Category: Savoring the Olde Ways (Page 6 of 9)
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
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.
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
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.
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 18th), and my grand (virtual) book launch will be coming up this next week on September 3rd 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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
Official Virtual Book Launch
September 3, 2020 – 5pm
I am thrilled to announce that my official “Launch Date” for this
book is September 3rd 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.
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.)
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)
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”
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!)
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 15th. 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?
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.
