Friday, May 9, 2008

Beeeeautiful!

Absolutely gorgeous, hot weather. The garden is growing and is a delight to sit and read in. There is a constant chorus of birds chirping and always a little breeze. My mom and I got to eat lunch outside and totally enjoyed every second of it. She's created another wonderful little place in the world. Now, if I only could get her to paint more...

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

C'est Beau La Vie

No photos this entry, just a few words.

Today was another extremely hot day, the sun blazing down on France. I ate lunch in the Tuileries gardens with my aunt and an American friend. In the shade, the temperature was perfect - even a cool breeze brushed over our bare arms. Later in the afternoon, I took the train to Condeau and walked from the train station to the house. Immediately upon arriving, sweaty and hot, I grabbed my book and headed for the lounge chair in the vibrant, green garden. I plopped myself down and paused - "I am so lucky."

I am lucky. You are lucky. We are all lucky. We have so much to be thankful for. And even if there are some or even many hard times in our lives or things we would want to be different, things really aren't so bad overall, really.

I send all of you much love, peace, and happiness....and a sprinkling of good cheese and champagne.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Where on earth am I?

Oh my... When I wake up in the morning now, I have a moment of, "where am I?" I have been in so many different places recently that I am confused each morning, till I'm out of my waking-up daze.

My mom and I just got back from a super quick, one night visit to Clermont-Ferrand (3 1/2 hour train ride) to see my Papa's other sister, Marinette. She's 85 years young and so much like her brother in many ways. I asked her to teach me how to knit and I've started a scarf. It's already got a few holes in it and the edges aren't even, but I am going to finish it and accept its imperfection.
My cousin served us a fabulous cheese platter of all the cheeses from the region: St.Nectaire, Cantal, Comte, Beaufort, et un Chevre. Let's just say my pants are now a bit more snug than when I left Santa Barbara 4 months ago...