Provence

Would you believe it, but when we returned to Brussels we caught up with snow again!! This is what our garden looked like when we got up the next morning.

Week of 08.04 when we set off for Provence we hoped we had left all the cold weather behind but alas this was not to be the case. We had rain for most of the week and it was very cold. However, this did produce some fantastic skies.

We finally got the sort of weather normally associated with Provence on our last day. We were lucky enough to see the last of the cherry trees in flower as well as the beautiful dark purple irises on old stone walls – the quintessence of Provence.

One afternoon our walk took us over the top of the hill passing an old cottage, now sadly fallen into a very bad state of disrepair. The mushroom shaped construction is an old bread oven.

In the woods close by we found this old stone building – known as a borie in this part of the world – with wild orchids growing close by.

Wild green euphorbia and these beautiful white star flowers grew in abundance here too.

We were staying just outside Apt

which has its own cathedral, dedicated to St Anne, and this confers upon it the status of city.

It is situated within the national park of the Luberon and is some 50km from Avignon, home for many years to successions of popes and now famous for its cultural activities. We managed a visit to the local Saturday market – a riot of colour and smells.

These bedspreads are typical of the area. They are known as “boutis” or double stitched quilts and are typical of this area. There was also a corner for those interested in junk/antiques.

It has some pretty colourful characters too. This guy was selling some sort of “animal” - I assume it was static that made the creatures climb all over your hand ….

The market takes over the whole pedestrianised area of the old city.. Stalls crowd the narrow road in front of the main entrance to the cathedral and you can’t possibly hurry through the streets here. If you take the time to look upwards you can see that the buildings have been painted in bright provencal colours echoing the colours of the earth and the sky.

There are remnants of a dim and distant past in the names of the streets – prison street, street of the jews and indeed there was a jewish ghetto here at one time. Needless to say any visit to the market will result in the imbibing of refreshment at some stage …

At the end of the week we cleared up the place. I did sterling work wielding this (for me) outsize bucket and broom.

But who could blame me if I wanted to go flying?

Of course the sun was shining when we left on Sunday morning but the weather got increasingly greyer as we headed north. C says that this time last year they got their summer with temperatures of 27°C – the only warm weather they saw all year!

out and about in Turkey

Sunday 30.03 the clocks went back during the night and when we woke, to a glorious blue sky and sunshine, it was bitterly cold with a north wind blowing. A friend had told us we should go to Bitez on the south side of the peninsula as it has a different climate from where are and is sheltered from the winds. She said that was where everyone went for Sunday lunch in the winter and that it was much too hot to go there in the summer. It was a part of the peninsula we had not been to before and we eventually found our way down to the beach area and asked for directions to the Sultan restaurant. Tables and chairs covered the beach area with people enjoying the first real sunshine for the last week. We took our places and decided to eat from the buffet. By the time we got there, there was not much left but there was enough for us and afterwards we lingered in the warmth over a Turkish coffee – P’s first. I don’t think she was much impressed with it – it’s very strong and there’s never very much of it and there’s always a good helping of sludge at the bottom. Afterwards we drove back to the house.

 

The weather has been appalling for the last few days – cold and pouring with rain. The houses here are not built to retain heat and so we have been shivering under the blankets and reading.

 

03.04 We went for a walk around two of the local markets, both of which sell both fruit and vegetables and household goods and clothes.

 

C says she has never seen such large cabbages as the ones locally grown. Local farmers bring their goods to sell and you can see the farm women, wearing their baggy trousers, sitting with sometimes just a few bunches of wild flowers or herbs.

This gentleman had brought a wheelbarrow full of lemons.

Dried chillies and mushrooms hang from stalls and dried chickpeas and cloves have been up in ornamental patterns in between which the ubiquitous blue “evil eye” beads have been incorporated into the design.

These large flat pancakes, filled with cheese and spinach, potatoes or just plain cheese, are quite delicious.

Bougainvillaea plants of all colours can be found on sale everywhere.

Afterwards we walked through the streets of Yalikavak. The pedestrian alleyways are covered with huge sheets of sailcloth in the summer to keep the streets shaded and there are small bars and cafes on every corner.

the mosque was dazzlingly white against the sky

Priscilla goes a-printing

Today we went to visit a friend of mine, the Canadian-born artist Heather Carroll to watch her at work printing in her studio.

She makes some of her printing plates out of stiff card and, in this case, covered the surface with gesso, adding sand for texture and glueing thread in place to provide a relief for the hair and the outline of the legs of the reclining female figure. First of all she put the inks she was going to use (today they were water-based but she also uses oils) on a glass sheet. She added liquid glycerine to achieve the right degree of viscosity to prevent the colours from blending into each other and become muddy.

