Yesterday, while most of us were complaining that our alarm clock was a little too early, something vital was happening at 20 rue Beaurepaire. For those who don't know, this is the address of our office near the Place de la République. A place cherished by our protesting friends of all stripes, who like to pile in and risk a CRS charge or a flashball.

Yes, you see, there will always be money to invest in weapons, but much less in culture and education. Apparently, they won't be happy until they've armed half the planet or blinded the rest. But that's not what this delightful newsletter is about.I wanted to keep you informed of the following. Our dear national Lolo had a birthday yesterday. Why didn't I postpone the newsletter until March 4, as I had done for the one dated February 29? Because I didn't want to confuse you. Because I didn't want to create an emotional earthquake, to shock you twice in a row.

Because I care about you. More than my own family. Because you are my family. You are my people. My chosen people. You are my reason to live and breathe. You are the best community because you have created yourselves around a common good: the right pair of shoes that shine without asking for anything in return. Because that's what it's all about: beautiful shoes that make you the best possible version of yourself. And that's priceless.I never thought I'd be entrusted with such a mission. Imagine, the fairies of the grotto bending over my crib and saying to themselves: - Hmmm, and this one, what are we going to use her for? - She looks like she could do Tap Dancing in Montrouge - Wrong! She'll make grolles. Even better, she'll be the Queen of Grolles And she'll enchant everyone she puts her shoes on. People will be talking about her for centuries and writing books about her amazing career.

So here's a part of my life I couldn't keep any longer. You deserved this unveiling. I'm a firm believer in living happily hidden except in emergencies, and this was one of them. I'll end this newsletter by sending a big, beautiful thought to all the fish men whose birthdays we're celebrating these days. We love you, even if you are sometimes big tuna.

I think it's nice, so I figure you will too: