Sunday, April 19, 2009

Que la vie est belle...

Today was one of those day when the whole 'living in France' thing seemed to all make sense.

We woke up to blue sky and a mild breeze and, after coffee out on the terrace, headed off to our local market. You can tell that summer is on the way, the market is bustling with stallholders and people have come out of their winter hibernation to jostle each other for the best apples, the most juicy asparagus, the last few croissants.

It isn't a huge market, but once the winter is over, a quick tour can take well over an hour as you stop to greet friends and acquaintances that you sometimes may not have seen for some time.

We stopped at the local cafe for coffee and were soon joined by various friends, all enjoying the early spring sunshine and catching up on 'important local information' - never let it be said we gossip! We commented on the basket of the French lady sitting on the next table. It was so perfect it looked like a still life. Luscious vegetables and the greenest frisee lettuce peeped out while a gorgeous looking handmade 'pain' artisinal completed the picture. My friend compared it with her sorry little plastic bag and we agreed that we haven't quite got this market look right yet!

Eventually it was time to head home for lunch. Waiting on the doorstep was a dozen eggs from my neighbour, who'd heard from my daughter that our hens have gone broody and aren't laying. They were so fresh they were practically still warm.

Fresh egg mayonnaise with the sweetest of red peppers and a warm baguette on the terrace in the sunshine.

Que la vie est belle.....

9 comments:

softinthehead said...

That does sound like a wonderful day and I am very envious. I am sorry that you have to consider leaving it all behind but needs must.

Anonymous said...

Simple pleasures, but wonderful non the less,

GG

La Framéricaine said...

What a wonderful way to spend the day! I'm so happy that you have that little pearl to string on your necklace of gorgeous memories.

Working Mum said...

Makes me quite jealous that a friend of mine is just about to move back to France for just that kind of lifestyle!

The Accidental Author said...

SITH - yes, it was lovely and I enjoyed it but yes, sadly, we must move on from here. As you say, needs must, but I have to say fate is not being kind to us just at the moment VLiF

NWbD - sometimes simple pleasures are the best, aren't they?

La Framericaine - Ah, and such memories. Can I just say, if it's not too personal, that I just love le Framericain's moustache! It could have a blog all of it's very own. VLiF

WM - would that it was always like that but unfortunately I still have to get up to take the children to school, work against the daft shop opening hours to do my shopping and all the other c**p that goes with being a wife and mother. Leave France to retirement age, then I think it's truly wonderful but as for us youngsters, it's really same c**p just different shaped bread. Hope your friend finds her dream nonetheless. VLiF

Minnie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Accidental Author said...

Sorry to hear about the disastrous job interview. Sometimes those are the ones that have the most surprising outcomes.. or was it just too disastrous! biz à toi

justme said...

What a lovely day! How are you progressing on the 'returning' front?

The Accidental Author said...

Sorry JM, just realised I never replied. Timewasters put paid to our plans to move back in June but since readvertising the house we've had a steady stream of interested people beating a path to the door. Confident that we'll be back in the UK by September. VLiF x