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The Little Things
2023-09-25 14:13 UTC by French la Vie

The Little French Things

 

1) The first page in a century old book.

The Little French Things

 

2) A bronze drawer pull, 1700s.

The Little French Things

 

3) French antique textiles

The Little French Things

 

4) A worn silver thimble, and a religious medal.

The Little French Things

 

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

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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.

 

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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... »

               

Weekly Top Posts: 2023-09-24
2023-09-24 04:00 UTC

  1. willows95988.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/img_2295.JPG
  2. The Flower Child
  3. Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
  4. Porto, Portugal A Superstar of Generosity and Kindness, A Must See
  5. willows95988.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cb9a69e20134802485a3970c-pi

Next Week, The French la Vie
2023-09-23 16:47 UTC by French la Vie

antiquing in france
 
 
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

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1C9584AC-6B6C-4507-A32A-8527FAD3252D

 

And before I fall

asleep at night,

you should probably know

that you're

my final 

and favorite thought.

via Samira Vivette

               

New Way of Collecting
2023-09-21 05:21 UTC by French la Vie

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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

Img_2295
 
 
 
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
2023-09-19 16:26 UTC by French la Vie

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Poem and Photo by Emory Hall 

from her new book.

 

               

My Afternoon Date
2023-09-18 08:43 UTC by French la Vie

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1191B3D8-D1EC-40BD-9304-896CC1460BFD

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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.

 

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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

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Weekly Top Posts: 2023-09-17
2023-09-17 04:00 UTC

  1. The Flower Child
  2. A Sea of Gold
  3. Porto, Portugal A Superstar of Generosity and Kindness, A Must See
  4. Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
  5. The Artist and His Animals

Paris Walkabout on a Saturday Afternoon
2023-09-16 21:17 UTC by French la Vie

Paris side street

Paris Side Street in the Marais

 

 

Paris Pont Neuf

Pont Neuf 

 

Paris street artist

Favorite Street Artist

 

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Place Vosges

 

patron Saint of Paris

Patron Saint of Paris Saint Genevieve

 

father and son

Walkabout

 

 

Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois

Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois

 

Le Jardin du Palais Royal,

Le Jardin du Palais Royal,

"Réflexions" by Emmanuel Barrois.

 

 

fountain Paris

A stone fountain...

Read the whole entry... »

              

Related Stories

 

The Flower Child
2023-09-15 21:57 UTC by French la Vie

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C52B6F3B-4461-40ED-99A7-E54879D17C65

9390B93D-F2AC-4D6D-B587-EC5192282DDA

               

Love Tanks Brimming
2023-09-14 21:50 UTC by French la Vie

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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. 

 

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 Love tanks were filled.

(Gabriel’s idea for the photo)

 

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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

The Artist and His Animals
2023-09-12 21:08 UTC by French la Vie

The Artist and His Animals

The Artist and His Animals

The Artist and His Animals

 

 

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

              

Related Stories

 

Swimming in the Dark
2023-09-11 20:17 UTC by French la Vie

swimming int the dark

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.

 

cassis

 

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

cassis by night

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... »

               

Weekly Top Posts: 2023-09-10
2023-09-10 04:00 UTC

  1. Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
  2. Porto, Portugal A Superstar of Generosity and Kindness, A Must See
  3. Gabriel’s First Day of School
  4. Breaking News: La Rentree
  5. Swimming in the Atlantic

May You be Well, May You be Happy
2023-09-09 21:03 UTC by French la Vie

corey amaro

Happy Weekend.

 

               

 Chiseled Grace
2023-09-08 14:06 UTC by French la Vie

Img_1441_1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

               

Porto, Portugal A Superstar of Generosity and Kindness, A Must See
2023-09-06 21:48 UTC by French la Vie

 

A little video of Porto!

