Living in France, I've discovered wonderful things that are happening back home in the states that I wouldn't have a clue about otherwise. The Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is one. Located in Michigan, you can read about all they have to offer at the link above. I was introduced through their international arm, which is strongly supported by the Figeac Lions Club.
That means, that while the young musicians are performing and touring throughout Europe by bus; they spend more time in Figeac and stay with host families. This summer, two of the host families were from Cadrieu. With our own Michel Vincent as the past president of the Figeac Lions Club, he and his wife Annette are active and involved in all of the events as well as hosting. Jean-Pierre and Francoise Martenot also hosted this summer and both couples got me involved.
Spending time with young American musicians in France was a new wrinkle for me.
Their excitement and commitment was contagious. I found myself often translating between my neighbors and the young musicians. Words are one thing, managing to get the emotion of the moment across is something else. I knew I was successful when in the midst of the hugs and goodbye's, I saw Francoise's huge smile through her tears and an even tighter hug as one of their young women said: "I would stay here for the rest of the trip if I could. I don't want to leave." Somewhere between French and English, it gave me a chance to share with both how special and magic Cadrieu and its people really are-You always feel special and welcomed. Our young musician agreed.
At one point in the early summer, I was planning on hosting a musician. With everything going on with my parents I wasn't sure if I'd be in Cadrieu during this time so I had to withdraw my offer. On one hand, I would have enjoyed being even more of a part of the event. But when I saw the depth of the love, attachment, and communication beyond language between my friends and their young people; I knew that my involvement is most constructive elsewhere. Staying with French host families is important. They get to experience the culture, language differences, and many other things that they frankly wouldn't get if they stayed with me at the Chatette.
I am a resource. I am happy to participate. I'm happy to be there on the fringe so I can be supportive if needed. Who knows...maybe next summer or the summer after it will shake out a little differently? All I know is that throughout the concert, during awards, closings, encores, goodbye's, and thank yous; I was honored to be a part of the Blue Lake experience and the chance to get the inside view on these teenagers and the magic of their music.
When the thank you songs finished, they were off for a 22 hour bus ride to their next stop in Germany. Families hovered in the dark at the loaded bus way past midnight, waiting to say good by as it pulled off. I have a feeling there might be a few a bientots in there!
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