journée,

Stella

Only 16 Months to Go!

2011-11-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Bear with me. Sometimes it feels like a long time, other times, it's coming towards me at the speed of light. Today, it feels far away. I know, I know, I have to live in the moment.

All the same, every once in a while I get a glimpse of retirement and I like what I see. In my crystal ball I see good health (of course), exercise with V., good food (it goes without saying), choosing part-time work that I would like to do. Travel, regular outings, energy, good sleep, creative endeavours... Wait, is retirement another word for Heaven?

Here's the little bit of Heaven that I am living today: wonderful colleagues, a great family that I love, looking forward to instead of dreading (the work entailed by) Christmas, mild weather, a good comfortable outfit, a comfortable office cubicle. What more can a girl want?

Hope there's a little bit of Heaven in your day too.

Bonne journée,

Stella

What a Guy!

2011-11-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

I was at Costco today buying fruit, vegetables and stew meat for Boeuf Bourgignon and I moseyed over to the book section. I couldn't resist. I'm reading it now. Will let you know how it goes.

Bon dodo,

Stella

Wish List

2011-11-26T13:44:00.001-07:00

I have a wish list on my computer desktop. It gets added to, items get deleted, sometimes I get something, often, I don't. My Mom used to say: "If you still want it after a week, then get it." I still fall in love with all kinds of wonderful things and sometimes, no, often, just having it on my wish list is enough.
Here are a few things I am lusting after...

1. Pilluvuyt lion's head soup bowls: The older, the better. If I could find them at a brocante, I would be over the moon. If not, I can purchase them off ebay. Either way, these are creamy, delicious looking crockery that would look great on my dining room table. I am also sure that soup or Boeuf Bourguignon would taste better in these.

2. Montblanc fountain pen. This wins the prize for longevity. I mean, it's been on my list for over twenty years. I even have a paper cut out of this standing in my pencil pot!

3. A new provençal table and chairs for our place in France.

4. A new wicker chest for my sweaters. My old one is breaking apart.
5. A new handbag. The Root's French Café is cute isn't it?
6. Lose 50 lbs. Can you have a negative wish list item?
7. A new throw for my bed. I hear Santa's elves are working on this one!

8. A beautifully cut black or oyster trouser suit.
9. A renovated downstairs bathroom (this also may be in the works!)
10. A Kitchen Aid mixer.

Amen.

Bonne journée!
Stella

Sore Throat

2011-11-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

I am sucking on Ricola Seaberry Herb Throat Drops and hoping against hope that this is just a little passing thing. I fear that my hopes are for naught and that I will be hosting a cold in the up-coming days. Tis' the season I guess.

So here is my plan for this evening, when I get back from dinner with my friend Michelle: warm bath, more throat lozenges, maybe get some zinc and vitamin C thingeys as they are known for allaying wicked colds. Then, flannel pajamas, wool socks, novel and dreamland by 10pm.

What else can I do? Do you have any suggestions? Cold FX has never really done it for me...

Au secours!

Stella

P.S. I am harbouring a serious crush on Michael Fassbender. What an actor, what a cutie!
P.S.S. or is it P.P. S. ? Thank you Linda for your comments!

A Dangerous Method

2011-11-22T20:44:00.004-07:00

Oh! I love Michael Fassbender! He is exquisite in A Dangerous Method! He plays Carl Jung in the movie, Viggo Mortensen, another favorite actor, plays Sigmund Freud and Keira Knightly is brilliant as Sabina Speilrien, a psychiatric patient who is treated by Jung.

The movie is well cast and the story is fascinating. Sabina teeters between madness and brilliance, Jung is brilliant, self-assured and talented and Freud, well Freud knows everything and has been celebrated for his foresight for so long that his ideas cannot be contested, even by his heir apparent, Jung. Jung questions that the root cause of most people psychosis is sex. Yet...
Michael Fassbender is believable as Jung. He is handsome, smart, insightful and humane. He has a beautiful, rich wife, children and his career is on the fast track. He undertakes Freud's revolutionary idea of the "talking cure": talking to psychiatric patients but mostly listening to them. He is very good at his work, however, as this true story reveals, he was only human... But what a human being he was!