Using a brayer and starting with the lightest colour first - yellow - she inked over the whole plate. Then she added green and blue. She used red and black on the outer edges of the plate to provide definition.

Priscilla was fascinated by all this

but we decided to put her in a place of safety so that she didn’t get ink all over her clothes.

From this vantage point she could watch as Heather ran the print through the press. Today she was using 100% linen handmade, 300gm, paper. When she had finished inking the plate

she put the printing plate, painted surface upwards, in the press and laid a sheet of paper on top. This was then covered with two layers of felt and was run twice through the press, more slowly the second time to ensure that the colour really took well. Needless to say Priscilla felt obliged to lend a hand when it came to turning the wheel on the press when it became obvious that Heather couldn’t manage on her own.

When the print has been run through the press twice both the print and the plate are removed.

Heather then inked up a second printing plate, another female figure

which produced this

No two prints will ever be identical as there will inevitably be variations in the colouring, as can be seen with these four prints

Heather explained that this is a very simple form of printing. More complicated prints can be made using backgrounds and layers and a much greater variety of colour can be achieved this way.

Heather makes prints from plates she has made, natural materials like leaves and grasses,

and also carves stone from which she prints.

(the two prints at bottom centre were printed from stone carvings).

She is also a sculptress - making both large and small sculptures -

an artist - this is a drawing of “la cantadora”

and a graphic designer - she made this large scale banner for one of her exhibitions in 2006

We were sad to have to bid farewell to Heather and Priscilla was especially sad to say goodbye to Elsie, whose acquaintance she only made this afternoon.

Between you and me I think Priscilla may have got some ideas from this visit and may well be conducting some experiments soon …..

In which we visit an Easter market in Trier

On Friday Carol and hubby took me to Trier, just over the border in Germany, to visit an Easter market. Trier is famous for its Christmas markets so this is a new - and probably lucrative - departure for the town, which attracts hordes of tourists all year round from miles away.

Our first stop in Trier was to admire the guild fountain. This is made of wrought iron and features all of the trades - shoemakers, bakers, tailors, etc. In the summer the fountain works but no water flows in winter, probaby because if the water were to freeze it might damage the metalwork.

From there we made our way to the main market square with this ornate statue in it and the church of St Gangolf in the background.

Here I am mastering the intricacies of a menu written in German.

In the square a variety of stalls had been set up - one selling home-made wines and liquors,

another where you could have a drink of wine or beer, a stall selling clothes and jewellry, and two with Easter decorations.

meeting the Easter bunnies

There were several flower stalls and, best of all, a carousel, on which I absolutely had to have a ride.

We stopped at the drinks stall where the bar tender commented - rather unkindly I thought - that it looked as if I was hanging onto my glass for dear life and wasn’t going to let go. Actually the wine was pretty good so it’s not really surprising I didn’t want to let go.

We walked the length of the pedestrian precinct so that we could admire the famous Porta Nigra (black gate). Trier was the most northern outpost of the Roman Empire in the time of Constantine and there a lots of roman remains including a well-preserved ampitheatre, thermal spa, Constantine’s basilica (built in AD 310) and the Porta Nigra.

Some of the shops had beautiful wrought iron signs outside them.

This beautiful unicorn head graces the Unicorn Pharmacy

Easter trees are very popular

On our way back to the car we passed some beautifully preserved buildings of which Carol took a number of photos

and this quirky jewellry shop window with its vegetable puppets.

Caravanserai Easter

Our last port of call was a recently restored baroque fountain, painted in white and gold.

Carol’s husband proved to be a dab hand at taking photos of us and he really enjoyed himself. He said he thought it was a brilliant idea to send me on a round the world. When Carol told the stallholders - whose permission she asked before taking some of the photos - that I was on a world trip, between you and me, I think they thought Carol was absolutely bonkers, but it made them smile if nothing else!

More information on Trier can be found here.

Pris arrrives in Europe

Well, I finally arrived at Carol’s on the morning of 28 February after a very long transatlantic crossing. I was beginning to think the gps system Enchanteur had installed in my broom wasn’t working properly and I nearly got tangled up in some skeins of geese flying north to their breeding grounds.

