Sunday, April 4, 2010

Pendant Les Vacances, Je Suis Allée...



Last Friday leading into Spring Break, my students would ask me, "Madame, où allez-vous aller pendant les vacances?" Before I could open ma bouche, they would proudly recount their parents' plans to circumnavigate the world. However, none of their projects to travel the world over intrigued me as much as the itinerary of those dedicated little Francophones that were going to Paris



to enjoy themselves in an authentic immersion setting



and savor the taste of French life



while acting as fluent tour guides for their monolingual parents.



"Nulle part" I would say, leaving them utterly confused



oui, c'était complètement incomprehensible WHY MADAME WASN'T GETTING ON A PLANE TO GO SOMEWHERE.



But little do they know that their maîtresse is a dreamer, and les rêveuses can launch off from the most unlikely places



put on their magic hat



and go anywhere they want.









So I decided to dream big and little by little, the image appeared enveloped in the faint distance of my mind



and suddenly, there I was



at Le Château de La Reine Blanche



where a sumptuous melon-colored dining hall invited me



to sit down and indulge in a refreshing





and rejuvenating meal.



I could get to my next destination in the beat of a bluebird's wings



But I don't mind driving when the route is a magical labyrinth



leading to a place where I just have to take off my shoes in order to meander through an undulating garden of Boxwood hedges



towards paradise



at Le Château et Les Jardins de Marqueyssac.



As spring break gently came to a close, so did my dream



but not before I took one more dip into the revitalizing waters of imagination



and prepare for the journey back from wonderland



to my home where I am writing to tell you all about my spring break



and to get ready to go back to the job I love so!



HAPPY SPRING!

Images from Google

Last llustration by my art hero, Jean-Jacques Sempé, "Le Petit Nicolas" 1964

(Don't you just love the simplicity and the minimal amount of lines used to communicate the message? There are times when this is what my classroom looks like!)

CIAO!

78 comments:

Vær våken said...

Again...what a wonderful post! We must never stop dreaming!! That picture in your last post looks similar to a one I have from a candy store in old Nice! But they probably have stores like that other places in the world also. I live in Norway and right now I'm really enjoying this break together with my family. In my country tomorrow is called 2nd day of Easter so we don't get back to work until Tuesday. It is so good to hear that you love your job! I'm sure you are a wonderful school teacher and I hope you have a beautiful day at work tomorrow! Have a nice Easter Sunday (I'm going to bed now. Good night!)XX's Kristin

deb famularo said...

Incredible.
And thank you for picking me up in that fabulous car! We got to tour the countryside together! C'est magnifique! It's fun to dream isn't it? xOxO

anouk said...

Nice changes in your blog and fantastic pictures.
I always feel like in a dream with your post.
Have a nice return to work.
Kss.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Anita Sweetie...
I so adore this post. I love the faces on each of the kids faces. The little boy scratching his head, and the little girl who twisted her little face. The photos of Paris are exquisite. Love it. It is a place that I dream about, and someday hope to step my feet down onto.

That drive in the car was the best. Thanks for the lift. You can drive anytime sweetie.

As always a beautiful post. I can't wait to see what hang tags your students come up with.

Hope you had a beautiful Easter sweetie. Country hugs and so much love, Sherry

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh Anita...very beautiful!!! Right now the song I Dreamed A Dream popped into my head and I know now that I will be singing this all day...and dreaming...Fondly, Dzintra♥x

Unknown said...

SO Beautiful!!! I am a big dreamer....Enjoy your spring break :)
Will be crazy here. LOL
I will read this post again. I love it!!!
Frenchy

desde my ventana said...

Anita ,merveilleux, créative, amusant et magic post.
Je te désire un bonne semaine de retour au travail.
Bisous,
Cecilia

Magnifique ton HEADER I love it

Deana Sidney said...

Oh goodness, what wonderful pictures... where is the white queen's castle.. it is perfect. Your students must have so much fun in your class... are there always so many wonderful photos? Who needs language!

La Petite Gallery said...

Anita so very beautiful.
You always have a clever post. Love it. Happy Easter
yvonne

koralee said...

Love your sweet trip my friend...I feel refreshed and ready for a new week too... thanks to you.
May your week back be amazing. xoxoxo
Thank you so so much for all your sweet comments you leave me my friend...you are so kind and generous with your sweet words. xoxoxo
Hope your Easter Day was filled with much Joy.

