My friend Claudine emailed me birthday wishes last week.

In her message she said “Dommage que tu ne sois pas ici, on rentre de chez les Mamies avec plein de bonnes reserves” (It’s a shame you’re not here, we just got back from visiting the Grandmas fully stocked with yummy reserves).

It took all my will not to respond “Wait!!! I’m coming!!! Save some for me!!!” but that would have ruined the Project CS surprise.

As you know the Grandmas are French rock stars when it comes to freshly prepared meals and baked goods laced in butter and lard from Auvergne – Yum!

So not only was I able to surprise and celebrate with Claudine, as you can see, I also enjoyed the bonnes reserves from the Grandmas and Claudine’s own pintade (breast of guinea fowl), it was delicious!

Merci Claud, I’m counting the days until my next visit!

Leslie

A true sign of friendship is when a friend can ask and tell you things you don’t want to hear.  These friends that push and challenge are showing they care.

For nearly two years my friend Mapie had been pushing my friend Claudine to do something special for her 40th birthday.

I sat through many conversations of serious lobbying but Claudine wanted nothing to do with the idea.  As a Virgo, I just wanted a date.

As Claudine’s birthday got closer Mapie stopped bugging her and Claudine was relieved that Mapie had let go of the idea… Not really.

Top Secret Project CS (Claudine Saccard) was launched in June.  A surprise party that Mapie would organize with Claudine’s partner Richard, her close friend Michelle, Jean and twenty more close friends and family.

I was told about the project during my June vacation and after some debating couldn’t resist being in on the surprise.

There was some concern that Claudine would be not be happy about the surprise – but worth the risk.

As you can see from the pictures and the video mission accomplished.

Happy Birthday Claud!!!!!

Bises!!!

Les

PS:  If you missed the party enjoy a few more photos below.

I have been thinking about my birthday post last year.

I had a series of photos from Butter Lane, one of my favorite cupcake shops in the city, and a few wishes for the year ahead.

This year – I wasn’t sure to post again about my birthday but I did want to challenge myself with some new cupcake shots but couldn’t find the time.

I didn’t have my Canon but I did get my wish of taking pictures of Coconut Vanilla, Banana Peanut Butter, Maple Pecan and Hazel Nut Chocolate Butter Lane cupcakes thanks to my friends Fran and Helen – Thanks girls!

My friend Maria would say this is a sign for the year ahead and I agree.  I don’t have a list of wishes to share this year but I do want to share a big THANK YOU to everyone I saw today and for the reminder that sometimes the things we want come in the most unexpected packages.

Thanks for all the Birthday Wishes!!!!

xoxo

Les

Sometimes you have to break things down into small steps to accomplish them.

I have been working on my editing skills and because I’m still learning the process is exhausting.

But when I break it down into small steps and do a little at a time the results aren’t that bad.

I hope you agree.

Enjoy!

Leslie

Most people think I’m organized and on top of everything.  I like order, but I also like leaving things in a disheveled state of natural.

I think my friend Ciara looks great with her tousled hair, a big smile, and a good part of lunch still on her shirt (Mom is probably relieved I cropped that part out).

I took these shots in July and I’m just getting to them.  Did someone say “Organized”?

Enjoy!

Leslie