Right now in New York it's really hot. I think it's that way just about everywhere across the country. If I stand outside I can imagine I'm in France again because it was hot there too. It's supposed to be hot - for the sunflowers, the crops, the lavender. The buildings all have big wooden shutters that they close during the day against the scorching sun. The windows might still be open but the shutters keep the hot sun at bay, and it works.
On this day, it was too hot. We took advantage of the cool morning to sit on the terrace and continue stitching the samplers of the chateau. There were some amazing stitch and textile experts in the group. Less like a class, more like a stitchalong, we enjoyed sitting beside each other, sharing colors, stitch choices, tricks of the needle, laughs. So many laughs.
Isn't it inspiring to see the way each is different? Just a stitch or thread choice renders the work unique to the maker. All so pretty!
After lunch we headed for the lavender fields where we were greeted by Nadette, lovely and generous.
She took us out to the field and explained the growing process for lavender, the varieties, the harvesting.
I mentioned it was hot. 112°
Nadette offered us refreshments, her handmade soaps and lavender bundles.
There was time for stitching in the shade and a playful scene with Millie and Laurent.
That car ride home was so fragrant!
Last night I had second thoughts about posting each day as it went, start to finish. This is taking a long time to tell. But the truth is, I won't remember the breakdown of days and adventures if I don't do it now. Already things are blurring together. There is so much I haven't touched on. It looks as if all we did was hop from place to place, shop, eat, drink, wander about the countryside. Behind all these busy moments, we found ourselves part of an adventure that unfolded like an old-fashioned novella. Travel does that. The time spent together along with the unique challenges of the unfamiliar opens us up, shakes out the wrinkles and shows our true colors. As the pattern of days stitched together, our group of random souls became a lovely sampler itself. Sweet friends, each a different design, color, stitch, style.
Throw in some wine, actual stitchwork and late-night talks as the moon rises. Tomorrow you'll find out what happened to my favorite dress after one of those late nights gabbing and story-telling. Wine played a big part throughout.
Red wine.
Love the photographs of the lavender, I can almost smell the scent!! Please do continue to post about your trip, I am really enjoying reading about all that you did!
Posted by: Christine B. | July 18, 2012 at 09:59 AM
I am also loving your trip chronology. I am living vicariously through your beautiful pictures and detailed writing. I'm there with you in spirit, except for the 112 degree weather which I will pass on. The variation in stitching and styles is fun to behold. Oh, how I wish I could have been there.Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Posted by: Teah B. | July 18, 2012 at 01:01 PM
The story unfolding........stitched together...you have such a way with words dear Charlotte! Love red wine......and look forward to hearing the story. Should be posting a bit of my own....soon, so soon!
Posted by: Cherie Wilson | July 18, 2012 at 02:50 PM
I am loving your account - and am getting ideas for my trip (in just 12 days!) and how to share it with others. Your photos are delicious, Charlotte and I wish I could be as good at that. I will just have to take what I can and hope for the best.
I cannot wait to see the finished samplers by the last day....they look incredible so far...
xo
Posted by: jone | July 18, 2012 at 03:04 PM
Is your favorite dress going to become your favorite rag? Red wine....love it, but it does have risks associated with it. Can't wait to hear the rest of that tale. I love Millie's poodle friend...where did he/she come from? Very sweet.
Posted by: karen on bainbridge island | July 18, 2012 at 05:18 PM
PLEASE keep it up!! Every detail you relay warms us and will also keep it renewed in your heart and mind. Lori and I did Italy in 1978 and Paris in 2008. I still vividly remember the details of both trips. You made forever memories! Julie
Posted by: Julie Clark | July 18, 2012 at 09:09 PM
Please continue. I am enjoying your conveying of your trip very much.I wish I could have been there. I look forward to each day. Thanks!
Posted by: Carol | July 19, 2012 at 08:06 AM
I'm loving everyone of your entries about your wonderful trip. I had no idea it got that hot in France. The different stitches on your samplers are such fun. And, I can almost smell that beautiful lavender. Thanks so much.
Posted by: Troy Louise | July 19, 2012 at 03:10 PM
Hi Charlotte, is the chateau pattern for sale on you etsy? michelle
Posted by: michelle | July 19, 2012 at 06:16 PM
Love the chronological posting! It's so fun to live vicariously. Take as long as you want :-)
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 19, 2012 at 08:00 PM
Hi Charlotte!
I LOVE the South of France! when is your Chateau pattern going to be for sale on Etsy? I can't wait to get it! It looks lovely already!
Posted by: Deb Zoulias | July 24, 2012 at 08:49 AM
thanks, Deb! I should have a few more there soon.
Posted by: charlotte | July 24, 2012 at 11:39 AM