French la Vie

Take a Dip in Change

                   

 

Carry the tub outside.

Under your arm and with the other

Gather buds, blossoms, and blooms-

toss them in the bath.

Oh, the splash of delight.

Take the garden hose and fill it 

Overflowing.

Take your clothes off

and toss them far out of sight.

Dip a toe and then dare dive in!

Bath yourself in the moonlight

silky and smooth.

Sipping good thoughts 

while listening to the distance owl-

When you are renewed,

Wrap yourself in your bedsheet

like a butterfly cocoon,

And sleep!

 

Why do we do the same thing, the same way, each day?

 

 

 

A Conversation with Sue and Mohammed

We had a video chat with Mohammed and Sue (Mohammed left Gaza two weeks before the border was closed with his wife and baby son with the extraordinary money raised by many of you and the generous offer of hospitality by Sue, who has lived in Cario for many years.)

Mohammed and I have talked several times by phone and text. But this time, we made a video together about how good it felt to be "sitting together" in Sue's living room.

Mohammed's family is adjusting to life outside of Gaza and dealing with the trauma they carry. Their families are in Gaza. His brother is not doing well. I cannot imagine anyway doing well in Gaza during this horrific time. Nevertheless, their spiritual faith and pride in their homeland sustain them deeply in ways that keep them focused on living and being true to their beliefs. Mohammed is remarkable in staying focused on life, living, and being thankful. His goal is to keep his family safe and provide for them. Which isn't easy when you have left everything behind.

Baby Karim is a little more than a year old. He is walking. Mohammed is a mere 26, and his wife is 24. So young and brave on this unexpected life-changing journey.

I asked Mohammed to send me some photos, and he said he would.

Isn't Sue lovely!? To extend her heart so freely.

Hopefully, we will meet one day.

Mohammed is thankful to you who helped him and his family to leave Gaza. 

xxx

Just Us Two

a very rare photo of us two

…

do you ever catch a glimpse of yourself & do a double take?

my grandmother said to me fifty some years ago

« I feel fifteen until I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and ask, who is that? »

now I know what she means.

when I have not so beautiful thoughts about my looks~ 

I remind myself to take a step back and look around.

It makes me dizzy, but I know what matters.

…

 here we are

alive, well, together.

And that is good.

really good.

 

 

Petal After Petal

                       

 

A rosebud, fading with memories tucked in between its petals

The seasons have caressed it.

                Sing the song of your memories; it is a beautiful gift to give.

Petal by petal

especially those who need to hear how their lives have touched yours.

 

 

The Way it Was

      

Okay, I used to dress Chelsea up like a doll;

And take pictures of her.          

You gotta know I couldn’t drive, I was alone, it was winter…

Paris was cold, grey, and rainy, and I was from California!            

…with only a teaspoonful of friends who could speak English.

French Husband, who would leave for work before the birds started singing and would return when the sun had gone down…

Depression was hanging out, trying to be my friend.

I was alone with our beautiful baby and my imagination.

I am found not guilty.

but very thankful…

She saved me.

 

Photo of Chelsea, in 1990

Lessons of Antiquing

                  

 

 

Yesterday, I went to visit an antique dealer’s attic. It was a dream come true. Attics are usually dark, and this one was no exception. In my excitement to get there, I parked my car in haste and ran to her door. When I went up to the attic, I realized I had my prescription sunglasses on and that I had left my glasses in the car several thousand blocks away. Never mind I can see I said, even if it is darker than usual.

The first lesson when buying antiques is to see with your heart. At the end of the day, the pieces you purchase help create the ambiance in your home.

 

 

 

Boxes upon boxes, stacks of stuff, cramped everywhere. I nearly peed my pants; I was that giddy. "Is this the stairway to heaven?" I asked. The dealer was very kind. She said, "Take your time and open any box you want. I’ll be downstairs."

I pinched myself… hard…to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Then I told her that I might end up living in her attic. She said in that case, she would make some tea.

