When I went to collect Leo from school today he ran at me, threw his arms around me and started giggling hysterically. As this is something he often does, I didn’t pay any attention. We left school, went to the park, chatted to friends and then came home.
At home I finally realised I had a fish stuck to my back, they call them poisson d’avril here. Seconds later I found a hand-written letter on my desk from the mayor. Rather suspiciously the handwriting looked just like Bea’s.
‘Helena,’ it read. ‘Your work is no good, your books are horrible, if there is not an improvement by the end of the week you will be removed from your work. Signed’ and there was a signature that looked a bit like a jelly-fish in some kind of trouble.
An email arrived from a TV production company specialising in food shows. They have read my blog and love it, it read. Would I like to come and chat to them about appearing on one of their shows. They made such hits as Two Fat Ladies and Gordon Ramsay’s F-word. I have made an appointment but am slightly worried the address will turn out to be fake. And how stupid will I feel standing on a building site wearing my chef’s hat and apron?
Copyright: Helena Frith Powell 2008
While the first two are obvious pranks, the second one might be the odd one out. Coincidentally, an offer to talk to a head hunter from a prestigious firm today (of all days) and treated with suspicion. I replied and told the head hunter that I’m on a business trip and will be available later this week … I’ll soon know if this is a prank, I suppose …
A
Alas, I cannot tell a lie.
I taped the fish to your back.
And I sent the letter from the mayor.
And I sent the laudatory email from the TV production company.
Forgive me?
Happy Poisson d’avril!!!
Hi Helena,
Just wanted to say that I have read your book and I often read your blog.
I have left a post on my own blog about your book and my views of French women, if you ever want to read it.
I very much enjoyed your book and I enjoy reading your blog.
I know that life in France is not always easy but I admire your spirit.
Keep writing, no matter what the critics may say.
All the best,
Rose
I was sent the same email! It must be Graham, he’s the food, wine and woman lover and now we know also a fetish for chefs hats and aprons. He is visiting his brother in Aus at the moment who is Rupert Murdock’s man over there so maybe it involves crocodile sausages and Kanga steaks. You on H?
Julesritter.com
PS I have written at least three comments in the last week, time you got over to my site, I have left a blog about an intimate moment with Elle, The Body Macpherson in the Ladies….