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Patricia Sands

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the power of friendship

‘Tis the season … and Tameri is here too!

December 12, 2012 by Patricia Sands 26 Comments

Today was our 4-year-old grandson’s Christmas concert. They are still allowed to use that title at his school and rightly so as the greatest majority of families in that community celebrate Christmas …  not necessarily from the religious perspective.images

IMHO, it was just the way a Christmas concert should be with excited, joyful children proudly singing the cheery  holiday songs and classic carols they have been practising for weeks. Each group, from JK to Grade 5, looked like a representation of a classic Norman Rockwell painting. Beaming faces, toothless smiles, waving to their families, nudging each other, gazing off into space, a few doing nasal maintenance, some loudly singing while others shyly murmured, fidgeting, bouncing  … you know the scene … absolutely delightful!

Needless to say, I teared up a few times as I watched those innocent children sing about peace and love and goodwill to  mankind. If only we could have every adult in the world doing the same.

happy_diwali_mainThey also sang Hanukkah songs as well as a beautiful Diwali selection that was accompanied by a sitar. All the cultural traditions represented in their school community that are celebrated at this time of year were honoured. As they should be.

draft_lens13740971module161355808photo_1353125067aa_a_0

How timely that the concert was today when I have one of my most favourite people visiting here and she surprised me by writing a post about traditions at this time of year around the world. I want to 6172_1063464157386_1549453496_30141997_5185181_ntell you that Tameri Etherton is one of the nicest, brightest, most thoughtful and seriously hilarious women I have never met … True! At least not in person. Our friendship has blossomed since the summer of 2011 when we were both enrolled in one of Kristen Lamb’s well-known online blogging courses. We had the great good fortune to bond with an amazing writing group that has become a family. The in-person meeting will happen this summer at the RWA annual conference in Atlanta, if all goes as planned. Woohoo! It’s a party waiting to happen!

Tameri is a talented writer whose blog is always a great spot to visit and you can do that by clicking right here.We are all eagerly awaiting the pending release of her first novel!

So, with even greater trumpet fanfare than usual, accompanied by a magnificent and festive drumroll … please welcome Tameri  (I notice she is quite restrained and behaving herself today … guess she’s keeping her eye on Santa’s naughty list)!

When Patricia first invited me to be a guest on her blog, I was thrilled. I mean, Patricia Sands! International Woman of Mystery!  (Note from Patricia – LOL,okay Tameri, I liked it better when you called me the Kickass Crush of The Month on your blog!)

Then a moment of panic set in. What would I blog about? 

I knew that it had to be something international and since we’re so close to Christmas, which I adore, I figured it might be fun to write about some different customs around the world. Thank you, Patricia, for giving me this chance to hang out with your readers and have some Christmas fun! 

What better place to start our Christmas World Tour than in France, since it’s practically Patricia’s second home.

In France they call Christmas Noël and Santa is Père Noël. Father Christmas, how romantic is that? I love it.

 Instead of hanging stockings by the fire with care, children in France put out their shoes on Christmas Eve for Père Noël to fill with fruit, nuts, and small toys. Am I the only one thinking those children should find their cleanest, largest boots to put out? You can’t put many toys in dainty slippers, now can you?

 The focal point of most French homes’ decorations is the nativity, not the tree like in the US.

noel_1

 

Over in Australia they decorate trees, but also have a Christmas Bush that they will surround themselves with when they go out caroling. In 1937 Carols by Candlelight began in Melbourne and today in excess of 10,000 people will join in to sing their favorite Christmas songs. I bet that sounds amazing.

 Something you won’t find in Australia? A white Christmas. Since it’s summer there, you might see Santa arriving by surfboard and it isn’t uncommon to find families having a traditional Christmas dinner on the beach. Can you imagine swimming or playing cricket in the back garden on Christmas Day?

images
Photo from http://uniquetravelsblog.blogspot.ca/2011_11_01_archive.html

 

I can, but then, I live in Southern California, so unwrapping gifts in 80 degrees plus weather isn’t surprising to us.

