Patricia Sands

Author

If it is France...

If it’s Friday, it must be France …

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On Sunday, May 10th, Mother’s Day is celebrated in North America. Come on a flight of fantasy with me now for a few minutes. Any mother would love it!

Villa Ephrussi, in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, is a special estate to visit at any time. Our women’s tour spends an afternoon there each year exploring the magnificent villa and prolific gardens. It’s always a highlight … especially these musical fountains. Click on this link to enjoy the show! (I could not get the video of the fountains to load here ~ typical of me ~ but I hope you will click on the link to see the stunning show.)

Even if you can’t be together with other family this weekend, it’s so easy to gift books. Here’s one suggestion! 🙂 https://amzn.to/2YGgDa6

Happy Mother’s Day to mothers everywhere. So many of you are working from home and at the same time trying to take care of your family.  Some of you are home schooling children and doing your best to keep your world and theirs revolving in some kind of “normal”. Families and friends are talking to each other more than ever before. Let’s keep that going. 

So many of you are taking risks every day and leaving the safety of your home to take care of the rest of us in a multitude of different ways.

There are not enough words to express our thanks to all of you and also to all those people around that I see doing such thoughtful acts of kindness, day in and day out. Let’s keep believing that we will get through this by continuing to help each other.

If it’s Friday, it must be France…

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Who doesn’t love a surprise? You can imagine how pleased I was to receive an email a week ago informing me that The Promise of Provence was included in this awesome collection! And what fun to see the delightful memoir of my friend, Lisa Anselmo, right next to me! Not only that, but to also be in the company of the awesome Patricia Wells, Evie Gaughan and Andrew Gallix … oh là là!

Click on the link below and enjoy the video!

At this time of year, I would often be preparing to leave for France. Sadly, that’s not to be in 2020 while we are all sheltering in place and following guidelines to battle the Corona Virus. So many people around the world have had plans and dreams put on hold. My heart goes out to those who have suffered loss, health challenges and loss of employment during these difficult times. We have to keep believing that by working together we will get through this.

One of the ways I try to distract myself, apart from writing, is to lose myself in happy memories in my photo files. Since at this time of year wisteria will be in full bloom in France, I hope you enjoy these images.

Wherever you are , please follow the medical guidelines and stay safe. I wish you and yours a happy weekend.

Bon weekend!

If it’s Friday, it must be France …

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Wherever you are, I hope you are warm and safe. There are so many crazy weather patterns in the world today, we never know what is coming next. I hope this photo brings a little Côte d’Azur warmth to you!

Looking down on the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of my favourite towns to wander and photograph … and eat, by the port!

But I do know what is coming next in my writing world … Book 3 in the Villa des Violettes series. The cover reveal is happening today on a few special Facebook pages like the buzzabulous A Novel Bee, the exciting book review group The Write Review and my book loving reader group, Patricia’s Readers’ Rendezvous. I’ll share more details about the new book in the next few days. I’m happy to be bringing the Love in Provence characters back to you again for a visit.

Bon weekend tout le monde!

January 6th ~ la fête du roi in France

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Eat cake like a king!

If you are in France (or Louisiana, hello N’awlins!), it’s again time to celebrate  … oui …  bien sûr … more food! Don’t you love it? This time it’s all about a rich, almond cream (frangipane) enveloped by layers of light, flaky pastry (feuilleté).

Another joyful opportunity to bring friends and family around the table to share La Galette des Rois/The Kings’ Cake, takes place on the first Sunday of January or January 6th and recognizes Epiphany, the arrival of the three wise men (Magis). The history of this special pastry can be  traced to Roman times.

If you read my Love in Provence series, Kat first finds out about the tradition in Book #2, Promises to Keep.

During the French Revolution, the name was replaced with ‘Gâteau de l’Égalité’ (equality cake), as the word ‘king’ was a little out of fashion!

It’s so popular, many patisseries make the scrumptious cake through the entire month of January.

The cake is cut in the specific number of slices for the people present, with one extra symbolic slice for the first poor person passing by. The youngest child  (or the most innocent adult, if no children are present, which can result in great hilarity) goes under the table and calls out who will receive each slice to ensure fair distribution. The greatest excitement comes when one person discovers la fève (a lucky charm) hidden in a single slice. Just don’t accidentally bit down on it … they’re usually a small porcelain or plastic trinket!

Bon appétit!

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Click here to read an excellent account of the history and traditions of this special fête by my friend, Margo Lestz.

NEWS FLASH! The ebook of Drawing Lessons is on sale for January ~ $.99 ~ I love it when Amazon offers our books to more readers by putting on promotions. If you haven’t read this engaging story, set around Arles and the Camargue, now’s your chance! If you are one of thousands who have read and enjoyed it, pick up a copy or two for friends. It’s so easy to gift from Amazon. Happy reading! Bonne lecture! Eat it with cake. 🙂