Soar-Dream-France

Whistling Smiles and Just One Tear

 

As time goes by, little niggling things come up with my Monsieur that need attention.

Philippe and I had already decided when he left in April that we'd have a tuning and repair session with Monsieur Winkelmann when Philippe and Catherine were back in the Lot for the summer.

That day, was yesterday. My A below middle C and my E above middle C were not happy. Plus, the pedal had dislodged. I confess, I am a "pedal hanger!"

 

 

I am always awed watching Philippe work.

 

The insides of my Monsieur are incredible! 

Open and turned around, you get a whole new perspective.

You can actually see the workings and mechanics of just one key, or as the French say: "Touche!" 

I think I prefer to think of a "touche" rather than a "key!"

 

 

There's something beautiful and living about "les touches!"

 

 

I already know that everything here has been black (and some still are).

But, to hear Philippe amazed to see so much "noir" inside my Monsieur, made me realize that there is still lots of cleaning work ahead for me there and everywhere.

Summer heat hindered my energy AND toxic cleaning chemicals in the heat were overpowering.

 

 

 

I'll be ready to tackle cleaning again as we drift into fall here shortly.

 

I also know that the exposure to the fire means that from time to time there are going to be repairs needed as we go.

One lonely key laid on the edge of the piano. Philippe said: "Extreme Malade!" Which, I would gather is a step or two above very sick.

One of the things Philippe showed me was how the leather on almost all of the keys was beginning to curl up..."le cuir!"

 

 

This led us to a little pronunciation lesson, with all the different sounds for "u" in French that don't exist for English speakers and the blasted "th" for the French.

 

 

 

For now, he is repairing as we go. Everyone should have a friend and piano expert who arrives in his beret and yellow Triumph,  AND whistles while he works. Always!

Yesterday's Moon River serenade always makes me smile. Last April's visit also included, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes. That one brought smiles and a tear!

I hope by Toussaint when Philippe and Catherine return, Monsieur Winkelmann will be cleaner and prettier. We've already agreed that we'll arrange another session for that November return.

Huge Merci once more to Philippe. 

Happy Friday!

 

Surrender-Not So "Daily" Anymore

 

One of the side benefits to no phone and no internet in the village, is that it takes me out to the street on my American cell phone to call Dad at our usually scheduled time. I sit on the road so the Voie Ferie (train track crossing) sign doesn't hide me from oncoming cars on that side of the road. This cell phone doesn't always work inside the Chatette.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the midst of all the connectivity angst and adjustments, I sometimes grab some sweet shots and have a few ahas. The shot of the house above showed me that we are going to have a very RED fall this year on the front of the Chatette and in the tunnel. We are going to be (more) beautiful!

Then there are the buddleias, butterflies and bees that are doing their thing.

 

They are hard to resist.

 

 

So, I'm back for now. I make NO promises for a daily blog anymore. Between the ongoing typepad/facebook interface problem and copper cable thieves, I'm letting go of things over which I have no control.

We shall see how it goes from here.

Happy Thursday!-I've done it again...Happy WEDNESDAY!

 

While this is a favorite shot of mine, I'm sharing it so you might be able to see our train track problem. Cable is being stolen at spots along the road where no one lives for very long stretches at a time...just cliffs, train tracks, road, farmer's fields and river. Can't wait for fiber-optics!

 

Control No More

 

I tend to journal and blog religiously. Over the years, I've developed a morning routine of coffee, journal, blog, and often piano.

With so much going on for me, I first noticed that I've been journaling less. I love journaling, but I realize now that it can't be a MUST. I am very clear about my joy in journaling and what it does for me. There is no one on the other side with any expectations of an entry, except me and my reflections back from the future. I don't need the internet to journal.

 

Blogging is a little different. It has become a way to keep friends and family informed when there are 5000 miles and an ocean between us. I have also made new friends along the blogging way. Once I started posting the blog on Facebook, those friends joined in, I made new friends, and I felt "audience" more. 

 

When the phone and internet are down, as they have been frequently since May-I feel at loose ends and also realize how much I am dependent on the Internet for so much of what I do here. Daily living and communication are impacted way beyond the blogging and Facebook pieces.

I feel the need to let people know that I'm okay, and yesterday I made a point to schedule all my bills in the states that must be paid by the end of the month "just in case" we lose connectivity again.

