First 2 Days in Verquilleux
On Tuesday we stayed at “home” most of the day, spent time in the studio – right away! get to the important things first!!- had lunch by the pool, went swimming, talked and talked while lying in the sun. In the evening, Fabienne hosted a dinner at the CulturCafe for about 15 people. Excellent food – mostly prepared by Fabienne, but some of the guests also contributed. I knew a few people from previous trips, but met many new people. Some spoke only French, some only English, some both, and some spoke Chinese, too. I did use a little of my elementary French, but mostly for comic effect. There were enough English speakers to keep me occupied. I am hoping that my French will improve on this trip. I have to say, I was thrilled beyond all reason when someone said, “Dans la cuisine.” and I realized that I understood it! “In the kitchen.” One small step for world understanding, one very huge step for Debi.
On Wednesday morning we shopped at the outdoor Market in Charolles, buying fish, veggies, watches, and clothes. Lunch was by the pool, as are most of our meals while the weather is stunningly beautiful – warm, but not hot, no humidity, clear bright blue skies. Then Margaret and I went to Paray-le-Monial. She had her haircut while I wandered about. We saw a mosaic and ceramic exhibit – very akin to collage, I think. Inspiring. Went to the cathedral – beautiful stained glass windows, surprisingly modern chandeliers and some very contemporary small art panels. Sorry, I didn’t get any photos of these. Margaret and I scored some very fine fabric remnants from a shop – neither of us use fabric in our works very much, but the inspiration called and we are answering. Went to an art shop and bought watercolor paper for cutting into small supports for art-while-traveling. Bought lemon tarts and raspberry tarts for after dinner dessert. Went back home and took a swim. Then I prepared roasted veggies, Margaret made fish, and we ate by the pool as it grew dark and cooler – it was so lovely – full moon – that we got jackets and stayed. Later we returned to the house and looked at the photos we all took turns taking for this blog – with much laughter. Then they showed me the video of their 50th Anniversary Party that took place here a few weeks ago – marvelous!!
I’m still not falling asleep at the right time – staying awake past midnight – but I’m still feeling great – probably the excitement of all this is giving me energy. Well, enough for now. A bientot.
Happy to hear you made it safely to your first destination Debi. The market sounds fun and the food delicious. What else could you possibly need to sustain creativity?