Jung believed that we should get to know who we are, what makes us tick, and what motivates us. Then, would we be able to better understand others. To find out more about Carl Jung, click here for a short documentary on YouTube.

I give this movie 4 stars out of 5 because of the great job it does of recreating the mores of the era and for representing two great men in such a discrete but powerful way. You quite forget that you are watching a movie and are easily transported to an era where the trailblazing work done by these two men was quite out of the ordinary.

Bonsoir,

Stella

Goodnight Sweethearts

2011-11-20T20:55:00.037-07:00

It's almost 8:30 as I write this post and I have done most of what I had intended this weekend. Sewing place mats with D., check, laundry, check, groceries, check, lunch for tomorrow, check, dishes washed, check, bag to bring to work, check, clothes for tomorrow, not yet.

I often feel that the success of Monday hinges a fair bit on the preparation of the preceding Sunday, don't you? If I have to get up on a Monday and reorganize my work world before I go to work, I find that I am not primed to have a good day. In fact, going to bed by 10:30 is also a part of the preparation to go to work. I find that good sleep hygiene is a must. Calm one hour before bedtime, no last minute: OMG I forgot to... these tend to get me stirred up and not prepared for a good night's sleep.

And so it is, that most Sundays after supper will find me on a mission to organize myself, my week to come, and visualize it. I have to see myself getting ready for my reading circle, envisioning what I will need a few days in advance. I start small piles on the dining room table or in tote bags, ready to go.

Here are a few good sleep hygiene tips from: http://heartofhealing.net/relaxation-wellness/sleep/7-tips-for-a-good-nights-sleep/

1 – Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Give yourself time to get ready for bed slowly. Savor the moments of winding down as you wash your face, brush your teeth, and change into your bed clothes. You can use aroma oils, soft music – be creative! If spirituality is important to you, include a prayer.

2 – Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark. (Usually a cool room promotes sleep, but you will have difficulty sleeping if you feel cold, so experiment. If your feet are cold in winter, warm them up before bed!)

3 – Drink a cup of warm milk. (you can add nutmeg for its sleep inducing properties) or a relaxing tea, like chamomile.
4 – Massage your feet, especially with warm oil, right before bed – it’s very relaxing.
5 – Stretch a bit before you lie down. You can literally stretch out some of the “kinks” and tension of the day. Stretching makes some people more energetic and some more sleepy, so experiment and find out what works for you. Don’t overdo it – stretch just enough to help you relax.
6 – Take a hot bath. If trying A hot bath can be extremely relaxing. Light some candles. Add a relaxing aroma oil, such as lavender oil, to the water. Luxuriate!
7 – Once you are in bed, listen to relaxing music or a relaxation or sleep CD to help you shift gears and relax into sleep.

Bonsoir. Dormez bien,

Stella

TGIF Hugs

2011-11-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

Your happiness is not a frivolous, expendable luxury. Joy is your soul's purpose. Now here's a reason to be grateful!

-Sarah Ban Breathnach

Friday is a special day isn't it? I am writing this post from work. Not something I will get into the habit of doing but because I wanted to talk about TGIF hugs.

I started this new job at the end of August and I already knew most of the people I now work with. Friday, I give out hugs to those who want them. You would be surprised to see the number of people who have bought it.

A TGIF hug says: I am happy to work with you, we've had a good week. It's our last day of the week, here is some shared energy to keep us going. Here is a testimony to the shared joy we experience today.

So here is a great big virtual HUG to all of you in keeping with the sixth Simple Abundance Principle: JOY.

Bon weekend!

Stella

Good Read in a Storm

2011-11-16T18:02:00.002-07:00

I got back late Saturday night. Most of Sunday, I was in a daze then Monday, I had to fly to Calgary for work and got back at 8pm. Tuesday, I got home at 6:30 and I have a massive report to submit tonight. Tomorrow, I have my French reading circle for L'élégance du hérisson (see side bar) and Saturday afternoon, I'm making place mats with D. my sister. Next week, I have my English reading circle and dinner with a friend.

