French la Vie

Just like That...One Month Old Today

 

 

of course, I knew that a baby would change everything. I thought I knew what everything meant.

I knew my heart would expand that memories of my childhood and my daughter's childhood would all come back to me.

That I would see life full circle a thanksgiving rich with memories of my grandparents, my parents, my brothers,

aunts, uncles, cousins, son, daughter, and husband.

                                  I knew that I would want to hold Gabriel endless hours from the first rays to the last flicker of light,

and that I would be able to be better than I am because the path would be easier to follow with innocent love leading me.

                                                                      But somehow somewhere a door opened a passage unfolded

                                      As if my feet become wings light filled every single cell in my body -- in my heart -- oh God my soul.

A baby that tiny little wonderment, that magical mystical baby...

Life has expanded beyond my imagination what was past, and the present and those tomorrows that I will never ever know

blended into something I never expected nor knew.

Let's just call it the Big Bang, a firework of indescribable love.

My Mother Says I am a Hoarder

 

 

 

 Hoarder:

"Compulsive hoarding, also known as hoarding disorder, is a behavioral pattern characterized by excessive acquisition of and an inability or unwillingness to discard large quantities of objects that cover the living areas of the home and cause significant distress or impairment."

 

Okay, I like stuff. No one ever called me a minimalist. Though my closet isn't full. My garden shed has more books than tools in it that is odd I admit. Decorating, creating "mis en scenes" I adore. But does that mean I am a hoarder? I don't buy plates anymore cause I have enough plates for a sit-down wedding for maybe 1000 guests mix and match that is. I am exaggerating. Does that make me a hoarder? I sell stuff. I give away plenty too. I am not possessive of most of the things I have. An empty space says to me, "Fill me."

Blank spaces or just pregnant spaces in the waiting.

 

 

 

 

Last year when my mom came to my daughter's wedding, she came into our home looked around, and with a deadpan face said, "Yep you are a haorder. You and your Godmother are alike."

My Godmother isn't a hoarder though she does have way more stuff than I do. Grant it she has been collecting longer than I have and has a much bigger house. Gulp. My mom likes stuff but she doesn't collect little bits and pieces. My mom goes big. I go all over.

I am not a hoarder I do not have trails nor pathways in my house.

 

 

 

Admittingly, broken things do not bother me. My son Sacha use to say, "We have chairs you cannot sit on, mirrors you cannot see yourself in, Lights that are well worthless for brightening a space. But hey it looks good."

Practical isn't a fan of beauty.

Pretty is, practical does.

 

 

 

So I have a few antique linen towels.

I use them. Well, not these because they aren't easy to get to.

But that doesn't mean I am the H word, mom!

I know she was teasing sort of.

 

 

 

Collections speak, kind of like a large family, it fascinates.

Right?

My mom pointed to my domes, "Hoarder," she proclaimed. But I think she wanted some so that is why she said that. I have six domes left I sold plenty. Though you know if I had a bigger house well I would have kept them.

Having collections doesn't make a person a hoarder or does it?

 

 

Cutting boards, old ironstone, straw baskets, and trays. 

I guess the only way to stop is to stop going to the brocantes.

Gabriel my newborn grandson has helped with that. As long as he is here there is no other place I would rather be.

If I am a hoarder I am a happy one.

A Day of Newness

 

 

Early in the morning soon after Baby Gabriel breastfed I took him for a walk in his stroller to give Chelsea a needed few hours of rest.

As soon as I stepped outside my senses turned towards imagining life through the senses of Gabriel.

We walked along the babbling river with the century-old Plantain branches creating a canopy overhead. The filtered light danced around Gabriel's plump face as the breeze waved through the leaves and brought a scent of oleander, pine, and fig. Taking each moment in as if it were the first time letting my senses burst with newness as I experienced the smell, sight, sound... as I imagined Gabriel was doing. Whispering the names to him of what our senses were encountering...

Water cool on this summer day hear it running to the sea.

Figs recently gathered but the scent remains.

The gravel underfoot makes a crackling sound.

The warmth of the sun rays.

Dogs barking, morning birds singing, a symphony of cigales. I ran your fingers over leaves, bark, water from the fountain on the square, rosemary and a remaining rose. Butterflies gracefully flew around. Magical mystical Sacred day if only every day I would be aware of its gift.

The world was a prayer of life, even the air was tasted in gulps and gentleness.

 

 

 

 

Love is ...

 

One of you wrote in regard to having children:

"You love your child, you fall in love with grandchildren"

Oh how true.

I am head over in heels falling in love deeper and deeper I go.

Gabriel three weeks.

 

Dancing on the Table

We were dancing to Bob Marley because Martin sings his songs to the baby. As Martin had to work in Paris these last two days we played Bob Marley for the baby, but it wasn't quite the same. Chelsea took Gabriel upstairs to breastfeed and Sacha and I stayed downstairs and danced. Yes, I am standing on the coffee table because Chelsea and Sacha are much taller than me and I wanted to feel taller. 

Happy feels so good. Having everyone home (Martin returns tomorrow.) is the best gift ever. I think I will be dancing for some time to come. 

 

xxx

 

 

 

Sacha Meets Gabriel

What Do I Look For at the Brocante

 

 

When asked what I look for at the brocante I answer I look for anything that speaks to me, I look for things for our home, to sell, to give, to understand, to admire...

Medals.

But the thing is once I start looking at one thing it leads to another and then another and then it takes me on a quest to find one older or more unusual, which leads to stories... it just doesn't stop. The deeper I go into the brocante the more curious I become and the more I discover.

It is a wonderland of a rabbit hole to fall into.

 

 

Like a key that opens up a drawer to a chest where linens have rested and in between the linens are pressed flowers and postcards, stamps, letters received or never sent, and candy boxes with buttons, and cards, then there are books, and unfinished sewing projects with the thread and needle still attached, and a needle case, or a notebook with sketches, and a box of pastels.

 

 

 

An unsigned painting with tears in just the right places that at first glance it looks like insects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and broken element like pieces of a puzzle, "Where did this come from and where does it belong?" 

 

 

 

 

 

The brocante feeds my soul: Teaches me about history, art, faith, creativity and the beauty of everyday life and living.

What do I look for at the brocante?

EVERYTHING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drinking in Life

 

Holding you in my arms the clock ticks 

Nights days blend into a motionless dance

sung by church bells, the nightingale, the owl, the lark

a stream of sunlight moves slowly across the floor.

Sacredness interlaces us in

a bond of undeniable rhythm. 

As my newborn drinks in life.

 

 

Real Blooms

Real Blooms

after years

without much

perhaps a stitch or pin to a hat or collar

perfuming imagination

no need for water or pruning, nor sunshine

real blooms 

the unfolding beauty of age.

 

And They Danced...

 

 

July 6th, 2018

One Year Anniversary.

How they danced and are dancing still.

A year later the two have made one.

 

 

This was one of my favorite moments, Chelsea and Martin entered the reception and instantly started dancing which lead to everyone dancing before dinner. Martin twirled Chelsea around in a circle of sparklers.

Magical.

 

What a glorious love story may it never end.

 

 

Between Heaven and Earth

 

 

 

There is a place between heaven and earth,

between the mind and the heart, 

between ourselves and each other, a sacred place where the imagination grows,

where the spirit expands,

where life fully lives.

The door is continuously open for any of us to enter,

the risk is only in falling deeply in love and not returning the same as we were.

Vulnerable to love to the course it leads.

 

Happiness Overload

 

 

 

 

Antiquing. Baby. Antiquing. Baby.

Plus Yann, Chelsea, Sacha (who arrives in a few days for a month), and Martin not in that order as there isn’t a list of who is first just a full heart that is overflowing. A full circle.

Chelsea is doing fine, breastfeeding which anyone who has breastfed knows it is a constant giving day and night for the first six weeks, then usually a pattern comes into play. I am so happy they are staying here with us for two months. I need to put myself in a routine... I forgot how time-consuming cooking three meals a day for a family was. Yann and I can eat tomatoes and mozzarella, or roasted vegetables, or melon all summer long. But that doesn't cut it for a nursing mother and a strapping young man. Thankfully, the grocery store is around the corner on foot.

Chelsea and Martin are the parents every child dreams about. Loving, generous with their affection, actions, words, doting, attentive and happy. At first they constantly wanted to help me help them, but finally, they have accepted to let me care for them so they can care for each other.

Chelsea and Martin have rented their apartment to one of my favorite blog readers, I am so thankful. It will make the month easier for them without having to pay rent. They are looking for someone to rent their apartment in Paris for the last two weeks in July if you know anyone please let me know (two bedrooms, in the 1Oth, with an elevator, 750 euros for two weeks.)

And the laundry is so cute, all those little baby clothes, sheets, diapers, wash clothes...

I volunteered for this role and take it seriously, my mother came to France and cared for us, she did everything so I could bond and be with Chelsea baby. I am so happy I can do the same for them.

Full circle.

Happy.

Grateful beyond words.

 

 

 

 

Summertime and the Living is Easy

Motherhood

Lavender Fields Forever

Cathy came on the French la Vie with one thing high on her Bucket List to see the lavender fields.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Such a magical day. Full of purple and perfumed air.

Field after field of rolling humps of lavender in neat rows.

A day well spent and a sweet farewell to a wonderful week spent with

the French la Vie.

I will miss you.

 

 

French La Vie Journey Surviving the Heat

 

 

The colors of Provence. Enchanting. Today I was reminded why I love this country, this landscape, this life... beauty in many ways surrounds me.

I am grateful.

What a pleasure to share what I see and live with those who come on the French la Vie journeys with me. Today we went to two brocantes, then went to Cassis where we took a boat ride out to sea we were revived by the air and water! Later Yann took our guest on a motorcycle ride in the Saint Baume mountains. Tomorrow we are going to visit the lavender fields by Valensole. 

Yes, the heat has been daunting but what has kept us going has been the good things: Friends, lovely meals, the brocante, the landscape, visiting villages, stepping into churches and dipping our hands into fountains and tons of laughter over silly antics by Yann.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Weeks Old

French la Vie Summer Outings

 

 

Oh, Provence who knew you could show my hometown Willows in the Sacramento Valley

how to hit 113 degrees!!

My God for once I had to say, “It was Hot!”

Thank goodness for air conditioned cars, ice-cream, plantain trees, good friends and the desire to seize the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

French la Vie Summer Outings

 

 

Oh, Provence who knew you could show my hometown Willows in the Sacramento Valley

how to hit 113 degrees!!

My God for once I had to say, “It was Hot!”

Thank goodness for air conditioned cars, ice-cream, plantain trees, good friends and the desire to seize the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Lovely Day in the Heatwave

 

Even the incredible heat wave that we are experiencing in Provence

could not alter our mood or mission. Brocanting we did go with the French la Vie.

We found what we were hoping for, no rush nor stress we dipped our hands in the nearby fountains

wet our faces and necks and kept on going.

We stopped by my friend Kristin's home for a late afternoon snack and sat in her clever, charming and COOL air condition house!

We are spoiled by the luxury of having friends, happiness, passion, and places to get out of the heat.

Each French la Vie I am so happy to show what I have curated over thirty years of living here and moreso to share the France I love.

 

 

 

tomorrow it is supposed

to be 108 F

Brocante to the rescue:

Or maybe rose by a pool.

 

 

I adore the charm of my clever friend Kristin and her magical wand of creative ideas.

 

 

Wish List on the French la Vie

 

While in Cassis we stopped before lunch to have a drink. Even in this heat, we are going strong nothing can dampen the spirits of those who love the brocante and antiquing. Cathy had a wish list: small oil paintings, santons, Sicard's cigale or Cicadidae, pottery ... we found it all today.

We tried Pastis because you kinda have to if you are in Provence during the summer. It wasn't a hit, so Kir Royal to the recuse.

