Greetings from the U.S. once again. It’s been a little over a week since returning home from Provence and I’m still feeling the restorative benefits of our life-altering week there.
Even though I wasn’t one of the Plein air workshop participants, it was very enjoyable to see all of their paintings shared at the end of each day. They painted the surrounding verdant landscapes, historical towns with interesting architecture and narrow cobblestone roads, sweeping vistas from hilltop vantage points, vineyards, poppy fields and the gardens surrounding the centuries old manor houses where we were staying.
Though breathtakingly beautiful scenes prevailed with each passing day, it didn’t seem like the painters had much of a vacation that week, working in two sessions and averaging around 5 1/2-6 hours daily. Even on the one rainy day we had they were not to be deterred, painting inside and working on still life studies or observing their teacher painting various objects or flowers. After the full days and our amazing family style meals together each evening, I noted everyone tended to want to make an early night of it.
Speaking of that one rainy day, a group of us made a sojourn to the town of Bédoin where a massive street market was underway. Tents were up and the vendors were ready for business. The prices were very reasonable and everyone was very friendly and accommodating. I loved seeing the different fabrics and local artisans selling a variety of hand-crafted pieces, clothing and of course a cornucopia of different fruits, vegetables, cheeses, pasta, bread and pastries.
Here are some photos from that day.
When the painters were off painting, I relished the chance to practice singing, read a novel and take things at a much slower pace in general. I also made it my personal quest to take advantage of the nearby lap pool on the property where I swam almost every day. The pool was unheated so it took some fortitude, acclimating to the cool water at the beginning of each swim, but I’m happy to report I prevailed!
For me, our week in Provence felt a lot like a wellness retreat. In addition to swimming, I was even able to join in with a couple of my normal Zoom yoga classes with my teacher from the U.S. Our classes usually meet via Zoom at 6:30 a.m on the West coast where I live. With the time difference it was 3:30 p.m. in France so participating in class ended up working well, though somewhat amazing to contemplate and experience in real time. As long as the wi-fi band-width remained strong I was able to make it work.
The morning of our last full day in Provence, I traveled with the painters to the ancient hilltop town of Gordes. The wind was fierce that day and proved challenging for all involved, but crystal clear views from the high vantage points were breathtaking to behold.
Here are some of the marvels of that day.
Of course being a seamstress/sewist/maker or “couturier” as one French woman told me I was, it was great fun for me to explore the nearby shops including a clothing boutique with the most colorful collection of dresses and accessories.
Inspiring!
Until the next time….
PetiteSewSop 