I think I am a procratinater but I’ll make up my mind about that tomorrow… Livonne

I did not want to get up this morning. I had woken at about 5am and struggled to get back to sleep but managed eventually, waking again at about 7.30. But I needed to go to the lake which is further afield to take photos this morning, so I got up, had a cuppa then went out to find this lake a few had walked to. I honestly thought they meant the little pond which, if I’m honest, I thought they were all a bit crazy to rave over. It’s nice but very small.

Turns out I had to walk further afield to find this one which I did this morning. It’s probably only a 10 minute walk, but I was tired and still a bit sore. Never the less, I pressed on and found my way there. It really was lovely. I took quite a few pics on the way as well as from the little jetty I found. I was happy with what I’d taken so headed back again. Just as I arrived, David was heading back from the boulangerie with the breakfast goodies, so perfect timing, I had some breakfast.

After breakfast we headed into a marchande at Alencon, but still there were no brocantes or thrift kind of shops. Oh well. I’ve managed this far, borrowing other peoples things they brought with them, so I’m sure I can again. When we went to the art shop the other day, I assumed Alencon was a very small little village, but today I saw other parts of it and realised how big it actually is. It is a beautiful town. Full of the gorgeous archetecture we’ve come to expect from France. Seems most of the markets or marchandes are held in squares at the base of the catherals.

There was so much food there. The biggest vol au vents I have ever seen. There was every sort of food you could think of and that was just at the markets. Walk down a side street and you would find even more variety. These French know how to eat. It was all divine. We had a wander around and bought a few things for a impromptu lunch we decided to have tomorrow for Easter Sunday. It’s a bit difficult being away from family and friends for the special occasions but we have made a new family here, so tomorrow will be special I’m sure.

Beth, Cecile and I were walking together and found a crepe van, so we had to order one of those. Very different to the crepes we have in Australia but good regardless. We went into the chapel there too and sat and listened as there was (I assume) a choir somewhere singing, probably for Easter. It was really lovely. There was some gorgeous archetecture too. After everyone had finished, we headed back to the chateau.

A few were going out to a wine and food festival just after we got home but to be honest, I was so tired, I just wanted to stay home and work on a piece that I have been shooting bits and pieces for. I have been doing planning but have not produced any work yet, so have felt a bit behind the eight ball. I guess my process is very different from everyone else’s but I do sometimes feel like if I didn’t procrastinate as much, I’d get so much more done. But then, maybe not. Maybe my procrastination is my thinking time. Who knows?

I settled into the gorgeous dining room to start to edit and was making good progress when suddenly all hell broke loose and the fire alarm was screaming at those of us left at the chateau. We ran around (all 3 flights of stairs) to see if there was a fire anywhere but could find nothing. The alarm did stop after a few minutes but Beth and I went out to check the upper windows from the outside to see if we could find anything untoward, The big problem is, we don’t even know where all the rooms are. It is a massive building.

When we were outside we heard a cuckoo again. They sound exactly like the clock. I thought first time I heard them that it was a clock, then at the randomness of the time, I realised they must be real. But then I doubted myself again. But this afternoon, out in the rain, checking upper windows, I knew for sure they were real. What a treat to hear one for real. This is stuff I never expected to experience.

Heading back out of the rain and into the warmth of the chateau, I settled back into doing my first image. With all the effort I made to go to the lake this morning, I chose the pond for the image and I made pretty good progress. Working on my laptop is 1000 more difficult than my desktop at home. But I did it. I will work a bit more on it tomorrow but I am pretty happy with it’s progress

Just after we’d finished our inspection of the place for danger, and we were all settled again, two lovely gentlemen turned up from the maintenance team as they’d been alerted to the alarm. They did a more thorough check and weren’t puffing and panting heading up the stairs like we were. They didn’t find anything either. Perhaps it was just a friendly ghost who wanted to play games with us. Who knows?

The others all came home from the food and wine festival and all settled into what they were doing until dinner. Cate poured us both a champagne and we drank and chatted while I edited. Then I went to stand up and tripped over my pc cord and spilled the champagne. Somehow, I even managed to spill it down my back. Well played Liv.. well played. I managed to finish my picture about 5 minutes before dinner so I could pack it all up. I will probably go back and tweak it tomorrow but it’s almost where I want it.

Dinner tonight was an absolute feast (again). We all want to take Gary home with us to cook every night. and to share some of his stories with us. How are we going to survive cooking for ourselves again. And no boulangerie runs by David for breakfast. Life could be very hard for the first week home. Tonight, we had Coq et Vins with a caesar salad, braised fennel with pickled garlic all served on a bed of ricotta cheese, and some delicious potatoes. Someone will remind me that I missed out on naming something but whatever else we had, it was all delicious.

Every night at dinner, David poses a question for us. Last night’s was one that brought up so many issues and I realised that I have met the most amazing group of warriors ever. The stories of how art has helped them through difficult times was harrowing to say the least, but also so inspirational. I am in awe of this group of women. Truly I am. They are survivors and I am proud to know them all.

Since last night turned into quite a hard night with everyone’s stories, tonight, before David could ask any question, Monica decided to say that her favourite colour was Chartreuse, so he couldn’t get a question in. She also asked me to let you all know that she is an absolutely hilarious, amazing and all together brilliant pastor’s wife from Florida. And she’s right. She is all of those things. and more! She is also a talented artist, whose work blows me away. She is sweet and kind and did I mention hilarious? She is currently working on a portrait of Beth and it is simply glorious.

It’s funny because Cecile is also working on a portrait of Beth too. Beth is the oldest of our group but in age only. She is young in her mind and soul and is an absolute delight to be with. Again, how blessed am I to be with this group of intelligent, artistic, inspiring and authentic women? I honestly don’t know how I got so lucky to be here with them all. They are the kind of women legends are made from. And I am sharing their space and they are welcoming me into their lives.

We are all a bit tired tonight as we have been running pretty solidly since we got here. So early night tonight. I will be finished this blog before 10pm and can be in bed early. That might make for a more alert me tomorrow.. I hope however you are spending Easter Sunday tomorrow, it brings you peace and love. Until then….

Happy celebrating amazing people in our lives…. Livvy xxx