|
text and design by
Linda - creations by Frédérique
Let me start this narration by saying, it is
almost impossible to express our gratitude with
mere words for all the stupendous support we had
for our great project called:
|
« Happy
Birthday Juliette Benzoni » |
Who has
ever heard of something similar? A call to the
faithful readers and friends of Juliette
Benzoni, Queen of history books all over
the world ! For a request to let themselves be
photographed with a Juliette book of their
choice - plus writing a birthday message to the
author who will celebrate her 91st birthday on
30 October 2011 at Saint-Mandé.
My
friends, let me assure you, we never expected to
receive after almost a month 55 messages. It was
a hectic month, it was an exciting month, it was
a month of pleasant anticipation. New friends
born out of this cause, as I loved to
call it. I wrote many letter to Juliette's
friends and the former stars of the television
series - not really believing that there would
be answers...!
However, soon after, the first photos arrived
with messages and we rejoiced! The
« blue Gallery»
as we baptized it between us, began to take
shape.
Claudine Ancelot, the beautiful woman who had
played
«
Catherine de
Montsalvy
» had agreed
without persuasion to participate, which
encouraged us to reach as many of the former
stars of the television series. To honour all of
you, you can find your name on this page,
together with our guests of honour: Marion
Sarraut, Claudine Ancelot, Pierre-Marie
Escourrou, Gérard Chambre, Pierre Deny and
Laurent Le Doyen.
As the
« blue Gallery» was filling up, we began
to believe in our dream to get at least 50
tender, touching, joyful, stupendous birthday
cards. I invite all of you to read one by one
these magnificent cards.
On
Sunday 30 October, a sunny afternoon, we rang
the bell at the house of the world famous French
author, beloved by millions of readers. Our
hearts full of delight of the coming hours in
the company of our dearest friends Juliette and
Anne, her daughter. We carried with us a heavy
bag with our exceptional surprise of 55
remarkable people, who took their time, to honor
an extraordinarily woman!
The gate was opened by a
very dear friend of Juliette, who introduced
herself to us with the name of
« Chantal ».
Soon we were dearly and merrily greeted by
Juliette, whom we found in excellent health
and beaming at us happily and admiring the
bouquet of flowers we offered to Juliette.
There followed
hours of tremendous joy, laughter, tears of
happiness and emotion in the company of a
delightful circle of friends. Not missing the
delicious cake of LeNôtre, burning
candles, and the sparkling champagne. A
Juliette, who was looking astounded and moved to
tears at the gifts, her faithful readers and
friends had presented her. Never has it been
more rewarding to be the bearer of such a
present as on that unforgettable Sunday!
All of you will
certainly understand that I cannot and will not
go into details about all her reactions or
emotions when she recognized some of the
congratulators ! I will leave that up to your
imagination, Juliette told us that she would
read each message one by one in the next days to
come!
Our new friend Chantal
de Badts of the French « High Society» an
acclaimed journalist and author
exchanged many a time a look with
Juliette, as if she would say: so, those our now
your girls
«
les filles des grands chemins ». The atmosphere
was just like I have always imagined a visit to
the boudoir of a great aristocratic lady in some
beautiful castle.Where menservants served
delicious delicatessen, listening to astonishing
news, some delicious gossip and reminisce about
bygone times.
Too
quickly the afternoon came to an end, Chantal
hugged us warmly. We embraced Juliette, who
asked us to come the next day to get a note; she
would love to write to all of you, who have sent
their birthday wishes to her. Happily "les
filles" gave a last hug to Anne and the gate
closed behind us, leaving a more than contented
Frédérique and Linda on the streets of
Saint-Mandé, smiling like two young girls, who
had succeeded in a most wondrous plan...! |
