True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done,
the zest of creating things new.~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
If life gives you lemons…
I’ve been enjoying the company of the Danbo Brothers immensely since they returned from their last (rather unexpected) lengthy winter sojourn. They never fail to surprise and delight me. Last night, just before I went to bed, I found them sitting together on the couch, happily watching their favourite movie, Ratatouille, on my iPad.
“If you have zest and enthusiasm you attract zest and enthusiasm.
Life does give back in kind.”~Norman Vincent Peale
It’s a gorgeous sunny day here and I’m about to make a Lemon Cream Tart from a bunch of beautiful, fresh Meyer Lemons I picked up yesterday. The Danbo Brothers must have overheard me talking about my plans to make a Lemon Cream Tart today, for when I went into the kitchen first thing this morning, I discovered them already hard at work, whistling and laughing as they happily worked away zesting lemons. Their joie de vivre wrapped around me like a warm blanket and I could do nothing but join their happy mood. What a delightful and fun way to start my day! In their great zeal, I found they’d zested every single lemon in the large bag I’d purchased—far exceeding the zest of one lemon my Lemon Cream Tart recipe calls for—but that only endeared them to me even more.
I can’t stay friends with anyone who doesn’t have a passion for something;
and, generally speaking, artistic people, creative people carry it right into the kitchen, too. They have a zest for life; the excitement of living.
All of the great eaters I’ve known are also men of great wit.~ Alan King
The Danbo Brothers’ Favourite Film:
To find out who the Danbo Brothers are and how they came into my life, check out my previous post: Meet the Danbo Brothers.
For more Danbo Adventures, see The Danbo Brothers Category
Image Credits:
The Danbo Brothers’ Zest for Life, by madlyinlovewithlife; © 2012
A Bowl of Meyer Lemons, by madlyinlovewithlife: © 2012
madlyinlovewithlife 
I have never seen the movie Ratatouille. It’s on my list of movies to watch. You make The Danbo Brothers seem so real…and those lemons, beautiful!
Hello Diane! I hope you do check out Rataouille. I love the film’s message to follow your passion, no matter how impossible it seems, even when you don’t know how it might come about. My favourite line from the film is: “Anyone can cook.” Which, in this case, of course, means: even if you’re a rat. Ha…ha… I really enjoy this film and confess that I own the DVD of it. Watching it always leaves me feeling uplifted, happy and optimistic. You can imagine how delighted I was to find out the Danbo Brothers love it too!
And the Danbo Brothers ARE real, as one of my favourite quotes contends: “Anything you can imagine is real.” ~ Pablo Picasso
Thanks for stopping by! :))
Oh, Jeannie! [This is me clapping my hands together like a maniac!!!!!!] I’m always so happy when the Danbo Brothers return! I just love them! And oh my gosh do those lemons look absolutely wonderful, just beautiful. You know, maybe I’ve asked this before, but have you ever thought about doing something bookish with the Danbo Brothers? I think it’s be a big sell — maybe there’s something that’s already been done, but I can so see people running to read the adventures of the Danbos! :) Have a great week! :)
Hello Debra! I love knowing how much you enjoy the Danbo Brothers stories. I had briefly considered doing something with the Danbo stories but I don’t think it’s possible as they are trademarked and patented characters. I enjoy writing the stories and taking the photographs and I’m just happy knowing that you and others enjoy their adventures. Thanks again for your nice comment! Wishing you a very happy Monday! :))
Hello Jeannie,
What a joy to see the Danbo Brothers bustling about and thriving – as they always do. Yes!!!! Ratatouille is one my favourite movies, especially the message it shares. Hubby bought me the DVD as a gift a few years ago, and I can’t thank him enough. Now that I think about it, it may be one of reasons why I decided to finally try photography, something I’ve always wanted to do. Thank you for making my morning, my friend. Wishing both of you a great week ahead.
Hello Takami! I’m delighted that you too have your own DVD of Ratatouille. It truly is a delightful and inspiring little film, isn’t it? The animation quality is stellar and I love the story. I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if it did influence your decision to take up photography. Whatever the reason, I’m sure happy you decided to give it a go because you are clearly a talented photographer! Have a happy week! :)))
Wonderful Jeannie… What a fantastic and fun story. I’ve never seen Ratatouille and must give it a view some time. Hope you are well and have been enjoying our rather chilly spring thus far… We are still trying to get the planting done. With a bit of luck we may get it done this week? Have a great week my friend :)
Hello Sam! If you ever do check out Ratatouille, let me know how you like it! I hope all goes smoothly with your planting. Wishing you a happy week ahead! :))
I wish a good return to Danbo brothers after their long winter stay. Ratatouille is a magnfique film. I perceive that the brothers helped you prepare the lemon cream …
Have a nice day Jeannie.
Thank you so much, Herve! Yes, the Danbo Brothers were indeed very helpful in making the Lemon Cream Tart! They are very good workers. The Danbo Brothers and I wish you a very happy week ahead! :))
Hi Jeannie
Never have lemons seemed so appealing, a wonderful Danbo update, all the best my friend.
Mark
Hello Mark! Thank you so much! It’s so nice to have you drop by. Sending you and yours lots of good wishes! :)) ~ Jeannie
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The Danbo brothers are such a wonderful help to you Jeannie & I love the photo of the 2 brothers zesting all the lemons. The aroma in the kitchen must have been intoxicating with that lovely lemon fragrance.
I’m fortunate indeed that the Danbo Brothers seem to have a natural flair for working in the kitchen. Those two love to work. And really did smell divine in here as they zested the lemons! Thanks for visiting! :))
Great photos u have here.. i have also just started out my danbo blogs (using my past photos of playing with them).. hope u enjoy them too.. ‘http://mydanbofunnjoy.blogspot.sg/’
Thank you, Sally! I’ll check out your blog.
I love that Microplane zester! My aging mind tells me you’ve photographed it before but… Your still life of the lemon and perfect zest a la Danbo Brothers is superb. Lighting, color, depth of focus! I wish I had your artisan eyes!
ps Cute title and we’ve watched Remy so many times…but can’t anymore because we went to Blu-ray. :-(
I love the film Ratatouille! Get the Blu-ray version! It looks extra awesome! :))
Thank you for you kind words, Koji! Your memory serves you well—I have indeed posted this photo on Flickr! :)))