Joie de Vivre

I have just recently become aware of a book that I would like to own. It is Joie de Vivre by Robert Arbor and Katherine Whiteside. Let me show you a little of what is written on the inside flap of the book.

"When it comes to making the most out of life, nobody does it better than the French. Now, with Joie de Vivre: Simple French Style For Every Day Living, and inspired fusion of art, style and easy-to-implement ideas, anyone can feel like they spent a weekend in the French countryside, no matter where they live.

Renowned restauranteur Robert Arbor puts a refreshing emphasis on simplicity and accessibility ..."

Now I don't know about you, but any book that can make me feel like I have spent a weekend in the French countryside is a definite candidate for my library.

I looked up the term "joie de vivre" and here is what the dictionary has to say;

joie de vivre (zhwa de vi-vre) n. hearty or carefree enjoyment of life.

[French: joie,joy+de,of+vivre,living.]

Sometimes we get so bogged down with things in life we fail to feel or express that "joie de vivre". I am afraid I have been guilty of that lately. Even though it has been a long hard road this last 5 months there have been many things to be joyful about. I have met so many wonderful and caring people. I have come to appreciate good health. I have been fortunate enough to be able to be in Ont. to help where needed. (If I had a young family at home this would not have been an option for me) My family and friends have been very supportive of and to me. I could go on, but you get the idea. Attitude is so important, and I am really going to work on mine. It seems I have been behind on so many things lately and playing "catch-up" for quite some time, so I am going to get a jumpstart on all you people who make a new resolution each January and beat you to the punch. I am going to make that my "mantra". I may need some help, or reminding from time to time, ...I am counting on you.

I am on the lookout for this book...however a thought just struck me, that this book claims to be able to "make you feel like you have spent a weekend in the French countryside." How do I know what it feels like to have actually spent a weekend in the French countryside? So here's my plan; gonna look for the book, and read it, gonna see how it makes me feel, then I am gonna have to book a trip to France and do a little research. I mean we can't have this guy making claims of his book that are just not true...

Attitudes are contagious; is yours worth catching?