We did it! We are finally in the last month of 2020 – the year that was – or wasn’t, depending on how you experienced it. I do hope you took time to write down the changes that you and your family underwent, as this was a year for the record books. And your own records and observations count. You see, we all have stories to write and to tell.

Let me give you an example. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and even though this was a strange and silent holiday for many during the pandemic, one of my true treasures—pure pleasures—was digging through old recipe cards where I could light on one written in my mother’s script. What a joy to behold! To physically move my finger across her very words brought back such nostalgia and sweet memories—a physical connection to brighter moments. With her recipe in hand, I was able to recreate that treasure from my past which was worth all the energy it took to prepare the entire meal. You see, memory comes in so many ways—through reading, touch, smell, and taste, for instance. And cooking our family’s favorite traditional foods can only bring pure delight and a treasured note or recipe from the past is handed on to our future generations.

So, today, I am not only encouraging you to buy and read books—I’m an writer, so that’s a must—but I also would like to nurture your interest in writing–writing recipes, letters, notes, daily journals and all written down by long hand.  You see, our future generations will never see the physical emails you’ve typed or even be able to discern your handwriting once you’re gone, so consider leaving a physical record that they too can embrace.

Now, as I have mentioned in past newsletters, I am still in the throes of completing the third book in my Savoring the Olde Ways series. It is my first book on culinary travel through Italy. The book is entitled, A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table. As you can imagine, I have a plethora of Italian recipes that could use a bit of a once through. If you are interested in testing one or two dishes from a list of the nineteen Italian recipes from all five regions I travel through in the book, just email me at: carolebumpus@gmail.com  We had such great fun with the last book when eighty-two of you tested my French recipes. And, as you may remember, many of you now have your names in the back of Book Two, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table in the Acknowledgement section.

And. if you would like to pre-order the Italian book now, just click on the link below. It will be delivered to you in April 2021.

Available now for pre-order here

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Armchair Travelers:
Speaking of Books One and Two of the French series, a delicious romp through the French countryside, I am offering a holiday combo special for the true Francophiles who missed out on their trip this year to France. I am offering both books at a holiday special discounted price. This will be for a short time only. Instead of purchasing each for the normal $16.95 + tax price, I will offer both books for a total of $30 withfree shipping and handling. Just click on the link below and let me know if you would like these books shipped to you, a friend or to a family member as a gift. Also, if you would like them inscribed, please let me know.

Order Your Holiday Special

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Also, if your book club is interested in getting together for a book/cooking event, I would love meeting with you all on Zoom, as we can make it such fun! Go to my website at: www.carolebumpus.com to leave a message, or contact me at carolebumpus@gmail.com I’m always just an email away!

      HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

 Happy Veterans Day! At a time when our country teeters on the words surrounding ‘patriotism’, I would like to acknowledge that this is one day worthy of celebration. So, why do I, an author of French and Italian culinary travel memoirs, choose to celebrate this particular holiday? Well, let me explain.

When I began to travel through Europe, I interviewed families about their traditions along with their favorite family recipes and histories. Invariably their story of war seeped out. Why was this, I wondered? What did this have to do with how people live their lives today? I found that there was, indeed, a direct correlation between a family’s survival during wartime to the dinner that was placed on the table each night. When you live with war on your doorstep, you never forget the terror, the fear, the loss of family members, and the deprivation one experiences. And you instill in those generations who succeed you, the values and lessons learned during those horrific times! You never forget!

I am not saying here that this was something each interviewee overtly expressed. But, over the course of time, and over seventy-five interviews in both France and Italy, it became a clear voice of direction. Family is of utmost importance; never take them for granted. Family time is sacrosanct!