 

 

 

Small paintings found at the brocante today.

The details of the boating scene captured my eye. Even the smallest brocante has a treasure wanting to be found.

 

 

Rodger in Cassis the King of Pastis wanted to have his picture taken with us.

If you are in Cassis stop by his Pastis Bar, where there is the largest selection of Pastis in Provence. Plus a bigger must is to try his wife Andre's tapas Courgette cake, plus tatin tomato are two of my favorites.

 

 

These Santons are originally from the Luberon and from the 1950s. I love their rosy cheeks they are made out of plaster and not traditional clay. Ultra charming.

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped by the historical Sicard in Aubagne to buy their latest version of the cigale, as luck would have it they were setting up the next kiln and we were invited to watch. They said that in this heat with the oven at 1000 degrees it is nearly unbearable to work. Nearly?

 

 

We are off to a good start. How happy I am that each group brings more joy and friendship to my life, I am thankful for such a wonderful community that is gathered on my blog. Brocante glue is a mighty sweet thing.

 

 

Wish List on the French la Vie

 

While in Cassis we stopped before lunch to have a drink. Even in this heat, we are going strong nothing can dampen the spirits of those who love the brocante and antiquing. Cathy had a wish list: small oil paintings, santons, Sicard's cigale or Cicadidae, pottery ... we found it all today.

We tried Pastis because you kinda have to if you are in Provence during the summer. It wasn't a hit, so Kir Royal to the recuse.

 

 

 

Small paintings found at the brocante today.

The details of the boating scene captured my eye. Even the smallest brocante has a treasure wanting to be found.

 

 

Rodger in Cassis the King of Pastis wanted to have his picture taken with us.

If you are in Cassis stop by his Pastis Bar, where there is the largest selection of Pastis in Provence. Plus a bigger must is to try his wife Andre's tapas Courgette cake, plus tatin tomato are two of my favorites.

 

 

These Santons are originally from the Luberon and from the 1950s. I love their rosy cheeks they are made out of plaster and not traditional clay. Ultra charming.

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped by the historical Sicard in Aubagne to buy their latest version of the cigale, as luck would have it they were setting up the next kiln and we were invited to watch. They said that in this heat with the oven at 1000 degrees it is nearly unbearable to work. Nearly?

 

 

We are off to a good start. How happy I am that each group brings more joy and friendship to my life, I am thankful for such a wonderful community that is gathered on my blog. Brocante glue is a mighty sweet thing.

 

 

Santa Claus

 

Today started the French la Vie. We are off to a wonderful adventure as you know brocanting is certainly on top of the list, and going to explore the lavender fields in Valensole.

Barely had we started the French la Vie French Husband found a baby’s rocking horse. I think he wants to be the Sugar Daddy of sorts. He wants the baby to think he is best. Actually, he is giving Santa a run for his money,

 

 

 

A Letter from my Mom?

 

 

 

My mom does not write letters, so that was the first clue that something was off, then there was the handwriting which definitely wasn't my mother's. Noticing that it wasn't her handwriting reminded me that when we see the handwriting of those we care for it is a sign of their evident presence, a sense of knowing someone as if their handwriting was a handshake or a hug, it is that familiar and comforting. Anyway, that letter was not from my mother, but a very funny joke from my two nieces, Marie and Molly. They sent letters with the same humor to my son and their uncle my brother Marty. Each letter is a spin-off of each of our relationships with our mother. Molly and Marie have done such a good job with these letters that I think the two of them should write a book of letters from my mom.

 

 

They even added flowers from my mom's garden!

My brother Marty's letter jokes about not making his favorite lemon pie anymore.

As if these letters aren't sweetly fun in their own right when I read my out loud to Yann was puzzled, as he thought 

my mom had written it. He questioned it, "You mom is going to learn a new language?"

It took some explaining for him to understand that it was a joke from my nieces. 

"Why," he asked, "Are you sure it is not real?"

I think I will get a ride out of this one for some time.

 

 

 

 

Sweet Happiness

One Week Old

 

One week ago today Chelsea gave birth to Gabriel.

