Au revoir la France
Greetings Friends,
As much as I am in love with France and long to remain here, my grieving heart is in solidarity with those at home: my husband, our children, friends, and loved ones who are deeply entrenched in a battle for the American spirit.
This wonderful visit to the city of light and the French countryside will end soon. It began with a wonderful celebration of a decade birthday!
This trip actually began as a quest with three goals: 1)to sketch along the way, creating images for my French Press shop and annual France Sketchbook Calendar, 2)to consider purchasing property (my husband planted the idea last year saying, “You should have looked at property!”) and 3)to explore the territory west of Paris making a journey to the sea at La Rochelle.
I cannot say that every day is perfect for every French person, but I can say that, for the most, I see many people going about their regular day, pursuing beauty and harmony, moving a little more slowly than most Americans, enjoying time at cafés and in parks and appreciating life. The church services I attended were full. The calendar and hours of the day remain in place. Restaurants, museums and shops may close at 1 or 2 PM and not open again until 7PM. I learned to spot the few that display a sign “service continu” indicating they do not close between lunch and dinner.
(Above Jean Moulin, resistance leader)
Each destination along the way has provided a lesson in my “semester abroad” curriculum. I have seen beautiful cathedrals, museums, rivers, homes, and yet it is the stories of each place and conversations I have had that bring value to my travel.
Les Dames de la Brèche by Franck Ayroles in Niort
I have visited large cities, chateaux, and stayed for 2 1/2 weeks in a village (Gouex in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine) so tiny it had no actual stores, only a baguette machine! And I have learned important lessons about the French rhythm of life! August is when most French people are “en vacancies.” And when I finally discovered a town in which I felt we could actually dwell for months at a time, Niort, no immobilier (real estate agent) was available.
In September I was able to put my feet inside houses, look inside basements, attics and gardens and to truly dream of possibilities. There are amazing homes available for what Americans would call a small price. The possibility is there. Honestly, if we were a couple of decades younger, I think we would be jumping at the opportunity. But not at this time.
I have learned many culture and history lessons, and have taken French lessons. No, I still cannot speak French, but my vocabulary is increasing! And, really, the three words you learned as a child, do open doors and bring a smile, return comment, or at least a nod of the head.
Bonjour ou Bonsoir!
S'il vous plaît
Merci!
I have made new friends. I have been invited to stay in a home, enjoyed meals with new friends and have met friends made on previous trips to France.
I even had one of my Paris sketches reposted by a museum Instagram site, Musée de Cluny.
However, now I belong at home fighting for what we grew up knowing and expecting.
So while I will enjoy the next few days and take in sights that exist only in Paris, I know I must return and gear up for what lies ahead.
I adopted the theme of “encouragement only” for this newsletter, and I hope these little sketches (in words and pictures)
are like small brightly colored panes glass that allow light to flow through.
More stories and images to come!
Until next time, back in our desert home—
Inspired by all of you!
Lovely post and wonderful sketches. Sorry to have missed meeting you in person. Next time!
Safe travels and welcome home! 💕