These people...
Christmas and New Year's occasions have brought my mom to Provence! She was thrilled to return to the place where she created the template for powerful memories from the year 2000, when she celebrated turning a certain age in the best of style...having her closest friends and our family together for a golden month in a fabulous French farmhouse in the tiny town of Egalyieres. We retraced her steps to visit the places that meant a lot while recounting and trying to entertain the kids with funny stories. Above, we were back at the chapel where in 2000 she watched Frank and I marry each other, while Arlo swam in amniotic fluid and my brothers, sisters-in-law, 3 nephews (albeit one also swimming) and 2 besties fully participated in our ad hoc ceremony that was super charged with love and energy.
Frank's found a new painting partner....see below...they've been heading out to capture the light and landscape together...
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| Jorgie using the roof of the Fiat Panda as her painting studio |
Our village of Rognes, France has an annual Truffle Festival and we spent the whole day at the market meeting friends and soaking up the winter sun and later cooked up a delicious truffle dinner with our neighbors....we all seemed to agree that they are delicious...a rarity in the family (having tastebuds that agree) but we are all sort of still wondering how this ugly little mushroom holds so many people completely captive...there were thousands wandering the streets of this little village...
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| Just a gorgeous cheese vendor.... |
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a "pop-up farm" set in the parking lot below
Main Street in Rognes with the Foussa (ruins) above the village |
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cutest gingerbread cookies ever (except for
Elina Murarka, that is) |
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Tricycle musician with sound PA system, mic on trike,
singing corny French and American Christmas
songs that mom and I found totally danceable... |
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| Bon Appetit...Truffles from M.Gerard VALENTIN, truffle cultivator, and the dinner we made...and great neighbors, Minna, Cyril, Anton, Elias. |
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| Live Creche! We participated in Cadenet's annual event, following the wise(wo)men up the winding streets to the grotto at the top of the village for traditional reenactments, sunset and hot mulled wine (vin chaud) |
Scenes from Christmas Time:
The holiday vibe in Aix-En-Provence is palpable. Nights are chilly but people filled with a bon humour....and outdoor cafe heat lamps warm it all up.
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Le Petit Bistro, Place Richelme, Aix.
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Back at Place Richelme. New friends, the Hayrapets!
A salute to Frank who didn't join us for the festivities....
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!! |
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Your family experiences warm my heart. I wish you all the best in 2019. I'm looking forward to seeing all of Frank's (and Jorgie's)paintings when you get back.
ReplyDeleteWow! Even the dog looks happy. I love that everyone looks like they are having a great time. Happy New Year. Katib
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