And, along with these words of wisdom and understanding, they also expressed their profound gratitude to our U.S. veterans who fought so bravely for their freedom—now, over seventy-five years ago. It was with these words, John Shirley, a dear friend and a U.S. Army World War II veteran, encouraged me to “continue my research” and accompany their contingent of veterans and families on two separate tours on their ‘liberation route’ from the south of France, up the Rhone River and into Strasbourg. Those trips took place in 2009 and 2014 and proved to be monumental experiences. The French taught me how to value and appreciate our own U.S. veterans. And, also, family.

Now, unfortunately, many of those veterans have passed on. But, to John Shirley, the remaining stalwart soul, I raise my glass, and salute him. I celebrate him as the ‘hero’ he is and was to all those French men, women, and children we all were introduced to. And, from all of us within the United States, I say, ‘thank you!’ John.

For more about my previous posts celebrating our venerable veterans, CLICK HERE
 

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As to the activities I’ve been involved in with my latest book, there have been a flurry of podcasts and blog posts written. And, near the end of October, I was featured on a Crowdcast with a lovely bookstore in Wake Forest, N.C. called Page 158 Bookstore.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RECORDING OF THIS EVENT

So, what am I writing now? Actually, I am just finishing up Book Three of my Savoring the Olde Ways series. It’s my first foray into Italy and is called A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table.

It is due out April 27, 2021, and is already up on Amazon as a pre-order.

Available now for pre-order here

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 What a strange time we live in where we can not travel to the grocery store, much less across the world without taking major precautions. Hopefully, we will be coming up and out of this experience stronger than before and more focused on all we want to accomplish. But, until then . . . 

  Let me offer you the opportunity to join me as an “armchair traveler” as I take you to regions, cities and villages across France. My second book in the Savoring the Olde Ways series was released (August 18^th), and my grand (virtual) book launch will be coming up this next week on September 3^rd at 5pm PDT.  Hosted by Books, Inc. in Palo Alto and in conversation with author and editor, Darlene Frank, together, we will be ‘zooming’ from my kitchen. So, be sure to wear your best apron and bring a glass of wine to cheer on this new adventure. Be sure to sign up through Books, Inc. – no cost to attend, but you will be given a password and an opportunity to purchase my book, if desired.

            This newest book, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table is, like I said, the second book of the series. This is also the second half of a journey that I take you, along with Josiane, my French friend and friendly guide, north from Paris to Dunkirk in the Pas-de-Calais region, west to Le Havre, Rouen and all the way to Mont. St. Michel in Normandy, before dropping down to Quimper and Vannes in Brittany. Then, we’ll head east to Angers and Chinon in the Loire Valley, then end up into the heart of the nation in Auvergne to Evaux-les-Bains and Fontènaire. At every home or bed and breakfast we stay in, you will meet family members, friends and acquaintances (plus truffle dogs) who will share with you not only their favorite family recipes, but also their rich traditions. And, of course, their beloved family stories.   

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 And for those of you who would like to try your hand at some of the recipes, you will find eighteen traditional “cuisine pauvre’ recipes at the end of the book, along with an acknowledgement to all those who helped me test the recipes in my ‘virtual test kitchen’ during this pandemic.

