Patricia Sands

Author

If it’s Friday, it must be France …

by

Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Spring!

Joyeuses Pâques, Joyeux Pesach, Joyeux Printemps!

Whatever joyous occasion you celebrate at this special time of year, may it bring family and friends together for reflection, fellowship, food … and chocolate. Let’s count our blessings and focus on how we can help those who cannot.

In France, the traditions around Easter are quite different than most countries. Here’s an excellent article from The Good Life France (my favourite website, as you all must know by now). It is written by my friend, Margo Lestz, who will give you all the history. It begins like this … “On the Thursday night before Easter, all the church bells go silent and they won’t be heard from again until Easter Sunday.” Click here to read more.

With the tragic fire that occurred this week at the beloved Notre Dame in Paris, thoughts will also be centred on the impact that has had around the world. Whether for religious reasons or for the tremendous historical symbol it represents, the hope is that what was lost will be rebuilt. Response has been heartwarming and unifying, from the greatest to the smallest level. The heroes of that day are les pompiers, the men and women firefighters who worked tirelessly to contain the flames and those who helped save the priceless art.

This photo is from my last visit to Paris in 2015. I will be back there in September for a few days, on my way to co-lead ~ (with my BFF Deborah Bine) ~ my fifth women’s tour in the south of France … click on that link if you want to know all the great things about that adventure! I hope some day I have the opportunity to take a photo of the newly restored grande Dame.

Bon weekend everyone!

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Comments

    • Thanks, Darlene. Easter in Spain is fascinating, colourful, and as much fun as it is spiritual. I have good memories from there.

    • (((hugs))) back Susie! Congratulations on your new podcast series. What a great idea!

    • Thanks, Anneli. I trust you had an enjoyable Easter in your beautiful corner of the world. Rain or shine, the scenery is always breathtaking. Your posts share the beauty of nature in your own back yard and are a delight to read.

  4. So many people were saddened by the burning of this historic landmark. I hope it is rebuilt to its former glory.

    And, I hope to one day be part of your trips to France. When I hit the best seller list I may be able to. (Hey, big dreams right?)

    Happy Easter to you.

    Patricia Rickrode
    w/a Jansen Schmidt

    • Hi Patricia ~ I trust you had a lovely Easter at the Baer House. Your post is going to be up in the next week or so. I apologize for the delay … writing, editing, making book cover decisions, etc, etc … all my excuses. I’m looking forward to sharing your story here. And yes … keep dreaming big!