Lesson number two: Most people will tell you to hide your feelings. Stay neutral to have more leverage when negotiating a better price. Most people will tell you to point out the flaws in the object, to act like it is too expensive, and to pretend you are not that interested. Obviously, I blew these lessons out of the nonexistent attic window.

 

The cardboard treasure boxes held many styles, most of the pieces dated around 1880-1930s. The craftsmanship of many creative hands who had labored lovingly at their art started to form mountains around me. Baptismal gowns, table clothes, lace panel curtains, mixed-match napkins with monograms, bundles of lace,….

Lesson number three: Take a big bag. Wear comfortable shoes, and pray that a money tree sprouts up in the garden.

Can I come to your garden?

 

…Then, at the bottom of one of the boxes, I saw two brown paper parcels. I asked the antique dealer what was inside of them. She said they were books. "Do you like old books?"

I told her I Liked everything except anchovies and oysters.

Lesson number four: Ask questions. Look inside boxes, under the table, and up above. Most of the best finds are waiting for you to notice them.

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want; when it comes to you, embrace it with open arms.

Collecting Antiques

 

The chandelier was found at an antique shop, and the bust was found at an antique market under a vendor's table. It may be sold since it was under the table.

Ask questions. Don't assume that because something is put aside or looks nice, it is either sold or too expensive.

 

 

Set of 24 hundred-year-old wine glasses. I found them at a second-hand bicycle shop.

Do not be surprised to find things in unusual places.

 

 

1900s mattress covering fabric and silver knives.

 

 

A stone garden urn, a collection of seashells, a vanity mirror, and a small frame with an engraving.

Use things in different ways. Experiment with texture and design.

 

 

Silver sugar bowl, and teaspoons. Spode tea set.

Use your antiques; don't buy them to put away in the cupboard.

Enjoy them daily.

 

 

An antique baptismal gown.

Share the things you love! Old, used, second-hand antiques ... are perfect gifts.

Please add some of your collected antique secrets or ideas.

What Did They Buy at the Brocante

This is a smidgen of what we saw during our brocante escapade they filled a forty-cubic-meter container and still are going full throttle on the brocante trail.

Yes, they have shops in Virginia.

 

 

The pink chair somehow managed not to make the cut. It was one of the few things that did not come back with us.

 

These items were found at a retiring antique dealer's home.

They hit the jackpot. 

It pays to know people.

 

 

Yeah or Nah?

These came home with me.

I managed to score a few things.

 

 

 

Do any of these things ring your bell?

Would you paint the brown furniture?

Guess how many dishes they bought?

Now, the fun of tagging items and packing the fragile pieces...

So far, plus boxes.

 

Who can Make This?

If you know how to make this will you show me how?

Living the Moment

Imperfect Perfection

Chelsea Joins the Tribe

Thank you, Darling.

A part of the beans are spilled but the best is yet to come.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think the bug would bite you!

Please, follow Chelsea on Instagram to see our brocante adventures and brocante bites. Her reels are make me smile.

yourfrench-rendezvous

….

 

Dear Readers,

Tomorrow, I will continue to respond to your questions.

 

 

 

 

 

Hi, I'm grateful for the engagement of my readers, and that includes you. If you have any questions about the French la Vie, I'm here to answer them. Recently, I received some interesting queries from Fat Rabbit and Ed.

Ed said, "It sounds like you have too much on your plate to worry about taking pictures all day. Maybe it's time for the French La Vie organization to have a full-time photographer on staff. Hmmmmmm. I wonder who we know who could fill those shoes?"

 

Well, if wishes came true, sure! I suppose you are referring to Sacha. Well, um, he doesn't live nearby and hasn't plans to do so in the near future. Darn.

 

 

 

Fat Rabbit said, "Yes, I have a question about food. What if a person is not a vegetarian? Also, can accommodations be made for a person who is allergic to eggplant?"

 

If you are not a vegetarian, I guess that means you eat meat. Each group is different, and I work around that, hoping to meet the needs when possible. We do go out to dine, so you can order nonvegetarian options. At home, I cook with fish, eggs, and dairy. Nobody has ever complained.

 

Regarding your allergies... Each person has their own room. 

 

 

Let me know what you would like to know about the French la Vie.

