Blog 3707 – 01.04.2026
A Tribute To Genevieve
Twenty-four years ago this month my wife lost her dearest and best friend Genevieve. She was French, smoked and drank and probably shortened her life by those two very French habits.
A week ago another lovely French girl passed, Brigitte Bardot.
The lovely Marilyn Monroe, though she was not French loved and made Chanel No. 5 her signature scent.
My own mother though not French either had a French name, Alene, and loved Chanel No. 5 and always wanted a bottle of her own. Most of her young life she smoked too.
After my brother and I were grown Mama went to work and saved up enough money to by herself a bottle of Chanel. She put some on and asked my dad what he thought and he said it made her smell like a French Whore. That, my dear dad, was the whole point, but you could have chosen your words better or at least lead up to it slower with some hugging and deep French kissing to show you appreciated the effort.
My first wife Barbara Ann, also not French, though she smoked, drank and loved French kissing, and had a reputation in Middle School that got her the nickname “Frenchy.”
My second wife, Linda Gail, was not French either, but loved French kissing and was a wonderful singer and loved the stage. She is still a very lovely lady and wears Chanel No. 5.
If I had my way all the lovely ladies French and other wise would wear Chanel.
My third wife Sandra was not French either, but does speak French and smokes, drinks, and wears Chanel too. She was a chanteuse and this is a head shot of her that was used on her night club billings.
My last wife Linda Lee also speaks French, only smoked a few times before I met her and is not French either, but does love French kissing and Chanel. She does not care for this vintage photo of her, but I love it.
Today I honor Genevieve and all the lovely ladies French and not, that it has been my privilege to know and love.
I have yet to make it to Paris actually, but have been there often in both my waking and sleeping dreams. Vive la France.
Your friend and fellow traveler,
David James White
Home To Stay
theencouragingword 