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