Happy New Year

Too old, too gaga, too knackered to stay up till midnight. Walked the dog and took these festive snaps of Esperaza's xmas lights instead. 

Happy new year and a healthy 2013 to all

up and running

 Well enough this morning to close the expo in Quillan - here are the indifferent pigeons on the pretty roof. It turns out to have been a successful show:) Many thanks to all involved and especially to the art collectors...

 

 Miserable cold is abating thank heavens and despite the odd coughing spasm went trotting off to Steve and Fiona's last night. First sight of the house since they took it over; Thérèse (who most of us knew as the previous owner) would have loved the changes - art deco but modern,  comfortable and stylish. Here  Fiona is fixing nibbles in the elegant kitchen and here is Roy, having a think...
Swear I could hear Thérèse chortling.

Thanks for a great evening,Steve and Fiona - welcome to your beautiful new home -

 

malingering still

Wretched cold thing has had me laid up for ever, I'm so bored with it; today I got dressed and ate dinner with the Captain. Tomorrow we'll see if this was wise...
Since I can't bring you photos of the glitterati of Autugnac at Elaine's party tonight, here's a nice pic of my bedside table.

Sad, eh.
Even sadder, here's my sofa and laptop which is where the action is in the occasional absence of sleep.

Hope everyone is having fun without me.

Yes, I know this is self-indulgent -

Xmas day 2012

New camera is a real challenge. May have to give up the struggle and read the instructions. So, of yesterdays lovely day, these are pretty much the only useable snaps. Gus caught on film - or the digital equivalent; Kat laughing at the enormous turkey; people blurred around the table; some donkeys we met on the lunchbreak walk. The Captain did all the work except that done by Annie. And the stuffed pumpkin was by Alicia. 

The Bowyers, Randy and Steph, Ryan and Alicia and Ian and I feasted rather excessively.

Ferren's housewarming

 Charming or what :) When Ferren Macintyre throws a party, he goes for it...



...to say I had difficulties with the new camera is an understatement. Sylvie - centre below - is studying photography and simply looked at the thing, which caused it to behave. Now I have no idea how to access the software that will allow the cropping and red-eye change I rather need. She's round later today and I'm hoping she'll glare at the computer for me. She is flanked by the arm of Godly Ole-Bendik and dear Freddie. Welcome back Freddie! Her hair has been turned a magnificent Titian by the Scottish weather.

 And here's Ferren modelling himself on a bridesmaid as is the custom in these parts. Looking well on it.

 Most of our friends were at the party and we were sorry to go but we were booked at Marie-Claudes, seen here saying something like don't you dare photograph me - fine night and a great start to the Xmas season.

bonnes fêtes à tous!!

new camera

New camera - in fact a very old one, new in packet but with ancient technology which meant it was cheap. The way I get through these things make this significant.
Trying to get its measure. Seems ok on distances and close ups but don't do people or flash.
----The tenor of this blog may be altering.

Here is the Pic de Bugarach this afternoon, still there, basking in both moon and sunlight after the end of the world. Bob took me to Montazels for a walk to get some air into my lungs after this orrible cold which hasn't quite left my person.

 At the market there was much gossip about the end of the world. I asked the vendor of Vietnamese food if he enjoyed it and he said Bah, c'est termine - till the next time. Folk from the mountain were laughing that the village sign has been stolen, again - this time under the eyes of 150 gendarmes, army helicopters and the world's press.

and behold!  Barbara's christmas cake, freshly iced and ready for the 25th and sharing with Larry and Barbara's friends.  Wish they were here this year. We will no doubt raise a glass... maybe more.

And to those friends of Ferrens who are here and about tomorrow night; it is Ferrens housewarming! Be there - all welcome. Within and without reason.

The Great Disappointment

The Great Disappointment; the world hasn't ended though its attitudes might have changed-again - and I have such a wretched cough and cold I can't go to Kats vernisage or to Angus and Marys party. Not fair! Been looking forward to both. Bought a new camera for them. Disappointments all round. Celebrated the survival of the planet by staying in bed.

Jim Barty writes,

Here is my pic of Bugarach taken on a misty day, today, at the moment of 
the solstice, the big one with the galactic alignment thrown in. 

The solstice was for us here at 12h12 21-12-2012 

Someone must like their ones and twos.

Oh and it is as good a moment as any to declare the beginning of the Age 

of Aquarius.
 
Unfortunately no spaceship to be seen.

Lovely pic though Jim, thanks.
Some of us oldies remember the last announcement of the age of Aquarius, vividly - danced on stage in the finale of the musical Hair in our little frocks, waving our arms and singing madly.

