bon anniversaire

Today is (near) the first anniversary of the GBC blog. I feel honored to have been able to contribute as the voice for this period of time - thank you.

In a continued sense of ramblings, I finished Emma this morning, and it was lovely to be reading Austen on the train which was (mostly) quiet and picturesque. I had marked a few of my favorite quotes as they seemed apt to my current station (if you will forgive the double meaning): "Perfect happiness, even in memory, is not common," and in another locale, "Fine dancing, I believe, like virtue, must be its own reward." Both of these gems were thought and spoken, respectively, by our dear leading lady.

Though perhaps I should have begun our official April read, I have instead dedicated time today to Madame Bovary in a nod to my recent journey. Bon courage!

All For One

There are those occasions when you prepare for an event only to find the destination under construction. So it was with the journey to Auch to see the statue of d'Artagnan. We were 35 meters above the river Gers and 374 steps removed from the banks. Nevertheless, with the sun at my back and drinking water awaiting post-climb, I made the journey up the temporary arrangement which allowed the viewing of the original construction of archways for fountains.

Sometimes a trip is worth the value of its destination. At other times, it is the journey which makes the memory. So it has been with me. "I've come to Paris to join the Musketeers."

Life is Like a Butterfly

My focus the last two days has been the brochures of local happenings during these last days in Southwest France. There are so many things to see and to enjoy. The weather is again lovely after a few days of rain. As I sit on the sofa with a black cat at my side and a fire in the hearth, I feel fortunate for the people I have met and for the experiences during my travels.

Emma is waiting to be finished with Madame Bovary next in line. I also have a renewed interest in Three Musketeers after discovering that a statue of d'Artagnan rests in nearby Auch. [I would also like to note that I have yet to charge my electronic reader - thank you neighbor for the tip on "wireless off" to prolong the battery. In equal fairness, I should also admit that my reading has been relegated to less time than my norm due to my typically long and physical days.] I look forward to the characters I have yet to meet.

Hey Pilgrim

The readers "on the ground" report that April's meeting to discuss Half Broke Horses was another success. In keeping with the book's theme, GBC Bill prepared a menu of pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, and cornbread to name just a few of the dishes to grace the table. In a nod to our January read, the baked beans were de la façon de Julia Child with one change for thematic accuracy. Readership of the book was high despite apparent lack of interest by GBC E.

Your cultural awareness link today is inspired from two pilgrims following the route of Santiago de Compostela in homage to St. James (Saint Jacques). The route has received acknowledgement as a World Heritage Site and each year, thousands make the trek, many with official credencials which would allow travelers to have free refuge on their journey. The French symbol/medallion is the coquille de Saint Jacques (seashell). A nearby church is included on this path.

Special thanks for GBC Paige and GBC Kim for updates on the meeting and to Salemtown Mike for a question on language leading to a turn of phrase above. Please forgive the Wiki link, however I found it be rather good English overview.