I have a new camera.  A really cool, super nice, new camera.  I’m so lucky to have a great friend who just happens to be an amazing professional photographer.  So when it came to picking out a new camera, I left everything in her hands.  And, let’s just say that she hooked me up in style!

I experimented with my camera for the first time while on a trip to visit my nephew Carter who lives in Buffalo, NY now.  You may remember him as the cute little bon bon bundle who was my sidekick at last year’s Chocolate Festival.  Although my camera is sure to provide me with hours of fun, it’s not my favorite toy.  That title belongs to my little buddy, Carter. 

I got to take him for a walk (where we saw a dump truck and a live bunny rabbit!); I got to read him books; and much to his parents’ chagrin, I bought new batteries for all of his toys that make noise! (That’s what Aunties are supposed to do, n’est-ce pas?)  Pascal and I can’t wait for his next visit to Wilmington, which is just a few weeks away.  You can be sure that my camera will get another workout then.

Meanwhile, here are my first attempts at capturing fun-time with Carter on film (or digital cards, to be more precise).   Spring was in full bloom in Buffalo and Carter’s Nan and I took him outside to enjoy the flowers in his front yard.  I’m not sure if this is what photgraphers call flare (a good thing) or if it’s just me getting the exposure wrong (a bad thing), but I love this shot regardless:

While shopping, I found a toy gardening set that included a miniature watering can, a spade, a rake, a pail and kiddie gardening gloves.  I couldn’t resist buying it for Carter so he could get some practice at his Uncle Pascal’s favorite pasttime:

Carter is a really happy baby and he loves to ham it up for the camera.  He was very aware that he was modeling for his Auntie.  After each photo session, he would scoot over beside me to have me show him a preview of the photos I’d just taken on my camera’s screen.  He was very pleased with his modeling skills, and so was I:

This kid is a true daredevil!  He loves scary noises, climbing suspension bridges, being thrown in the air, and lots of splashing in the bathtub.

When I got home from the trip, my friend (who is also an Aunt) and I were discussing how spending time with our young nephews puts everything in perspective.  All of the stresses of running a business melt away, and we remember what’s truly important.  It’s that “take time to smell the roses” thing (or in Carter’s case, the tulips).

Looking for an instant mood lifter?  I’ve got two suggestions:  Treat yourself to a bon bon, or even better, hang out with a child.  There’s no better way to spend your day.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know how much I love to play April Fool’s jokes.  I have managed to execute some great ones in the past.  Last year, the target was my Mom.  The joke was just one part of the many surprises we planned for her 60th birthday celebration.  Just a few days after Mom’s sixtieth birthday, Pascal turned 40. 

He spent the week of his fortieth birthday preparing for my mother’s 60^th  birthday extravaganza and hosting out-of-town guests.  Pascal was saintly—diligently cleaning, cooking, climbing 10-foot ladders, and answering to his wife’s many demands with nary a complaint.  Consequently, for Pascal, the big 4-0 passed with very little fanfare. 

So this year, I wanted to remind him that he is loved and appreciated and, well…one year older!  There was just one catch.  Pascal and I work together 24/7.  I wouldn’t be able to hide setting up for a big party, and the truth was I needed his help.  Eureka!  I had a plan.  His 41st birthday celebration could also double as a great April Fool’s joke.

I told Pascal that I had agreed to host a special party for one of our most loyal customers (whom we also count as a friend).  This meant that he would spend the entire day unknowingly preparing for his own party.  When 6:30 pm arrived, instead of greeting our customer’s guests, Pascal would be met by his friends.

Pascal had no idea I was up to another April Fool’s trick.  Here’s what he looked like when he turned around and saw his buddies standing there instead of our guests:

His first word was an expletive (and no, it wasn’t “Merde!”)  His confusion quickly turned to smiles, especially as he opened a bottle of his favorite cognac, Remy Martin.  He changed out of his chef’s coat and became a guest at his own party.  The theme was 40 + 1, so everybody brought one gag gift to help him celebrate.  The creativity was fantastic.  Some highlights included one French frog, one bottle of French wine, one Slim Jim (his favorite American snack); one gorgeous money tree (a hydrangea in full bloom), and even one job application to a pancake house in Leland (don’t ask!).

Pascal has a very special relationship with Mark, his friend from across the pond.  Mark calls Pascal “Frog”; Pascal calls Mark “Mr. Bean”.  I call this crazy duo “Frog and Bean”:

Since Pascal was having so much fun drinking cognac and visiting with his friends, Millie and I took over in the kitchen, making crepes for everyone.  Millie worked double duty, taking all of the photos, except this one, of course:

Pascal was truly surprised.  He didn’t suspect a thing.  As for me, I breathed a huge sigh of relief and enjoyed a secret satisfaction that I’d succeeded in foiling, fooling and suprising someone I love yet again.  Thanks to all of my co-conspirators who helped to create a memorable evening for our favorite Frenchman!