"Happiness is only real when shared."- Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild

It was a foggy Dubai this morning.  Weekend was blissful. I just finished reading Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom last Saturday and my eyes puffed from this tear jerker.  This book made me spend a lot of time with friends, the ones closest to family I have here in Dubai.  Make each moment with them count and try to be as present as I could ever be with each of them. 

I can't help looking back wondering if I were in France at this time of year, what would it look like?  I dug up some old photos of a winter stroll I did on my own , one ordinary morning in the town of Les Essarts.  

Les Essarts is a quiet town rich in history right at the heart of Vendee, Pays de la Loire region in western France. One really cold morning, while,waiting for my father-in-law for his doctor's appointment, I grabbed my camera and decided to explore the streets.  

Greetings from a gorgeous sunny Dubai. We're becoming avid fanatics of all day brekkie. Having friends over, with the laptop completely set aside for a day, it is always wonderful!  Each one had a little something in hand, may it be a bowl of blueberries or a loaf of wholemeal bread. 

Like-minded women connecting.  A listening ear and a harmonious exchange from family topics to current events, like an upcoming Cirque de Soleil  show this February in Dubai (I've never seen one) and  discussing an itinerary for a friend preparing to travel to Peru and Brazil.

Despite all of us coughing while laughing together as we sipped our tea and drank flu medications. (We all had bouts of flu).  It's fascinating to realize that I'm blessed to have these women in my life, like you (readers) who I could open myself up to, offer advice when needed, and  present through highs and lows. 

What are you all up to this weekend?

What's your favorite breakfast?

XOXO,

Arni

Our home is very sandy.  The sand crept in between door gaps despite the rubber fillers. There were on and off medium to mild sandstorms the past several days. It's still blowing sand outside so to speak. Imagine a light drizzle but with sand.  You're absolutely right, it is a nightmare to clean.  Apologies for my long online absence.  The husband is away on business this week. I was away from the computer and was mostly indoors (at my place or at a friend's) except for this one.

We're experiencing a sand storm all weekend.  No worries, nothing like the Mission Impossible 3 kind. I think a strong one like that happens in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Luckily we've not experienced it here.  Driving on a highway means very low visibility and yes, a lot of sand. Wearing shades or glasses or goggles if you must to protect the eyes would be helpful.