Various of our friends have made it to national British newspapers today- Ian N. gets a mention on the front page of the Grauniad as does Susie who also made it into the Daily Torygraph. There are probably others, one has heard rumours... but its back to bed for this sick bunny.

Happy solstice everyone.

yet more fame

Still nowhere as famous as Susie-from-Bugarach who is today gracing the pages of the British Daily Torygraph - proving that the end is nigh:)

 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9759377/Mayan-apocalypse-The-only-place-to-survive-the-end-of-the-world-is-a-sleepy-French-village.html

Here I am in l' Independant. Discovered on yesterdays french report that the translation button doesn't work if you are already in French, at least it doesn't for me.

Tonight, don't forget, is Kat's vernissage -  she's showing with Charlie and Phillipe. Starting at 7.00 pm at La Theatre en Marche, 51 rue de Palais, Limoux. See katrinahead.wordpress.com 
After Kats we are all at Angus and Marys annual mountain top beanfeast if the gendarmes will let us through the barricades; if we're spared - some reports of the E of W say its due around 11.30, though that might means tonight.

 

Le "Bestiaire" de Vanilla Beer à l'office de tourisme

Le 21 décembre à 6h00 par N. vdB.

PHOTO/N. vdB.

La Haute-Vallée de l'Aude est un vivier intarissable d'artistes. Peintres, sculpteurs, plasticiens en tous genres y sont nés ou s'y sont installés depuis belle lurette. Vanilla Beer, artiste peintre britannique professionnelle, s'est installée à Espéraza il y a une douzaine d'années. Elle expose régulièrement ses toiles dans le département et jouit d'une certaine notoriété pour ses peintures à l'huile, souvent sur le thème de la nourriture. Elle est d'ailleurs l'auteur du livre Prenez, Mangez et Vivez, paru en 2006. Elle présente ses dernières créations jusqu'au 31 décembre à l'office de tourisme Aude-en-Pyrénées dans le cadre de son exposition intitulée "Bestaire". La dernière lubie de l'artiste, comme l'indique le nom de son exposition, gravite autour de la bête : qu'elle soit animale, humaine ou mythologique.

Provoquer l'accident pour mieux créer

Professeur des beaux-arts dans plusieurs grandes écoles de la capitale du Royaume-Uni, Vanilla Beer a notamment enseigné à la célèbre "Greenwich university". Cette artiste professionnelle y retourne encore, à l'occasion, pour donner des conférences. "Mais j'ai quitté Londres. C'est une ville extraordinaire quand vous êtes jeunes, après on recherche plutôt la tranquillité", explique l'artiste. D'où son arrivée dans la Haute-Vallée, à Espéraza, où elle se plaît. "Je n'ai pas de permis de conduire. Il y a une gare, des commerces aux alentours et mon atelier. Et j'adorais la France ! C'était exactement ce dont j'avais besoin". Quarante ans se sont écoulés déjà depuis ses débuts de peintre à Paris. Pour s'éloigner et chasser la routine, Vanilla provoque un accident pour mieux créer. "Quand je commence une œuvre, je pars d'un modèle. Je peux me couvrir les yeux ou commencer à dessiner avec une main pleine de stylos, ensuite je cherche à rattraper le diktat de l'esthétique", précise-t-elle. S'inspirant beaucoup des questions des humains, de la mythologie et de la nature, Vanilla Beer a encore de beaux et grands projets devant elle. L'artiste explore à présent le thème de la bête, animale, humaine ou mythologique.

La Depeche - Im famous.

This is a good time to test the gadget that translates which can be found over there, to the right - it says translate - highlight the text and change to english. I'm off try it, cant wait to see  what I said:)

Quillan. Le bestiaire de Vanilla Beer en expo

Le bestiaire de Vanilla Beer en exergue à l'office de tourisme./Photo DDM BB

Jusqu'au 31 décembre, l'artiste peintre Vanilla Beer expose ses nouvelles toiles à l'office de tourisme Aude en Pyrénées. Originaire de Londres, Vanilla Beer habite la cité chapelière d'Espéraza depuis deux ans : «J'ai déjà fait de nombreuses expos dans la haute vallée de l'Aude dont une à Quillan ! Je suis professeur à l'université des beaux-arts en Angleterre et la peinture est mon dada», précise l'artiste. L'expo de Vanilla Beer, appelée «Bestiaire», interloque sur son thème tiré de mythes et légendes confondus avec les rêves de l'artiste. «Depuis toute petite, je fais des dessins et, selon mon humeur, je change de style. Au bout d'un moment, des visions apparaissent que je rapporte sur la toile». Le résultat est étonnant et plusieurs histoires narratives se superposent sur chaque tableau que le visiteur interprète à sa façon. Un nu où le dos découvert fait apparaître un visage plus qu'inquiétant, un corbeau qui voisine lugubrement avec un beau décor… Des anciennes toiles sont également exposées avec les nouvelles «Fruits et légumes accompagnés d'une petite blague qui vous feront rire ou réfléchir». Une visite s'impose mais le mystère demeurera !
La Dépêche du Midi

the end is still nigh

Susie from Bugarach has a wonderful blog devoted to the happenings there at these end of days...

