Life, death....and unanswered questions.

Something profoundly sad and tragic happened in our neighbourhood this week....something so sad that I am hesitant posting about it.

It is heart wrenching...I'll be brief.

A young girl took her own life, the family lives across the street, the police were knocking on doors, the police dogs were checking the neighbourhood for clues...she was found, but too late.

Many questions remain, many will be unanswered.

I left a bouquet of flowers and a note at their front door, it is too soon to disturb, and I was unprepared should I confront the grieving parents.

I cannot fathom the depth of grief they are experiencing and I want to scream out "WHY?"

Are there lessons to be learned here?

Did this young girl fall beneath the radar at school?

Could we as a society have prevented this?

How did we fail her?

It takes a village to raise a child.

African Proverb

Lingerie day, an intimate affair.

This afternoon I continued my quest shopping the small independent retailer.....this time a fabulous lingerie shop!
I received personal service, did not have to guess my size, or go back and forth from the change room to the showroom. The sales clerk knew what would work for me and what would not and she brought in a variety of choices and helped me get the best fit. It was a relaxing and enjoyable experience. I have been shopping at this same store for about 20 years and I have never had a problem. The costs of the garments are dear but with careful hand washing they stay looking new for years.

I purchased a lovely set, bra and panties by Prima Donna as seen here...Chocolate brown and pink

After reading Jamie Cat Callan's book French Women Don't Sleep Alone I realized that my arsenal was in need of an update...so lingerie day was scheduled and it was a huge success!

I usually shop twice a year for several basic bras and panties and am happy with the performance of the higher end quality companies that they carry.

My other set is basic but lovely and I think everyone needs a bra that disappears underneath a Tee shirt or top,  Rosa Faia Kelly

I use my Aveda shampure to wash my delicates...fill the sink with warm water squirt in a pump of shampoo and let soak and after 5 minutes, gently swish around and then rinse in warm water hang in shower to dry overnight...easy peasy.

And while we were out this afternoon my dear mom wanted to treat me to something in appreciation for the homemade chicken soups, errand running, book loaning and visits during her recent illness. I attempted to avoid the gift but when my mother has her mind set on something it does not do to argue, so graciously I accepted and this jacket was said "gift"...lightweight, will go with lots of colors, and a great little travelling piece (I am heading to Seattle in March) not expensive (just over $100) and totally fun.
The color does not show well in the photo, it is a neutral pea green goldish amber mettalic, even harder to describe with words than the camera!!

Mom and I enjoyed afternoon tea and scones in an English style tea garden, my treat, as we were parched and in dire need of restoration after our expedition.

Do you frequent small retailers? Do they greet you in recognition? 

Are you happy with the service received or does that even factor in your decision of where to shop?

I choose yellow because....it just makes scents!

Did you know that the yellow primulas are the only ones that have scent?

I have 2 in a planter in front of my humble bungalow and the scent is very aromatic, so much so, that people comment and look around to find the source of the scent when they are coming up the steps!

On a whim to explore and get to know the small specialty shops in my city...

 I set out to re-acquaint myself with a French themed shop where I had purchased the Toile du Jouy bedding for the guest room and found a variety of decorative and sumptuous luxuries within.

I discovered the wonderful French aromatic diffusers by Lothantique, I chose "Wood" as it felt earthy and simple.

I have placed it in my main bathroom and am enjoying the subtle aroma radiating from the reeds.

  

Lothantique Reed diffuser

I have a Lampe Berger in the bungalow kitchen as we do not have a fan.

 I put it into service whenever I cook up a curry or fish.

 These small but mighty Lampes are surprisingly efficient at ridding the air of any strong smells.

They are available in a wide range of fragrances as well as unscented and neutral.

I was fortunate to get out of the store without completely emptying my wallet...very tempting treasures within the walls that called out to me. I did purchase that lovely green distressed pot in which the yellow primula proudly sits. I also bought some French lavender soaps, a Toile du Jouy sachet, and a scented candle. 

Shopping as a recreation is a dangerous thing...granted, it can be a sweet diversion or an uplifting experience but it can also become habit forming. I fear that I have a tendency to be weak in that department, instant gratification seems like a tonic of sorts...

Do you shop only for things that are needed or for fun? 

Do you have favourite shops that feed your soul?

Do you have a weakness in the retail arena?

I gravitate to soaps, shoes, scarves, handbags, sparkles, flowers.

What calls to you, buy me, buy me?

Are you strong or do you give in?

Monday evening visit, laundry, dinner and daughter...rituals I savour.

 Monday evenings are very special here in the Humble Bungalow.

Lovely daughter comes for dinner, and she brings along her laundry.

We watch our "guilty pleasure" The Batchelor and sip bubbly.

Last evening, Mr. HB supplied a lovely champagne and the taste was soft and smooth. We sip from crystal flutes, our wedding crystal, Flamenco by Zweisel...not made anymore. Did I mention that we are in our 36th year of marriage?

We ate caesar salad, and spicy Italian chicken sausage in tomato sauce over pasta. Lovely daughter made the pasta and sauce. She is a very good cook!

Caesar salad is one of my favorite salads to make and eat. I never tire of it, and fortunately for me, my family love it as well!

Bungalow Caesar Salad

Fresh washed and torn romaine heads 2-3 depending on size of lettuce in a large bowl. 

1 cup of Croutons

 I make my own croutons by slicing thick pieces of a baguette and sauteeing in butter and a fresh minced clove of garlic. Cook only until golden, let cool.

Whisk together with Braun style hand mixer in tall splatter proof jar or container:

1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard, 1-2 chopped anchovies, 1-2 drops of Tabasco, 2 tbsp. wine vinegar, salt, pepper.

When blended add in a steady stream 1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil blend until creamy and pour onto lettuce, toss and add 1/2 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Cooking French avec mes amis....

Winemakers Soup

from the French Market Cookbook

This could be a meal on it's own but we served it as a first course.

We used all the kitchen counters in our 5 course meal preparations.

Gin and tonic to keep the galley slaves happy!

Our appetizers were olives, asparagus tapenaude, bread, and 3 cheeses.

Red Leistershire, aged goat cheese from Quebec, and La Sauvagine by Portneuf.

On the menu

Appetizers as above

Winemakers Soup

Grilled Tuna Steaks on white beans

Caesar Salad

Pumpkin flans

Chocolates

Our weekend guests have left and I am sipping tea, have caught up on my blog reading and am comtemplating a nap!

There was fun and laughter, good food, and much (too much!) wine.

We nibbled Bernard Calibeau chocolates and saw our friends amazing photos from Paris and Auvilar.

I received the autographed copy of French Women Don't Sleep Alone, a mustard yellow French shopping mesh bag from Paris, and some French food delicacies.

I must away as Jamie Cat Callan's book is calling....