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Praise for Book Two 

• Seattle Book Review  “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.” 
• Kirkus Reviews called it a “ . . . straightforward narrative (that) delivers vivid imagery of both the surroundings and the people…An engaging gastronomic presentation of French history and culture.” 
• The Good Life France raved, saying, “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!” 
• Foreword Clarion Reviews stated “Book Two is an eloquent melting pot of a travel memoir, concerned with cuisine and culture, too. Picking up from where the first book ended, Bumpus continues moving through France to write about families, food, and traditional values . . .They travel through Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Normandy, Brittany, the Loire Valley, and Auvergne, meeting with a variety of memorable people as they taste and discover traditional recipes and unravel the mystery surrounding Josiane’s family history . . . Bumpus’ prose is lyrical, conveying the romance of France in each location, interview, and observation . . . Bumpus’ attention to detail creates a rich sense of people and places. The food that Bumpus tastes and writes about is unforgettable, thanks to the array of included recipes with unusual names . . .In among the geography, history, and food are human stories of belonging and connection . . .” 
• Story Circle Book Reviews – “…her conversational style easily draws the reader into the experience. An enjoyable book for those interested in France, WWII, and French food.” 
• The Columbia Reviews – “5 Stars – Title: A French culinary extravaganza! I have eagerly awaited this, the second part of Carole Bumpus’ culinary tour searching for family and traditions at the French table, and I was not disappointed . . . For those of us who love France and also who have a deep respect and interest in the tales of the older generations, this book is a real gem. Carole and Josiane are invited into many households on their travels, and they provide wonderful snapshots of the families, their history and that of the regions. The book is overflowing with descriptions of the wonderful regional produce and tales of times gone by . . . This book captures the French people, their love of family and friends, their generosity, and their passion for sharing good quality fresh local food. The author has generously ended the book with a collection of some of the wonderful recipes for us to enjoy making in our kitchens, whilst embracing the flavors and traditions of French family life . . . Throughout it, however, the devastating effect the World Wars have reeked on families, and communities is heart-breaking. Yet despite this these people have survived and carried on with fortitude. The tragedies have given strength to this nation, emboldened them with incredible comradeship, and inspired the bravery of the resistance.  In conclusion, I would highly recommend this excellent book, and I am sure it will be enjoyed by anyone loving, France, cooking, traditions, and history.

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Recent Podcasts and Posts

• An American Friend in Paris – Terrance Gelenter – podcast  

• National Association of Memoir Writers with Linda Joy Myers – Virtual Book Club – podcast

•   Marion Roach Smith – The Memoir Project: “Writing Lessons: What is a Culinary Travel Memoir?    

• Kathy Pooler – Memoir Writers Journey: “Culinary Journey through France” 

• Women Writers Women’s Books: A Cooking Tour of Provençe   

• Radio Program With PatZi – August 27, 2020 Joy on Paper

It’s official! Today is the pub date of my latest book in the Savoring the Olde Ways series. My book, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, Book Two is now available for sale at any, and all bookstores world-wide.  

(Now available for ordering)

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Advance Praise for Book Two

Kirkus Reviews called it a “ . . . straightforward narrative (that) delivers vivid imagery of both the surroundings and the people…An engaging gastronomic presentation of French history and culture.” 

The Good Life France raved, saying, “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!” 

Foreword Clarion Reviews stated “Book Two is an eloquent melting pot of a travel memoir, concerned with cuisine and culture, too. Picking up from where the first book ended, Bumpus continues moving through France to write about families, food, and traditional values . . .They travel through Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Normandy, Brittany, the Loire Valley, and Auvergne, meeting with a variety of memorable people as they taste and discover traditional recipes and unravel the mystery surrounding Josiane’s family history . . . Bumpus’ prose is lyrical, conveying the romance of France in each location, interview, and observation . . . Bumpus’ attention to detail creates a rich sense of people and places. The food that Bumpus tastes and writes about is unforgettable, thanks to the array of included recipes with unusual names . . .In among the geography, history, and food are human stories of belonging and connection . . .” 

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

The Columbia Reviews – “5 Stars – Title: A French culinary extravaganza! I have eagerly awaited this, the second part of Carole Bumpus’ culinary tour searching for family and traditions at the French table, and I was not disappointed . . . For those of us who love France and also who have a deep respect and interest in the tales of the older generations, this book is a real gem. Carole and Josiane are invited into many households on their travels, and they provide wonderful snapshots of the families, their history and that of the regions. The book is overflowing with descriptions of the wonderful regional produce and tales of times gone by . . . This book captures the French people, their love of family and friends, their generosity, and their passion for sharing good quality fresh local food. The author has generously ended the book with a collection of some of the wonderful recipes for us to enjoy making in our kitchens, whilst embracing the flavors and traditions of French family life . . . Throughout it, however, the devastating effect the World Wars have reeked on families, and communities is heart-breaking. Yet despite this these people have survived and carried on with fortitude. The tragedies have given strength to this nation, emboldened them with incredible comradeship, and inspired the bravery of the resistance.  In conclusion, I would highly recommend this excellent book, and I am sure it will be enjoyed by anyone loving, France, cooking, traditions, and history.

