Category: Living in France
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Provençal Nativity Crèche
The crèche in Provence isn’t just a nativity scene — it’s a miniature village brought to life, with dozens or even hundreds of figurines that tell the story of the Nativity and of Provençal daily life. The word santon comes from Provençal santoun, meaning “little…
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What Are We Looking For?
Thanks Tom for your posts on FB.
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A Corner in my Home
The plaster busts stare. They never say much, but they take everything in. From their shelves, they admire themselves—caught in the mirror’s reflection—while the Christmas tree twinkles behind them like they’re posing for a holiday portrait. The whole scene gives…
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19th Century French Love Letters
Finding a French love letter is a rare feat. Understandably, who’s gonna let go of a love letter? A French legal document from the 1600s sure let those go- but a love letter? Recently, I came across a small bundle…
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Cezanne Paints
Quiet, the crickets On the still branches The trees are casting rays And subtle shadows Quiet in the house Quiet on the hill These scents one gets a whiff of Are the smell of the season But here comes the…
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Becoming Madame
The woman at the boulangerie calls me, Madame. In France, I’ve watched the women in the market carry their years like velvet fabric—softened by time, more beautiful for having been used and loved and washed in the light. My hands…