Bonjour
I hope that you just and yours are nicely.
Final weekend was the village Ducasse – a Flemish phrase (because the Seven Valleys, the realm the place I dwell was a part of outdated Flanders in northern France) and it means occasion. Villages in these elements just about take it in turns to carry a Ducasse from spring to the tip of October, ours is to rejoice the harvest, which after a moist and funky summer season in these elements has been a problem for farmers. The few sunny days we had whizzed by, and once I walked the canines this week – it was clear autumn is absolutely en route. The leaves are falling, the bottom is mossy and there’s a chill within the air.
The Ducasse is all the time held the week of my birthday – thanks a lot to everybody who despatched me pretty messages (my good needs bucket is brimming!) – and yearly Jean-Claude, my neighbour and mentor, insists on a birthday dance with me, as his birthday is near mine, and all the time to his favorite singer, the late, nice Johnny Halliday (France’s reply to Elvis Presley). Round us outdated women bop sedately, swinging their skirts – free of their day time home coats (nylon sleeveless pinafores that ladies of a sure age put on right here in rural France). The DJ is aware of find out how to get the group going, in between the classic music, he performs barely much less classic music, “Flash Dance” all the time brings a slew of youngsters to the entrance to jog on the spot, Gangnam Fashion will get them doing pony rides, then a spot of line dancing will get the entire crowd up.
In the meantime I’ve been working my socks off alongside some great writers and The Good Life France Journal is nearly able to be printed – that’s undoubtedly one thing to rejoice! It’s an exquisite difficulty and for those who’re not subscribed, simply click on right here, pop in your particulars and I’ll ship you a replica very quickly. It’s fully free, and completely beautiful!
I’m hitting the street, or reasonably the prepare tracks as I am going all over the place by prepare – in a couple of days’ time, to Paris and Nancy, and over the subsequent few weeks to Normandy, Cognac, Provence, the Loire Valley and Alsace. Include me through Instagram the place I’ll put up pictures and movies as I am going!
Wishing you a really bon weekend from autumnal France,
Bisous
Janine
Editor
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Janine Marsh is Creator of My Good Life in France: In Pursuit of the Rural Dream, My 4 Seasons in France: A Yr of the Good Life and Toujours la France: Residing the Dream in Rural France all obtainable as e-book, print & audio, on Amazon all over the place & all good bookshops on-line. Her new ebook Find out how to be French – a celebration of the French way of life and artwork de vivre, is out now – a have a look at the French lifestyle.
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