How happy are you?

Do you know how happy are you now?

Most of us know what makes our parents, partners, and children happy. But when it comes to the specific things in life that bring a smile to our faces, we come up short. It ‘s hard to experience moments of happiness if we are not aware of what it is we love. We must learn to enjoy the small, authentic moments that bring us contentment. How about we experience a new cookie recipe or take the time to arrange a bouquet of flowers to appreciate their colors, fragrances, and beauty. Sip a cup of coffee in the sunshine in front of a shop or pause to pet a purring cat.

I delight in shopping for shoes, good books, sudden bursts of laughter, and reading in French. I learned to bake Madeleines. They appeared to be simple but actually required a fair amount of patience and careful following of instructions. In the end, I was rewarded with a truly unique little cake, browned and crispy on the outside and spongy and soft on the inside. They are the perfect accompaniment to my afternoon cup of tea. They come in many flavors: chocolate, vanilla, lavender, and orange. Madeleines are delicious when eaten just from the oven and cooled until barely warm.

Learning to bake this French cake made me happy. I encourage you to discover what makes you happy.

Love,

Carmen Monica