Gratitude...

As of today, it's been 5 months since I returned to France.  I checked in at 3 months and wrote a quick post for this blog and then got busy at the 4th month mark while visiting Antwerp in Belgium.  It's gorgeous by the way.  Thinking about today, I decided to take a break and be grateful.  Well, I also made some killer mashed potatoes and enjoyed scrumptious wild mushrooms with my mom and uncle for lunch. So afterwards I started to write this post and list all the things I am grateful for.  Then I was talking with mom and realized even more how fortunate I am...  She reminded me of the high death toll and the missing persons caused by the horrible devastating fires happening in California.  I didn't know what to do..  Should I post this while people are loosing loved ones and everything they worked for and a beautiful land I've loved so much is being destroyed?  A feeling of sadness came over me...  At the same time, it really made me feel even more grateful to have all these wonderful things.  But my heart is aching for my old sweet home and my prayers are with you there.

So here is my not-so-humble-but-all-so-true list because things can disappear in a moment so I'll be grateful for what I have now:

• I get to wake up everyday on the French Riviera and it is just beautiful.
• My family is geographically close now and I get to know more parts of it too!
• I'm able to help my sick uncle and my mom, visit my aunt, spend time and sometimes help my cousins.  They all help me a lot as well and I'm very grateful for that.
• My godfather rocks.
• I live in the house I grew up in.
• I love to hear my uncle's endless stories.  They are something else and pretty funny.  He's got some good jokes too.
• I like when his friends come and visit him.  Especially when they bring delicious wild mushrooms (sanguins).
• I eat some awesome foods.  All the time!
• My mom gave me this old truly amazing electric potato ricer that makes the best mashed potatoes!  Which we had for lunch with a bit of butter, cream cheese, cream, garlic, almond milk and chives.  They were delicious.
• I get to spend time with my mom and help her.  It makes her very happy.
• I'm reconnecting with old friends and it is so nice.
• I've been able to spend time with some of my American friends and we went to 4 countries, Bordeaux, Carcassonne and Paris.
• I got to work with my cousins in Marrakech.  They are amazing!  Go Roni Fleurs, Go!!
• I visited 9 countries this year.
• Gloria, I'm very grateful for Gloria.  She's been taking care of Califrench Cuisine in Orange County.  She's doing an awesome job and everyone is happy!
• We've had a lot of rain lately (I wish I could send some to California...) and today it stopped and it was a pleasant day. Of course, after the rain come the mushrooms my uncle's friend brought from the mountains. I know I'm talking about mushrooms again, but they were so good!!!  They are called sanguins and just sautéed with a bit of oil with garlic and parsley they are the best!!! My mom is also prepping some to be preserved in olive oil.  Which by the way, was given to us from Tunisia. Is this enough food talk for a food blog? 😝
• I have time to rest.  Which I need because travelling can be exhausting. 😉
• I have health insurance, it is free and sooooo much better than the one I had in the states!
• You.  I'm grateful for you since you are here and still reading this...  Thank you!

I don't mean to brag really, especially while I'm thinking of the Golden State... but sometimes, you have to stop and look at what you have and in my case, it's a lot.  Of course, nothing is perfect but doesn't it sound like it is?! 😎

I hope you too can write a list like this and that your family and friends are safe and healthy.  It's good sometimes to take the time to stop and be thankful.   Thanksgiving is coming, it might be a good time to make a list and check it twice...

With love,

Caroline

The best potato ricer ever!!

The Sanguins

Chive Mashed Potato and Sanguins for lunch

Wedding in Marrakech by Roni Fleurs

Wedding in Marrakech by Roni Fleurs

Wedding in Marrakech by Roni Fleurs

Lunch at Le P'tit Cageot in Antibes