http://susiewoo.weebly.com/countdown-to-the-end-of-the-world.html
 a terribly funny read for anyone who knows the people and places here and possibly even for those that don't.   The bit that got me was the film crews wanting to photograph Ians boat, by which he will be saved at the EoW; but he hasn't blown it up yet ---- I liked the photos Susie took of the plain clothes policeman dressed as an E oWder and avin a larf.

And then there was my vernissage ('private view' in English) in Quillan on Monday. Since the camera gave up the ghost among the fleshpots of Cannes I'm relying pictures friends took - here are some snaps from Alicia.

Lots of dear people turned up and we drank the wonderful potion Ryan brewed, hot and sweet and laced with brandy. Forced down quite a lot with little ill-effect.


Wore my glamorous new frock, see below, and sold some paintings so a good event:)

Tache alas

Tache, alas, has been taken by a golden eagle. Apparently she put up a decent flight; being the dominant female of her particular flock and a hefty gal to boot, he wouldn't have had it easy. Alicia was witness to the end of the battle.
Ian raised her from an egg in an incubator and she lived in the courtyard here with her three friends Blanche Neige, Bella and Midnight, dominating the household. She ended her days on the field by the river, by any standards leading the life of Reilly. 
Sooner or later we'd have eaten her, I suppose. Its rather good that we are supporting endangered species. And I'm doing chicken for dinner tonight - one I haven't given a name to - so ethically can't fret too much.  Will miss her though. Is there a chicken heaven?

Tragedy aside,  life is good - smashing dinner at Mike and Hilary's -  getting ready for the captains arrival tomorrow and the preview of my show on Monday. Alicia is preparing delicious nibbles and there will be mulled wine. We struggle on.

unesperaza not safe

I've said it before... it really isn't safe to leave Esperaza.

I needed to get to Nice; to be exact a small hamlet above St Cesare in the mountains by Grasse, from thence to Nice.
Bus from the Esperaza school, train from Limoux to Carcassonne, train from Carcassonne to Marseille, train to Grasse, bus to St Ceasar. Lift the rest of the way. What could go wrong???
Nothing until just outside Toulon, fairly late at night. Misguided girl jumps under train and dies, hopefully quickly. Police and Pompiers hold up train for three hours whilst cleaning up  after her.

Good spirits in the train, the bar still has sandwiches and coffee, people are saddened but coping. (Though the sight of a very elderly lady having missed her connection home, lowering her head and letting fall one fat tear drop will stay with me a long time) 

This is not the time for my kindle battery to expire. Sods law. It expired away, leaving me with nothing to read and no room to draw as the carriage was packed. It got hotter and less oxygenated. People sneezed and coughed. I spent the three hours concentrating on fighting down panic.

On arrival at Cannes, there were no more trains to Grasse - even with a taxi were no buses onwards for the rest of the long journey. So an hotel beckoned. I shot over the road from the station to the first I saw, ignoring the starlets (as I thought) clustered outside. They had a room I could afford. Hurrah.

They took me behind the reception area, across a laundry room where sheets were drying, into a tiny cubby hole without a window, a curious shower and a gash-grinding toilet like you get on posh private boats. It was newly-painted a rich lilac. Except for a paneled wooden head board which seemed to have been newly smeared with  - what, varnish? Splattered and smeared in translucent ochre -

It was a room and the bed was clean. I pulled it away from the wall and tried to sleep. Strange noises abounded. I had nothing to read. Tried to take photos but the camera wouldn't work. It was freezing - there was an aircon unit that blew icy air around the room. There was a TV but it didn't work. I felt it was too late to wake reception, stupidly.

In the morning I discovered that we were above a sex shop and that the girls in the street hadn't been waiting for their limos.... 

the rest of the journey the following day wasn't so bad but many hindrances occurred, not least that the Matisse chapel in Vence that was my treat for getting there was closed for its annual holiday (NOT on the website) The people I was expected to meet got met, eventually, all altered arrangements but it finally came together just in time for me to leave for the return long voyage home. Which was hitchless and actually a delight as luck took me to the feet of an old friend who bought me home on the final lag to a dinner from Ryan and Alicia.