Characteristically, I have nothing going on for a long while and then Whump! I am whirling dervish for a fortnight (don't you love this particularly British expression?)

Anyhooooooo, just to keep my sanity, I inhaled a Gothic novel by Rose Tremain called: Tresspass. What a fantastic read! The book is only 255 pages but it contains a lot of character development and suspense, not to mention that it is set in the south of France. It's all intrigue and antiques and gardens and a lovely Mas.

Whether you are experiencing active weather or are aflutter with too much activity, I highly recommend Trespass for a keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-New-Farmhouse Style-chair (above) read.

Bonsoir,

Stella

I'm Baaaack!

2011-11-13T10:38:00.004-07:00

I got home quite late last night and tired but content after four full days of activity. My friend Mary owns a beautiful Bed and Breakfast facing south on the coast of the Pacific and looking on to Orcas Island.

I stayed in the Ocean Firs Suite.

The path between the main house and the suite I was staying in.

The tiny perfect deck...

Living area

View from the door

Mary has decorated all three suites with original art.

I even had a kitchen. That's an espresso machine in the corner... and below is my morning latte, in a china cup, no less.

Love that sink.

King size bed with Nikken magnetic technology.

That's a Nikken air purifying system beside the dresser.

I am blessed with good friends in beautiful places. Guess which one is me?

Have a great Sunday!

À la prochaine,

Stella

2011-11-10T10:10:00.003-07:00

I've made it to Dancing Firs in White Rock. The flight is a short 1 hour and 17 minutes from Edmonton but I could be a world away.

I haven't brought the cord for downloading my pictures and am trying to figure out how to send photos to my iPad from my iPhone. It may take a while.

Today we are going to Vancouver to walk along the new sea wall and have lunch. Will try my hardest to get those photos posted. My suite is dreamy...

Bonne journée,

Stella

I'm Off

2011-11-07T19:27:00.002-07:00

Wednesday starts the fall break and I'm off for four days to my friend's house in White Rock. Mary is a bed and breakfast owner. Her house and grounds on the ocean are spectacular.

We are going to knit, bake, eat, walk, do Qi Gong and sip our favorite libation.

I'll try to post from there.

Bonsoir,

Stella

P.S. Could you feed the fish while I'm gone? You just have to click with your mouse.

The Day After the Night Before

2011-11-05T19:18:00.002-06:00

My little cocktail affair was a success. My friend N.'s jewellery was a hit and my sister D. and I have 17 orders for our special go-to-work place mats and cutlery.
About five months ago, I had an idea for a compact place mat and cutlery to use at work. My sister and I got down and designed it and are having a lot of fun coordinating fabrics. We make them for women, men and children. My friend O. wants a set of 8 to use on her dining room table.

This place mat is made with linen. It is a trial piece, we want to see how it creases and wears. I love the coordinating fabrics. The cutlery is about 6 inches long and the folded mat is about 7 inches long. It tucks into a regular nylon paper-bag-shaped lunch kit.

What I love most about this type of get together is the creative energy that fills the air. Another friend of mine, Yvette, brought these home made chocolates. Aren't they divine? Yvette has a full-fledged test kitchen in her basement where she creates these luscious chocolates.

My jewellery-making friend N. were in France together this summer. At a brocante, we bought a bunch of 19th century chandelier crystals. We also got our hands on some antique medals. Here is the necklace that we designed for me to wear at my niece's wedding next summer.

It's a little difficult to get the color right because I took these pictures in the evening but you can see the medal and smaller coin elements as well as the silver mesh-encased chandelier prisms. This is the dress that I am wearing to the wedding next summer.

My cup runneth over and out.

Bonsoir,

Stella

The Night Before

2011-11-03T21:45:00.001-06:00

It's getting close to bedtime for me and the furniture delivery people aren't here yet. V. is patiently waiting in the bare living room and I am sitting in bed writing this.

