Friday's Petite Aquarelle

Brantome

12" x 16" framed size

$120 including shipping 

available at www.tomviethsketches.com

Farm Fields and Hamlet

12" x 16" framed size

Red Bench, Bourdeilles

12" x 16" framed size

Sunny Summer Days

12" x 16" framed size

Sunny Market Morning

12" x 16" framed size

$120 including shipping 

available at www.tomviethsketches.com

This Magic Moment

Back in the old days, music was recorded on vinyl discs. After the first play, the record would never sound the same.

That's because to reap the bounty from this pristine semi-hard plastic disc, one had to violate it with a very sharp needle.

You now understand the cleverness of the record label that called itself Virgin Records.

So, to preserve the experience of that once only first play, the smart music connoisseur would record that virginal experience onto what is called a cassette.

Likewise, the heads-up consumer of fancy French clothes for kids needs this to record the first wear:

Because, as beautifully designed and carefully crafted the clothes might be, ultimately (and universally) this is what you're putting into that preciously cute outfit:

Baby It's Warm Inside

Just when winter seems to be holding on a bit too long I am saved by the window displays in children's clothing stores. No need to go inside, just looking in on these sweet vignettes warms my heart.

I don't know when my fascination started with lingering in front of Jacadi, Petit-Bateau, and the numerous other stores dedicated to children, but I am obsessed with these adorable, clever, elegant, whimsical, and sometimes just plain ole crazy homages to the art of dressing a french child.

One can see how from the get go little ones are instilled with that 'je ne sais quoi' for always being meticulously put together. Shoes are a coordinated part of the look, not just something practical to scuff along in. Scarves are worn by little boys and little girls. Have you ever wondered why the French can just throw on a scarf and it looks perfect? Check out these windows and see where the training began!

"See, I don't make these things up."

(Susan to her editor.)

Alive and Kicking

Coming "home" from "home" is always a bit discombobulating.

There is the obvious jet lag that keeps one pinned to the sheets until 10 ---11 in the morning.
There is the joy of one's own sheets and dogs and cats on the bed.
There are the fresh croissants fresh from the much missed bakery.

But then there are the things in daily life that are a shock to my system each time I come home from home.

The roads are so narrow.

There are no country music stations.
There are a lot of cooking programs. And hey, they are all speaking French and eating foie gras.

There will be no grocery bags at the store, nor baggers.

I cannot forget to get out of the car with my sacks and a plug for the grocery cart or I have to start all over again.

It will take an extra half hour to get to the grocery store or yoga because I have to speak to everyone as I walk between here and there. 

Or it will take hours because I arrived between 12:00 and 2:00.

What's up with the trees?!

It's grey. It's beautiful.