I don't like to worry about this stuff. BUT, it is OUT OF MY CONTROL.

Very much out of my control like the buddleias you see in these photos. Over the years, I've purchased many different colors of buddleia. I very deliberately planted them around the compound...by the barn, lavoir, wagon, lower terrace and really all over the land. They are beautiful and did the trick...butterflies galor!

 

 

Every time I see the buddleias that are across the road from us beside the river wall, I am reminded that I have no control and I must learn to let go. ALL of these guys are "volunteers!" No one planted them deliberately...but, mother nature took hold et voila! 

 

 

 

The road crew passed by earlier in the summer and cut them all down-They're back and brought the butterflies!

I'm sure these guys are cursing me out...they've clearly sprung from the ones I planted here at the Chatette. Buddleia Row is only in front of us here on the road!

 

I'm still working on letting go of things I have no control over-when you think about it-that's almost everything!

 

Happy Friday!

 

 

Feeling Friends and Family

 

I am blessed with amazing friends all over the world. From time to time, I am smacked by the size of this very large and cosmopolitan life of mine. Last week confirmed that for me once more. Oh, there is always some kind of ebb and flow. But then, there are the hard-cores.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With birthday coming soon, I was thrilled earlier in the week when a package arrived from the states.

 

I immediately let Mike and John know and asked if I could open it BEFORE, but of course. I am now making and draining my pasta in style with this gorgeous colander and spaghetti grabber/spoon. It also lends itself well for adorning the newly appointed Chatette...naturally-playing to the piece of art that this place is.

No more black plastic pot planter drainer for me!

 

 

My friends also know how much I love to get snail mail here. Yesterday, there was a postcard in my mailbox. My brother Jim sends postcards regularly, on which he draws something spectacular to add to the sentiments, or humorously integrates the family!

I always look forward to them, but this one was a surprise. It wasn't signed, but came from Montmartre, in Paris. It took me a minute and then I remembered, my friend Niels (The Bibprofessor) had been in Paris last week soaking up the healing spirit and ambiance of Montmartre Cafe life while Bodil was spending time with their grandchildren. What a treat!

 

NIels wrote: "I know you like to get postcards, so here it comes from Montmartre..."

 

 

And then, there are the times when we meet and all manage to get together in one place...in our overalls no less!

Even though we are all still in touch through FB, email, and the phone; there will always be something that seems to bring these friends and our friendships closer when I open my mailbox to special surprises. I feel them. I cherish them. They are with me.

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

When Floating Puzzle Pieces Align

 

Finding this baby high chair at the DECO TROC in Villefranche was a real treat for me. Discovering that it converted into this sweet child's chair and "play-station" made me even happier. Oh, it's old and it's seen some wear, but the artwork on it spoke to me.

With friends returning to Cadrieu this summer, I knew that one of my friends and her husband were going to be here for a bit with their new three month old little boy.

I'd been pondering something to get them, but never got out to get around to it. One day while reading from the sofa, I was looking at this piece and thought: "I wonder if they'd like it?"

I didn't really give it much more thought than that.

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, my friend came down for a visit and brought her baby boy. Her husband followed a little later, and sat on the fireplace.

We were talking about the fire and all that had happened since I'd seen them last year. Her husband spied the chair and commented on it.

It was so perfect. I asked: Would you like to have it for the baby? I would like to give it to you as his present if you do. It would mean so much to me for you to have it.

Et, voila!

Everything came together.

They loved it. Baby was all sweet smiles and giggles. It was light enough to carry down the steps and had it's very own place in the covered SUV.

 

 

I'm promised a photo when the baby begins to use the chair. The kitties are missing it because they used to play on it, but we have Cathy in another convertible chair/desk/play-station that they already enjoy!

Now, I can look in that spot and know that soon there is going to be a real two-legged little boy enjoying his special gift. I teased my friend that it's special because it is old and it comes from here." My friend agreed, but then she said:

 

"It's most special because it comes from you!"

 

Happy Saturday!

 

 

 

 

 

Remerciements a La Cazelle-Figeac

 

That first summer of 2002, La Cazelle became a regular part of my life in the Lot. Located about halfway between my grocery store/hardware store shopping spots and the bus, it was a great place to stop.

I still remember that first time with my short hair, short overalls, and a huge can of varnish. I still laugh when telling Marc's Dad that they had "les meilleures toilette dans Figeac!"

