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| Current ArticlesThis feed's current articles are shown below. Subscribe for updates to all the content available in this feed, or click through here to see the original article. The Little Things
2023-09-25 14:13 UTC by
French la Vie
 1) The first page in a century old book.  2) A bronze drawer pull, 1700s.  3) French antique textiles  4) A worn silver thimble, and a religious medal.  5) A scissor for fine lace or needlework. The little things like most things hold importance. We might not know why. We might not... Read the whole entry... »
Here We Go Again
2023-09-24 20:45 UTC by
French la Vie

The French la Vie guests arrive Tuesday. So many new places to add to our antiquing escapades! I cannot wait to show my guests, and you. 

 Time Some days are unhurried Other days disappear in a few hours, yet some days are packed tight, and other days seem to chase the hands around. I hope your Sunday was good... Read the whole entry... »
- willows95988.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/img_2295.JPG
- The Flower Child
- Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
- Porto, Portugal A Superstar of Generosity and Kindness, A Must See
- willows95988.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cb9a69e20134802485a3970c-pi
Next, a week of antiquing and a one-of-a-kind experience begins as I invite my guests to a world where history and artistry intertwine. I hope you will tag along as the French la Vie delves into the colorful French markets and cherry-picked brocantes. Also, my enthusiasm for "very old stuff" led my next group to experience France... Read the whole entry... »
You
2023-09-22 19:38 UTC by
French la Vie

 And before I fall asleep at night, you should probably know that you're my final and favorite thought. via Samira Vivette 
Oh no. Not another chair and stool. Walk on by, Keep going. And I did. Taking a photo is my new way of collecting. Common Art History
2023-09-20 21:13 UTC by
French la Vie
Rolling past my feet was a ball on the run. Picking it up, I saw that someone had taken fabric remnants a very long time ago, torn them into strips, then tied them together end to end and rolled them into a ball. This is no ordinary ball; it is art history rolled up in one. ... Read the whole entry... »


Poem and Photo by Emory Hall from her new book. My Afternoon Date
2023-09-18 08:43 UTC by
French la Vie



We walked hand in hand to the ice cream shop. After that treat we around the corner to the park. A band was playing so we stopped and listened.  If ever you want an authentic view of Paris, go to this park on a Sunday afternoon or any day after 4:30. Park Villmin For a delicious original... Read the whole entry... »
The Beginning
2023-09-17 17:42 UTC by
French la Vie
- The Flower Child
- A Sea of Gold
- Porto, Portugal A Superstar of Generosity and Kindness, A Must See
- Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
- The Artist and His Animals
 Paris Side Street in the Marais  Pont Neuf  Favorite Street Artist  Place Vosges  Patron Saint of Paris Saint Genevieve  Walkabout  Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois  Le Jardin du Palais Royal, "Réflexions" by Emmanuel Barrois.  A stone fountain... Read the whole entry... »
The Flower Child
2023-09-15 21:57 UTC by
French la Vie
 Sacha is back in France (work-related) so he stopped in to see us briefly, as he heads down south where he will meet Yann and drive to the Alpes.  Love tanks were filled. (Gabriel’s idea for the photo) We spent most our time in the park. It has been nearly two years since I... Read the whole entry... »
A Sea of Gold
2023-09-13 21:43 UTC by
French la Vie


 Gabriel's artwork is his gift to me. I love the various hoove colors. And who stays in the lines without being told so? Gabriel does. The striped leg, The orange mouth. One yellow leg. So many intentional details. I am going to Paris tomorrow to be with the two little chunks of my heart. xxx
 Swimming in the sea in Cassis is a delicious delight for me. Whenever I'm there, I aim to take the plunge at least twice a day. Are you the type to wade in gradually, or do you dive right in? I prefer to jump right in. Cassis' beach is not sandy; instead, it is full of pebbles.  Lately, I have entertained the thought of swimming... Read the whole entry... »
Cassis by Night
2023-09-10 21:15 UTC by
French la Vie
 The Rugby World Cup is hosted in France. Rugby fans have descended from all over the world. I am amazed at how many fans are in Cassis and how many of the bars/cafes and some restaurants have enormous screen TVs set up for the fans to sit, drink, and cheer on their team. It is like one big happy stadium. And I feel like I am in an... Read the whole entry... »
- Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
- Porto, Portugal A Superstar of Generosity and Kindness, A Must See
- Gabriel’s First Day of School
- Breaking News: La Rentree
- Swimming in the Atlantic
 Happy Weekend. Chiseled Grace
2023-09-08 14:06 UTC by
French la Vie
 The carved slab of stone appears soft and delicate as silk fabric. I can almost see it move with a gentle breeze. Where was he going? Who took the time to care about such detail? To imagine perfection in this design? ... Read the whole entry... »
NO POST NO SERVICE
2023-09-08 08:06 UTC by
French la Vie
Yesterday, the service I used to post my blog was down. In the nearly 20 years I have posted every day, I have missed posting only thrice. All due to TYPEPAD's service being unobtainable due to technical issues. Hence, today, there are two posts.
  The Tidal pools of Leça da Palmeira Piscinas de Maré de Leça da Palmeira A swimming area on the beach of Leca da Palmeira. The structures consist of two natural pools filled with fresh seawater, designed and built between 1959 and 1973 by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. My friend Ellen, an architect... Read the whole entry... »
 First day of school. Someone is not happy. As Gabriel said this morning, "Maybe we can figure out a way so I do not have to go to school?" And what is Olivia thinking? She begged to put on a backpack and to go to school. The two remind me of Chelsea and Sacha, though Sacha is Gabriel and Olivia is Chelsea. Oh, and that feels like yesterday. ... Read the whole entry... »
- Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
- www.voxpopulicatalogue.com
- www.amazon.com/gp/product/1892145502/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1892145502&linkCode=as2&tag=tongueinche04-20
- revesdargile.canalblog.com/archives/2014/04/index.html
- www.saintebaume.org/grotte
Guess Again
2023-09-02 21:01 UTC by
French la Vie
Not Italy, Not California, Not a brocante, Not the Azores Not Greece… Think blue tiles- A fabulous art museum An old bookstore and along the coast. I am with my friends Ellen and Frank. xxx 



