How are you this Mother's Day eve? The autumn sunshine is streaming in but outside there's a chill in the air. Note to self: last day of bare legs. We are just home from balmy Sri Lanka, for the first time it was the three of us. It was magical and challenging.
I introduced Matthias and Sienna to my many colleagues; at the office, factory, our printer (yes, Mint Lavender tisane is on the way) all of whom I have grown fond of; and this strengthened the bond.
It was especially poignant to stay with Sienna at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo where my mother stayed as a young mademoiselle arriving from France all those years ago.
Mother's Day tomorrow will be gentle. Sienna could not wait so will give me again the little card and potted seeds she has made. We will enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea. Mothers, I wish you also a gentle day of family, and acknowledgment, of all that you do and all you have done.
I write on my way to Perth where we will celebrate my dear Maman’s birthday. At 75, she is glowing and vibrant, fulfilled and relaxed; a wonderful role model.
I reflect often on nurturing these days; how we are hard on ourselves, push and drive ourselves; and deprive ourselves of the things that replenish and restore – quiet time, alone time, a bath, a massage. This has led to a new project brewing in my mind, working title ’The Madame Flavour Pampervan’. More on that soon.
For now, the news is that the Flavour family is counting down the days to our European adventure. We leave for Paris on August 16. I will be sure to stay in touch with every wonderful detail.
Hello my Kindred Spirits, or should I say Chers Amis.
This is my first newsletter since arriving home from three months in Paris.
How are you feeling?
I am emotional. It is that time of year. Endings and new beginnings. My maman is visiting from Perth. My father recently turned 90. Sienna starts school in February.
We picked up her prep uniform yesterday. Hard to believe that she was just one year old when we started; barely able to say 'flavour'. Now she tidies the boxes on the supermarket shelves (voluntarily of course)...
It has been much too long since I last wrote and I have so much to share with you. To start on a personal note, Matthias, Sienna and I have decided to build a rammed earth house on our piece of paradise in Gippsland, surrounded by lyrebirds, tree-ferns and mountain pepper plants. We will start in spring. In the meantime, winter has well and truly arrived in the South. These last few weeks, more than ever I find myself curling my fingers around a steaming cup of one of my heavier blends, allowing it to warm and comfort me.
