Somewhere In France: Life Is A Picture Postcard



























Somewhere in France
'Life Is A Picture Postcard'


Hi Everyone.. I hope you are having a lovely week so far. Here in Sydney it is raining cats and dogs. Almost time to build an ark, but I'll hold off on that for just a tad longer.

Today I'm continuing with my French Week in celebration of a whole bunch of recent and future events, one being featured at the 'The Decorating Forum' this week. Once again thanks to Julie-Ann and all the readers who nominated my blog and a big welcome to my new readers. If you are just tuning in with me this week, I am also holding a photo-art print giveaway. More on that at the end of this post, but first a little blurb on my photo-art above;

Life Is A Picture Postcard: Whilst traveling in Europe last year I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Normandy, staying at Sharon's Guesthouse [see other post here]. I would have to say it was one of the most relaxing weeks I have spent anywhere and not least because of the lovely company of Sharon and family, but also the beautiful countryside and village architecture that greeted me when I did decide to move a muscle or two and venture out on a walk. It's a funny thing. We travel far and wide hoping to find nourishment for our spirit. Some will travel to an up market spa and others to a far flung meditation retreat. For me it was found here, the countryside of Normandy. In the small things that pleased the eye and greeted the weary traveller and in the simple quiet that rested slightly above the earth as if floating and swirling around me without making a sound.



Buying Milk On A Monday

These photo-art images above were created from shots I took on one of my walks through the local countryside. Little water-colour patchworks, snipped and smudged and coloured and painted till they formed the images that my memory was keeping.. 


This particular day was a Monday!.. Mondays in rural France are quiet days.. Shop closed days!. I knew this. I had been warned. A helpful notice posted in the cottage was there to remind me, and even with a verbal reminder from Sharon I still managed to overlook the fact I was about to run out of milk and on a Monday no less!!! So determined to rectify my silly lapse of brain cells,  I took off on an adventure.

I made out for the next village by foot. Then the next, crossed a valley and the river that runs through it and finally came to the little village of Chambray. And here I found the local bar was indeed open, on a Monday and yes they had milk. From memory it was a 4 hour round trip by foot, but hardly a burden enjoying all the sights along the way. Lucky for me Sharon's eldest son miraculously turned up on pushbike just as I was entering the village so I had a handy interpreter to champion my cause. Thanks #1 son.

Now of course.. back home in everyday life buying milk is nowhere near as pretty an adventure, but at least I have the memories.



Giveaway  Reminder

During my 'French Week' every comment on this and future posts up to and including Sunday April 22, will go into the draw for my giveaway. I've put together a selection of some of my art prints [see link below] and the winner can choose any two.  Perhaps your own Uncle Louis or some Parisian Rooftops.. the choice will be yours! I will also pick an extra winner from my Followers who comment, in appreciation of helping my blog make it to it's Third Birthday.



Giveaway Print Selection Can Be Viewed


Giveaway Button If You Feel So Inclined





Have A Lovely Week Everyone



IMAGE SOURCE & CREDITS:

 Artwork  [copyright beingRuby©]
Created from original photography:  [beingRuby©]
Location: Normandy, France,  August 2011

19 comments:

Virginia said...

What a charming series my dear. Reminds me that I really do need to venture out from Paris very soon! I'd love to be part of your giveaway. I"m an admirer of your work.
Bises,
V

mermaid gallery said...

I love that the pics are sun bleached.....makes me feel the warmth from the sun and the heat of the mid day walk. There are destinations in life...that after you arrive.....you know you are exactly where you want to be.....lovely Julie!

Stephanie said...

What a neat adventure! All the photos are lovely but the first one is breathtaking! Love! And so happy to hear from you, and to see you posting! Missed you!

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

These images are amazing, Julie! I love the roofs on these beautiful homes. Take me away, Norway!
I hope that you have great day.
Teresa
xoxo

It's me said...

Beautiful images!!....lovely week....xxx...

Loree said...

A very pretty adventure. I wouldn't mind getting lost in such an awesome place.

Blondie's Journal said...

It would be wonderful if these photos really were postcards...they a simply beautiful!

I loved reading about your adventure. I'd love to have one like this!

We had rain over the weekend, then sunshine and now it threatens to rain again. At least it seems like a "Normal" spring for a change!

Congratulations on your milestone!! Take care, my friend!

XO,
Jane

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I fell headfirst into these marvelous photographs.
Forgot all about the ironing I was supposed to be doing. Thank you!!

Sharon said...

Julie, your images here are so beautiful, so tranquil, so charming. I love that you decided to recreate your own memories in picture form. You've given such a personal feeling to your words. Delightful, as always! xxx Sharon

Jen Beaudet said...

I love these images you've created! Such a beautiful place to stay. I'm so glad #1 son showed up at just the right time:)
I hope you're having a great week and...I really hope I win!
Jenniferxox

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Ah, Julie girl...
You paint a picture for me with your lovely images and now I yearn for a visit to beautiful Normandy and a stay at Sharon's guest cottage.
Love those postcards...:)

helen tilston said...

Hi Julie

Sharon's Cottage sounds idyllic for a restful vacation. That is a long walk for some milk. I love your images

Have a great week

Helenxx

June said...

How beautiful these images are Julie. I think if I had seen this beautiful countryside on a 2 hour walk, I would have forgotten the whole reason I had gone in the first place and gone home without the milk : ) It sounds like a wonderful visit to Normandy.
I love reading your posts Julie...I get the feeling of being there myself.
I hope you get clear weather soon my friend.
sending hugs...

Julie-Ann said...

What a wonderful experience. I found our trip to Provence truly fed my soul. So I understand what you mean. Other holidays have been relaxing and fun but the French countryside is magical. Great post:)

rjerdee said...

You little photo genius! These picture postcards make my head spin. Oh, put me down for the giveaway!!

Charlotta Ward said...

Hello hello! You have been on my mind so often lately.
Lovely photos - such a wonderful part of France. I lived not far from there for just over a year and I adore the country side in that part of the country.

Hope you are well. Please drop me an email when you have a moe. Would love to hear about life, work and just generally how you are. Been too long.

Big hugs to you

xx Charlotta

La Petite Gallery said...

Julie, I can't tell wich I like best, all are devine.
Makes me want to pack my bags, Infact I do have a bag ready for the Hospital- new hip. PLEASE I want to get it over with.
Take care beautiful.
Yvonne

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

This is absolutely stunning. I do hope you are SELLING YOUR WORK; you are a master my dear, and I thank you for your visit. YES, the sea.....I so miss it and I had wanted my husband to take me there this summer, but having resigned from a stable job to follow my heart has brought me to the shores of reality, where we cannot afford to go. OH WELL! I made a choice.

ENJOY YOUR DAY! Anita

Island Mavins Vintage Market said...

Just wondering if you do sell your art work...I especially love the one of "Uncle Louis". If so how would I go about purchasing one of your prints? Thanks

Sheila