 

x

 

A Little Taste of the French la Vie

 

Natasha, we're thrilled to have you considering joining us!

Thank you for your comment where you asked:

"... For a non-alcoholic - would there be space to still join the foodie fun?"

Yes, of course! I am a non-alcoholic, and well, that says it all, doesn't it?

Of course, Yann will propose sips randomly throughout the brocante journey, such as today when an antique dealer opened a small sampler bottle from I do not know where, nor do I know how old it was.

They took a sip and declared it good.

I will try to take photos of my home-cooked meals... but honestly, I do not have much time between coming home after our very full days, preparing and cooking the meal, and serving it under an hour when we return. 

Any other questions?

 

 

Brocante Day One

The second their feet hit the ground, they were doing what they had dreamed of buying antiques in France for their shops in the USA.

We shopped

Then came back to my home for dinner. Before retiring to their bedrooms Deborah asked,

"What will I dream about tonight?

That was a sweet compliment xx

Do you have any questions for me?

 

Ready Set Go

Ready set go! The next group arrives today and plans to be here for ten days. A lot of buying is hoped for as they have shops in the States. They said that they are not foodies and would rather shop than eat. Last weeks group was the opposite. They liked both.

Are you ready to tag along? 

If you were here what would you be looking for?

Pots. Pans, Food, Paintings, a French poodle?

Some Random Photos and Thoughts

Chelsea and I are sitting on a stone wall with vibrant spring in the background. Thanks, Hannah, for taking this photo of us,

This dress is one of my favorites. I bought it at a second-hand shop for five Euros. I have no idea how old it is. Since I haven’t been wearing black, I like orange, green, and yellow clothing. It's kind of shocking.

 

My friend Erika hung out with us for a few weeks. My family considers her family. We believe she is our sister. We love her, and saying she is a friend doesn’t cut it.

Those glasses on Yann bug me. 
But even with Cracker Jack's crooked sunglasses, he is handsome.

People think I am his mother. At this point, I think I will say,

 « Yes, I am. I had him when I was four. »

 

When Sacha was a tiny one, he called Erika,

 »Eri a ka ka »

Olivia calls her,

 "Eri a ka ka cacahouète"

Which is a peanut in French.

 

 

 

The poppies are back!

 

My latest purchase.

It's massive.

The nail head exterior design gives way to a vibrant floral interior.

 

---

What is new with you?

 

 

The Foodies

Last week's French la Vie group came for the experience, to admire everything French, to soak up the culture around dining, to learn about France through antiquing, and to buy a bit along the way.

They enjoyed food, so I called them the "Foodies." It was an absolute pleasure since France is about food, and talking about food is their language.

However, the photos below do not show what we ate since we were too busy eating, drinking, and talking about the tabletop or the antiques related to French cuisine.

I was thrilled.

Food, antiques, tabletops, good company, conversations, and many laughs.

So you see, the French la Vie is more than just buying.

They left more for me to buy ... do you hear me giggle?

 

The first night dinner was at my home.

 

 

A coffee ice cream dessert. At a local restaurant.

 

These purple plates. 

 

 

Dinner at my friend Monique's home with her beautiful handmade pottery adorning the tabletop.

If ever you have had a meal at Monique's home, you know what I mean about 

A  B  U  N  D  A  N  T      G  E  N  E  R  O  S  I  T  Y 

 

May is the month of flowers.

 

Isabelle's creative touch.

 

Soooo delicious!

But her homemade gnocchi with spinach and chard was incredible, as were the roasted beets finely sliced with goat cheese. I have always had a good meal at her home. Isabelle is an extraordinary chef.

 

And her tabletop was delightful.

 

 

A platter of birds.

 

 

 

 

Olive oil tasting

 

 

Far into the countryside, a handmade flamingo swirls above a table beside the fire.

Delightful.

 

 Aïoli is homemade garlic mayonnaise made with olive oil found in the cuisines of the Mediterranean, especially in Provence. It was a classic meal served when Catholics refrained from meat on Friday: cod, boiled potatoes, green beans, a hard-boiled egg, carrots, and turnips with a dollop of Aioli.

