Another story of July 20th. France, 1957, a summer promise.

In today's world, a few taps on a smartphone connect us instantly and show when a message has been read. Today, let's gently switch off from that busy daily routine.

69 years ago, in 1957 France.
Shall we travel back in time
to a dazzling summer afternoon?

In my hands,
I have a beautiful vintage card.

Drawn on the front is
a graceful wreath of roses,
painted in classical colors.
In the center, written in gentle gold letters,
"Bonne fête" (Happy Name Day) is inscribed.

In France long ago, a patron saint was assigned to each of the 365 days of the year, and there was a beautiful custom of warmly celebrating the day of the saint associated with one's name with family and friends, much like "another birthday."

What was written on the back of this card in flowing blue ink was a simple summer letter from Jeanne to her beloved cousin Madeleine, celebrating that very special day.

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The date written in place of a postmark is
"July 20, 1957".

France at that time was in the season when everyone was eagerly awaiting the start of their proper summer vacation. As I read the letter, the lively and warm presence of the family from that time rises softly from between the lines of old ink.

“I had the chance to be near André, so I am writing this to send you our congratulations together. Above all, stay healthy.”
“I am also sending congratulations to Camille, though it is a little late. I am sorry for the delay.”

Jeanne must be surrounded by family and relatives right now.
In fact, in one spot on the card, you can see a different handwriting and signature.

“Oh, Madeleine's name day is coming up.”
“Sorry I'm late with the congratulations for Camille, please tell her for me.”
You can almost hear the lively chatter.

And then, the letter shifts to the realistic "summer atmosphere" of the time.

“Well, the weather has unfortunately turned. But it has cooled down a bit, making it easier to get through. However, for the countryside (where you are), I wonder if the weather is not so pleasant...”

Rain that fell suddenly during the sweltering summer heat.
The kindness of Jeanne, living in the city, feeling relieved that it has "cooled down and become easier to live in," while also being considerate of the view from the window of a loved one far away, wondering, "But perhaps this rain is a bit boring for you in the countryside where beautiful nature spreads out."

When we think of someone, perhaps we end up worrying about and cherishing even the weather they are seeing at that moment.

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Further on in the second half of the letter, Jeanne continues with a bouncy tone about her upcoming fun summer plans.

“Actually, my sister and brother-in-law are here with me now, and they are leaving for Alsace on Saturday.”

“Once the vacation starts, I will write to you again,
a longer letter.”

Everyone is gathered now, so I am writing this in a bit of a rush. But you know, once the vacation starts soon and I have plenty of time, I will spread out some stationery for you and write so much more to chat about.

That "luxurious promise" where even the waiting time is cherished.

Precisely because it was an era without email or social media, how rich and beautiful the space in our hearts must have been while we eagerly awaited that "next long letter to arrive."

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Tonight, why not give your own heart a little "vacation," using the words of Jeanne, who traveled through the summer of 1957, as your charm?

“It doesn't have to be right now.
Let's talk more slowly when things settle down.”

May you have that kind of kindness to promise a luxurious moment,
whether with someone else or with yourself.

This rose card, holding the memories of a dazzling summer and
the warmth of family,
is being carefully unveiled
in our shop starting today.

May it become your own personal "viewing charm"
that gently nestles into your daily life.

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