Hey, clean and comfortable toilettes are important!

 

 

Over the early years of dropping in, I continued my pit-stops. When Dali and Sam and I became full-time French Girls back in 2006, Marc was in charge. I was coming in on the bus regularly and became a regular at La Cazelle too.

When I was planning this second Repas de Midi de Remerciements, I knew this was the perfect spot. Jane had already been with me for lunch one day. So, I ordered the favorites from that day:  Tete au Veau and the Duck and Potato pie that I can never remember the name of.

As Marc told us, all repas de l'Aveyronais! 

 

Seated on the terrace, there were even easy conversations between 8 of us. Most have been friends of mine since 2003, with Annemaire and Gerard just a bit later.

Jane and Yves recommended Philippe to me when I wanted to buy my piano. Philippe is saving my Monsieur...and me.

From Monstre Meubles, Chatons et Chiens, to a Monsieur Winkelmann qui Vit; these friends were with me every step of the way.

 

For 15 euros per person, we received aperos, wine, charcuterie, the entree, salad, fromage, dessert, and coffee! Not to mention, more upon request. Marc took our apero and entree orders, and turned us over to Patricia for all the rest.

 

You know a lunch is a success when: everyone is relaxed; everyone is smiling in the photos; plates are emptied; wine is flowing; and, you are happy to sit and visit till 3pm. It turned out to be all I hoped it would be. And, more.

 

 

 

When passing by La Cazelle on the bus on the way home...

...Marc was on the steps waving to me as we passed.

Good thing I sat on that side of the bus!

 

HUGE MERCI encore to:

 

Jane, Yves, Sidney, Philippe, Catherine, Annemarie and Gerard; AND to Marc and Patricia for making it such a special and relaxed repas for us!

 

 

Happy Friday!

 

The Riches of Just One Day

 

 

My original intent on Tuesday was to just go in to Figeac for lunch with my friends. As the day evolved closer to the date, I realized that I really wanted (and maybe needed) a day in Figeac.

It began on the walk to the bus and didn't end the walk home at the end of the day.

 

Now that it's cooler, that morning walk was a pleasure. The shade and the road were sweet and cool. Simone was out in the field as I passed. I always holler "Bonjour, Simone-Ca va-Bonne Journee?" She reached her arms up to the sky-we agreed-loving the cool!

The bus ride in was perfect as usual. I hot-footed it over to the bank and then over to the PMU for a Perrier-Menthe while I wrote a couple pieces of mail that needed to go to the Post Office. At La Poste, I found one of our usual Cajarc tellers working the counter.

We chatted. She was funny.

 

 

 

She knows I like "les timbres jolies" and they never have pretty stamps in Cajarc. She was able to take good care of me with pretty in Figeac.

 

Off to La Cazelle for our special lunch. I knew I'd be a bit early, but Marc easily deposited me on the terrace at our table with a kir. I was able to sit, write and plan the rest of the afternoon till the rest of the gang arrived. You know your lunch is a success when in every photo everyone is smiling AND you hang around till 3pm!

As we finished up, everyone headed to their cars and I ventured into the Centre Ville.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a favorite card store and wanted to get a few things at the grocery store. I took my cards to write at the market pavilion in the square, hit the Leclerc, and then was able to drop the cards at the post office on my way to the bus home.

 

 

Settling into my seat on the bus, we had to stop at the light in front of La Cazelle before making the left to take us to the rest of our route along the Lot. Marc came out to the step and we waved as I went by.

What smile!

I confess that the walk home from the bus was not as pleasent.

 

 

It rarely is, since I'm humping a heavier backpack and it's hotter.

 

So, I'd stop from time to time. Take a few photos and maybe even take a break on the wall in the shade before I get home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turning around from a photo, Simone was passing in her car and waved to me from the driver's side window. There's something sweet about a solitary hand waving madly out the window of a car!

It's for days like these that I live in the Lot!

 

Wonderful Day!

Wonderful Waves! 

Happy Thursday!

 

Remerciements a Figeac

 

 

While yesterday was the day for my second Repas de Midi de Remerciements, this time we were at La Cazelle in Figeac with some friends who are not here all summer long.

So-August it was.

From monstre meuble, to music, to cats and dogs, and mon Monsieur...this gang were a huge help to me in so many ways.

Probably most of all in the keeping my "spirits up" department.

