Soar-Dream-France

Bibs, Blogging, Buddies and Blues

I've discovered that blogging gets in your blood, but from time to time there are events that can come between us. The biggies for me are being on the road, visitors here at the Chatette, and technology problems. Learning to let go and enjoy the ride, while keeping everyone posted about what's happening can be a bit of a challenge.

I'm enjoying a visit with one of my blogging buddies and his wife: Niels and Bodil. We are having so much fun. They arrived in Cahors on Tuesday evening and stayed in town, and then I went in on the bus to meet them there the following day so we could hit the Wednesday morning market before taking the afternoon bus home. We've been busy. I'll share more of our visit with you over the next few days, but for now here's a shot of Niels and Bodil on one of the locks along the towpath...overalls of course!

A Special Note: I wouldn't normally do this, but for those of you that read Evelyn's blog/site you might be interested to know that she too has company, AND technology problems. She'll be back as soon as she's up and running again.

Living on Memories

Wall of wine-wash on the line-tablecloths and overalls.

Candles spent, where they went?-back to their tin for safe-keeping.

The party is over.

But, memories live on.

La Galerie Dans la Cave-2012

Each vernissage is as different as the artists who participate, and as different as the directions each artist's work may be taking at that time. The stone of the cave, the very professional lighting a la Msr. Patrick, special presentations of objets des arts, and the mélange of wonderful friends, artists, and visitors; make for an ambiance and evening that is always special.

I save the front wall every year for returning artists. It is filling up. I had three new artists this year. It's the first year I didn't have to fill in with other pieces. We had more than enough, to the point that I moved some of my personal pieces elsewhere at the last minute. But, that's what it's all about...an opportunity for the artists in the village and some of my invited friends to share their work with others in the community and have a little fun too!

As my life is changing, I don't know what next year will hold for the vernissage in the cave and the barn. Like everything else...we'll just wait and see. I'll share more about my new and returning artists in the days ahead.

A Birthday of Riverside Reflections

When we were kids and would do or ask for something out of the ordinary on our birthdays, my Dad would say: "What do you think this is, your birthday or something?" Well, it was and we'd always all laugh and get whatever we wanted. Today is mine. I'm enjoying a very quiet birthday here...it's been a birthday of reflections of many kinds beside the river.

The day began with Eveyln and Edith bringing Lucie down to stay with us while they go on their trip. Pauline came with 2 very nice bottles of Cahors wine. Christiane dropped in with dark chocolate covered sultanas. I then paid bills, registered for the Federal Jobs site, checked up on the hurricane in the gulf, and had a little lunch.

This is the third birthday in 7 years where there has been a hurricane in the gulf threatening New Orleans...2005, 2008 and now 2012. Maybe I should change my birthday!

So, I'm trying to focus. I'm trying not to worry. I've talked to just about everyone and will check back in once we have a better idea where we are. Strange stuff. Here I am having made a decision to return...and now this. I'm hoping the best for New Orleans and that my friends and family will be spared. "What do you think this is Laury, your birthday or something?" You bet, and I'm counting on my little girl birthday success!

Love to all my family and friends as they face the hurricane dangle dance more. 

 

Sampling Notre Patrimoine

Photos of all the pieces displayed in our Notre Patrimoine exposition are not always easy to get with the light-day or night.

I've chosen some to share with you that photograph well, and I hope you will enjoy.

As difficult as the barn is to hang and capture, is absolutely as beautiful as it is when it's finished. It's worth every moment of hair-pulling insanity!

The artists represented are: Evelyn Jackson (2), Kathleen Bourgeois (1), Brigitte Deully (3), Laury Bourgeois (2), Roelof Berkepeis (1), and Jean-Pierre Martenot (2), with the beautiful 18th century plow leaning on the manger and reaching all the way over to the other wall. It was quite an event!

Notre Patrimoine-La Grange

Edith was in charge of my camera for the evening of the vernissage. She captured so many wonderful photos during that evening of the cave, the barn, and the hoards of people who congregate on the terrace even when there are many other beautiful spaces to enjoy. But, this one at the entrance to the barn is my favorite. Brigitte Deully's horse had moved in to pull more beauty out of the wooden barn doors with the sunflowers celebrating them and the stone even further. Each grouping and piece in the barn is so special, look for each one to be highlighted over the next several days. Happy Weekend!

The Morning After

Getting this year's fifth vernissage together has had its ups and downs. The heat didn't help. I've come to the realization this year that using the barn for special expositions takes a lot of extra effort: stringing the electrical cord through the terrace gutters and getting it high enough into the walnut tree to be safe for people to walk under and then pulling through the back window, waiting till the day before or the day of to hang special pieces in case of rain, creative presentation of pieces on the stone and farm equipment, and artists whose pieces come with no titles and no way of presenting them. It is exhausting. All that said-the barn looked it's prettiest and happiest last night. I stood for a moment with tears in my eyes. On to recover-Photos tomorrow, but for now enjoy this shot from the front to the back of the barn prior to being readied for the exposition.

Spoiled for Fresh

Coming to live in France back in 2006 with Dali and Sam, I was always asked: "What do you miss most about America?" My family and friends were always first to come to mind, but then there was always that first bite of my cheeseburger a La Peniche that made me smile!

As much as I have my favorite pastries here, New Orleans does a good job of competing with France in that department. The one thing I already know I'm going to miss is the fresh fruit and vegetables. Living in a rural area where we even have the option to go straight to the farmers in our village, I am very spoiled. On recent returns to the states, I've already experienced sad strawberries, tired tomatoes, and cardboard cucumbers. What's a girl to do...especially a girl who discovered the vegetable lover within in France? I'm hoping that trips to the French Market and neighborhood farmer's markets will provide!

Priceless Patrick

Handing the camera over to Evelyn's friend Edith during the photo hanging; I was free to roam, assist, search for needed materials around the Chatette, and give an opinion or two. I lost count how many times I ran up and down those 10 plus stone steps last night, but every step brought us closer to an incredible presentation ready for Friday night.

Patrick arrived on his moto, pulled all his tools out of the back and as always...came totally prepared with hanging materials. I had to run off to get the "Scotch" (the tape not the booze), scissors, and a few other odds and ends from time to time, but Msr. Larribe is an old pro and speed demon in this process. Not only did he persnally build our very professional lighting system, he hangs the art work every year-this being our 5th! We finished quickly, with a few works requiring special problem solving, but then it was on to aperos and good conversation with new and old friends on the terrace.

Patrick is priceless...a master of many! He and Allain will return today to help me move the 18th century plow over to the barn and also fix a broken light switch in the bathroom...who needs a husband when you have friends like this?

Huge merci to everyone-Josie, Patrick, René, Chantal, Allain and, of course, Evelyn and Edith.

Hanging Around

Our birds aren't the only ones who'll be hanging around today. I've got artists coming on and off throughout the day to bring their pieces for the vernissage, and then this evening...Patrick will be by to get everything hung for the vernissage Friday evening.

 

The rest of the gang will come around for mostly moral support and a little apero in the process, but we always have a lot of fun on this evening as well as the night of the event. Every year is different. Every year is magic. I'll be sharing the magic as we go!

 

I'll leave you with a few shots from hanging night 2011. Steward, Eric and Denise were here to share in the event, fun and festivities. I miss them already...wish you guys were here!