I was honored to be at the birth which was at a natural clinic in Paris.

 

Gabriel, you came with one glorious push, sliding into this world with a ribbon around your neck and under your arms

that slide off the instant you were born.

 

Your mother who was on her knees scooped you up and held you close saying over and over again in the gentlest voice,

"I love you, I love you, I love you..."

Martin held both of you and washed you with his joy.

For the next couple of hours, your parents cradled you in their bed flesh touching flesh, coo-ing to you in music that is made for love birds.

 

Earlier on when your journey first started I asked the heavens that the prayers, thoughts, wishes, words, notes, expression of love sent to you from family, friends, and acquaintance surround you and bring you safely to our side.

I thank all of you for your many loving notes I felt your presence during Gabriel's birth. 

One week. One glorious week that felt like a lifetime and a nanosecond combined.

 

I am returning to Provence to led a French la Vie Group. It was planned before I knew Chelsea was pregnant. After which Chelsea and Co. will be staying with us for two months. Sacha comes for a holiday July 9th. It is going to be the best summer ever!

When the Youngest and the Oldest at Last Meet

Love Story

 

 

Happy Birthday Sacha

Happy 27th Birthday, Sacha! 

 

(In French to say, Uncle, it is Ton. But just like some say Auntie for Aunt, Ton-Ton is for Ton.)

 

 

 

Love Does Such Things

 

Baby Gabriel

 

I asked if I could take him home.

Need I say the answer?

My friend Lizzie said that when a baby comes into one's life it is as if one is

watching Baby TV 24/7 because you cannot take your eyes off of them.

My new favorite show "Gabriel". I will be posting baby overload.

I never want to leave.

Beautiful Boy Gabriel

 

 

 

Gabriel was born on June 15th in the morning.

He weighed 9 pounds.

Chelsea, Martin and the baby shared a beautiful natural birth

and are somewhere deep in an enchanted land of love.

 

 

 

 

Overflowing Joy

 

 

So so much more to share.

overflowing Joy.

We are in that dream state between 

heaven and earth.

The baby has arrived.

Details will follow. 

 

Thank you for every thought, prayer, wish, dream, hope that you sent.

Your love and friendship were felt.

 

Baby??

 

Soon. Chelsea feels good and is happy. Anticipating with joy, not anxious nor worried. Such a special time to wake up wondering, « Is today the day? « Then being curious throughout the day and night with giddy excitement. I haven’t had this feeling since I was a child at Christmas.

Divine Touch

 

The Mystery 

full ripe womb

sacred treasure

seen 

but unseen

felt but not held

visible but

invisible

sacred wonder

loved and loved and loved

now and forever

 

(no sign we are happily waiting)

Anticipation

waiting

for the expected

baby with 

anticipating joy.

baby to be

I see you wiggling

tomorrow maybe?

or next week's full moon?

the kitchen clock tics

Chelsea grows 

all is good

in this moment of elevated 

dreams to come true.

 

 

The House Next Door

A Repost from 2011 Chelsea and Sacha

 

Those shining stars who get under our skin, who capture our hearts, who take us beyond what we ever knew about love. Those shining stars, those who we love, and love us in return.

Have you ever known a love like that? Someone who is your star, who leads you?

Starlight.

 

 

Star bright.

What happiness I feel when I am around my children. Just being with them and watching them become who they are. How fortunate I feel loving them, knowing they love me and trust me.

I loved being their mother when they were babies. I remember thinking that each age: Newborn, Two, Five, Seven, Ten, Fourteen, Sixteen, Twenty... was the best and couldn't imagine that it would be better. 

I was happily wrong each moment was delicious.

 

 

 

 

I love that they love each other. That they get along, are never jealous and are there for each other. I am happy to watch them at a distant and or close at hand. I wish I would swallow them whole, but do what I can to stand back and let them be.

Have you ever wanted to hold someone forever?

I wish they would live under our roof or at least next door.

First star I see at night.

 

 

 

I know I am being gushy and proud, but that is what happens when I spend unlimited time with these two.