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Official Virtual Book Launch
September 3, 2020 – 5pm

I am thrilled to announce that my official “Launch Date” for this book is September 3^rd at 5 p.m. (PDT) in conjunction with Books, Inc. – Palo Alto. Thank you! Thank you, Books, Inc.  No, we will not be able to meet at the bookstore, as this will be a Zoom event from my kitchen, where I will be in conversation with good friend and editor, Darlene Frank. Please join us, all decked out in your finest apron and holding your favorite glass of wine, as we will chat and toast this most auspicious day! (In normal times at book events, I would be serving you French champagne and amuse bouche. (Sigh!) Until we can meet in person, we will celebrate together in pandemic style.)

To join us, be sure to sign up by clicking here

Also, RSVPs to the Books, Inc. event are linked via Eventbrite and include three options: Free, buy Savoring the Olde Ways, or Pay What You Can. If you wish to have your books autographed, I will make arrangements accordingly.

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Recent Podcasts and Posts

• An American Friend in Paris – Terrance Gelenter – podcast  
• National Association of Memoir Writers with Linda Joy Myers – Virtual Book Club – podcast
• Marion Roach Smith – The Memoir Project: “Writing Lessons: What is a Culinary Travel Memoir?   
• Kathy Pooler – Memoir Writers Journey: “Culinary Journey through France” 
• Women Writers Women’s Books: A Cooking Tour of Provençe

July 15, 2020

NEWSLETTER FOR JULY 2020

It was a very busy month of June, and July has proven to be equally busy, despite—or maybe, because of—the continued pandemic restrictions. My real motivator has been “deadlines”. Yes, the weather has been beautiful and balmy, but I battened down the hatches (I was sometimes on our boat), strapped myself to my computer, and tried to ignore cooking. But who can do that with all the delectable seasonal produce calling my name? (Yes, I broke down and made my favorite gazpacho with avocado/jalapeno ice cream. If you would like the recipe, let me know.)

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Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table
Maybe you’ve heard. I have Book Two due to be published August 18, 2020!   (Now available for pre-order)

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Advance Praise for Book Two
“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

Bumpus’ Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table: Book Two is a culinary travelogue of French proportions . . . prose is lyrical, conveying the romance of France in each location, interview, and observation . . .attention to detail creates a rich sense of people and places . . . The food that Bumpus tastes and writes about is unforgettable, thanks to the array of included recipes with unusual names . . .Eloquent and packed with history, geography, and recipes, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table: Book Two is a melting pot text––a travel memoir that’s concerned with cuisine and culture, too.  –Foreword Clarion 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!
–A Good Life France

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

This book captures the French people, their love of family and friends, their generosity, and their passion for sharing good quality fresh local food. The author has generously ended the book with a collection of some of the wonderful recipes for us to enjoy making in our kitchens, whilst embracing the flavors and traditions of French family life.  . . . I would highly recommend this excellent book, and I am sure it will be enjoyed by anyone loving, France, cooking, traditions, and history.  “TheColumbiaReview.com”

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AWARDS FOR BOOK ONE

In May, I was honored to receive the Silver Medal for the Independent Publishers Book Award – Europe – Best Regional Non-Fiction  – the medal arrived mid-June.

And, just when things couldn’t get any more exciting, I received the announcement that I was a Finalist in the Chanticleer Review Awards, also for Book One. The final awards will be announced mid-September at the annual Chanticleer Awards Banquet and Ceremony from Bellingham, WA. I heard it is quite an extravagant affair, but this year it will be held on Zoom.  (BYOB – bring your own banquet!) 

