May 1st is one of the three bank holidays in May. I think it is some kind of French Labor Day. It is also a day where the French give Lily of the Valley to friends, family and neighbors.

Lily of the valley is my favorite flower. It is the reason my daughter has her name. The smell of Lily of the Valley is fresh and sweet and full of hope. It is the scent of Spring. When I was little I would pick huge bouquets for my mom. I would sit in the woods and gather and gather until my hands could hold no more. I would dream about my wedding bouquet one day having the smell and lacy little white flowers.

Today is sort of gray. I thought about going to a vide grenier in Le Pas but changed my mind as I am working later and wanted to give Sophie a walk while the rain held off. I took on her my favorite trails and then swung through the village on my way back to the house. A little boy standing in front of wooden sign saying, “Muguet” asked me if I wanted some. I initially said no and then felt a two euro coin in my pocket and turned around to tell him I had changed my mind and did want a bouquet. He gave me one and didn’t understand that I wanted him to keep the second euro because he was adorable and doing such a lovely thing trying to sell this tradition.

I hope everyone can have a little sweetness today. Give it or receive it. Just feel it.