They make me happy.

 

 

 

(Goofing off but I like it.)

 

I have to take ten thousand photos (and I am not exaggerating no matter what Chelsea says!) of Chelsea to have ten without her making a face. Okay, let's say that Chelsea likes to make faces, though when I beg her not too, she will smile briefly and sometimes I am lucky to catch it before she goofs off again. And what is really, utterly strange is Chelsea is the more serious one out of the two of these potato heads. And Sacha rarely goofs off in front of the camera, well with me that is.

 

 

 

 

These two shining stars I have made my wishes come true.

 

And soon Sacha will be home, and Chelsea will have a baby...

Nothing better.

 

Photos of Notre Dame

 

As I walked around Notre Dame in Paris I could not help but cry. It was shocking to see the damage even if the facade remains mostly intact.  The Rose glass windows have miraculously survived, their supporting facades stand strikingly tall and seemingly alone. The windows around the ambulatory appeared to be missing what I could see seemed to be empty spaces replaced by boarded-up plastic shields.

Notre Dame is sealed completely off by a wall. I walked in a daze along the river and crossed the bridge behind to see the full effect of the damage I can only imagine the damage on the inside, and how horrific for the parishioners and neighbors who lived near it.

Notre Dame will take time to analyze before restoration can begin.

 

 

 

 

 

The smell of ash was startling. Yann said there was a report that said 300 tons of lead melted in the fire the authorities are asking pregnant, nursing mothers and families with newborns who lived nearby to be tested for lead levels. Chelsea lives further away so it wasn’t necessary.

A long time blog reader wrote to me:

"Yes, I too read about the lead and was very worried for the people who live and work so close by. No one on the U.S. news talked about humans at the time of the fire, but there are so many shops and food carts and the flower market... I really love to noodle around that area and I have a favorite shop where I buy my Paris "tchochkes "...sachets and tea towels and an ugly magnet for my daughter. Apparently, they were only closed for a couple of days, and the man who owns "my" store said that business was booming. "

 

 

 

IThe bell towers and the main facade are intact, the bells survived but remain silent. 

The organ:

 

"...More recently, during the 20th century, renovations were often the result of strong or sudden changes in the weather and other environmental factors: an overflowing of the Seine, heat waves… Fortunately, the organ was largely spared by the fire that started in the cathedral in the evening of 15 April 2019. However, the dust, soot, and intense heat from the fire will undoubtedly have had an impact upon the instrument. Not to mention the site's exceptional acoustic with a seven-second echo. Its roof largely destroyed, it will be a while before we are able to hear the organ rumble once more... As for the second instrument held in the building, a small chorus organ from 1969, the assessment is far less positive since the instrument was directly flooded during the work by firefighters."

 

 

 

My friend Barbara Willis wrote to me on FB:

"...Despite this tragedy, she stands and will in time heal.

Never the same but refreshed for new generations to

worship, marry, Christen their children, pray and praise God.

So much is gone but her heart remains to rise again."

 

Waiting for Baby

Table Top Love

"Everything happens for a reason" — and other lies I've loved

 

 

The game of life is an interest and challenging game

one in which you never know how it will end, but you know it will.

 

It can be played with a combination of

feelings, ideas, goals, attitudes, thoughts... you can give it your all

or give it very little, or somewhere in between.

The outcome of how you will play out it is unknown, you can play it well or not, either way, it can change faster than a blink of an eye in a direction you never expected or for which you desired.

Some sail smoothly through it,

Some have faith with amazing endurance and grace,

Some have a rough go and come through with an abundance of joy, others kick and scream and rarely see beauty. Some ask questions, others accept, some see God, some see darkness, others just let it be.

The game is for the living.

It is for the brave, the weak, the rich, the poor, the happy and the sad.

Some see the end as a stepping stone to somewhere better, others don't see it that way at all.