Guess Where?
2023-09-01 20:02 UTC by
French la Vie
Guess where I am going tomorrow? and if you do I will send you a postcard when I am there. 
Tree of Life Nothing to do with where I am going. Often I walk by. It looks better in real life. So I thought to take a photo of it. Blue Moon
2023-08-31 21:01 UTC by
French la Vie

Many miles away, a glowing moon gets our attention. I remember seeing memorable full moon risings in my life... Many over my dad's rice fields, no moon rising has ever looked that spectacular. Also, many times over Saint Baume as we were driving back home and rising over the chateau in Cassis. 🌝 When I saw this photo that I took... Read the whole entry... »




Photos via Sacha’s friend Nelson. 
Set up a makeshift kitchen outside Take a cup of water, some dinette set dishes, a spoon... Uncooked pasta, mint, basil, oregano, rosemary, lavender and bay leaf. Rocks of course. 

We spent the morning pretending. Olivia likes basil, pasta, and rocks, the rest forget about it. ----- I found a lovely old child's cupboard... Read the whole entry... »
 What to Expect to Find at the French Brocante Brocante markets are known for their antique items, including furniture, home decor, ceramics, glassware, clocks, and more. These items are usually older than a hundred years old and have historical or cultural value. From decorative plates and mirrors to vintage lamps and candle... Read the whole entry... »
 I am often asked about France. It makes sense, given that I live here and write a blog about it. When I travel to a new place, I like to have a few facts about the place in my pocket, too. A good restaurant, a must-see or do sort of thing, where to stay... a few starting bits so that I have a foot on the ground when I arrive. ... Read the whole entry... »
- Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
- The Haircutting Memory
- www.theglassmuseum.com/fishingfloats.htm
- www.moruslondinium.org/research/mulberries-and-silk-john-feltwell
- willows95988.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cb9a69e20134802485a3970c-pi
Summer's End
2023-08-26 15:27 UTC by
French la Vie
 Summer's end, and when it does, please take the heat with you. It has been too hot this summer. Though it feels like this might become our new normal.  Classic French antique Provencal lard pots in green. "French Provencal antique lard pottery pots, also known as "pots à graisse" or "pots à lard," are traditional pottery containers used in Provence for preserving and storing lard or rendered pork fat. These pots are known for their charming and rustic appearance, often... Read the whole entry... »
 Balancing delicately on a chair in a clothing shop window, Encased in an antique souvenir glass box, A new shoe that had yet to start its journey. I did a double-take, drawn by the juxtaposition of modernity and antiquity. Perfection curation. The glass box was one of the largest I had ever seen. The shopkeeper shook her head. 'Box and... Read the whole entry... »
I wrote this on my blog in 2006 When I lived in a monastery, the Abbot asked who knew how to cut hair. I raised my hand; I had never cut anyone's hair. But being 19, in a monastery,... Read the whole entry... »
 A little haircut by the pool for Gabriel while on vacation. I thought I was giving him his first haircut. Such a memorable spot, a good memory creation I would be smiling about for years. I know how to cut hair. You will never guess where I learned unless I wrote it on my blog years ago. I want to remember if I have mentioned it... Read the whole entry... »
Brocante Bébé
2023-08-21 20:18 UTC by
French la Vie