It's been a hectic couple of days but it's the calm before the storm this evening. Tomorrow, I just have to tweak the house and put everything out. Oh! and I have to sweep the leaves from the front entrance although, I kind of like the pretty rust and yellow leaves laying artfully here and there. They soften the concrete and make it feel like Fall.

Happily, I've just received a lovely book that I ordered from The Book Depository. I'm loving the photography and the vision of the author, Kathryn Ireland, a textile and design artist. This book reminds me of the movie Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960) with Doris Day. Do you remember this film? I love stories about buying old dilapidated houses and bringing them back to life.

If you get a chance, watch it. I did about six months ago and I enjoyed it almost as much as the first time I saw it on TV as a little girl. There is something about seeing a house and recognizing it on sight as your future home. That is what happened to Kathryn Ireland, to Kay McKay and to me, when I saw our apartment in Provence for the first time.

If you listen to your gut, it will tell you who to trust, what to do and where home is.

The delivery men are here!

Bonsoir,
Stella

Château de Moissac

2011-11-01T19:27:00.005-06:00

This château is 22 kilometres from our apartment in France. Feast your eyes!

To Do List

2011-11-01T19:10:00.002-06:00

This coming Friday, I am hosting a cocktail party for 25 to 30 women. My friend N. will be showing her jewellery and me and my sister D. will be showing our sewing handiwork (more on this another time). My to do list is long but is getting whittled down a little bit every day.

Here is what is left (it is less than half of the original list):

Buy:
olives (black and green)
roasted red peppers
palm hearts
radishes
fennel

Put out:
votives
candles
wine glasses
wine glass charms
small plates
napkins
toothpicks
bowls Invitation to the cocktail party made with Punchbowl
music
wood in fireplace (if necessary)
hand towels in washroom

Clean:
basement (because my husband V. promised to show someone Apple TV! Grrrrr!)
entrance to house and add lights to small trees by door

Appointments:
doctor Thursday 5:30
love seats arrive after 6pm (They were supposed to arrive Nov. 22 but when they called to say they were ready, I decided to throw caution to the wind and give my old love seats away to make place for the new.)
go for blood tests Friday 9:30

On another note, I want to share a free online party organization tool. It was easy to use to do my invitations and keep track of who accepted and who can't make it as well as who hasn't decided yet. It even lets you know who hasn't read the invitation yet. It's called Punchbowl and you can access it here.

I'll post photos of the affair later this week.

Bonsoir,

Stella

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T19:33:00.000-06:00

Beauty at Unexpected Moments and Places

2011-10-29T12:54:00.003-06:00

Image from the December 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

You may have noticed Élan's new subtitle: Stumbling upon beauty every day . It is my most fervent wish to live more fully in the moment and two ways I have discovered to help me do that are: to notice your breath (yoga class) and to notice and acknowledge beauty wherever/whenever you can (Simple Abundance).

Today:

The Autumn sunlight on the yellow leaves of the apple tree in the back yard;
The perfect fit of V's body against mine when we have our Saturday morning snuggle;
The image (above) that I stumbled upon when I opened Oprah's Spirit Newsletter;
The color and texture of the miscellaneous yarns in my window seat, waiting to be knit up.

May beauty surprise and delight you today.

Bonne journée,

Stella

A Dishwasher That Washes Dishes

2011-10-28T18:18:00.001-06:00

O.k., this is not going to be a very exciting post, but it's nonetheless what is on my mind... and on my dishes and cutlery!

Is it because I live with three males? Is it because the dishwasher is 7 years old? Is it because the life expectancy of a dishwasher is very short? Is it because I've been buying middle-of-the-line dishwashers? Is it because we had the dishwasher running only once a day? Did we fill it too full?

For whatever reason, we've had three dishwashers in the past 29 years and tomorrow our fourth will be installed. This time, we went for the top-of-the-line brand.

After Christmas, we'll be three instead of four people in the house and I'll watch my youngest son D. (19 1/2) like a hawk to make sure he rinses his dishes thoroughly before putting them in the dishwasher... No wait, isn't a dishwasher meant to WASH dishes?

