St. Remy, Provence, France...

This post is photo heavy so "fair-warning".  Our first destination.  This is known as the "Hamptons" of France.  I absolutely loved it here.  Warm, sunny, friendly people, great food, lots to see and enjoy.

We had rented a car in Avignon and therefore made this our home base for a week.  Our hotel was perfect! Walking close to town center and yet quiet and comfortable.

Cozy, modern, charming and very comfortable.

My very good fortune was to find this Brocante just like I had read about.  Be still my heart!  Our weather was perfect.  I wandered around and just soaked it all in.

Then I met Flavio (my name for him)(in the red hat)!  Very French and quite charming.  He just happened to have the one and only very item I was coveting to find before we ever left on this trip.  However I was certain it would be uber expensive...if I could even find one.  Yet there it was on his table of wares.  I got brave and used my sad French to ask how much it cost.  YES!!!  Score!!!  And Flavio let me have it for a better price since I was from California and the Euro was expensive.  Thank you Mr. Frenchman Flavio.

Here is Flat Fanny with my coveted purchase.  An authentique Absynthe spoon from the turn of the century. Flavio even told me the usage back when.  Of course I have already studied and know this but it was so sweet of him to spend the time and confirm my knowledge.  I will leave my cherished spoon in this exact condition...no polishing at all.

Then a few days later was the weekly open-air market.  Everything imaginable for sale.  The colors were incredible. Mr. C and I spent five hours wandering the many streets and vendors offering amazing things.

French people really do have a flair for easy living and these linen curtains really caught my eye.

Normally I would not even eat olives of any color or flavor except black ones.  And I certainly wouldn't eat anything that is in the open for bugs or germs to contaminate.  Ahh, but the colors and allure and living in the moment and feeling so lucky to be part of the St. Remy culture I could not resist.  I bought some of those green olives and they were the best I have ever eaten!

Mr. C had purchased a Blue Cheese Salami, Baguette, Olive Tapenade and some white donut peaches.  We hopped in our little car and had a roadside picnic just the way the french countryside people do it. No facilities what-so-ever...just time with nature and enjoying our food.

So being in the moment I did buy a linen top.  I was also going to buy some linen pantaloons but never found just the right ones.  In St. Remy everyone wears linen.  The men even wear the brightest bermuda shorts I have ever seen...lime green, red, flourescent pumpkin orange and many more colors.  Lots of suede driving mocs in red, bright blue and that orange again and this is the men.  All in all I loved St. Remy and have wonderful memories of our time there.
Some of you have commented how could I NOT do any stitching or crafting while gone.  It was a concious decision I made to stay in the moment with Mr. C and celebrate him and his accident recovery.  Mr. C is not a fan of my need to always be crafting as he feels it doesn't allow me to focus on him and what we are doing. As I choose my path I am very thankful that I am able to live this wonderful life with Mr. C and enjoy the travels and adventures we share together.  Putting my Creative Muse on hold is the least I can do.  Now I am feeling rested and healthier and hoping she comes rushing back to me.  As I am getting back into my daily routine of household and yard chores I find myself pulled into my studio and reaquainting with my fun supplies.  I am certain my Creative Muse has not abandoned me entirely.  She is probably merely being a petulant child and making me wait for the bliss I shall once again enjoy so much.
I hope you are enjoying your Summer (or Winter) and truly living in the moment to fully maximize all the joy we have each and every day.  Creative Bliss Dears...