Brocante Bébé will she take after me? Or just inherit a bunch of stuff she doesn’t want, and sell it at a vides grenier for, “Any ten items for 1 euros?”  Have you ever been in a situation where time seems set to a different standard than the 24-hour clock? The past week spent with Chelsea and her family at our friend's home in Ardeche seemed to pass by quickly. It's perplexing, as time isn't something we can control, yet the sensation was that only a day or two had gone by, not a whole... Read the whole entry... »
- www.theglassmuseum.com/fishingfloats.htm
- www.moruslondinium.org/research/mulberries-and-silk-john-feltwell
- willows95988.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cb9a69e20134802485a3970c-pi
- Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
- Summer Song of Sunshine
Summer Figs
2023-08-19 21:46 UTC by
French la Vie

Steps away from the century-old stone house where we are staying, wild fig trees grow. Amidst their aromatic scent, I plucked from their bounty, carrying them by folding up the hem of my dress. All the while, I was dreaming up recipes. A savory almond crust, goat cheese, fig, and honey tart.
River Swim
2023-08-18 21:41 UTC by
French la Vie
 "The Ardèche River is a prominent river located in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. It is known for its stunning landscapes and the famous Ardèche Gorge, a natural wonder that attracts tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The river is popular for various water activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, and... Read the whole entry... »

As you prepare to venture into the fascinating world of a French brocante, let me share a handful of insights that will undoubtedly enrich your experience. Timing, they say, is a secret whispered amongst the savvy. To uncover the one-of-a-kind pieces that await, set your alarm a tad earlier than the rest. As the sun begins its ascent, so... Read the whole entry... »
Orange Onion Salad
2023-08-16 21:59 UTC by
French la Vie
 Years ago, my friend Annie talked about a salad she had as if it were her new best friend. She described it in detail: the crunch of its voice, its tangy personality, its unexpected freshness, how curious it was like one has when one is first in love: She wondered what other flavors it might have if mixed with an added ingredient. One... Read the whole entry... »
Exploring Today
2023-08-15 21:43 UTC by
French la Vie
 I know I shouldn't, but how can I not, given how life unfolds daily among us? I wonder what this world will be like when Gabriel is my age. Will it be as enchanting? Peaceful? Sacred? Full of life? If he becomes a grandparent, Will his grandchildren's hands be stained blue from blackberries they collected on the untamed bramble?
... Read the whole entry... »

It is a rare moment when French Husband takes a photo of anything, let alone one of me, blurry, out of focused… yes, but at least it is a photo where my head isn’t cut off, my eyes aren’t closed and it isn’t awkward. It Takes A Village
2023-08-13 08:59 UTC by
French la Vie
 A baby's cry always gets my attention. Their cries alert the mother in me: Where is the baby? Why is the baby crying? Is there an adult caring for the baby? Is the baby being abused? Such was the case the other day in the grocery store. A mother was pushing her crying baby in a stroller. The crying baby was looking at his mother while... Read the whole entry... »
- www.moruslondinium.org/research/mulberries-and-silk-john-feltwell
- Olivia
- www.theglassmuseum.com/fishingfloats.htm
- willows95988.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cb9a69e201b8d29a7e59970c-pi
- www.victorianpassage.com/2009/07/unfolding_the_mysteries_of_sea.php
 Hummus If you want to be traditional or old fashion spread, take out your mortar and pestle; even though I love old things, as you know I do, this is where my faithful twenty-seven-year-old Moulinex comes gliding in to be my sous chef. Put into a food processor the following: Cooked fresh chickpeas Garlic Lemon juice (a little at a... Read the whole entry... »
Cassis
2023-08-11 21:51 UTC by
French la Vie
 There are so many people in Cassis now that I feel like I am on holiday when I walk outside. Of course, Cassis always feels like a holiday, but these days, even more so. We thought our apartment might be bombarded with sound, but it wasn't. As there are no cars on the port, that makes a massive difference. Also, the noise we hear is more like when... Read the whole entry... »

"Niçoise salad is a traditional French salad that typically includes ingredients like tuna, hard-boiled eggs, olives, anchovies, tomatoes, and green beans. It's known for its vibrant colors and Mediterranean flavors."
 "Like many other French dishes, the Niçoise salad was inspired by the readily available ingredients of the chef... Read the whole entry... »
Quote
2023-08-09 21:36 UTC by
French la Vie

Gathering fresh blackberries was at the top of his list the morning Sacha made a pie. He knew the patch from last year, and it did not disappoint, loaded with juicy wonders. Filling his container took mere minutes to collect. Have you ever picked blackberries? Growing up in California, we had patches along the canal banks in the fields... Read the whole entry... »
An Afternoon Treat
2023-08-07 20:42 UTC by
French la Vie


 An afternoon treat at a cafe in Cassis with Olivia, and Gabriel. One of them delighted in a sugar crepe, while the other devoured a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Meanwhile, one of them amused themselves with an empty chocolate ice cream dish. The excitement continued as one of the little ones suddenly stood up, pretending to be... Read the whole entry... »
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