While shopping in a wonderful little shop in Howell, Michigan last weekend, I came across a cup full of these little paper flags.
They reminded me of a summer spent in France, years ago.
Memories flooded back.....my late husband and I spending time with his family.
We were so young, 19 and 20, on break from college that summer.
Meeting his relatives for the first time.
They owned three homes.
One in Paris, one in the country, and one on the Normandy Beaches.
Seeing all of the sights in Paris was like a dream for me.
You learn about such things in school, but never think you will ever see places like that in your whole life!
Patrick was used to it all....being there several times since childhood.
Spending time in the country, seeing all of the vineyards was amazing!
Tonton and Tantine had a huge garden that they used for preparing meals.
Tonton was our tour guide inside, and outside of Paris.
My favorite place was Deauville, on the Normandy Beaches (on the English Channel).
We spent hours around the simple table, in mismatched chairs....eating, drinking wine, and talking and laughing while the sea air came in through the open windows.
As you walked up the winding staircase to the bedrooms, you could still see the chips in the walls where the butts of the German's rifles gouged the plaster as they searched the cottages during the War.
I asked why the plaster was never replaced. Mamme' said it was left as a reminder of the cruelty of war, and hopefully it would never be repeated.
Funny how something so small, and insignificant to some, would cause a lifetime of memories to flood into my brain for just a matter of minutes.
I'm glad I found that little paper flag. It brought joy to my heart.
I hope something fills your heart with joy this weekend!
Debbie
xoxoxo