I cannot believe I did not take photos of the food.

That happens when I am focused on my guests and talking about brocante...

When the meal is served, I am too caught up in the moment, translating, and eating. It is only afterward that I remember to take a photo. But who wants to see a finished plate?

 

 

Olive tasting from the producer.

1500 Olive trees. 

 

And at last, a drink on a boat in Cassis

To set our memories a sail.

Thank you, Lorna, Kari, Sandy, Ann, Hannah,  and Diann, for being enthusiastic about the wonders of Provence. May your memories of the French la Vie make your mouths water for more.

Beware of the little dinosaur (the inside joke to remember.)

Rain or Shine

A lot of both makes the garden grow and reminds us that we grow with both in life as well.

 

Olivia with a Lizard

 

 

The other day while leading a group around my favorite brocantes I found this adorable, 1900s white cotton, child’s dress. Guessing that it would fit Olivia I bought it.

The eyelet-collared dress fit like it was designed especially for her.

I begged for a photo. Which Olivia promptly turned into a comedy act with a toy lizard. After, several video she decided to ride the lion. Hence, two photos and a delightful video.

 

 

 

 

Bananas and Coconut Milk

Maybe one day after I get bored with antiques

I will start a stuffed animal zoo.

 

Would you visit my zoo?

I will serve bananas and coconut milk.

Thanks, Lorna, for the photos, and for laughing at my jokes last week! Should I show my readers my T-Rex too?

 

Chairs Waiting for a Table to Cozy Up to

Chairs waiting for a table to cozy up to, although they are not the style of someone I have in mind.

Have you ever had a secret to keep that you were longing to spill the beans?
I cannot say more, but as soon as I am given the green light...

I will be shouting it from the mountain top!

 

 

 

 

Cassis Lighthouse

the group on their last day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Mother’s Day

 

H A P P Y    M O T H E R ' S     D A Y 

With every ounce of love and thanksgiving for you.

 

A Picture at the Brocante

Give this a caption.

 

French la Vie Nicknames

 

Each group that comes to tag along with the brocantes has its personality. The first group of the year I called them, the Non-Stop group, as they wanted to go antiquing rather than anything else. Now, the next group, the one here now, I am calling them the Foodies, which, after brocanting, is the next best thing about being in France. They enjoy food as much as I enjoy the brocante. But that is not to say that they do not like the brocante because they do, too. No matter the names I give each group, they all bring goodness and friendship. I am so lucky!

 

 

The Time of Cherries

 

Sitting with my dear friend Monique

whom I have constant admiration for her creativity and generous heart.

Thank you for the lovely dinner you shared with the French la Vie

under your cherry tree xx

 

Following the Sign

away we go

 

 

brocante. Here, there, everywhere.

 

and many moments sharing with new friends.

 

Unequal Truths

The joy of sharing time with my daughter and friends.

And the never-ending thoughts and efforts to help those in Palestine. 

The strange world of humanity is a mixture of everything all at once.

Some live freely, easily, and safely, while others suffer.

How do we do it?

How do we live with such unequal truths?

 

 

STOP THIS MADNESS

Is there no room for love, forgiveness, and acceptance? 

Is life no longer sacred?

We did not "start the fire," but surely we must be beyond being savage?

Ceasefire.

Stop the invasion, the massacre of Rafah!

I have been hoping to help a young woman leave Gaza, but now the borders are closing.

There isn't any safe place and no way to leave.

Can you imagine living in that hopelessness?

 

 

 

Antiquing Once in a Lifetime

I met someone I hadn't seen in years a few weeks ago. We were at a brocante, and he invited me to his home—a personal invitation to be the first person to view what he had to offer as he was downsizing. My, what an incredible experience his home was! It was ten hundred times more than I expected. I was utterly in awe of his home. His way of putting things together, his vignettes, had me staring and saying, "Oh my," every other breath.

 

 

Oh, and his yard! This is the terrace. His pottery collection was vast and beautiful.