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So, what has been part of my mad cap rush?  What deadlines have been hovering in my midst?  I have Book Three in my Savoring the Olde Ways series, due out next April 2021. This newest one, entitled, A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table is the book which sent me into a tizzy with the final manuscript—due today July 15^th.  Didn’t I just finish editing Book Two? Oh, my!  Yes, these are good problems to have. But without the pandemic keeping me housebound, I can’t imagine how I would have finished these books in time. So, what did I miss? Has the 4th of July come and gone? Is summer over?

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In the interim, I was featured on a podcast at Northern California Public Media (KRCB) in Santa Rosa on a program called ‘A Novel Idea,” along with another author with a culinary bent. This was a preview of Book Two coming out in August:   https://norcalpublicmedia.org/a-novel-idea/a-celebration-of-food-and-family-with-two-award-winning-authors-on-a-novel-idea-sunday-at-10am  Check out the live stream. (I’m about 35 minutes into the hour.)

I hope this newsletter finds you and yours staying safe and appreciating this moment in time. Great change is in the offing and it is up to all of us to help in that creative endeavor. 

June 1, 2020

Timing is everything! And, in my case, it became a blessing! As I was preparing to test the traditional French recipes for my upcoming Book Two of the Savoring the Olde Ways Series, a literal ‘shut-down’ due to the pandemic arrived on my doorstep. The ability to go freely about shopping for ingredients at my favorite markets came to a halt, and I was faced with the prospect of an unmet deadline.

Attempting not to panic, I wrote an SOS in my newsletter—this very newsletter—enlisting help from others sequestered at home. “Would you like to join me in my ‘virtual test kitchen’?” I wrote, not knowing if anyone would respond. But respond, they did. Within less than a week, I had heard from over forty people, and sent out more than eighty copies of the nineteen traditional French recipes which needed to be tested.

Over the course of the past two months, I have received notes, edits, and photos of completed recipes from as far away as England, France, and across the U.S. All, like me, were under quarantine. All, like me, had difficulty finding ingredients. Substitutions, suddenly, became a creative force. But, traditional French recipes, better known as ‘cuisine pauvre’ or peasant dishes, were foods originally prepared from simple ingredients and with what was available. That was the norm. As this simple correlation dawned on me, I realized this experience was a blessing—it brought a better understanding and resonance for the very themes I hold dear in my culinary travel series: family favorites; traditional in nature.

For those of you who took the challenge, I cannot thank you enough—for your time, your consideration, and your perseverance. I could not have completed these tests nor met my deadline without you. (Should I say, you all tested ‘positive’? Maybe not!) Thank you so very much!  I salute you!

My team of ‘virtual test kitchen chefs’ all participated in at least one recipe. (Not all cooks submitted photos, but for those who did, at least one of the recipes is included. If not, let me know, as this list is what will show up in my book, Searching for Family and Tradition at the French Table, Book Two)

Barbara Stark-Nemon, Sandy Turner, Pauline Jones, Linda Ryan, Penny and John Dancer, Sue Lockwood, Adam and Sandi Kahn, LuAnne Graves, Dildar Pisani, Leslie and David Nack,  Patty Corcoran, Sandy Hardaker, Lisa Meltzer Penn, Tina Heffernan, Barbara Artson, Peggy Cohen, Geri Rypkema, Arthur Wood, Paula Cuneo, Bonnie Schmidt, Carol and Tim Petersen, Carolynn Ziance, Karyn Foucher, Liz Allison, Ingrid Pugh, Geri Spieler, Janice and Steve Bell, Megan McDonald, Evelyn La Torre, Robin and Paul Bantz, Pam Copeland, Judy Donohue, Andrew Smith, Shannon Amerman and Tod Klinger

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 (Now available for pre-order) 

A Day of Remembrance and Love
May 1, 2020
MUGUETS – LILLIES OF THE VALLEY

Excerpt from Searching for Family and Traditions
at the French Table, Book Two

Josiane rolled through the main part of the city, Richelieu, then hung a left and headed to the east as we started out of the city. Our time in the Loire Valley was coming to an end.

