April 27, 2013 Photo of the day: "Essence de Provence"

I love lavender: the flowers, the color, the taste, and especially the fragrance. It is such a lovely, familiar scent that reminds me of the South of France, of beautiful landscapes, warm sun, and dear friends. Today, my friend, Lisa, gave me this amazingly generous gift, a "Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, Congratulations on your new job, and Thank You for helping me with my Poms video" gift! I love how l'Occitane packages its hand lotions in paint tube just like the ones Cézanne or Picasso would have used to capture the light and beauty of Provence. Lisa and I have been friends since we both started teaching in Pewaukee almost twenty years ago. We have shared so much as world language teachers and travelers, as roommates and friends. She knows me so well! Merci mille fois, mon amie!