The first time I met Natalie, the owner of La Madone, was at the flea market in Marseille. We were setting up stands opposite each other. Natalie came over, stood in front of my stand and stomped her foot three times. Then said, "Jealous, I am jealous!" as she waved her hand she continued, "How do you do what you do?" As I didn't speak French very well, I shrugged my shoulders. Then I looked over at her stand, my mouth fell wide open! I pointed to her stand, and teasingly said, "Shut up."
We have been friends ever since.
Camy and John I met through blogging. Years ago they were in Jean and Nathalie's antique shop in Lourmarin when Nathalie showed them a magazine in which their B&B was featured.
When Camy returned to the States she searched the net for Jean and Nathalie's B&B, instead of finding Nathalie's, Camy stumbled upon my blog.
For years Camy and John have been coming to France and staying in Jean and Nathalie's B&B " La Renaissance. Over the years our friendship has grown closer. A year ago Camy and John started the process of moving to France. With French Husband's professional guidance they made a smooth transition. Today they officially bought Jean and Nathalie's La Renaissance.
I asked Nathalie if she was somewhat sad to let it go, and she replied graciously, "It is as if we are keeping it in the family."
After the final signature we went back to Jean and Nathalie's house and had champagne, later lunch and throughout it all I marvelled at the lovely chance I have had to met and know them all.
In the first photo it looks like Jean is kissing French Husband's neck, he was actually biting it, as the two of them were hamming it up.
Friends living in France, three Frenchies, three Americans.
xxx
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