Suffice to say it may take me a few days to recover from jet lag. I thought I was going to be able to take it easy for a while but Carol informed me that we would be leaving for England on Sunday morning and that we were giving a dinner party on Saturday. It turns out that her husband is a very good cook and I can tell you that the smells wafting out of the kitchen were divine. We started off with corn on the cob and garlic mushrooms, then raw and cooked ham with asparagus, then Swedish meatballs with a side salad to which had been added pan-fried baby asparagus spears. The last course was bacon and grilled cheese on ciabbatinis. A Luxembourgish Riesling and a 1990 Givry (red Burgundy) wines were served to accompany these courses. And did I mention that we started with a British sparkling wine (Champagne style) brought by a guest? Coffee and chocolates and a digestif followed before we all retired for bed. I can see that if they continue to fee me like this I’ll need a new set of clothes before I fly home.

We got up early on Sunday or rather we were awakened early, for the second day running, by tremendous gales and Carol phoned the ferry company before we left to ensure that the boats were sailing.

In no time at all we had crossed the border from Luxembourg into Belgium and then into France. We sailed from Boulogne in Flanders (flat countryside enlvivened by small clumps of wild daffodils and clouds of white-flowered blackthorn in the hedges). We were warned that the sea would be a bit choppy and that we should stay in our seats. In fact it wasn’t too bad and the crossing only took 50 minutes. Carol had hoped to get a photo of me with the white cliffs of Dover in the background but there was too much spray and she didn’t want me to get covered in salt so I stayed in my travelling bag. She did, however, get a couple of photos of the port of Dover.

Now I must tell you about my travelling bag. That Carol is such a clever girl. She hangs the bag from the headrest of the passenger seat so I can sit in my bag and look out of the window while we are driving along. I’m a bit confused at the moment because we started out driving on the right side of the road and now, in the UK, we’re driving on the left.

That evening I was introduced to the great British tradition of Fish and Chips – lovely!

On Monday we went shopping and got caught in a flurry of snow. I thought I’d left the snow behind in the U.S. but apparently more is forecast here. Carol introduced me to British tradition number two: charity shops. These are shops run by volunteers to raise money for various charities. People donate their unwanted clothes, jewellery, books, bric-a-brac, etc to these shops. Milly’s (MIL-mother-in-law) home help works as a volunteer in one of these shops to raise money for a children’s hospice and Carol has promised to sort out some things to sell in it There is no such thing in Lux so Carol insists on getting her fix every time she visits the UK. She has found many bargains in these shops she explained and can never resist going into one and having a browse. She’s also addicted to second-hand bookshops.

Tuesday we all had to get up at 6am as we had to make an early start to drive back to Lux. We made it to Dover in plenty of time and we had a good drive with sun and blue sky. Already the buds are beginning to show green on the trees. Carol said she was surpised to see the magnolieas in flower this early and even more surprised to see a mimosa tree in full bloom. She said she had never seen one of these in the UK but only in the south of France. We also saw a couple of camellia bushes with masses of pink and red flowers.

 

As you can see the weather was much better for our return crossing so I did manage to get a photo of me with the White Cliffs of Dover in the background after all.

We finally got back to Lux early on Sunday evening after encountering snow in the Ardennes (the hilly area of central Belgium which featured heavily in world war II). There was a gorgeous sunset of golden flight flooding through layers of pale lavender cloud followed by blushing pink cotton wool clouds.

Since our return I have been resting while Carol has been catching up on domestic chores. If the weather is OK on Friday we are off to visit an Easter market in Germany.

Flying Reindeer and Genece’s Hearth

After an interesting night of sleeping in the Gillespie, IL post office, Genece picked me up. When we arrived at the house, I was excited to see all the snow. However, the ice on the sidewalks and porch made for a slippery entrance. I couldn’t wait to take the tour of the little old farm house Genece’s is currently living in that was built in 1939. But before the tour, I wanted to pet and play with her black cat, Serena.

Ha! Serena did everything but play with me! Genece took a few pictures of me rolling on the floor laughing at Serena when she was giving me one of her stares. She doesn’t know how persistent I can be! Before long, I’ll have her eating out of my hands as the expression goes! She’ll be wanting to snuggle with me at night FYI — Genece is definitely going to need to take some digital camera lessons! The poor girl can barely snap the photo!

Genece allowed me to do whatever I wanted on my first night (I think she was feeling a little guilty about me having to sleep at the Post Office even though I told her not to worry since I saw it as an adventure.) so I explored several things. First, I sat in the Queen chair Genece has designated for me. Very nice! Next, I went snooping around for yummy snacks! I found some dark chocolate wafers with vanilla creme brulee in them. Forget the waistline! I just had to have a couple! Genece tried to get me to try the sugar free stuff. I told her no way!

