Every summer at the end of July
, our village "Fête-s"! It is a whole weekend of music, snacks, boules, drinks, dinners, dancing and one of my favorite things that happens on Sunday afternoon. You don't have to go anywhere.You don't have to anything. You could even do it in your overalls, like me! All you have to do is just be home when the young people of the village bring the party to you! I'm not sure where the tradition orginated, but every Fête Sunday the truck horns start blowing and in a matter of moments a pack of young people show up at your door or driveway with their accordian and silk flowers and play a tune while they sway and dance to traditional French music! I've been watching Yannick Gardaix do this for
about 5 years now, and he appears to have graduated to fearless leader of this pack along with now being a new member of our town council! Yesterday they told me: "Yannick's coming, wait for Yannick!" So we did and I got him in the group photo! When the swaying and dancing was done, I got to choose my flower, make my donation, and let them know that I would be attending the dinner later that evening! Although my years in Cadrieu come no where close to my 30 years in New Orleans, I've enjoyed watching young neighbors grow up over the years and become fine young men and women in both places. There was a time in my life when I would have probably said: "God, this makes me feel old!" These days, I'm just very proud that I have had the honor to watch from a distance and sometimes up close; the wonder and joy of young people growing up who aren't afraid to keep some traditions alive!
I too, haven't had any children physically of my own-but am lucky others share-as well as having the priviledge to work with so many children in therapy throughout my career. I wouldn't trade any of it and have no regrets! Glad your comment made it through this time and glad we're in touch-
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | July 27, 2009 at 04:03 PM
Hi Laury,
What a beautiful tradition~ sounds like the old Mummers tradition lives on in your fine village, what a fun celebration! Like you, it has been a wonder and delight to watch babies grow into fine young adults. Since I do not have children, I'm lucky my friend share.
Your Soar Sound fab!
Hope this comment will go through.
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | July 27, 2009 at 03:43 PM
It's funny you should say that Evelyn-I told my Mom about them coming by and she said it reminded her of how they used to push a small piano around the village and sing Christmas Carols when we lived in England! An accordian makes much better sense-there used to be a school in Cahors...could there be accordian lessons in my future?
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | July 27, 2009 at 03:11 PM
How fun is this?? It's like Christmas caroling in summer. I love it!
Posted by: Evelyn Jackson | July 27, 2009 at 01:33 PM