I love Aix-en-Provence. Those of you that have been with me for a while have already read about my rapturous, snap-happy moments here as well as here. It is just. So. Elegant.
And as some of us were in the doldrums, some a bit out of sorts and another over-worked we decided to take a trip to down our anti-stress med of choice: beauty.
Because there is really nothing like a whop of biddy-bump (the above two photos were my view during lunch on the left and right respectively) to turn that frown…
…upside down, my friends.
However, it was hooot. As in 32°C or nearly 90°F! Holy Cannoli, not even my perspiringly chilled glass of rosé could put out that fire. And with Ben along (who was offered water everywhere–Vive la France!), we knew that it would be a shorter stroll than usual.
We did stumble upon the Maison d’Emmaus, the local branch of the amazing Emmaus Organization. For those of you that have not heard of it, think Salvation Army with a more active role in changing the circumstances surrounding the lives of the needy. Always good to give to a worthy cause yes?
So I was all too willing to fork over some truly small change for a new/old linen pillowcase, a bronze silk shirt and a lady-like Lancaster handbag. Time to take a short ride on the karma train!
But my wandering eye had obliterated my companion’s patience (why is that?) and so the rest of our visit would have been a jog if it wasn’t just too warm for that. Have you ever seen those poor tourists that are literally taking pictures while walking? That was me today.
But one element that I really felt strongly, despite the nearly manic race back to the air-conditioned vehicle, was the electric energy of the café culture, something I had noticed before but was especially zapped by it today. The people watching was divine and the eaves-dropping delightful…The sweet push of youth finding their way during just another gorgeous day in Aix.
The title of this post, while a link to the others, is misleading. While I do love everything in Aix, there is really only one thing that I need to write today:
I love you, Mom!
I know how lucky I am to have such a beautiful, funny, intelligent, giving and all-around incredible person for a Mom. I hope that I tell her enough on other days beyond her celebration tomorrow.
I wish that I was there with you.
And as if this post wasn’t already hopelessly too long (Editing, Heather, editing!) I have a ps. or two. First off, the zucchini blossoms were just too fantastic not to share. My honey stuffed them with a shrimp, crab, bready-eggy mix and lightly fried them. Madness on a plate. Either that or I was delirious from eating them.
And secondly, look at this painting that I found while searching for information on Boulouris! Do you believe that it is the ocean pavilion of Pax, My Dream House on the Cote d’Azur? I do!
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!
Vibrations received and hooray!!!
You do? Ben is French after all. He is from the Chelsea Gardens elevage. His dad is named ShowBizz and his mom is Vendome of Chelsea Gardens. Possible?
And yes, the Emmaus in Aix is a super score. I had to rush through but there were clearly more choice pickings to be had!
Heather, precious, send me your mailing address…you have won a set of my giveaway bracelets !!! Sending good vibrations…
Heather,
I think Ben and Clementine are related.
I didn't know there were Emmaus shops in France. I'm so excited to go check that out now. The Aix one looks kind of Aixish, posh used goods.
Aidan xo
Oooh, when you want!
Such a wonderful tour of Aix… Let's go! xv
definitely! I've followed you on google
your blog is lovely by the way,waiting you on my blog xxx
FashionSpot.ro
Sending happiness your way too Cecilia–your blog is amazing!
Oh Gosh Debra, I don't know if that counts! But sending you the same for being Dylan's Mom–he is so lucky to have you!! We just had a quiet day today but Remi made a special lunch of swordfish and baby artichokes…yum.
Thank you for your beautiful post!!
I wish you a happy day
Hugs
Cecilia
Heather thank you for this post I needed a bit of dreaming and looking at France through your eyes gave that to me…and seeing Ben, love him. I hope you're enjoying you time out and about and Happy Mother's Day to you since you're Ben's Mom!
Hugs!
Debra
Hello Jeanne and thank you! Yes, you are spot on about the French colonial influence in that yellow limewash. Isn't it gorgeous? I also remember seeing a deep red in Hue that made me think of the ochre shades that you see a lot in the Luberon. And you know what? I had completely forgotten but in my article I wrote on Hue I said that because of the bright yellow walls and the screaming of the cicadas it was as if we had taken a wrong turn and ended up in Provence! Great minds think alike I see… 🙂
Hoping you have blue skies ahead and a lovely Sunday.
