What an extraordinary year this is going to be – I can feel it in my bones, all the way to my savory palate – full of taste memories of chocolate.
Nibbling on bits of
chocolate, I’m surfing the web looking for interesting news of the day. I find an article on BBC titled, “The secret
to a happy life – courtesy of Tolstoy,” which lists fundamental philosophies to
reap the most out of life. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30536963
“Keep
an open mind
Practise
empathy
Make
a difference
Master
the art of simple living
Beware
your contradictions
Become
a craftsman
Expand
your social circle”
In reading the first paragraph of the article, I
realize that I’ve never read “War and Peace” in its entirety, and I commence to
find excerpts of the book written by Leo Tolstoy. As I read chapter 1, I become immersed in the
political discussion between Anna Pavlovna and Prince Vasili Kuragin. With each scenario of politics, I taste a
piece of chocolate –
A ganache of dark chocolate from
Belgium, rich dark bittersweet chocolate from Sochi (Russian Olympian host),
real chocolate truffles from France (Cémoi chocolatier / utilizing cocoa from Ecuador),
and my “standby” Lindt/Lindor chocolate truffles.
My taste buds are exploding! The New Year has started with a bang of
chocolates – how exuberating! At the
moment, I’m content in my home town of St. Petersburg (lovingly known as St.
Pete to natives) – although tomorrow my adventurous spirit may lead me
elsewhere. Often, I get the urge to
travel and explore the world; only a lack of money keeps me from doing so. But, today I am satisfied – reading and
enjoying my chocolates.
Happy New Year (2015)
and Bon Appétit au Chocolat!