Of course dishes need to be rinsed before they go in but do all traces of foodstuffs have to be removed before being washed in a dishwasher? Our dishwashers have done a reasonably good job for 10 years, 7 years, 5 years before leaving unwanted materials on dishes after the washing cycle. Yes, this means I've spent about 7 years fighting with a dishwasher, taking it apart, making it go through a vinegar wash, unplugging the water wands, etc.

This is going to be my last dishwasher purchase for this kitchen. You know how I know? I'm going to sell my house before it gives out!

Bon weekend,

Stella

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!

2011-10-26T16:27:00.001-06:00

How amazing is this? Now pull out all those scarves you've been ignoring and get tying! With the weather dipping below zero where I live, I'm going to indulge.

À la prochaine,

Stella

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

2011-10-25T13:24:00.002-06:00

I've just finished reading this selection for my reading circle and I feel compelled to share my thoughts on it.

Firstly, this is not the type of book that I normally read. It is a documentation of the life of Henrietta Lacks, a poor, black married woman who dies at a too young age, of cervical cancer. Cells are taken from her tumour, postmortem, and this book catalogues the reproduction of the cells and the research that was done with them... without Henrietta's consent.

The author, Rebecca Skloot, shares snippets of Henrietta's and her family's life interlarded with chapters on the advancement of scientific research done with HeLa (Henrietta Lacks) cells.

The first half of the book has more recounting of Henrietta's turbulent, dysfunctional life and offers a more compelling read whereas the second half focuses on the science of cell reproduction and took more effort on my part to read.

What is most pronounced in this book is the contrast between the poverty of the Lacks family and the work, revenue and advances in science generated literally by her cells.

I give it 3 1/2 stars out of five, not for the storytelling or the journalistic reporting but for the story of how one human being unknowingly changed the world.

Bonne lecture,

Stella

Alzheimer's

2011-10-24T13:20:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I watched A Song for Martin (2001) on Netflix, a Swedish production starring two actors who were married in real life. Sadly, the wife died the year that the movie came out, of cancer.

This is a profoundly touching story about a second marriage, a shared passion and eventual goodbye. I highly recommend it for its visual and spiritual soul wrenching beauty. This couple is beautiful to watch as they fall in love and feel overwhelming gratitude for this second chance at love. The film, shot in Sweden is stunning in its visual simplicity and is a perfect backdrop for a calm but passionate love story.

A second, poignant story with Alzheimer's playing a leading role is the Canadian production Away From Her (2006) starring Julie Christie and Gordon Pinsent. Like A Song for Martin, Away from Her is beautifully shot in a rugged natural background. The couple is also middle aged and in love, but they have been together for many years. Watching the husband struggle to let go of his gorgeous wife is heart-achingly sad but beautiful at the same time as he finds his balance and says yes to life.

Here are two movies about mature people, love, intimacy and loss. They are worth seeing. You cannot come away from the viewing without giving some thought to what life holds for you in the coming years.

Mostly, I feel grateful for what I have and I am reminded that life must be lived fully and savoured at the moment it is served.

Bonne journée,

Stella

Netflix is my Friend

2011-10-22T13:52:00.004-06:00

About a year ago, I subscribed to Netflix, an on line movie repository. It costs about 8$ CDN per month and has provided me with endless entertainment when I'd really rather not watch TV. I have installed the Netflix App on my iPad and watch movies by myself, in bed, should I wish to but I can also watch them on the large HDTV downstairs with my whole family.

Here is some of the good viewing available:

1. Recently, two excellent British TV series, Sherlock and Luther. I love psychological crime drama and this is it at its best.

2. Another passion is foreign drama, here are some favorites: The Scent of Green Papaya, As it is in Heaven and The Sleeping Dictionary

3. If you haven't seen Mad Men, you MUST! It is addictive...

I have more to tempt you with but that is for another day. Happy Viewing!

Bon weekend!

Stella

I Dream of a Place

2011-10-17T20:03:00.001-06:00

This is a piece that I wrote in 2004. I didn't suspect that my dream would come true.

My dream is to buy a small house in the south of France. I know that the idea might appear outlandish or impossible but the fact is it’s something that I really want something that I’m prepared to work for.