Lovely Greet, we were visiting each other's blogs at the same time! How is that for sympatico? 🙂 Sending you warm wishes for a wonderful Mother's Day!
And to you, Mommy of Lucy! 🙂 Thank you so much for what you said Sister! I know I can be a little wacky with my wording sometimes but if I can't find the right phrase for what I want to say, I just make one up!
Elizabeth! I need to get caught up with you! You are coming down to Provence! Really?! We absolutely must meet up!!!! Whether it is hot or not–I'll ply you with pastis and you won't feel a thing. 🙂 Will you send me an email (
ro*************@ya***.com
) to let me know when you are coming?
Thanks Sister! Oh Marsha, I can only imagine all of the wonderful memories you must have from your trips to the Cote with your husband. And to be at the Moulin de Mougins for your honeymoon? How perfect. And as for the blossoms, I had never seen them before a trip to Bali in 2006. It isn't exactly an item that was for sale in Midwestern markets while growing up!
Thank you for your kind Mother's Day wishes. I send them back to you full force!
What an amazing story–thank you so much for sharing it and yes, of course I can see why Aix would be so dear to your heart. It says so much about your father that he was so well-remembered and welcomed back with open arms!
You both touch and inspire me with your words, your hearts and your way of life! Yes, we are so fortunate for so many reasons and how wonderful to know it. Your day sounds wonderful, indeed…
Wishing you a lovely Sunday!
You are taking me to places I have never been Heather and I am loving it. Wonderful shots..and happy to see the revival of your dear friend. I am just loving all the yellow in the buildings. It reminds me of my journey through Hoi An in Vietnam last month. I can now see the French influences in my photos. Just loving that colour!
Best wishes to you Heather..for a lovely day!
Jeanne xx
Dear Heather,
Thank you so much for this wonderful post I read today, on Mother's day. I so enjoyed it! And so love seeing Ben on your posts!
Happy Mother's day my friend!
xx
Greet
We can tell that you love everything – that's why your posts and photographs are so beautiful and have so much heart! It looks like it was a wonderful day and it certainly seemed to improve Ben's mood! Happy Mother's Day to you, mommy to Ben!
Hi Splenderosa – If you click on the first picture, it will become a slideshow of all the pictures, and they are much bigger this way! (I'm Heather's sister, so I'm "in the know"! : )
It is always a pleasure travelling with you and Ben. Although we've spent many holidays in Provence, we have never been to Aix. However, with our recently purchased Eurail pass, we hope to get down that way to have a break from renovating My French Folly. We have found a B&B from which we can venture forth to explore the region. I hope we can rendezvous with you this summer – if it isn't too hot. 32 deg C already, sounds ominous.
Bisous
I am so jealous of your being there today. I came with my parents to live in Aix in 1962, the town that my dad had grown up in.. All our years growing up he had regaled us with the tales of his living there, his friends, and growing up before the war. It was amazing how many people remembered my dad, and for the first two months, we spent every evening out dining with friends remembering old times. So Aix has a very very special place in my heart.. thank you for bringing it in focus again and sharing with us.. the weather as always was, is stunning.. here however in Blighty, its sunny but cool.. just like winter is over there haha.. all the best jeannine
Hello Heather:
Yesterday we took the train, and a picnic lunch, to Esztergom, some hour and a half from Budapest, and sat on the banks of the Danube looking across at Slovakia on the opposite side of the river to eat, people watch and idly chatter under the shade of a magnificent plane tree in 30C of heat. And we thought ourselves privileged and blessed. Much as you must have done wandering the streets of that remarkable town, sipping rosé, engaging in snippets of conversation, patting Ben and believing, as one does at such moments, in the goodness of life and the constant wonder of being the foreigner abroad. It really is all so very goodly!
Heather, you must find a way to make your lovely photographs larger so we can enjoy them even more. OMG, those zucchini blossoms…goodness. I remember having them at Moulin de Mougins on my honeymoon almost 13 years ago. I had never seen them before, can you imagine? I've been back many times because my husband loved the Cote d'Azur more than any place on earth. Happy Mother's Day to your mom and to you, as the puppy's mother.