 

 

 

 

In life's toughest moments, how do you go on living? Kate Bowler has been exploring this question ever since she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at age 35. In a profound, heartbreaking and unexpectedly funny talk, she offers some answers -- challenging the idea that "everything happens for a reason" and sharing hard-won wisdom about how to make sense of the world after your life is suddenly, completely changed. "I believe that in the darkness, even there, there will be beauty and there will be love," she says.

This video was produced by TEDMED. TED's

 

 

 

Please follow the link above. I found this very interesting and beautiful, her message resonates with what I have felt in my darkest moments: With the death of my boyfriend, having ovarian cancer, my father's death... It made me cry as I felt an understanding seldom expressed by those who have not lived or held darkness in their hands. I would like your opinion, your thoughts.

Yann disagrees somewhat to her opinion, he thinks if you do something good then good comes back to you such as if you smile at someone someone smiles back if you throw mud at someone the person will probably act not favorably. I hear what he is saying, we can choose how we act or react in our lives. though when I asked what he thought about bad things happening to good people? Yann questions, "What is bad?" I was nearly crazy trying to understand what he was saying, he said why to label good and bad instead see them as lessons from which to learn and grow. I get that but smiling and having someone smile back is one thing, having something "bad" happen and seeing it as a lesson? In the end we understood we choose to step forward and live our lives faithfully to love, we might not get it right, we have and will fall short but in the end, what matters to us is that we live it well for the sake of Love and Goodness and Light and not for a reward here now or later. 

 

The Invisible Door

 

Out of nowhere like the air that passes by something triggers a memory, a feeling, a thought

that takes me to a place or an idea that I have or have not thought of before. A magic wonder, serendipity, an open

door to discovering something deeper or new. The amazing occurrence of life's tidbits to wonder and awe or simply an aha moment.

An antique china bowl with brightly colorful soup spoons, gave way to that passage the other day. Swirling me in a creative sense, that

eventually gave way to this thought.  Life's unexpected invisible doors opening and leading us further along.

 

 

 

Paper Addict Admiration

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

Going to the brocante is more than an addiction it is an admiration for the past, for the discoveries I learn and gather about France, French culture and history. A living museum a rare account of the way things were. Going to the brocante is more than finding old things by rummaging through dusty boxes of past lives. Brocanting is the story of past lives, to see first hand the way life was lived and evolved. History gathered in a letter, a dish, a painting, a book, a tool... piece by piece as if a puzzle of yesterday coming together to this moment.

 

 

 

Last Sunday I found a box full of 16th to 17th-century documents, some of them from an officer from the Duc d'Orlean.

 

 

 

 

Tic Toc Waiting

Before I knew Chelsea and Martin were expecting a baby I had scheduled the French la Vie Journeys. The next one starts on the 25th of June, Chelsea’s due date is the 15th. Fingers crossed the baby is born around then and not born late... otherwise I might be leading the group through the maternity.

 

A French Riddle

 

A French Riddle engraved on a heart. What does it say?

I was at the brocante in Paris when I added a photo of this heart to my Instagram stories. Someone wrote me an hour or so later saying they wanted to buy it. Retracing my steps was as hard as finding a needle in a haystack! Luck was on my side when I found it and asked the dealer what it meant. She said to me read it and hear what you are saying, et voilà I understood. Do you know what it says?

 

This Year's Blooms

 

 

 

The roses Eden in my courtyard, lush wonders of a hundred petals. Beautiful though lacking perfume.

This year there was an explosion of blossoms!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heading to Paris

 

My bag is packed.

The bus arrives soon, then I will catch the train to Paris.

The day has finally arrived, or I should say the next chapter, I am going to go wait in Paris for the baby to be born.

Chelsea is not in labor yet, I am going ahead of time I do not want to miss the moment!

This moment is around the corner how my eyes fill and my nose stings just thinking about it.

OH MY GOD!!!

A baby!

 

 

I am so happy and excited to share these next days with you.

Thank you, Susan and Barbara, for the gifts you have sent. They are neatly folded and ready to be used.

If I am crying with happiness now I can only imagine how I am going to feel the moment the baby arrives!

My Guess is:

Date June 10

Weight 9 lbs.

a Boy

Name Elijah 

And yours if you haven't already added to the post or by comment early?

