Now that it's officially over...minutiae

I celebrated the 12th day with a small group of sweet, down to earth friends and a rosca de reyes. The cake was actually better than I thought it would be. It was better than La Victoria's, but still, I found it lacking. I wish they were filled with something. Next year I am seriously considering the recipe for the French galette de rois. Just look at the photo of one I found online. I could have made it this yearbut...that's how it goes. I heard that Wal-Mart had beautiful ones. It just never occurred to me to check Wal-Mart.

I reached for Charles Trenet (Brel is next) this morning and started to think of how we are all little worlds and in those worlds are patterns, traditions and annual events. There is something we just do every year that is unique to our own little world and we may not even recognize it as a "thing" but it is very much a "thing".  Personal traditions? Tradition seems too extrinsic. I'm talking about the the little grooves we naturally fall into around the same time every year that make us feel cozy or happy. It's only recently that I started to take note of my own patterns.

In this world, starting a few days into January and through mid February or so, seems to be my annual appreciation of French food, movies and music. I'm always in the mood for all things French after the new year.

This year I begin with The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and plan on Stolen Kisses later this week. Let's see how long I carry this annual "thing".  Chez Nous is calling, I've been craving their escargot for some months now.