Joyeux Anniversaire

In France, it seems, even the smallest occasions--a meeting of friends, dinner a deux--are celebrated with champagne. So I'm embarrassed to be writing tonight with nothing more than a lukewarm mug of tea at my side. Exactly one year has passed since I began this blog. And while it has not (yet) emerged from near-anoynomity, the process has not been without its pleasures. So for those of you who have been here since the beginning, or have found this along the way--merci beaucoup. Please stick around for Act II.