Day Three - French Adventure

 

Each morning I came down early to sit in the quiet of Corey's kitchen and sip my tea.

Then after breakfast of croissants and yogurt with fruit and nuts, we were off on a new adventure.

The third day was market day in Aix en Provence. There were some booths with antiques, but there was everything from women's clothes, jewelry, soap, books, flowers, and so much more. This day I ended up finding a few clothing items (2 tops and a dress) that I couldn't resist. I also bought some soap; after all, I love French hand soaps. These are a bit smellier than I am used to; so now my bathroom smells like the soap vendors booth.

We stopped for a cold drink here. Isn't it beautiful?

Walking to the van we spotted this red man swimming through the patio.

Delphine's Atelier was the next stop. She had quite a collection of vintage fabrics, which she makes into things to sell. Her home has two rooms set up to market her products, plus other vintage things for sale. The studio is the third room and so fun to hear her passion for what she does.

And again we hopped in the van with one more stop at Corey's friend, Mo's home.

Now Mo is a pottery artist and had quite a collection of her clay pieces in this shed.

I can truly say each piece was a work of art made with a delicate black clay and creamy, white glaze. @Reves D'argile on Instagram

Then we sat at Mo's table for nibbles on the patio before moving indoors for our evening meal.

Often with the evening meal something small is served, which is most delicious. I think "oh good, not too much!" and then more keeps coming.

Plus a dessert to top it off. This was something creamy with burnt spices on top.

It was quite dark in the country side as we traveled back to find our beds for the night. Another special day and more to come.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Day Two - French Adventure

 

A corner of Corey's kitchen.

In her garden.

Shopping!!!!

Wishing I could bring big things home, but only the small things would fit in my bag. 

I found a small gift for my "live-in gardener" on this day. A netsuke ivory figure to sit under a bonsai tree.

And then we stopped for lunch in the country.

While we enjoyed our surroundings we dug through this basket of feves (small ceramic figures tucked in the King's cake). I brought home a hand full of them.

I am still dreaming of this beet/goat cheese salad. It was amazing.

These women prepared our food and visited with us. They were pure delight.

And then we strolled the avenue of Cotignac.

The group I traveled with. There was Corey and Chelsea, mother and daughter, that hosted, guided, and cared for us each day. Chelsea drove us in a van each day. Then the four women that came for the adventure, which included me. I couldn't believe I was a part of this special group of women. What a treat!!

OK, this is day two; so more to come.

Sending much love,

Marilyn

Where to Begin?

 Where to Begin?

I am not sure even where to begin to share this impromptu adventure. I returned home with a full heart on Wednesday night, but oh so exhausted. It was an adventure I always dreamt of taking, but didn't really believe I would ever do. Corey, from French la Vie blog, posted about 2 weeks before this tour that she had a cancellation and did anyone want to go to France? I said "I do" and before you knew it I was flying off on an unplanned adventure; even though, I just returned from Alaska.

So here I am back home and ready to share with you.

Four women joined together as the adventure began with Corey and Chelsea, Corey's daughter. We stayed in Corey's home and often she cooked for us. The next four pictures were taken of my bedroom for the week in her home. Isn't it amazing?

I flew into Marseilles, France and the next morning was picked up by Corey and Chelsea at my hotel.

After picking everyone up, we were off on a seven day adventure of beautiful sights and shopping. The boats greeted up as we drove through Marseilles.

The first stop on the agenda was to climb to the third floor of a private apartment.

We were greeted with something to drink and a cookie.

Though I didn't buy anything here, it was an adventure of the senses just to look.

They had quite a collection of French graphic novels and figurines that any child (or child at heart) would love.

We stopped to shop next at Annie's apartment. She is the one in the white dress in the background. OK, I did a little shopping here: a vintage nightgown, a rustic bowl, and a large chunk of soap. Yes, soap, olive oil soap that is good for cleaning about anything or just sitting on a dish in the bathroom. I love it.

Chelsea had made lunch for us; so we sat on Annie's patio and enjoyed.

If I was shopping for antique plates, this place would have been the place to buy. Beautiful things everywhere you looked.

And this is just day one of a seven day adventure.

More of the adventure will be shared on the following days.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Keep on Dancing

 She danced! Dreaming of Dance

If you have followed me for awhile you will know I visit my favorite antique mall 4 times a year for their seasonal events. It is sort of my kick off for a new season. The celebration just makes my heart happy. I don't need to buy anything, but snap a few pictures and savor the changing of the season by surrounding myself with beauty and pretty things.

Each time I go I notice if there is a theme that is showing up that I have missed. It seemed this time it was just about decorating ourselves.

We can decorate ourselves with baubles and beads or maybe a pretty hat or piece of lace. It doesn't take much at all. We can even just pick a flower when out and about and tuck it behind our ear.

Yes, I did have to notice the light coming in the window, shining on this pretty blouse. Just the light took my breathe away.

Sometimes I can't help myself, I just must touch. Thankfully, I didn't see a do not touch sign. I love to touch old fabrics. Oh, I touch new fabrics too. When I go through a clothing store I can't resist touching as I walk by. And sometimes just the touch will sell me on something I hadn't been looking for. Do you touch when you shop for clothes?

There is a song that says, It's a Hard Luck Life. Everyone has times that are part of that hard luck life, but it is how we choose to live it that counts. It counts that we decorate ourselves and dance.  Another song is I Keep on Dancing on my Own. That is exactly what I do for myself and what I tell others to do too. Let's all keep dancing, decorating our world, and we will certainly find JOY through all the tough times.

And then I found this smile.

He made me smile back.

Have an amazing week and don't forget to dance.

Yes, I know, I just got back from traveling to Alaska, but an opportunity came along last week and I said "yes!". I leave Sunday for 10 days, traveling to Provence (the south of France). My "live-in gardener" is staying home and I am flying off to meet others and play awhile. There may be a little shopping too. I might even dance in the street. France has always had my heart and I needed one more adventure there.

I will see you in a couple weeks for pictures.

Sending love,

Marilyn