Romping around the house, I spied a small reindeer just sitting and looking bored. I think the little guy needed some serious adventure. Genece saddled me up on his back! I sat on the reindeer for awhile talking to the fellow I’ve named Rickets the Reindeer. Next thing I knew it was bedtime and I was getting pretty tired so Genece tucked me into my bed. Once the lights were out, I couldn’t resist! Quietly, I climbed back up on Rickets (what a climb!) and we spent half the night flying around the house. Genece said it would be best if I did my flying in the house since it’s so cold outside. She didn’t have to convince me much! It’s definitely cold outside!

Here’s a couple of photos Genece desperately tried taking (poor girl!):

Genece had better hide these delicious wafers! I have a sneaky suspicion they could suddenly disappear if she doesn’t hide them!

Okay, Genece said I could snack on anything I wanted! What better way to view the selections in the fridge by sitting on top of portabella mushrooms? I chose a portabella sandwich with provolone cheese

This is the Queen’s thrown! Serena has been told to STAY OFF! or I’ll put a hex on her — TeeHee!

Remember Genece’s Christmas Tree drama? Here I am under it — although I’m just a little nervous. Only she assures me the tree’s been stable ever since the day it fell.

One of my new friends and adventure buddies, Rickets the Reindeer. Yes, we flew around the house last night without waking up Genece or that silly cat!

Here’s me taking the reins!

I was happy to see an old friend, Buddha, sitting on a shelf. Genece has beautifully displayed him with a lovely Japenese tea set. She loves decorating! You should see the transformation she’s done to this little old farm house! It’s eclectic and warm — very comforting!

Okay, so we’re not really cuddling yet. This was Serena and me this morning when Genece was writing. We took a nap next to each other. It’s a start! I’m telling you, she’ll be wrapped around my little finger in no time

Well, we’re off to a day’s adventure at the nursing home and Christmas shopping. I get to meet Genece’s mom and some of the other ladies at the home that hang out together! Ciao for now!

Journaling 2.0

I had the day to myself, and I thought I’d better get down to my real reason for this world tour. You all know by now that my mission is to research Web 2.0, but what you don’t know is that I have been asked to write an article for Web Witchery Weekly (WWW). I hardly could believe my eyes when I read their e-mail a couple of days ago.

Since Lori was busy today, I decided to find a quiet place to organize my thoughts about this whole enterprise.

I’m glad I brought my broom. With Lori’s directions in hand, I made my way to the Los Angeles Central Library, a grand building in the art deco style built in 1928 (old by local standards). I found a window seat in the library’s cafeteria and began journaling.

My intention was to outline my research plan for the article; instead, I dug my pastels out of my pockets and began drawing.

I astonished myself with the emotions behind the colors and rendering. I didn’t realize the depth of my anxiety over this mission.

Here is what I wrote to go with this image:

The Web is an appropriate label for something so complex and tangled. I feel so lost at times! There are so many new things to learn, almost daily. But I can do this. YES, I CAN! I will live up to my title as Queen of Cyberspace (LOL!). I am looking forward to visiting all these new and exciting places. Everyone has been so kind in helping me to navigate Web 2.0. Hopefully, my hostesses are learning as well.

Journal Work

Greetings, my lovelies!

You just won’t believe it- Mari can hardly believe it- it’s still raining!  Nearly an inch and a half in the last 24 hours.  This area of North Carolina and Virginia (southeast) has been 12 inches short of rain this year, so Mari says let it rain.  But yesterday afternoon the sun did come out for awhile, so we were able to go into the Meditation Garden and do some sketching.

I arrived from Australia with this lovely journal sketch book and Mari loaned me some markers; it was wonderful to sit in the garden in the sun (it was a bit damp, though) and draw.  Here is a quick sketch I did of the dried cornstalks:

While I was working away on my sketch, I heard two little voices speaking quietly and a little dog barking.  I looked around and saw these inhabitants of the garden reading to each other from a storybook.  I went over and introduced myself and the little girl showed me where they were in the story.  I read along too.

Later, it began to rain again so we went inside and I worked some more in my journal.  I did this drawing of the alien:

He was very good at posing, he barely moved at all for hours.

Then I did this sketch of the lotus on the causeway to the island from a photograph of Mari’s:

Mari says it’s very Matisse-like.  I’m not so sure.

Then I tried a cut and paste with stamping project.  The cat picture is from a French poster of Le Chat Noir; the cat looks very much like Junior (those fat cheeks and glowing yellow eyes, like his picture in the moonlight) so I copied, cut and pasted le Chat Noir onto one of my journal pages.  Then I used stamps to make the hands and kitties around him. 

I had such fun!  And I’ll be very glad to have these visual reminders of my stay on Knotts Island, which will be coming to an end soon.  First, though, we have to fix my broomstick- remember that tiny bit of over-the-top magic that blew the end off my broom?  But that’s for another day…