The Fat French Farmer
We had bacon for breakfast.
This used to be a rare treat.
Like once-a-year rare.
But we decided we really liked bacon, and it would be reasonable to enjoy it in less modest moderation.
A long time ago, in the midst of recognizing and admitting our participation in the American Rat Race, my husband and I developed a theory that we came to affectionately call the “Three Fs” or “The Fat French Farmer.”
Our train of thought went something like this: Who is happier? Those of us who avoid bacon, alcohol, cheese and carbs in an attempt to achieve perfect health and fitness, who worry about…everything from avoiding illness and physical limitation to attaining and achieving and acquiring things we can’t take with us when, one day – despite our best efforts – we die. Or, the French farmer who gets up early, puts his hands in the dirt, eats a fat-laden breakfast, works in the sun all day, smokes, and indulges in the pleasures of wine, food, love and close friends, who doesn’t care about his cholesterol or his BMI or even know to be worried about them. And, like the American in the hampster wheel, one day, he too dies.
Who lived?
And who avoided dying?
We forget about the Three Fs too often and run on the wheel too much.
Once in awhile – especially on days we have bacon – we make a new commitment to embrace our theory of the Three Fs, to be the Fat French Farmer who enjoys hard work, delicious food, ample wine, sunkissed skin, generosity of spirit, and the love of those with whom he surrounds himself.
This is living.
Copyright 2013. © Christina Caine. All rights reserved.
scott caine says:
Love it!
Jen T says:
Mmmm…. Bacon. I like it too… And you know my occupation!
Sharon Sauer says:
May you experience as many Fat French Farmer Days as your heart desires.
Noelle Warner says:
I love this Christy! I must ask if you have read Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell, and learned about the little town of Rosetta, where bacon, fatty foods, wine, etc and enjoyed and where there is little heart disease before 65? It is a true story and based on research.
Wishing much love, adventure and good eats to you always.
Christy Caine says:
Noelle!
What a lovely note! Thank you. No, I haven’t read his book, but I must now add it to my ever growing list. Love to you.
Brian Roberts says:
Sheesh! I can’t even spell my own name.