In the street, next to the curb, two small boys stood near a table set up with an umbrella and two plastic chairs. The smaller boy held a tiny bouquet of flowers in his hands, waving to passersby.

“What are they selling?” I asked, craning my neck in the process.

“His sign says ‘Muguets.’ He is selling lilies-of-the-valley. Oh my, this is May 1, isn’t it? This is a national holiday—Labor Day. Oh, my, this is the day my mother would always send a small bouquet to me.” She hesitated.

“And this is the first year since her death that . . .” Josiane stopped. Tears suddenly appeared, surprising even her.

“Oh, Josiane, I’m so sorry,” I stammered. “I know how much you miss your mother.” She nodded her head.

“What a sweet gesture,” I said, “to send you flowers each May Day.” I paused.

“I, too, have sweet memories of May Day. When we were kids in Nebraska, we used to make May baskets filled with forget-me-knots and candy mints and delivered them to those we loved.

And years later, while traveling with my sister, Melody, in Arles, France, we learned that lilies-of-the-valley were given to those we love. I was surprised when my dear sweet sister purchased a small bouquet–for me. Wait! Stop the car, will you? I want to buy a bouquet.”

Josiane pulled off the main road, and I jumped out of the car and headed directly toward the boys. Suddenly it dawned on me I had no idea what to say. (My French was still deficient.) I turned and humbly waited for Josiane, my intrepid French translator to once again bail me out.

In the meantime, the older boy leaped up from his chair, almost knocking the younger one to the ground in order to reach their prospective customers. Being the big brother—he looked at least seven years old—he must have decided he could handle this sale alone. But upon reaching us, he stood with his hands stuffed up his coat sleeves. It was a chilly morning.

The smaller boy, probably five years old, began to howl after his brother, but swiftly made his way over to us, pushing his brother aside. A thin cardboard sign that hung around his neck, laid limp against his red and blue parka. Prominently displayed on the sign were the words: MUGUET – 2,00 Euro.

In his hand, he clutched a small fistful of flowers. He smiled shyly, revealing a missing tooth, and held the flowers aloft for us to see. And, to smell. We took turns sniffing the delicate scent.

“I have to have a picture of these two,” I said, as I raced back to the car for my camera. “Do you think it would be okay?” I yelled over my shoulder. “Should we check with their mother?”

Josiane, in the meantime, had bent down to talk with the boys. “We would like to buy two bouquets, if you have them. And could you ask your mother if she would give permission to have an American journaliste take your picture?”

“Our picture? By an American?” they said in chorus, their dark blue eyes bulging with excitement.

“Yes, by an American.”

The two almost flattened each other as they scrambled toward the open window overlooking the street. Both bellowed into the window to get their mother’s attention. A curly-haired woman—presumably, their mother—poked her head out from behind the lace curtains. A look of surprise swept her face. Josiane walked over to the window and kindly asked permission from the woman, who smiled and nodded vigorously.

By the time Josiane returned to me, the boys were already posing for the camera. One inched forward, pushing the other behind; the older one ruffled the younger one’s red hair as he squawked in protest; then the older boy poked the younger one’s hand to pull it down and out of sight. The two finally fidgeted into place and faced me, toothed and toothless grins spilling onto my lens, a small forgotten bouquet drooping in one clenched fist. Click!

“Perfect! C’est parfait! Vous êtes adorable,” I said to the boys. I handed them several euros for the flowers. They blushed, then bounded back to their table to fetch the flowers and make change. I waved off the change and turned to hand a bouquet to my dear friend.

“Happy May Day, Josiane,” I said.

“Merci,” said Josiane, accepting my gift. “Isn’t life sweet?”

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It is due to be published in August 2020, and can be pre-ordered here on Amazon