We have always enjoyed a special relationship with France. I began learning French in sixth grade and felt like a different person when I spoke in this chic tongue. There’s the Eiffel Tower, the cafes, the patisseries, the Seine, the fashion, the food, — and there’s the Louvre! Need I say more?

Over these many decades we’ve celebrated this day with pleine aire painting, picnic baskets by the lake, sketching and napping on a blanket along a river, and, of course, in our own little vineyard. More often, I wear something black with red lipstick. Hair in a French twist, of course. And always Chanel perfume. There is always a great lunch, French wone or champagne, and a chocolate eclair.

This year, we cancelled our plans due to an important project that required my time, postponing our celebration for a few days when it would be completed. We were easy on ourselves. I recreate a Parisian café, a lovely musical playlist, and the most delicious chicken salad croissant ever. We reminisced about life and love. I swooned to the sounds of the accordian and Le Vie en Rose. “Hold me close and hold me fast, the magic spell you cast.”

Cinquante ans! Je t'aime, mon coeur.
50 years! I love you, my heart.