Bonjour-Bonjour,
Just an average stroll in the South of Franceā¦ magical birds, magical umbrellas, and a little touristy photo-opp!
Wishing us all a bright year ahead! Loads of love and loads of chances for the do-over, which may be my favorite thingā¦
ā¦
This is the view from our chambre. Our neighbor regularly pauses for a smoke and a gander at the street below.
He reminds me of this gorgeous poem, On Friendship. What I love about itā¦ the do-over. The poem tells us, if weāve made a mistake and sent our friend on his way, thereās a chance to undo the slight, to make things right again. āā¦regain your composure after a moment, And run to the window and shout his name.ā
Thatās the energy I crave heading into 2026. I am a mistake maker, but I can (and do) circle back. Damnā¦ the circling back is so important.
Sending you so much love.
On Friendship
by Hagit Grossman, translated from the Hebrew by Benjamin BalintIf a friend calls out to you late at night from beneath your window
Never send him on his way. And if youāve sent him away and still
Insist on rigid rules, regain your composure after a moment
And run to the window and shout his name: āCome, Merhav!
Come back! Iāve got some corn cooking! Come eat something.ā
And heāll placidly retrace his steps and gladly accept
The key you toss down from your window,(PLEASE, keep reading here. I donāt think Iām allowed to post the entire poem. And, here are the final lines to tempt you furtherā¦)
ā¦ go out to the balcony and light a cigarette and sip
A cold beer. You donāt yet realize
That this is a sublime moment in your life.
One of the most sublime youāll ever know.ā¦
Thank you for being a part of my life. If youāre not yet a paid subscriber and you wish to send a little love my way:
If you missed the last few jewelsā¦ no fear! Here are a few everyone seemed to love: re: coffee cups. beans. boobs. doors. mistakes.
To stay in the loop:
Stanley at the sea:
Tell your people you love them, and take care of your skin!
The friendship poem is so real and so lovely-- thanks for sharing the importance of connecting--often in unexpected ways! And your life and musings from France are always delicious!
Thank you for this post; the poem was wonderful and just the thing. Exactly what I want to bring into 2026. Happy New Year!