Though I am no longer officially in France, I thought now would be the perfect time to give thanks. For the first time in years, I am in Canada for my favourite holiday: Thanksgiving.
What’s not to love about a holiday that is basically a festival of food? It’s a celebration of the harvest bounty. There is no fat guy absurdly stuffing himself through a chimney with a sack of goodies. No pressure to buy useless gifts for people that neither need nor want them. No songs or forced festiveness. It’s just about food, eating, sharing and giving thanks. What could be better?
I love autumn, both here and in France. The colours of the leaves change, the air is crisp but the sun still hot. And seeing heaps of gorgeous gourds, pumpkins and other colourful treats is a sight for sore eyes. Autumn is a sensorial feast.
I am thankful for a great many things, and it’s important in this life to have gratitude. I am grateful for all the years I’ve been able to share my time between France and Canada. It’s like having two lives, each entirely different from the other, each providing something wonderful and heartwarming. I am grateful for all the amazing food I have at my fingertips all summer long in Provence, and I am grateful for all of the people I love here, in France and throughout the world that make my life so special.
So enjoy your big turkey, stuffed full of delicious goodness. I know I will. And thank you all for being a part of my life.