Have you ever been into someone's home and felt so inspired that you wanted to go back to your home and recreate it? I have. France has such beautiful antiques, from rustic to romantic to religious to refined, that it is easy to be influenced by its palette of wonder from one day to the next.

 

 

How Do We Bring About Positive Change

Ceasefire

 

What Encourages You?

One of my favorite trees. Those roots go forth, strong, determine, willing, seeking, supporting… they remind me of friends and family that help me to grow and become.

This tree stands tall along the path that I walk. Many have carved their initials on its trunk leaving scars without giving any thought, to its beauty or being.

and yet it rises with such a lovely crown of leaves.

What encourages you to go beyond yourself to the service of others?

 

 

May First, Muguet Day

On the first of May, the French give Muguet (Lilly of the Valley) to each other. I love it! French Husband (like 99 percent of France's population) will go out early in the morning, returning with a brin for whoever is home. It is the symbol of giving happiness to one another. 

The song below is a French classic... 

Les Temps du Muguet

Il est revenu le temps du muguet 

The Lily of the Valley returns,

Comme un vieil ami retrouvé 

Like an old found friend,

Il est revenu flâner le long des quais 

It comes back strolling along the riverbank,
("Quais," is dock but I like riverbank better.)

Jusqu'au banc où je t'attendais 

To the bench where I wait, (or is that "I'm waiting?")

Et j'ai vu refleurir

watching it bloom, 
 ... or is it better said, "Where I have seen it flowering..."
    ....or "Watched it do its thing" ... Yes, I like this modern twist best.

L'éclat de ton sourire

The brightness of your smile,

Aujourd'hui plus beau que jamais

More beautiful today than ever.

Le temps du muguet ne dure jamais

The Lily of the Valley never last long,

Plus longtemps que le mois de mai

Longer than the month of May,

Quand tous ses bouquets déjà se sont fanés

When the bouquets have faded,

Pour nous deux rien n'aura changé

For the two of us, nothing will have changed,

Aussi belle qu'avant

Also beautiful than before,

Notre chanson d'amour

Our song of love,

Chantera comme au premier jour

Singing like the first day,

Il s'en est allé le temps du muguet

And this one I cannot figure out, and if you are still reading I am impressed!

Comme un vieil ami fatigué

Like an old tired friend (it really does say that and that is what I feel like when I translate),

Pour toute une année pour se faire oublier

An entire year to make us forget,

En partant il nous a laissé

When it has ended, It leaves us, (have you even noticed that when people translate they seem to cut to the chase and leave most of what is said behind?)

Un peu de son printemps

A little Springtime,

Un peu de ses vingt ans

A little of her twenty years (translation should not be word for word, because it rarely makes sense.)

Pour s'aimer pour s'aimer longtemps.

To love, to love forever.

______________________

 

This is why I do not translate, I am terrible at it...

 

 

Maison du Village. A House inside a Village

 

We live in a small village outside of Marseilles. It is over a thousand years old—yes, over a thousand years old. A section of Roman road... (History) has passed through this village, down our street, in my house, and where I stand.

Our house is called a "MAISON DU VILLAGE," which means it is not a castle or a bastide. A Maison du village type of home is located in the center of the village, has at least three floors, and shares stone walls with other homes. The stone walls are about six feet thick. The rooftops are like a patchwork quilt.
This is the view outside our bedroom window. We are fortunate to have a garden. But it is a fish bowl garden because our neighbors can see into it.
Our shutters are Taupe color green.

 

 

In a French village, in the heart of the village, the streets are often narrow. The tiny street we live on is narrow like this. If I stand in the middle of the street, stretch out my arms, rock back and forth... I can touch the walls on either side.
It makes for good insulation. (Our home is heated by a fireplace and is very warm.) Parking is a challenge, carrying one's groceries from the car into the house is a natural work out. Packing in antiques or a clawfoot bathtub takes PURE, CRAZY EFFORT!

 

 

 

 

In the south of France, Provence, the French Rivera... the exterior walls are colorful. Shades of melon, peach, apricot or golden apple, mustard, autumn corn. The roofs are made from clay tiles called Tuiles. Which are made of clay. Years ago, they were shaped and made by women on their thighs. Yep, you read that right. The interiors of the homes are often more subtle in color as the exterior is vivid with color.