 

 

 

 

Antique Discoveries St Exupery

 

One never knows what one will find while antiquing, even if one has been to the same shop or fair over a million times and knows every nook and cranny with one's eyes closed. Though antiquing is a source of magic, wonders behind a painting, tucked within the pages of a book, stuffed in a pocket, hidden in a box under a bed... antiquing shows one another world, another time, a passage to lives lived.

An antique dealer I know was allowed to enter a famous ruined home, and to purchase whatever he found interesting. The home was of Antoine St Exupery... what he found he mostly donated to the city and the local museum, plus he sold other items. A few things he kept and lends to museums and events which focus on St Exupery.

One such item is St. Exupery's flight coat.

 

"Antoine Marie Jean-Baptiste Roger, Comte de Saint-Exupéry (French, 29 June 1900 – 31 July 1944) was a French writer, poet, aristocrat, journalist, and pioneering aviator. He became a laureate of several of France's highest literary awards and also won the U.S. National Book Award. He is best remembered for his novella (Le Petit Prince) and for his lyrical aviation writings, including Night Flight and Wind, Sand and Stars.

Saint-Exupéry was a successful commercial pilot before World War II, working airmail routes in Europe, Africa, and South America. At the outbreak of war, he joined the Frenc Air Force (Armée de l'Air), flying reconnaissance missions until in 1940. After being demobilized from the French Air Force, he traveled to the United States to help persuade its government to enter the war against Nazi Germany. Following a 27-month hiatus in North America, during which he wrote three of his most important works, he joined the Free FrenchAir Force in North Africa, although he was far past the maximum age for such pilots and in declining health. He disappeared over the Mediterranean on a reconnaissance mission in July 1944, and is believed to have died at that time.^"

 

 

Yann was fortunate to try on St. Exupery's flight coat, and when he put it on a tear formed in his eye.

Yann asked the antique dealer why he did not have the flight coat restored? The antique dealer responded, "And take off the patina of time, remove the essence of St Exupery, you mean to make the flight coat new? To erase the journey?"

I beamed at the antique dealer's response. So true. Why do certain people want to "restore or renovate" certain objects when the value is in the beauty of age where the story speaks, "I have been around awhile and still I have something to share."

Listening with the eyes.

Feeling the invisible story.

St Exupery knew that.

 

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry/Quotes

 

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

 

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

 

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

 

 

 

We were able to buy one of St Exupery's maps, the others had been sold to the museum in Nice, it was an early father's day gift for Yann.

 

 

Countdown to Babyhood

 

Countdown to babyhood, the dumpling that will arrive any time in the next two weeks. I do not know how I feel as it seems a bit surreal that is until I see Chelsea's growing belly. Chelsea has been the model of pregnant women: Hasn't been sick at all, started her maternity leave, feels good and has only gained about 15 pounds. Gee, I could gain that in a week.

The countdown finding a name.

Setting up a nursery:

Bassinet, blankets, diapers, potions, and a comfortable chair.

 

A mobile above the bed.

 

 

 

Eventually, sometime after breastfeeding a silver spoon and a fork.

 

 

A pin like this to hold down a baby's bib.

All the photos are things I have sold over the years.

I guess I have had a baby on my mind for some time.

 

 

 

A napkin ring... I haven't seen one like this in a long time.

 

 

 

These little shoes enjoyed being the host to someone who was learning to walk.

 

 

A rattle.

 

 

Before sippy cups.

 

 

These sorts of medallions with rings at the top were to hang in the bassinet.

 

 

 

I am going to have fun dressing up this baby.

 

 

 

 

Dressing up and playing!

 

 

Why not pretty labels attached to the basket of baby clothes?

 

 

 

Maybe I should learn to paint, or draw?

 

 

 

Happy days ahead. The countdown to another beautiful relationship, you have been waiting to come for a very long time in you will be formed with some of the cells of those we have loved great grandparents, grandparents, parents... and now you.

I long to kiss your forehead and look into your eyes.