1423. The greatest tragedies were written by the Greeks an Shakespeare…neither knew chocolate. ~Sandra Boynton

Chocolate makes
everything better!
~Author Unknown

Before the chocolate sauce was added…Screen Shot 2017-11-29 at 6.42.07 PM.png
After the chocolate sauce was added….Screen Shot 2017-11-29 at 6.41.49 PM.png

When we were in Paris two years ago we ate in Le Soufflé which serves main course and dessert soufflés. I was certain the meal would be fabulous, and I was not disappointed! The best part of all was the chocolate dessert soufflé which in and of itself would have been divine, but before we devoured it, they poked a hole in the already extraordinary confection and poured in what has to be the best chocolate sauce I ever had. Since then I’ve asked myself hundreds of times, why in the sam hill we opted to share one instead of each having our own. Ok, back to my story at hand. When we came home, I was sure that would the last time I would be able to enjoy such a unique and “délicieux” dining experience. But to my surprise a few months ago I found out that a woman whose mother was French and who spent every summer of her childhood in France has begun 3 such restaurants, although with a bit of a southwestern flair in some of its offerings, in three major cities in Texas. Yes, it is on the pricey side, but ask me if I give a tinker’s damn!!! Anyway, after having lunch today in the one here where we live and enjoying among other things their savory and incredibly delicious French chocolate soufflé for dessert, we were handed two little cards with their website and phone number so we could make reservations for holiday dining. As we walked out, we opened them up and found culinary quotes on the inside. Mine was written by Ernest Hemingway, a writer whom I’ve always admired, and his words read, “wine is the most civilized thing in the world” which despite my love for his work, I took immediate exception to for I believe chocolate to be the most civilized thing in the world. And I know some who might say that the most civilized thing is coffee and others who might add something else. So, what say you?

I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. ~Psalm 63:5 ✝

**Photos taken by Natalie

 

Cherish the small paragraphs of Life.

purpleraysblog's avatarPurplerays

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“The most significant gifts are the ones most easily overlooked.
Small, everyday blessings: woods, health, music, laughter,
memories, books, family, friends, second chances, warm fireplaces,
and all the footprints scattered throughout our days.”

~ Sue Monk Kidd

Text & image credit: The Garden Of Pensiveness https://web.facebook.com/The-Garden-Of-Pensiveness-367268523352486/

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1422. It wasn’t until I slowed the car and rolled down the windows that I realized I spend most of my days driving “through” life without driving “in” life. ~Craig D. Lounsbrough

Go placidly amid the noise and haste
and remember what peace
there may be in silence.
Screen Shot 2017-11-25 at 10.25.02 PM.png
As far as possible, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly
and listen to others for everyone has a story.
Don’t compare yourself with others,
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.
The world is full of trickery,
but let this not blind you
to what virtue there is.
Many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
love is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you
in sudden misfortune but do not
distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of God no less than
the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
~-Edited and adapted rendition of
THE DESIDERATA, by Max Erhmann

Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. ~Psalm 150:1, 6 ✝

**THE DESIDERATA became very popular in the 1970’s and still holds some well-penned truths of which I needed to remind myself after recent hectic days.

***Images found on Pinterest; collage created by Natalie