My travels have taken me to France several times since my first trip in 1980. Even then, I felt completely at home there, sliding naturally into position whether buying a baguette at the neighborhood boulangerie or having dinner with several friends and family. The people and the places from the very first captured my heart.

Yes, I’ve visited Paris several times and I truly feel it’s the most beautiful city I’ve yet to see. Paris is a feminine city, all beige and golden in the midday sun. It is orderly and graceful, and filled to capacity with visual delicacies. One can saunter aimlessly for days and never see the same thing, never tire of the scenery and of the grace of the city’s layout. On the whole however, Paris is not my favorite French milieu.

I’ve visited many of France’s castles, cathedrals and fortified cities, each one a distinctive, magical place. In Carcassone, a medieval fortress, children playing outdoors during recess scurried to pose for a picture I would someday show my students. In Chartres, I sat awed in front of the cathedral, virtually intimidated by the size and majesty of the building. In Versailles, I became speechless in front of the opulence of the hall of mirrors thinking how many lives had been lost on the construction site. In the palace of the Popes in Avignon, I felt reverence for the centuries of life that had been sheltered by its walls. These are all scenes from the grandiose, stately France…

My truly favorite place to be however is in rural France, a village, preferably in the southern part of the country. No, to be entirely truthful, it would have to be a village in Provence. Although I wish I were attracted to a somewhat less expensive and less visited part of the country, I feel wholly alive when I am in Provence.

Many travel guides have described at length all the riches to be found in Provence, and I am sure that you have read at least one account of the region’s attractions, but I ask, dear reader, that you indulge me in the telling of what makes Provence my destination of choice.

The light there is probably the most perfect I’ve seen anywhere. It is a clear golden color and even an inexperienced photographer cannot possibly take a bad picture in Provence on a sunny day. Furthermore, there is an abundance of natural beauty to capture on film.

The vegetation is not as beautiful as it is exotic. The plane trees, which surround every town square, are ordinary except for the large yellow spots covering its trunk and branches. The cypress trees and the Lombardy poplars reach up high in their tall and slender elegance and the palm trees that line the coast are lush. But my very favorite plants have to be the rosemary and lavender bushes that practically grow wild. They line walks, streets and paths in Provence like the potentilla and spirea do in Canada. The heat of the hot sun releases their scent. Lavender and rosemary are what Provence smells like.

The Provençal terra cotta, sienna, honey and sky blue shutters and terracotta tile roofs are the only other embellishments and serve as protection from the cooking hot sun. Foot thick walls also keep interiors as well as dispositions, cool.

The land inspires Provençal cuisine as well. Olives, tomatoes, garlic, lettuces, eggplant, and cantaloupe, all locally grown are paired with fish, mergez sausages, and specially prepared confits of wild game, pork and chicken. The food looks like a painting by Gaugin and tastes like sunshine.

The most attractive quality of Provence however, lies not in its unique light, its abundant vegetation, its distinctive architecture or its Mediterranean fare but rather in the quality of life that one can experience there. I’m not at all sure that the quality of life doesn’t flow from the area’s physical attributes or if it originates from the attitude of the Provençaux. But when one is in Provence, the world spins slower on its axis and one feels a compulsion to relish all that the simple, authentic life of the area has to offer.

I dream of long suppers held under a plane tree in my backyard. The table sits twelve and fairly groans under the abundance of natural, delicious regional dishes. But best of all, laughter and passionate discussions fill the warm night air and one is sure that there is no other place in the world one would rather be.

What do you dream of? Please share your dreams in the comments section. I'll be reading you.

Bonsoir,

Stella

A Thing of Beauty...

2011-10-15T11:46:00.010-06:00

Beauty is the fifth of six Simple Abundance principles:

Creating a beautiful life is your highest calling. It is in the ordinary and overlooked details of the every day that beauty is revealed, sustained and nurtured.