For me, it was important to say a

 

HUGE MERCI!

 

 

I was also able to get some errands done on the front end and the back end of my Figeac day.

Every time I take the bus, I realize what an intricate part it is to my life here in the Lot. The bus adds so many sweet parts to my day. I haven't been taking it as often and I miss it!

I think it's time to make a list of all the sweet parts to yesterday.

I'll be back with more on the day, the lunch, the place, the people, and this la vie en rose of mine.

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

 

Boxes, Books and...

 

...sticker SHOCK! I'm not sure why, but mailing between France and the USA has become even MORE complicated and MORE expensive. It's never been particularly cheap or easy, but at most times the joy in sending outweighed all the rest. For me, that is no longer the case. 

 

I have horror stories I could share, but I won't. Let's just say, that my friends and I have agreed that after this year...no more special occasion boxes between us. My standard guide was that I would pay the same amount in postage that I paid for the item I was mailing...recently that has doubled to and from. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A HUGE MERCI to Mike, John and Carmen for yesterday's chock full early birthday box!

 

 

 

 

A friend in the states had just finished Mitch Landrieu's book: In the Shadow of the Statues. I told him I was going to buy it here and he said he'd send it to me. I asked him if he really wanted to do that because it would be really expensive to mail.

We giggled yesterday. He told he'd made it all the way to the Post Office with it and found out the postage was going to be twice what he paid for the book and just couldn't go through with it. I'm very happy to read it when I'm back in New Orleans at the end of the year. He kept saying: "You told me!" Well, it's become shocking on a regular basis.

So, back to sweet and pretty sentimental cards or internet and telephone contact.

Off to a day in Figeac for me...errands and one more thank you lunch for friends.

Happy Tuesday!

 

 

Froom the Archives...Bed-Basement-BOOKS

 8/13/2018-Last  night I began reading David McCullough's The Greater Journey-Americans in Paris, for the second time. So much of what I read brought tears to my eyes, but most strangely...it was if I had never read what I was reading before.

I knew I had. I have the hard copy on Columbus Street.

Then it hit me, this was one of the first books I read after Dali, Sam and I returned to the states and were living in the basement at 411 in Ferguson. Reading was my therapy then. It helped to carry me through very difficult times, BUT...I was not present. Reading now, six very full years later...it is touching me in a whole new fresh way. So today, I thought I'd dip into the archives and share a post with you from the "basement days!"

12/16/2012...and a sweet Sammie cat who loves my new, soft, Santa nightshirt as much as I do. There's been lots of reading going on in the basement.

Too much music, tv, chatter and conflict are not to my liking, so after the evening news I retreat to the basement and snuggle into bed with a good book.

Funny, I've learned a lot about life in France and Paris during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI by reading "Beaumarchais" by Maurice Lever (a treasure discovered in hard back at the Dollar Tree for yes...just a dollar) and about Americans in Paris during the early 1800's by reading David McCullough's "The Greater Journey-Americans in Paris".

Neither were easy starts, but once in the flow, I learned more about France, Paris, French/American relations, and notable Americans than I had ever really paid attention to before. The biggies for me were: discovering just how much Beaumarchais worked with Louis XVI to aid us in our fight for independence-and really-for anything he believed in strongly; the flow of American notables back and forth between the USA and Paris throughout the 1800s; learning so much more about our Ambassadors to France, particularly Minister Elihu B. Washburne; discovering portrait artist George P. A. Healy and sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens for the first time; and falling in love with John Singer Sargent and Mary Cassatt all over again, but for different reasons.

These reads have lent new perspectives to my Paris and France experiences as an "American". I was not the first. I will not be the last. Even from a very different time I felt an odd comerarderie in knowing that I have shared many of their trials and tribulations, but above all...the wonder and magic of taking a chance on the world and finding MORE.

I dog-eared many pages, enjoying many quotes and stories. We have these records because of the letters and journals that they have left behind. I leave you with a quote from McCullough's book:

"I was not yet twenty. I was quite alone. I did not speak a word of French...but I was in Paris and the world was before me."

                                                -Will Low, Art Student of Carolus-Duran

 

Mon Dieu! If I start discussing/reviewing books again I may have to come up with a new title from Books on the Beam...Books in the Basement could work for now, but I'm going to have to work on a title for New Orleans. Happy Sunday to All!