Bonjour from France

Your French words for today are ‘La Rentree.’ It means return and refers to the time of year in France when folk come back from their holidays and go to work with renewed rigour while always dreaming of the next holiday. Children – their memories of Summer still fresh - go back to school on the 1st of September. As for me, I have many pleasant memories to mull over.

This past year I have hosted folk from France, England, USA, Singapore, and Canada. It started in January when a French couple asked if they could come for one night with a small child. I do not normally take guests for one night – including little ones. Not only do you need to present a chambre that is fresh – the whole house needs to be cleaned and at its best for visitors. I do not believe the house is meant for wee folk, so I usually just say no to toddlers. But this was a favour for a woman who runs the wonderful bread stall at Saturday Farmer’s market, so I couldn’t help saying yes.

The two-year-old was adorable. She sang and danced about with such exuberance that she quickly captured the attention of Minette. Minette, having never seen a human so close to her in size before, felt this gave her the right to assume total command. She marched right up and - if I correctly translated her meows - told our little visitor to chill out.

I had donated a week-end package to the Doctor Peter Centre, and the woman who purchased, Jennifer Bibby, came at the end of March enroute to a French Language School in Roanne. It was my birthday week-end, so we lingered over a delicious lunch at la Tour restaurant in Sancerre. Another one-night visit from Kate McBride and James O’Mara, (many photos were taken) then my friend Doris who has a home in Paris came in April for a weekend. We had a lovely visit, out for dinner, cooking together, a concert, and lots of fine wine.

Next was a couple from Vancouver for three nights, then a couple from West Vancouver for ten days. (This was delightful though tricky as I tried to keep up to a schedule set by two younger men – phew.) This was followed by three women from England for five nights. Then three women from Vancouver for five nights. Then five women - and a baby! - from Langley for four nights. And then Wendy Lee with her family - who came from New York, Singapore and Vancouver - for a holiday in France.

Wendy had purchased a five-night package that I donated to the CULTCH in 2018, but with family matters and Covid interruption, it took a while before she was able to gather her clan and make the journey. But all agreed that the wait was worth it.

Two more guests after that, followed by two more two more, then another two and another four. I am expecting another 13 or so before the year ends. All part of my great French adventure.

I did not know all of these folk who graced my door, but many were treasured clients from the bookshop days. I was able to create wonderful new memories with Bethany and her belle mere and belle soeurs, and Adrienne with her belle famille, who both worked at my shop and contributed so much. I truly am grateful for the connection to my past after these years of being here alone and, at times, wondering if I would ever see those I left - and love - again.

I must tell you this. I was overwhelmed with the response to my last newsletter requesting aid via a chauffeur/help mate. My first chauffeur was a French man from the South of France who came with his car. I have a few more willing and eager souls scheduled to come from Canada in Septembre, October and November/December/January. Thank you to all who wrote to me with desire to be a part of this French experience.

So for moi, this phrase la Rentree finds me feeling puzzled. I feel I have been on a Long Long Holiday in France, albeit a crazy kind of staycation/vacation. This life, culture and routine (Chief Gardener, and hands on Executive Housekeeper) is so different from my past, that I just can’t imagine what else to call it.

I leave you with these words. Come to visit me in France, s’il te plait, discover la Charite sur Loire, share this home, enjoy the garden - Join me on my holiday. Follow me on Instagram @maisondesmots if you like. Or browse through the website. You can come for three days Bed and Breakfast (Chambre d’hote) or the Five-Day Excursion Experience. Or together, we can create a special idea that suits you and your traveling companion(s). For a small town in this relatively small country, there are a lot of options. Bon journee mon amis et J’espere a bientot.

POST SCRIPT: A Note about the French Curiosite posting surprise. I am changing it up somewhat, and for 2023, will offer one Curiosite, to be received in Spring 2023. My idea being that this will make a wonderful gift for someone special and will be available in three price categories. $150, $200, or $250 Canadian dollars. Please check out my website www.maison-des-mots.com and click into the menu to read more.

Au revoir pour le moment, Bisous du France

Moi et Minette