-Sarah Ban Breathnach

On Tuesday, I went to visit French Essence, a blog that I follow because Vicky Archer talks about beautiful things, often found in France where she lives. She enjoys a lifestyle that is the envy of many, sharing her time mostly between St-Rémy de Provence and London. She has refurbished a provençal Mas and its gardens and created an oasis of beauty and peace.

On Tuesday she shared her Pin boards from a site called Pinterest. Here is what she says about it:

Tumblr and Pinterest are like image banks that enable us to take a break from reading, allow us to switch off the brain for a moment and indulge in some visual beauty...which is not to say that blogs can't do all that...they can and they do....but these social media distractions are quicker...and with the lives that we lead today, time is often of the essence.

I had a look at Pinterest and what I saw enchanted me. Here is a look at my board called Ingenious:

Click on the image for a larger view.

I've only just gotten started but I know that this feature is going to be a lot of fun and it fits into my objective of bringing more beauty into my everyday life.

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read:
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.

Keats 1795-1821

My friend Corey Amaro from Tongue in Cheek also has Pin boards that are absolutely gorgeous. They are a testament to her superb taste and eye for beauty.

Have a great day and may you stumble upon beauty wherever you look.

Bonne journée,

Stella

The Tapestry of Bayeux

2011-10-14T12:28:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, I blogged about my sister D.'s trip to France. I referenced the Tapestry of Bayeux. Anonymous left a comment - thank you! I love comments! They inspire me and keep me blogging! Anyway, Anonymous told me about Pam Holland who recreated the famous tapestry in a quilt. As I was researching Pam Holland's reproduction, I came upon this YouTube video of the animation of the famous tapestry. Have a look! And thank you again to Anonymous for giving me a lead!

Amitiés,

Stella

La Belle France

2011-10-13T20:30:00.004-06:00

My sister D. and her husband T. have been travelling in the north of France and Paris for the last two weeks. Happily, I suggested that they write us an email once in while to tell us where they are and what they are doing and faithfully, T. has been writing a Where Are T & D every day since they left.

It is such a pleasure to hear from them and live the trip vicariously through them. As I helped them plan their trip, I am familiar with most of the places they visited.

Here is their itinerary:

1. Paris no need to explain
2. Chartres to see the cathedral
3. Loire Valley to see a few castles
4. Saint-Malo because of the song we sang as children: "Ah Saint-Malo beau port de mer..."
5. Mont Saint-Michel just to see what a marvel this island is
6. Bayeux to see the famous tapestry
7. Juno Beach very significant for Canadian History in World War II
8. Honfleur because Samuel de Champlain left from there to found New France and Québec
9. Arras because of the famous Canadian Vimy Ridge War Memorial*
10. Verdun significant World War I site for Canadians
11. Epernay because of our love of Champagne
12. Soncourt to see the house where grandpère was raised
13. Darmannes to see our relatives
14. Flavigny-sur-Ozerin because that is where the movie Chocolat was filmed
15. Provence** to stay at our apartment for a couple of weeks. They will be visiting the Côte d'Azur too.
16. Marseille to return home

* T. and D. read The Stone Carvers by Jane Urquart which is a novel set around the creation of the monument at Vimy Ridge, a beautiful, captivating story.
** They are also reading two novels, one is a sequel of the first novel, by the renowned French author Marcel Pagnol: Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring. Pagnol is a compelling storyteller. His characters are fascinating and the plot lines hold you captive from the beginning to the end of the story.

There you have it. A perfect little itinerary to build a dream on...

Bonsoir et bons rêves,

Stella

A segment from the famous Tapestry of Bayeux.

Hot Turkey Sandwich and Greek Salad

2011-10-11T18:57:00.004-06:00

Nothing says comfort like a hot turkey sandwich. As I was driving home from work, I planned dinner and it took very little time to prepare. I made a Greek salad to offset the plainness of the sandwich.

Does anyone else make Greek salad? It's a family favorite here and so healthy. I dress it with fresh lemon juice and olive oil like I remember it from Greece in 1980. My roommate and I were stranded on Crete for eight days because of a general strike. It was a relaxing, healthy time, all that sun and fresh food. I remember having rice pudding for breakfast. It's the best I've ever had.
Dinner wasn't bad for a Tuesday-after a long-weekend supper n'est-ce pas? Yesterday was Thanksgiving in Canada and I had a blissfully slow weekend.