The Provencal sky is stark naked blue most of the time.

 

Fountains are everywhere. Our village has 16 fountains; this one is a stone's throw from our narrow street. The rod-iron bars on the fountain were used to place the water jug to collect water for the household.
The stone fountain is smooth like marble from a history of conversations that have taken place there while collecting water.

 

 

 

Colorful Shutters are a Must.

 

 

 

History, culture, and everything in between are evident in a French village. The exteriors do not change drastically, but the interiors—well, that is another story.
The bottom part of our home used to be where the pigs lived—way before my time. 400 years ago, it was transformed into a house. (The previous owner remodeled it.) So now the bottom part of our home is a kitchen and living room. It gives a new meaning to Hog Heaven, doesn't it?

 

 

 

Details of a French village, details in lost craftmanship. Passages of time are evident, and there is a sense that life continues no matter what happens.

 

 

 

 

Isn't this a darling tie-back for shutters? Most look like arrows. I think these are the most charming by far. Our house has them. I often think the person who added them had very good taste and was totally into details. I try to imagine her or him when I think about changing things. Which is every other minute.

More to come...

Maison du Village. A House inside a Village

 

We live in a small village outside of Marseilles. It is over a thousand years old—yes, over a thousand years old. A section of Roman road... (History) has passed through this village, down our street, in my house, and where I stand.

Our house is called a "MAISON DU VILLAGE," which means it is not a castle or a bastide. A Maison du village type of home is located in the center of the village, has at least three floors, and shares stone walls with other homes. The stone walls are about six feet thick. The rooftops are like a patchwork quilt.
This is the view outside our bedroom window. We are fortunate to have a garden. But it is a fish bowl garden because our neighbors can see into it.
Our shutters are Taupe color green.

 

 

In a French village, in the heart of the village, the streets are often narrow. The tiny street we live on is narrow like this. If I stand in the middle of the street, stretch out my arms, rock back and forth... I can touch the walls on either side.
It makes for good insulation. (Our home is heated by a fireplace and is very warm.) Parking is a challenge, carrying one's groceries from the car into the house is a natural work out. Packing in antiques or a clawfoot bathtub takes PURE, CRAZY EFFORT!

 

 

 

 

In the south of France, Provence, the French Rivera... the exterior walls are colorful. Shades of melon, peach, apricot or golden apple, mustard, autumn corn. The roofs are made from clay tiles called Tuiles. Which are made of clay. Years ago, they were shaped and made by women on their thighs. Yep, you read that right. The interiors of the homes are often more subtle in color as the exterior is vivid with color.

The Provencal sky is stark naked blue most of the time.

 

Fountains are everywhere. Our village has 16 fountains; this one is a stone's throw from our narrow street. The rod-iron bars on the fountain were used to place the water jug to collect water for the household.
The stone fountain is smooth like marble from a history of conversations that have taken place there while collecting water.

 

 

 

Colorful Shutters are a Must.

 

 

 

History, culture, and everything in between are evident in a French village. The exteriors do not change drastically, but the interiors—well, that is another story.
The bottom part of our home used to be where the pigs lived—way before my time. 400 years ago, it was transformed into a house. (The previous owner remodeled it.) So now the bottom part of our home is a kitchen and living room. It gives a new meaning to Hog Heaven, doesn't it?

 

 

 

Details of a French village, details in lost craftmanship. Passages of time are evident, and there is a sense that life continues no matter what happens.

 

 

 

 

Isn't this a darling tie-back for shutters? Most look like arrows. I think these are the most charming by far. Our house has them. I often think the person who added them had very good taste and was totally into details. I try to imagine her or him when I think about changing things. Which is every other minute.

More to come...

Sixteen Years Ago

Dad, you are in my heart pocket no matter how many years have passed.