 The Aussies partake of a similar meal to the US with turkey, ham, and pork dishes. Their traditional dessert is plum pudding, which is neither made with plums or is a pudding. It’s more like a fruitcake. Sort of. The coolest thing about the pudding? It’s served flaming! Back during the Australian gold rush, a nugget of gold was baked into the pudding. Now days, a small trinket is inserted before baking. Whoever finds the favor is said to enjoy good luck.

 In Ireland they won’t be surfing on Christmas Day, but they will be celebrating the second of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Yes, you read that right. Traditionally, the twelve days referred to in the popular song start on Christmas Eve and continue until January 6th, when Epiphany is celebrated.

 December 26th is the Wren Boys Procession when children in Ireland go door to door singing carols. They carry a stick topped with a holly bush and a wren. They used to have a dead wren tied to the stick, but thankfully, now they use a fake one. When they finish singing, the children will ask for money for the ‘starving wren’. Sounds a bit like Halloween, to me! The best part? The kids get to keep the money.

 I hope you’ve enjoyed this little jaunt around the world. There are many more customs and traditions we didn’t have time to explore, but are equally fascinating!

 This holiday season, no matter what your tradition or customs, I hope you’ll find joy in the simple things and love for those in all walks of life.

 What are some special traditions you have? Do you think you might try some caroling with a fake wren? How about surfing with Santa?

Tameri, you sugarplum fairy, do you have your Christmas tiara all polished up?  Thank you for all of this fab information about other Christmas traditions. I’ll bet you will be writing about what I imagine will be over-the-top Etherton traditions on your blog, so send us the link when you do. In the meantime, dear readers, when you visit  Tameri’s sparkly blog, A Cup of Tea and Sorcery , you will also find links there to connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Go ahead. Do it! You will be very glad you did! She is simply THE best kind of friend!

In case you are still hungering for more Yuletide talk,  here’s a cool Christmas website that talks about Christmas in every country around the world.

 

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Filed Under: Blog, News, Social issues Tagged With: Australia, Christmas, concerts, Diwali, France, Hanukkah, Ireland, Pere Noel, Tameri Etherton, the power of friendship, traditions

Pinch me!

November 24, 2012 by Patricia Sands Leave a Comment

If it’s Friday, it must be France ...

Ooops – I’m late again  – I know it’s Saturday, but we have company and I’m attempting to sneak this post in while still being a somewhat gracious hostess. Good thing we have understanding friends who realize writing and blogging are  consuming my life  somewhat distracting at times.

What I want to say today is this: if you have a dream, keep pursuing it.

You never know when unexpected opportunities will become a reality.

Taking a deep breath and publishing our writing, into which we put our hearts, minds, and bare our very souls a good chunk of our lives, sometimes opens doors we might never having imagined.

PSandsPhotos

Here are the best parts of writing for me (without getting into the satisfaction, frustration, challenge and all-around buzz of crafting stories): connecting with readers ~ becoming part of amazing communities of writers and bloggers all over the planet ~ receiving invitations to share thoughts, knowledge and experience ~ hearing the same from others ~ discovering ways to give back through what we do ~ listening, learning, laughing ~ feeling inspired to keep writing.

Yin-Yang – Image from Wikipedia

To be sure there’s another side: the search for the right words and ideas ~ the questioning and self-doubt that sneaks in ~ the hours of researching, editing, rewriting ~ the demands on time and money and presence that may be needed elsewhere in our lives ~ the inevitable struggle that is part of any creative process. And for many, that’s just the short list.

The yin and yang.

And then, out of the blue, may come something totally unexpected.

For example being invited to lead, along with my good friend, non-fiction author and speaking partner, Susan Sommers, a tour of 16 women (sorry, guys … this an all-girls’ party) to the south of France for 12 days in October, 2013.

It’s part of the innovative Broad Horizons program  of Uniglobe Instant Travel based in London, Ontario

Seriously.

It happened.

And you know how I love the south of France.

I’ve been guiding friends around that part of the world for years and love to do it.

