Monday morning. Jazz on strike because her man-in-waiting, chief groomer and carrot deliverer is away for a few days. It’s just me and the animals.
Awoken by Clément, one of the workers putting up walls in the Résidence d’Artistes, at our front door. Guapo’s bark is the doorbell. Clément says there’s a horse blocking him from driving up the driveway.
Carrots, a few rough pats (that’s how Jazz likes it) and she ambles along. Interior walls going up today!
Riding the last wave of summer
It’s really happening! We’re getting ready to renovate the first structure here at Mas Baills. After almost 2 years of planning, designing and permitting, it’s a go.
The scaffolding went up this week. Right before August Vacation, that sacred French tradition. Took 3 men two days to put it up. Excellent views from the “terrace,” walking around the perimeter of the house.
When everyone comes back refreshed in September, (re)construction begins.
Nettle soufflé!
🥚
Lots and lots of nettles here. A sign of good soil, I’m told. I’ve made every version of nettles I can imagine. Pesto, sauce, soup, tart. What else can I do?
Roadside shenanigans for today. A little distraction from the heavy political news, pandemics and stock market fluctuations. Celebrate the mysteries and marvels of nature!
If anyone predicted I would be watching the B52s perform in front of 15,000 French people on a hot summer night by the sea, back when I first listened to the band in 1982, I would have said “no way.” And yet. Thanks @lesdeferlantessuddefrance David Garcia, Christophe et companie for giving us a good time. @theb52sband Your stamina and energy inspires me. Play on!
Good morning. Lots of lasts this week. Last time with alternate side parking, on a rainy side street. We slept at my parents’ apartment last night after moving out on South Oxford Street. Stirred up memories of being a teenager, still living at home, wondering about what the future holds. Lucky to still have my parents. Lucky to be embarking on a grand adventure, moving to France on Monday.
It takes guts to be a pedestrian in India.
I’m in Wisconsin. On a farm!
Mesmerizing! Spotted at Musée d'Art Moderne, in Ceret (France, near the Spanish border in Catalonia). Small jewel of a museum in a lively, pretty town hugging the foothills of the Pyrenees. This video appeared in the excellent Najia Mehadji exhibit. @najiamehadji
👗
Les Frères Lumière
La danse serpentine
1897-1899
Black & white film colorized
🧚🏿♀️
The dancer is American-born Loie Fuller (1862-1928)
👣