Memory:

I am eight years old and riding on the gas tank of my Father's motorcycle. We are rounding up the cows for milking. My Dad says he thinks I am ready to ride alone. I take hold of the handlebars. I can feel his confidence in me. He says yes, you are ready and jumps off. I glance back and see him standing, still smiling, yelling, "Look where you're going!" I look ahead and see the field, the cows, the blue sky, and the wild sensation of flying by the seat of my pants.

That feeling is palpable.

Rose Perfume

 

 

Rose petals are love notes from the other side.

They have to be as they are so simply beautiful.

Pages after pages proclaiming beauty

Those delicate petals, speaking without uttering a word.

 

 

French Menu Translation

 

Chocolate cake with Runny Heart and a coop of vanilla ice cream.

A direct translation for Molten Chocolate Cake.

___

 

Because the Weeds are in Full Force

Repost of Annie 

and the greens I picked for her.

---

My friend Annie makes weed salad.

She gathers the weeds in a field.

Weeds.

She eats them.

And tells me, "..they are good for you, high in vitamins."

Weeds that I walk on without giving them a thought.

Bitter weeds.

 

 

Weeds with names such as:

Salade de Chasseur, or Hunter's Greens in English.

Fenouil, or Fennel's first shots. Not to be confused with older, later-in-the-season, more substantial growth.

Pissanli (I won't tell you what that sounds like in French... oh dang, I have to say to you... It sounds like Peeing in the Bed!) is better known as Dandelion! Bitter is what it is!

And the fourth cutie weed... Much to my shame, I forgot its name.

 

 

I went over to Annie's yesterday to cut her hair.

Entering her kitchen, I noticed an overwhelming garlicky aroma.

Annie told me she had made her Weed Salad. Without seasoning, I had tasted her weeds before, and it was not my favorite. Annie reassured me, "I know you don't like my wild salad... but"

"You mean weed salad?"

"Yes, but you should taste it with my vinaigrette!"

"Is garlic the main ingredient?"

She laughed, "Can you smell it?"

Annie collects the weeds, then trims, washes, and seasons them:

Olive oil, salt, apple vinegar, and a fist full of crushed garlic.

I love garlic. I have heard that escargot tastes good because of the butter and garlic. Weed salad falls in the same category. The garlic won me over.

Annie was happy that I am now a fan of her weed salad. I'll never walk on a weed again without my tastebuds watering well if garlic dressing is close behind.

Olivia, Stringing English and French Words

 

 

 

How to Eat a Baguette

               

Walk to the

Bakery,

We have two nearby

I call one of them the Easter Bakery because it opened on Easter a few years back, and the other the Organic Bakery because it is.

Preferably, walk to the bakery and buy a freshly baked baguette in the morning when the aroma is your alarm.

The baguettes are a true delight. They are baked fresh not once but twice a day, ensuring you always get the best quality and taste.

They are never sold the next day unless noted. I haven't seen any, as they rarely make it to the next day.

 A classic French move:

Like a local, eat the end of the baguette on the way home from the bakery.

Save the rest for later.

 

“B” (If I Should Have a Daughter) by Sarah Kay, B

 

If I should have a daughter, instead of mom, she’s going to call me Point B,

because that way, she knows that no matter what happens,
at least she can always find her way to me.

And I am going to paint the Solar Systems on the backs of her hands,
so she has to learn the entire universe before she can say ‘Oh, I know that like the back of my hand’

And she’s going to learn that this life will hit you,
hard,
in the face,
wait for you to get back up, just so it can kick you in the stomach
but getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.

There is hurt, fear that cannot be fixed by band aids or poetry
so the first time she realizes that Wonder Woman isn’t coming
I’ll make sure she knows she does not have to wear the cape all by herself
because no matter how wide you stretch your fingers,
your hands will always be too small to catch all the pain you want to heal.

Believe me, I’ve tried

And baby, I’ll tell her, don’t keep your nose up in the air like that
I know that trick, I’ve done it a million times
You’re just smelling for smoke so you can follow the trail
back to a burning house so you can find the boy who lost everything in the fire
to see if you can save him.

Or else find the boy who lit the fire in the first place to see if you can change him
But I know she will anyway, so instead, I’ll always keep an extra supply of chocolate
and rainboots nearby.