Here’s the fabulous itinerary – South of France Itinerary 2013. We’ve worked hard to ensure it’s going to be a very good time – inspiring, energizing, providing memories for a lifetime.

There’s just the right combination of literary, art and laughter: enjoying café au lait or sipping pastis in the shadow of authors we have read, walking in the footsteps of great artists, touring, shopping, wining (including wine tasting at an ancient vineyard) and dining (including a cooking class in Provence), and relaxing. Call your bestie and  come if you can. It’s going to be superbe, magnifique, and fantastique … and if you can’t go with us, rest assured I’ll be writing about it  to share here with all of you.

We’ll be here …

EZE – PSandsPhotos

And here …

Nice,FR – PSandsPhotos

And here …

Monaco-PSandsPhotos

And in the countryside of Provence strolling streets like these …

Provence-PSandsPhotos
Provence-PSandsPhotos

Visiting places like this …

Antibes-PSandsPhotos
Marché Provençal-PSandsPhotos

And taking endless photos of these

Valbonne-PSandsPhotos

Tempting? There’s more info on my website too. Click here if you would like to see it.

Keep dreaming. Keep believing. Keep writing. You just never know …

What are the lows and highs of the yin and yang in your creative process? How do you find the balance for which we all search? Share your dreams. What doors have opened for you?You know we care.

Villefranche-Sur-Mer – PSandsPhotos

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Filed Under: Blog, France, If it is France... Tagged With: Antibes, Cote D'Azur, follow your dreams, France, French Riviera, friendship, Nice, Patricia Sands, Provence, The Bridge Club, the power of friendship, travel, Uniglobe Instant Travel, Women, writing

In search of the perfect chèvre …

November 3, 2012 by Patricia Sands Leave a Comment

If it’s Friday, it must be France …

When we lived in Antibes for five months in 2011 …  *pause briefly here while I weep and wail quietly lament we are not there now* … pardon my sniffling … okay, I’ve pulled myself together …

To continue … our favourite fromagier, Jacques, at the daily Provençal market in Antibes suggested a few places to visit to see how chèvre or goat cheese was produced in the traditional way.

With dear friends visiting us, we left behind the sparkling Mediterranean, passed through grape-laden vineyards preparing for the September Vendange (harvest), and headed into the countryside of Provence. It wasn’t long before we were twisting and turning our way through the narrow mountain range of the Luberon.

Luberon-PSandsPhotos
Luberon-PsandsPhotos
Luberon-PSandsPhotos

Our destination was a remote ferme-auberge (farm-inn), Le Castelas, located next to the tiny village of Sivergues (population approximately 40, we were told). Perched at 1935 feet, Sivergues is said to be the highest village in the Luberon and is a popular hiking destination. History records that in the 16th century a group of persecuted Protestants called the Waldensians hid in this area, fleeing from massacres that killed about 3,000 people in the Luberon. Imagine the stories those cobblestone lanes might tell.

Sivergues-PSandsPhotos

The writer in me wanted to stop, explore, make notes, take photos. My traveling companions were starving … hunger won out. The remoteness of the area became more apparent. Were we really on the right road? Was that bottom sign misspelled? Should we follow it instead of the directions we had?

Luberon-PSandsPhotos

The next sign, which we passed before I could snap a photo, said “fin de la route” (end of the road). We bumped along as the dirt road grew increasingly narrower, as did our confidence in the directions. Stomachs were grumbling.

Road to Le Castelas-PSandsPhotos

And suddenly we were there. Sweeping views to the west and rugged rock formations to the east filled a spectacular panorama of this part of the Grand Luberon.

Le Castelas-PSandsPhotos
Le Castelas-PSandsPhotos

Goats in rich shades of amber, beige and chocolate brown grazed in a large meadow to one side of us, some looking up with bright-eyed curiosity as we wandered into their space.

Le Castelas-PSandsPhotos

To the other side, the most gigantic pigs I have ever seen snuffled in the dirt, undoubtedly searching for tasty tubors and roots. (“Lunch,” muttered a ravenous voice in the back seat.)

