Panache is one of my favorite words. It's a word that requires attention and aren't those the best ones. Panache has history, a beginning I can forgive, a FRENCH beginning. The literal translation form French to English would be Plume or feather. King Henry IV of France wore a white plume on his helmet and would call upon his soldiers to follow his plume into battle "Ralliez-vous a mon panache blanc"
Henry IV didn't bring panache to my attention, it was someone else. Cyrano. The Hero of Edmond Rostands well known play; Cyrano De'bergerac. After King Henry, panache was a symbol of extravagant courage. It began representing bravery in all wakes of life: art, war,and fashion, but it was Cyrano that asked that it encompass the definition of his life. His last words before his death expressed that the only thing in this world that was his, the one thing unstained by this world was his...panache.
When I can remind myself of it, I'm bolstered up by the idea that life can be extravagantly courageous. That my life should look as close as possible to who I am. To quote Cyrano one more time " I care not what flowers or leaves I may gather, as long as they be from my own garden." So there you have it, These will be the stories of my gatherings in life wherever my Garden may be, and of course they will be relayed to you with a little panache.