My Greek Salad

1& 1/2 orange or yellow pepper cut in squares
Handful of pitted Kalamata olives
1& 1/2 cups grape tomatoes
1& 1/2 English cucumber cut in cubes
1/4 cup red onion chopped large
2/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 -1 tsp. salt
Pepper to taste
1/2 - 1 tsp. Oregano
Juice from one lemon(I use a reamer over the salad bowl)
About 1/4 cup olive oil

Bon appétit!

Bonsoir,

Stella

Just 21 Months to Go!

2011-10-10T09:39:00.007-06:00

Yes, I am approaching retirement and am giving it my last big burst of energy to make it to the end of year 31.

We have had a year of evolution and changes. All of them for the better.

I was ill last fall, devoted myself to better health, changed jobs and am moving along just very well thank you!

Our oldest son T, at 22 is getting ready to leave home forever. He starts at a school of Medicine in January and is going to be several thousand kilometres away.

V. Is on his last year as principal at a high school and the baby, D. 19 is working for a year before going back to complete his Phys Ed degree.

Now that we are caught up, I will endeavour to post a few times a week.

Thank you Donna for your encouragement and support.

Bonne journée,

Stella

Peace and Plenty

2011-05-15T10:52:00.003-06:00

Peace and Plenty, Sarah Ban Breathnach's new book out last December is a favorite of mine. Loaded with stories of women's finances gone bad, including hers, Sarah is trying to steer women in the right direction with lessons learned from her fall from millionairess to homeless.

Have a read, you may find something to inspire you. I did.

Here is a critique from Book Page:

A NEW PERSPECTIVE FOR FINDING PEACE

Fifteen years after the phenomenal success of Simple Abundance, which spent a year at number one on the New York Times bestseller list, author Sarah Ban Breathnach admits, “All the money’s gone.” Her new book, Peace and Plenty, explains how she hit bottom and offers an approach perfectly timed for the new year: “a fresh start for all of us: living well, spending less, and appreciating more.”

Ban Breathnach’s writing is therapy on a page as she copes with her monumental losses: multiple homes, nine assistants, extravagant purchases (Isaac Newton’s prayer chapel in England, Marilyn Monroe’s furs) and a thieving husband. In dealing with the aftermath, she uncovers the emotionally volatile relationship women have with money.

Instead of writing another dry investing how-to, Ban Breathnach gives women a guide to finding spiritual and emotional peace after financial loss. Anyone who has suffered financial catastrophe—losing a home to foreclosure, losing a job to the recession, losing it all in a messy divorce—will find reassurance and compassion. With gentle advice, Peace and Plenty helps readers face their guilt about past money mistakes and move forward.

Ban Breathnach brings her Victorian sensibilities to plain-Jane finance; her budget includes a Christmas Club, her cash system creates a pin money stash. Readers rediscover the “thrill of thrift” by cleaning out purses and closets for a fresh start, and pampering themselves with poetry and early bedtime routines.

Ban Breathnach, who popularized the Gratitude Journal, now recommends several more tools for inexpensive self-reflection. The Journal of Well-Spent Moments, the Contentment Chest and the Comfort Companion all focus on finding the positive without spending much money.

Advice and anecdotes from famous women who’ve dealt with their own reversals of fortune are included throughout, but Ban Breathnach is at her best when sharing the deeply personal stories of her own financial foibles. And perhaps her greatest lesson came from the treachery of her English husband: Protect yourself first, she advises.

Sharing tears, laughter and many cups of tea with Ban Breathnach, readers will come away with a new perspective for finding peace.

—Stephanie Gerber

Bon dimanche,
Stella

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T09:50:00.003-06:00

I was blessed with a smart, vibrant, talented and loving mother. She was as lovely a mother as you could get. Today, I remember her through my gestures and my words and pay tribute to the gift I received of good mothering.

She lives on in my heart and in my mind.

Bonne fête des mères,

Stella