 

Swimming in the Atlantic
2023-09-05 21:11 UTC by French la Vie

e

 

s

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... »

Breaking News: La Rentree
2023-09-04 09:50 UTC by French la Vie

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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... »

My Long Time Friend … We Are in Porto Portugal
2023-09-03 22:45 UTC by French la Vie

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3DD7801C-C344-4BEC-AD4E-A308E426EEA9

               

Weekly Top Posts: 2023-09-03
2023-09-03 04:00 UTC

  1. Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
  2. www.voxpopulicatalogue.com
  3. 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
  4. revesdargile.canalblog.com/archives/2014/04/index.html
  5. 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

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DA163B3A-2B8B-4C86-8EFF-30F5F942EF7B

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8EF17B33-A115-4389-BD83-C3A681C1BD9A

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.

 

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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

blue moon

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... »

Sacha Takes a Hike and a Dip
2023-08-30 21:24 UTC by French la Vie

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Photos via Sacha’s friend Nelson.

               

Cooking with Olivia
2023-08-29 21:34 UTC by French la Vie

o

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.

 

o

o

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
2023-08-28 12:35 UTC by French la Vie

 

French brocante

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... »

The Hidden Gem, Off the Beaten Path, Tell me about France ...
2023-08-27 20:34 UTC by French la Vie

secret places france

 

 

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... »

Weekly Top Posts: 2023-08-27
2023-08-27 04:00 UTC

  1. Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
  2. The Haircutting Memory
  3. www.theglassmuseum.com/fishingfloats.htm
  4. www.moruslondinium.org/research/mulberries-and-silk-john-feltwell
  5. willows95988.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cb9a69e20134802485a3970c-pi

Summer's End
2023-08-26 15:27 UTC by French la Vie

lavender

 

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.

 

 

               

Some Useful Artful Ordinary Pieces of French Antiques
2023-08-25 21:18 UTC by French la Vie

 

Provencal Summer Ware

 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...

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Not Cinderella's Slipper
2023-08-24 20:53 UTC by French la Vie

Strolling Along

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... »

              

The Haircutting Memory
2023-08-23 21:20 UTC by French la Vie

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... »

              

The Memorable Haircut
2023-08-22 21:43 UTC by French la Vie

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some of it

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

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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?”

              

Time Seemed to Tick Away.
2023-08-20 21:00 UTC by French la Vie

x

 

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... »

              

Weekly Top Posts: 2023-08-20
2023-08-20 04:00 UTC

  1. www.theglassmuseum.com/fishingfloats.htm
  2. www.moruslondinium.org/research/mulberries-and-silk-john-feltwell
  3. willows95988.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cb9a69e20134802485a3970c-pi
  4. Delicious Decisions: A Wedding in Provence
  5. Summer Song of Sunshine

Summer Figs
2023-08-19 21:46 UTC by French la Vie

figs

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

 

river Swim

 

"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... »

              

Plenty to Know About the French Brocante
2023-08-17 21:51 UTC by French la Vie

French brocante

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...

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Orange Onion Salad
2023-08-16 21:59 UTC by French la Vie

Oranges-in-salad

 

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...

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Exploring Today
2023-08-15 21:43 UTC by French la Vie

growing up to fast

 

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... »

              

Yann’s Photo of a Rare Subject
2023-08-14 21:24 UTC by French la Vie

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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

image from https://s3.amazonaws.com/feather-client-files-aviary-prod-us-east-1/2017-07-23/008253bd-38cc-4213-8d8c-b2b8c84ebf0d.png

 

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...

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Weekly Top Posts: 2023-08-13
2023-08-13 04:00 UTC

  1. www.moruslondinium.org/research/mulberries-and-silk-john-feltwell
  2. Olivia
  3. www.theglassmuseum.com/fishingfloats.htm
  4. willows95988.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cb9a69e201b8d29a7e59970c-pi
  5. www.victorianpassage.com/2009/07/unfolding_the_mysteries_of_sea.php

Hummus: Versatile and Healthy Delicious-ness
2023-08-12 20:53 UTC by French la Vie

Hummus

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

IMG_1953

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... »

              

Arnelle’s Niçoise Salad
2023-08-10 14:42 UTC by French la Vie

niçoise salad


"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."

red oak lettuce

 

"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

              

Sacha’s Blackberry Pie
2023-08-08 20:46 UTC by French la Vie

blackberries

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

ice cream

ice-cream

ice cream

 

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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