My first blog, everyone has a first, n'est pas?

My first blog, everyone has to have a “first”, n’est pas? I am terrified! Maybe if I bash it out and say it en français, it’ll be less terrifying. Bon courage! Even in franglish, I’m still well aware that this is my first blog, my first time putting it all out there! I’ll just have to get through it, my franglish heart and all.

I sit here sur la terrasse, into my reverie, starring across the big pond at France. Okay, it’s really a bayou, and there are some of your typical Floridian style homes across from my backyard. It’s a beautiful spring day and the setting is relaxing (perfect for blogging). I’m listening to internet radio, 104.7 Europe 1. I think they’re talking about the news of the day, all the way from Paris, France. I love this radio station, lots of various programs, even though je comprend un peu!  I do understand the music and the laughter that they are sending over the airwaves. Music and laughter are always universal.

I am obsessed with all things French, but it is a healthy obsession. I think everyone should have a hobby, don’t you? I don’t necessarily want to transform into a French person, I’m too optimistic, thanks to my American upbringing. But, there’s a lot of frenchness I do so admire. When I was a little girl, I would play dress up. I guess that isn’t so unusual for a little girl, but I would pretend I was a performer or l'actrice at the Moulin Rouge! My mother would have to watch me dance and sing for hours in boa feathers, heels and rouge lipstix! (The beginnings of a healthy obsession, non?) However, with maturity (I refuse to say with age), my french obsession became a healthy one when I began to appreciate what makes them so very French or what I call “frenchness”. It’s their passion for life and life's journey. I recognized their obvious passion for food and wine, not just the dinner on the plate, but how it got there. Organic isn’t just in a small section in the super marché, it’s their way of life, in their everyday food, and why I believe their food tastes très bon.

I found that their farmers are under strict regulations and are frequently monitored. Is this pride of county, pride of region, pride of product, or is it frenchness? I watched a documentary on how fois gras is made in Périgord, the southwest region of France. Whatever your philosophy is on the subject, I was amazed on how these animals were cared for during their journey into the world’s premier pâté. When la agricultrice was interviewed, she stated, "if at any time our geese and ducks are unhappy, they will make terrible fois gras!" She continues, "They need fresh air, room to roam and plenty of good food themselves". She confirms, "C’est naturellement!"

Website on the strict regulations: http://www.animalagalliance.org/images/ag_insert/20060505_Foie_Gras.pdf

I also recognized their love for art, music, architecture and even engineers. Yes, engineers too. They are respected and admired. I can see why, I married one and he’s brilliant. They have state-of-the-art train systems, bridges, energy, architecture, etc. Despite the 50's & 60's urbanisation, France has seemed to marry the old with the new. They have preserved their past while introducing the modern world. Sometimes its a struggle, but I believe they do it with grace.  

So, my first blog is nearly finished. That wasn’t so bad after all! My journey begins as a blogger, but my travels as an admirer of all things French continues. What's more, I still dress up in various dancing garb (coins giggle skirts, boa feather, beads, & scarves) and sing and dance around my home. I don’t know why Cher & Christina Aguilera didn’t call me to be in their new movie “Burlesque” a sort of re-make of Moulin Rouge. I’ve been rehearsing it all my life. I can’t wait to see this movie.

Here’s the trailer for Burlesque: http://www.burlesquemovie.org/

Who's this with the tambourine?...

...I told you I still like to dress up and dance!

 

Drum Circle at Nokomis Beach, FL

You can also find me on Facebook. I look forward to hearing from you and enjoy sharing your perspective for all things French, food, gardening, scarves, art and music. 

Bon Journée!

Vocabulaire:

Bon courage: good luck, good courage.

sur la terrasse: on the terrace 

reverie: a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream.
je comprend un peu! I understand a little

l'actrice; actress

super marche: super market 

très bon: very good

l'agriculteur, l'agricultrice: farmer 

C’est naturellement. : This is natural.