Le Castelas-PSandsPhotos

The structures of Le Castelas include a large, rambling stone farmhouse/barn and several outbuildings, some dating to the 16thC. We ambled down the lane, immediately intrigued.

Le Castelas-PSandsPhotos
Le Castelas-PSandsPhotos

Combine the setting, the history, the rustic charm of Le Castelas and the delicious meal served and you have a most unique dining experience. On fine days, guests are served on long wooden trestle tables set in the fields in the midst of the goats and the breathtaking scenery.The weather was cool and windy when we arrived so we ate indoors, with cheery service provided by the owners, in a cavern-like room built of stone centuries ago.

Le Castelas-PSandsPhotos

Forget the Michelin star meals! This was the most basic and yet simply scrumptiously delicious food, organically produced on this farm, served on wooden board platters cut from the surrounding forest. The meal: fresh greens tossed with vinaigrette with warm chèvre on toasted baguette, thinly-sliced cured ham, and a selection of at least ten types of chèvre  (young and old) accompanied by a small bowl of divine lavender honey. The ham, goat cheese, freshly baked bread and honey  were all from this farm. Dessert was a tasty tarte aux pommes straight from the oven.

Le Castelas-PSandsPhotos
LeCastelas-PSandsPhotos
Le Castelas-PSandsPhotos

Sigh … just another day in the south of France! MAGNIFIQUE!

What memorable day trips have you taken that ended with a meal like no other? Let’s hear about it!

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Filed Under: Blog, France, If it is France... Tagged With: Antibes, chèvre, Cote D'Azur, follow your dreams, French Riviera, goats, Le Castelas, living in the south of France, Patricia Sands, Provence, Sivergues, the power of friendship

Coming up for air …

September 11, 2012 by Patricia Sands Leave a Comment

While I’ve been working on the revisions for my next novel, I’ve also been preparing for an exciting speaking event coming up soon. No wonder my e-mail box is overflowing and I’m waaaay behind on all the blogs I love to follow. Sorry, gang, I’ll get caught up … sometime …

The fourth annual Power Of The Purse one-day women’s conference will be held on Thursday, September 27th in London, Ontario, not far from Toronto.

This high-energy and enjoyable day celebrates all women including those making an impact in the corporate world, women as creative forces in the arts world, as researchers and healers in healthcare and as generous philanthropists helping those in need.

A local non-profit charity is supported through this event and the important work of Anago’s Parkhill Therapeutic Residence is being spotlighted this year. Anago serves complex needs girls requiring protection, youth at risk with the law, and individuals with developmental challenges who may also be medically fragile. Kudos to them for all they do to make the community a better place to live!

I’m honoured to be among the dynamic … oh yes, we all are, honest! …  presenters for the day along with my fabulous friend and speaking partner,  Susan Sommers, co-author of the ‘must-have’ fitness book Power Source For Women.

Although Susan and I write in very different genres, our messages are based on the same philosophy.  We focus on women’s stories and  celebrate how they empower and support each other through the connections they make.

Our presentation reaches women of all ages with a message about fitness, friendship and the potential and possibilities change can offer at every stage in life.  Be a possibilitarian (thank you Amber West!) and make life the very best it can be!

The best part for us is having the opportunity to hear the incredible stories of other women. They inspire and motivate us every single time we are asked to speak! We love it!

Later in the day the Conference Centre is transformed into the popular Vendor Networking Marketplace showcasing local entrepreneurs and their products and services.  It is a terrific chance to connect, support and learn who is doing what in your community … okay … and to indulge in a little retail therapy too!

If you live in the area, we hope we’ll see you there. It’s going to be a blast!

Have you attended a conference like this? What was the most important part of the day … and not just those fabulous earrings you couldn’t resist!

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Filed Under: Blog, News, Social issues Tagged With: 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist, 2012 Indie Excellence Book Awards - Finalist, Cynthia O'Neill, friendship, London Ontario, Patricia Sands, Power Of The Purse, Power Source For Women, Susan Sommers, The Bridge Club, the power of friendship, the value of laughter, Women

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