May is full of Birthdays! I have 5 very close friends with Birthday’s in May. It’s a month of excessive merriment. I can tell you my waisteline and liver know that it has been a “festive” month.
“I don’t like the French” I have heard this ridiculous statement dozens of times. Really you don’t like an entire nation of people? You know what that makes you sound like? An ignorant racist. Ok maybe you are—I’m not here to judge. I know stereotypes happen for a reason, I understand not liking a government or its politics, but I’m talking about the people- individuals. You don’t like all of them? Have you met all of them? I feel sorry for you.
Maybe this strikes a cord with me because one of my dearest friends happens to be French, from Paris and she might be the loveliest person I have ever met. Now don’t get me wrong- she is very French. She won’t like you either—at first. She will be aloof and make you prove yourself before she lets you in—but if she does, your life will be blessed with a delightful friend. She was actually my boss to start and the first 6 months I worked for her I had no idea what she was saying, her accent is thick, and if she has had a glass of wine, forget it. We have now been friends for over 20 years, and I feel lucky to know such a caring person. And I can understand her now- even after a few glasses of wine, that’s usually when I think I can speak French. Some day I hope I will learn to speak French, it a running joke between us. She sends me text messages in French to help me learn and I answer in Spanish. Another language I don’t know. My first trip to Paris was with my dear friend Patricia, and I can tell you if you can go to Paris with a Parisian, I recommend it. You might even be able to hire Patricia if you ask nice. Local knowledge in any foreign city just makes the experience even better.
Of course like all French women she has a flare for scarfs – I think its genetic and this has worn off on me. I owe a lot of scarves and rarely leave the house without one like a proper French lady. Patricia of course knows of my shoe obsession, she gave me this very pretty pair a few years ago for my birthday. And today is her birthday—Happy Birthday Frenchie! My life has been insurmountably better because you are my friend. Thank you.
Laura