Bastille Day

Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité National motto of France July 14th was La Fête Nationale for France.  Also known as Bastille Day, this national holiday celebrates France’s freedom from monarchial rule and coincides with the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, a large French jail that was a symbol of the King’s power. Very similar to… Read More

Saudades

Letters mingle souls. –John Donne This morning I pulled out a small box of treasures from a shelf in my closet. Cherished remembrances of friends, events, family, loves and experiences are packed tight and bound with ribbon.  Old letters, cards, photographs, journals, postcards and stamps from far away places, poems and notes scribbled on random… Read More

Talking Timbuktu in Buenos Aires

For some people, when you say ‘Timbuktu’ it is like the end of the world, but that is not true.  I am from Timbuktu, and I can tell you we are right at the heart of the world.  –-Ali Farka Touré One of my favorite music albums is Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Touré with… Read More

Rioja Wine

“There are no standards of taste in wine, cigars, poetry, prose, etc. Each man’s own taste is the standard, and a majority vote cannot decide for him or in any slightest degree affect the supremacy of his own standard.” –Mark Twain, 1895 “One not only drinks wine, one smells it, observes it, tastes it, sips… Read More

Tomato-Mint Quinoa Salad

As a vegetarian, I’m always on the lookout for healthy and delicious recipes, especially ones that are quick and easy to prepare.  One of my favorites is this fantastic Tomato-Mint Quinoa Salad.  The blend of flavors and textures combined with quinoa* make a very interesting and refreshing side dish for summer.  I hope you love… Read More