Would you like proof of how brain-addled I am due to this heatwave or canicule? A little while ago while getting ready to take the puppers out for their brief evening walk, I grabbed a bit of sun cream to put on – one can never be too careful (especially as a blue-eyed redhead – second only after albinos in terms of tendency towards skin cancer). Well, it was only after I had rubbed a big swath all across my cheek that I thought, “The texture feels weird” then, “Wait, this smells minty!” Yes, my friends, I was anointing myself with toothpaste. Organic toothpaste albeit but nonetheless…
So, perhaps it is best to down-shift my expectations this evening and keep it rather simple on the blog with not too many words involved lest I need to string them together and be held accountable for it. But there are a few things around the house that I wanted to share, so why not just make it a more decor-oriented week, at Lost in Arles – pas de problème, non?
While it is slightly mind-boggling (and we have already made it clear that my mind is indeed boggled) to think that we moved into this house in the country nearly a year ago, there are still plenty of things to be done and tweaked. After waiting to the point where we both became deranged by seeing too much of the necessary junk packed in next to the firewood and trunk o’tools under the pavilion, I put up a pair of cream curtains, only to find that it looked like they were sheets and we were about to put on a puppet show. Fortunately, it is les soldes and so I was able to score a pair and a half (the half will rest below the courtyard’s stone sink) in just the right shape of taupe for only 6 Euros each. Look past the cutie and you will see them in the photo above. Visual obstructions obscured!
Remi, for his part, found these smart tea-light holders at Casa (for my French friends here – it is where you go to get all your candles too, right?) for only 1.50 each. His is going to redo his rock arrangement at the base of the olive tree so that they fit right in and already, they look just lovely in the night.
But what about rethinking/the tinkering? As we were crazily restrictive when we first moved in about what “art” we would put up on the walls, there have been things that I have found myself missing. Namely, our antique batiks from Bali. This is what our first floor landing looked like when we first moved in. It has been home to a kind Buddha that we brought back from Phnom Penh since then but walking by one afternoon, I saw a nail in the wall at just the right height and thought to give a batik a try.
My first attempt, the oldest of our little collection, smelled still of its earthy vegetable dyes when I took it out of its wrapping. And yet, despite the helpful presence of a handsome doggy, it was too heavy, too overwhelming.
I thought of another of the batik holders, a mischievous one – whose sculpted faces were still swathed in bubble-wrapped from the move (my doing) which lead me to set them free…
…and try the magical blue prancing stag batik. I dragged the bench at the end of the bed in order to put it up and thought, “Well that looks rather nice there. I have always wanted a tiny place to perch.”
Plus, the tones worked nicely with our 1940’s unfinished portrait – one who has always reminded me of my Mom and so is one of my favorites.
So Voila! A bit more interesting, non?
I don’t miss the bench and yes have already used it when I need a good solid think…as in it might come in handy right about now…
…because did I mention the heat? Some of you might have heard about it on the news. For you see, this is not just about me whining (or whinging if you prefer) but is a national crisis. During a canicule, the temperatures remain extremely high all the time, even at night so that the body has a hard time cooling down. It is especially dangerous for babies and the elderly. This is the worst canicule since 2003 when nearly 15,000 people passed away due to heat-related causes.
We are trying to be wise about it all. Ben has it figured out as you can see…
…even when he is in the garden, he knows to take cover.
Kipling, our rascal, loves his sun alas (he also like to remain touching his loved ones whenever possible). Has it had an effect on his thinking? You tell me…
Yes, that would be a corncob playing the role of evil alien. Oh, Kip. Well, at least I am not the only one…
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and for those that are celebrating in the States, Happy Fourth of July!
Thank you but I would replace that bench with your white Barcelona chair in a heart beat! 😉
You know the house is actually mercifully cool – we just have to close up shutters AND windows by 10am. As for shearing – I know that it is a great option for a lot of dogs but honestly? Ben – who is convinced he is half human – would never forgive me ever, of that I am sure! I just make sure that their walks are short and their paws kept cool with water. Kipling – our Golden/Collie mix has short hair and a thin coat – he is totally fine in the heat so I have to keep an eye on him!
But thank you for the suggestion!!
I love seeing your thought process in action — yes, even with the heat. What lovely results…
Heather, It helps my dog tremendously when I give her a shearing during the hot summer and she is so, so happy and grateful! It is not hard to do (there is a built-in guard to protect the dog from getting cut so there is no fear) and you can find inexpensive ones on Amazon….that and a large outside tub full of water keep her from suffering in 100+ degree temps when she needs to be outside. Your home is so lovely and actually looks cool with those thick plaster walls and shades of blue.
Hello???!! Yes!!!
So glad you are home. Missed you! 🙂
Thanks Edgar and good to hear all is well.
Isn't it true? I can't imagine. Today he was barking at something in the distance…I realized it was a bush. Sigh…
Lorrie, thank you for all of your kindness here!! I appreciate it so much, I know you understand. 🙂
Remi prepped both this go around so that means that probably a myriad of spices were involved in the gambas marinade (cumin, chipolte plus who knows what) plus garlic, ginger and soy sauce. The courgettes are so good from the garden that we are keeping it super simple – just herbs de Provence and good olive oil!
Adding those personal touches really makes a home feel, well…homelike. I love the blue and white batik in your hallway with the bench below. Your home looks cool and welcoming.
We're having such a dry, hot summer here on our island, too. Our skies are muted and the light is eery due to forest fire smoke. Oddly enough, I think the smoke is filtering out some of the heat because the temperatures have fallen a bit in the past few days.
The gambas and courgettes sound lovely – how did you prepare them?
PERFECTION!
You just need a want to be CONTESSA galloping around……..OOOING and AAAHHING!
XOXO