Phew and thrice phew.
And I'm having an exhibition in Nice (1st - 14th May)  next year so it all paid off.

dressing for dinner

 Anyone who has eaten with Annie and Pete in the winter knows to dress for dinner... here we are last night at another smashing evening in the mill, which is fast becoming bourgeois; no holes in the wall, safe staircase, nice doorbell to sound - here are Alicia, Ryan and Annie -

 

and  Dave and Tech.

Pictures of Gus are a strange blur... they say he doesn't cast a shadow and no-one has ever seen his reflection in a mirror.

 Below is the divine household goddess Kelly fitting the winter window into the study. Its a frame of glass built by Pete a few years ago, that goes in over the flimsy summer windows when its cold and comes out in the Spring, invaluable - especially now as its unseasonably cold. 

The strange monstrance thing is a porcelain bottle just garnered from Parchemin, which is a souvenir of the giant ferris wheel of the 1900 exhibition in Paris.

bloggers dilema...

 Last nights dinner caused  really interesting arty photos
-of the sort that would cost friendships, alas.

So, here is a cropped and quite sweet picture of Leroy and Lily (the dogs) with Ryan and Leos knee and below, Alicia, Toby and Micheal. Simone was there too but not in the pictures.

I did the cooking, first time for months; something of a shock to remember that you can't sit around and drink and chatter with your friends all night if you're the cook. Did Andree's marvelous cauliflower and banana soup followed by salad, a Parmesan and feta thang with angel hair and sundried tomatoes, cheese, lemon mousse and chocolates from Switzerland via Stephen (cheers, Steve - I haven't eaten them all, yet)

We hardly drank a thing.

Jill looking good -

Heres Jill, looking good - as was Tony - the monstrous cat is called Bloom though it may not be spelt like that. Dropped in to say Hi and was treated royally with mince pies and tea; cheers, les mec!

all quiet now...

House is quiet as everyone has left, only me and the dog hanging out. I'm about to start the ironing and maybe a little gentle housework.
So what better avoidance tactic than to write the blog?

So. I read today that the heir to the heir to the throne in Blighty has a pregnant duchess. This was announced in the French magazines last week so no surprises there. Lets just hope its a girl.... new laws give a girlchild the same rights as a male. Very progressive; should be tested. Names? I fancy a return to the sensible names of yesteryear - Dorothy, Ethyl, Margery, that sort of thing.

More importantly, I have been researching (i.e. looking at facebook) the end of the world. Its been written up in all the papers and this morning John Humphries mentioned it on radio 4. The end is nigh, naked people are walking up Bugarach with golden globes., he says.
According to Susie, who lives in Bugarach - where the alien shapeship will be hatching or possibly landing, depending - there's trouble. She has sweetly been inviting all and sundry to camp on her land but a neighbour told the local mayor and the gendarmes came round and told her they didn't like strangers hereabouts, see??? And the roads up the mountain will be closed off.
Another interesting thing is that Mark has been hired to do the ecotoilettes, that is the straw toilets that can be put in fields and cleaned up afterwards, so the mayor is expecting a presence of some sort though probably just teams of film crews.
Not much else happening. Except for the American christians who have arrived to stamp out the pentagram that is attracting demonic presences.

Erm, thats it really. Off to housework.

Ediths birthday

 

 I like this pic of Edith at her 60th birthday party, with son Ezra  lurking... it was a tremendous soiree mixed between French, Dutch and English. Here Toby and Bob thrash out an issue;

 

and below is Ediths' portrait made by one of her sons, of Edith aged eight; composed of images of her children.

Sundry shots... including Daniel with their grandchild, Edith training her sister in eating oysters, and others having fun.

Heres to the next 60, Edith!!

 

Andy and Lou and James Rafferty

Knowing that it was James Rafferty's second birthday, Bob and I popped in on Andy and Louise to see how it was.... and it was well, they have survived and James is still a little charmer:)

Then Annie and Pete helped us finish up the leftovers from last night.

Off for a snooze.

annual allotment dinner

 Last year's dinner was our first, to celebrate the produce of our shared garden. This year there were less people present - some have moved to other gardens, Pete and Nel, alas, were ill - but Jenny joined us in her capacity as consultant and general generous supporter.
The menu was leek soup from Biekes glorious leeks; oeufs mayonnaise from Ians hens and with his legendary mayonnaise; Ryan made the coq au vin out of Big Red, the cockerel who got the short straw;  a vegetable curry from Alecia; pickles made from tender young vedg, especially beetroot, by Ryan; I did cosmic jam tart, out of an assortment of jams I'd made and dear Jenny bought a monstrous wonderful chocolate cake that was an outrage.
Plans were made for next year and the Captain expressed his approval.




The food was terrific at lunchtime also, when Andree came with us to the Canal in Quillan. Smashing restaurant.

Really must get some exercise soon.