Patricia Sands

Author

France

Let us take you to France today!

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“The Second Line Show” has put together a virtual excursion to the heart of France through these talented, “you-need-to-know” authors experiences, writing, culture and cuisine!
Come on a couch vacation with Nola Nash, Patricia Sands, Craig Carlson, Julien Chameroy, Michael Higgins, Samantha Vérant & Lisa Anselmo!! 

No passport or packing required! Let us whisk you off to France! Join Annie McDonnell of The Write Review and Nola Nash of The Second Line Show for an entertaining chat about our books set in France and the passion behind them 📚 with ~
💞🇫🇷💞Craig Carlson and Julien Chameroy ~ entrepreneurial owner and manager of the Breakfast In America diners in Paris 

💞🇫🇷💞 Lisa Anselmo, American writer, speaker, brand coach living her ‘part-time’ life in Paris

💞🇫🇷💞 Samantha Vérant, memoir and women’s fiction author, American living the dream in southwestern France

💞🇫🇷💞 Patricia Sands, women’s fiction author, Canadian, living like a local for months each year on the Côte d’Azur

💞🇫🇷💞 Michael Higgins, author, photographer, world-class wine expert, tirelessly pursuing the best wine regions in France and worldwide for over 20 years

💞🇫🇷💞What we all love to share is our passion for France. 

VISIT THE WRITE REVIEW OR NOLA NASH/THE SECOND LINE SHOW ON FACEBOOK FOR THIS VIRTUAL EXCURSION 

Here is the link to THE WRITE REVIEW:

https://www.facebook.com/Thewritereview

Here is the link to THE SECOND LINE:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2380946371969311

Remembrance Day ~November 11th

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Lest we forget ~

Tomorrow at the 11th hour of the 11th day in this the 11th month, Canada will pause for two minutes’ silence to remember those  heroes who have given their lives and in respect of all who offer their service … in every country. 

We owe so much to so many. 

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I have posted this page in years past on this date. Since there are many new followers of my website, I want to share it again for those who haven’t seen it. For others, I hope you don’t mind the repetition. I feel these stories can never be shared too often.

In 2010, my husband and I went on a journey to locate the grave of my Uncle Harry whose Lancaster bomber had been shot down on June 13, 1944, near Cambrai, France. All six crew members  perished.

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We discovered they are buried in a small Allied cemetery in the middle of farmland, rather than in one of the major cemeteries in France.

It was quite an experience just finding it, but that’s a story for another day. When I inquired as to why they were in that location, the Office of Military Affairs explained that they had been buried there by the nearby villagers at the time and so would remain close to where they had died. The cemetery was immaculately tended … and watched over by curious cows.

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Coincidentally, just a week before our visit, another relative of one of the crew had visited the cemetery. He left a note in the guest book (found in metal boxes at every cemetery) that gave us some personal information about the day these men died. They had been on a bombing raid over the rail yards in Cambrai. The war was being won. The men were heading back to their base in England to make it in time for the local dance that evening.

Sadly, they did not arrive.

Learning this small piece of personal information, made our visit that much more emotional and intimate.

As a child, I had always been intrigued by stories about my Uncle Harry, the youngest of 5 boys, and only 20 years old when he died. There were framed photos of him in his uniform with a dazzling smile in my parents’ and grandparents’ homes. You could feel his pride. And theirs.

When we went on our mission to ‘find Uncle Harry’, we also spent a few days in Normandy and did the tours of the WW2 landing beaches, something I recommend to everyone who has the opportunity.

It’s an emotional experience as the history of the war becomes vividly presented by guides who must take courses in this information and pass exams before receiving a license to guide. The French take the preservation of this history very seriously and are to be commended for doing so.

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As we toured the museums and memorial centres, it struck me that in so many of the photographs of men and women in service for their country, pride was stirringly evident in their expressions. It seems to go with the wearing of the uniform and the understanding of what that represents.

Thank you to every one of the members of armed services – past and present – for putting yourself in danger for your country and taking on that onerous task with such commitment. We are proud of you and eternally grateful.

Thank you, Uncle Harry.

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Wear your poppy proudly. Please make certain to preserve and keep alive the stories of the members of your families who have served in the armed forces. Always remember. In doing some research, I discovered this excellent video. It only pertains to the American cemeteries but could be talking about all of the Allied burial grounds just as easily. 

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No matter what our country, hearts are touched by the selfless giving of all who serve. The museums and preserved landing beaches of Normandy offer an emotional lesson in history to all who have the good fortune to visit that part of France.

Most Canadians proudly wear a poppy for a week or so before November 11th to show their respect for veterans. Click here for an  excellent explanation of how the poppy came to be such a strong symbol of remembrance.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Have you preserved stories of your family’s service?