Because there is no heartbreak that chocolate can’t fix.
Ok, there’s a few heartbreaks that chocolate can’t fix,
but that’s what the rainboots are for because rain will
wash away everything if you let it.

I want her to look at the world through the underside of a glass bottomed boat
To look through a microscope at the galaxies that exist on the pinpoint of a human mind
Because that’s the way my mom taught me.

That there’ll be days like this
that there’s be days like this my mama said
When you open your hands to catch, and wind up with only blisters and bruises.
When you step out of the phone booth and try to fly

And the very people you want to save are the ones standing on your cape. When your boots will fill with rain, and you’ll be up to your knees in disappointment
and those are the very days you have all the more reason to say thank you

 

Because there’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop

Kissing the shoreline no matter how many times it is sent away.

 

You will put the win in winsome … lose some
You will put the star in, starting over and over.

And no matter how many landmines erupt in a minute,
be sure your mind lands on the beauty of this funny place called life.
And yes, on a scale from one to overtrusting, I am pretty damn naive.

But I want her to know that this world is made out of sugar.
It can crumble so easily.
But don’t be afraid to stick your tongue out and taste it.
Baby, I’ll tell her, remember your mama is a worrier
and your papa is a warrior.

And you’re the girl with small hands and big eyes who never stops asking for more.
Remember that good things come in threes and so do bad things and
always apologize when you’ve done something wrong

but don’t you ever apologize for the way your eyes refuse to stop shining,
your voice is small but don’t ever stop singing.

And when they finally hand you a heartache,
when they slip war and hatred under your door and offer you handouts on street corners
of cynicism and defeat, you tell them that they really ought to meet your mother.

 

 

 

They Arrived

Safe in Sue's compassionate, generous home.

They arrived with smiles.

Certainly, after 200 days of fear and courage, they will have the space to unravel the darkness with their faith and the comfort of being cared for.

Gently healing.

 

Have You Ever Had…

Have you ever had food poisoning?

Well, I did yesterday.

And I can say with an empty bowel I never want that experience to pass through me again. Who knew that one body could hold so much, the pain was so intense I thought it was in a stage of labor. Then I had the chills. Then I slept for hours on end.

Yann lead the group for the day like a superhero. They loved him. I love him. 

I woke up to a brand-new day and was very thankful that I was fortunate to be in a place that had a comfortable bed, a roof over my head, with a toilet nearby and clean water.

Even when we are sick we are privileged!

 

 

Mohammed, Malak and Baby Karim Update

This evening I received a message from Mohammed.

Mohammed, Malak and Baby Karim have left Gaza, their homeland, family,friends, livihood and the horror, massacre, genocide …

They are on their way to Cairo to stay with Sue who has offered her home to them.

Thank you to all of you who made this possible by your donations and following my plateform.

May the next steps of their journey be filled with loving support.

 

Antiquing with Friends

A collection.

A wish list.

A Source of inspiration and creativity.  

introducing old friends to new friends. Sharing everything I know and love with those who come over to experience Provence in a completely different way and when they leave, they dream to come back and I dream for them to come back too because there’s so much more to share. 

After thirty-some years of antiquing, I still am biting at the bit when we are seconds away from the brocante.

 

The absolute thrill of going to antique dealers' homes and seeing how they put their finds together. 

 

When are you coming?

 

 

 

Through the lens of the Brocante

 Spending one week in Provence through the lens of the brocante, shared meals and free time to explore charming villages.

In collaborating with Red Shed Tours.

A similar experience to the smaller groups I led, equally a lovely time together.

When are you coming?

 

The Cornucopia

Brocanting builds up an appetite.

to soak up the beauty around us,

to be part of the goodness at hand,

to seek and discover the vastness with ease and harmony

one would think we would not be hungry for more.

And in many ways, most ways we are not ravenous. 

We are grateful.

Being hungry for beauty enables all that is good.

Are we talking about food? The brocante? Or life itself?

 

The Cornucopia 

Abundant 

Overwhelming

Generous

Let it pour forth to others through us.