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If it’s Friday, it must be France …

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Bonjour tout le monde! This week it is my pleasure to welcome author and foodie extraordinaire, Carole Bumpus, for a visit. A freelance food/travel writer, Carole has a new release (August 2020) to share with us. You may remember her from last year when she dropped by to talk about her wonderful book, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, Book One.

Read on to see reviews and a synopsis of her new book, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, Book Two, Savoring the Olde Ways Series. I promise you it is as delicious and informative a read as Book One. Hard to put down!

“The author’s straightforward narrative delivers vivid imagery of both the surroundings and the people…An engaging gastronomic presentation of French history and culture.”—Kirkus Reviews

“This warm and inviting memoir will appeal to food lovers and history buffs alike. The two women examine how it was to live during a time of war, especially the Second World War, and how families managed to keep traditions alive even during tough times.”—Seattle Book Review

“…her conversational style easily draws the reader into the experience. An enjoyable book for those interested in France, WWII, and French food.”—Judy Alter, StoryCircle Book Reviews

“Bumpus weaves wonderful stories into her adventures. But, at the same time, she gives her readers fly-on-the-wall glimpses of ordinary family life, and the opportunity to savour with her the incredible cuisine of France. Whether you love France, enjoy discovering new things, want to try some of the traditional recipes at the end of this book, or just want a thoroughly enjoyable read, I highly recommend this book!”—The Good Life France

In this engaging new installment of Carole Bumpus’ heartwarming culinary memoir/travelogue series, Carole and her trusted guide and dear friend, Josiane Selvage, complete their gastronomic and cultural tour of France. The trip was inspired by Josiane’s deceased mother, Marcelle, and in a touching tribute, Carole and Josiane also search for Marcelle’s roots—a mystery created by the chaos of both world wars.

Beginning in Paris and heading north into Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Normandy, Brittany, Loire and completing the tour in the Auvergne, Carole searched for the traditional “cuisine pauvre” (peasant foods) common to the French table, but she also treasured visits to cultural sites that illuminated the French character and history: ancient cathedrals, a truffle farm, the troglodyte caves in the Loire Valley, Mont St. Michel, and the Bayeux Tapestry.

As she traveled, Carole listened to French families describe their personal histories, the myths and traditions unique to their communities, and learned the family recipes used for festivals and celebrations. But alongside the joy of discovering delicious dishes and making new friends, Carole was reminded of the sobering economic and political realities of both world wars, and the ways those wars have shaped France, its people, and its cuisine. These realities were made all the more poignant by Josiane’s efforts to uncover her mother’s family history.

A retired family therapist, CAROLE BUMPUS began writing about food and travel when she stumbled upon the amazing stories of women and war in France. She has traveled extensively throughout France and Italy, where she has interviewed more than seventy-five families to date for her food and travel blogs. She published an historical novel, A Cup of Redemption, in 2014, and her unique companion cookbook, Recipes for Redemption: A Companion Cookbook to A Cup of Redemption, in August 2015. She is an active member in The California Writers Club and The Women’s National Book Association. Bumpus lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she teaches classes on writing, does public speaking, and continues to write about women, food, and war. Visit her website at CaroleBumpus.com. 

COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Special

As you are whiling away your days at home awaiting the moment when you can get back to our lives, how about taking advantage of a special offer?  All three of my books – A Cup of Redemption, Recipes for Redemptionand Searching for Family at the French Table, Book One, which can be purchased together for one small price. $30 for all three – a discounted price of over $20 plus FREE SHIPPING. Autographed and sent directly to your door. Order Your COVID-19 Deal Here

I’m a podcast convert, are you? Join me on Art in Fiction with Carol Cram!

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It was a pleasure to spend time chatting about DRAWING LESSONS with the creator of Art in Fiction, west-coast Canada author Carol Cram. Make yourself comfortable with your favourite beverage and let us keep you company.

“The Art In Fiction Podcast is a weekly show hosted by author and Art In Fiction founder Carol M. Cram. Join Carol as she delves into what makes great, arts-inspired fiction in a variety of genres, from historical fiction and mysteries to crime novels, thrillers, contemporary fiction, and more. Carol discusses writing topics and interviews a selection of top authors featured on Art In Fiction, a curated online database of novels inspired by the arts, from Music to Dance to Literature to Visual Arts and beyond. Discover awesome novels and get the lowdown on what it takes to be a successful author of novels inspired by the arts.”

Click right here to join us!

Coincidentally, DRAWING LESSONS is on sale in the UK for the month of August ~ just .99 GBP. It’s a great opportunity to pick up copies for your friends too at Amazon.co.uk!

I hope you feel the beauty and intrigue of Arles and the Camargue as you linger on the pages of Drawing Lessons.