Susan said...

Oh, Anita, I thank God for his gift of imagination! I have traveled to many places through books and the images in my mind. Maybe someday I'll see a little more of this beautiful world! Thanks for taking us along on your
vacances magnifique! Back to work tomorrow! I, too, love teaching, but look forward to my Spring break! One more week! Oh, I hope the weather is like the day we had today!
Easter blessings to you sweet friend! Keep dreaming!

Bunnym said...

It's so nice to dream, as I have a week off coming soon. Perhaps I'll purchase new clothes for this dream...that will help to reinforce it...lol Lovely post Anita!

tootles,
bunny

Chemin des Muguets said...

Thank you for the magical getaway. All my senses are alive with the beauty of it all.

Love,

Marjorie

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Bonjour Anita
How beautiful! Thank you for taking me along.. I love that Castle.
I know the children will be happy to see you tomorrow.
Bisous,
Penny

Bonnie said...

Right now I am picturing myself in French lab in my freshman year in high school. Lots of repetative back and forth and looking out the window at yet another beautiful day in Hawaii dreaming of visiting France.

I had been a little envious of a few friends who actually taught English in France while soaking up the French way of life. One actually went on to teach French.

Have a wonderful Easter!

Bonnie

Createology said...

Thank you for allowing me to come with you on your amazing Spring break. I have so enjoyed my magical journey. Toodles...

Val said...

je pense que tes élèves ont la chance d'avoir une maitresse fantasque qui peut les emmener dans des voyages lointains sans quitter leur sièges d' écoliers!Moi j'aurais adoré avoir une prof comme toi qui m'aurait fait plonger dans les eaux revitalisantes de son imagination!
bises
Val

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Mon Amie... what does the cartoon say?? My french dictionaries are packed and I am struggling to even have a clue! Loved the simplicity of this post... I guess cause I post this way most of the time. I have to really really think of how to communicate in few words. Bravo ma belle!!

Bisous, Sherry

Princess Camille said...

How lovely! I've always wanted to learn French. I took three years of it in High School, but I barely learned anything. My dream is to one day be fluent. How wonderful that you are an immersion teacher! When did you learn to speak it yourself?

The Dutchess said...

Dearest..this was a wonderful trip..thank you for taking me along..:))))

Why not take that castel and put in Nowhere..

"Create Beauty" said...

That was a lovely trip! THank you dear Anita! ~ Violet

Rattus Scribus said...

Dearest,
We really did have a fabulous long Easter "weekend" reading and writing and dreaming, counting rabbits on our walks. Wonderful dinners topped off sparkling blueberry juice.

You have the heart of a faery and I love being along for the magic.

Love
Ruben

Unknown said...

I'd love to sit at the feet of Anita during her French storytime. I guess in reality, I do each week as I visit your blog, your email and I just sit and ponder the beauty and the wonder of it all.
YOU made my day, and gave me wings for the week. Beyond the door of my office, I travel with Anita to unknown places, all around the world and back again. It is a journey worth a million, living life with you.

The Tablescaper said...

A beautiful post. It is so true that our imagination can take us anywhere. We also stayed home this Spring Break and truly enjoyed oursleves. Sometimes we need the down time and to enjoy our surroundings. The little things: sleeping in, renting lots of movies, eating breakfast out, and just being with your family. One of the wonderful benefits of a stay at home vacation is that you return to your regular world refreshed and rested rather than drained. But... I love your castle!

- The Tablescaper

Simplement ... said...

Jolie Madame vous voyagez d'une délicieuse façon !
La beauté des lieux et des choses donnent à rêver ...
Ce sont là des chemins que j'aimerai emprunter ...
J'en connais quelques uns, les autres me tentent follement.
Je t'embrasse tendrement ma très chère Anita.
Marie-Ange

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Bonjour Anita
Oh I just love this post.. Next time you make a trip to Paris, pick me up on the way, will you? I will have my bags packed.
Bisous,
Penny

Tristan Robin said...

Your posts are always a breath of fresh (Parisienne!) air. What a marvelous tour ... and with a front row seat at all the venues!

Someday I hope we can be in France at the same time so you can show me YOUR France for a day or two!

C'est La Vie said...

this was so fun...

i just love your updates, it's like a magical fairytale :)

Rita said...

oh my sweet Anite,
i love your post. again you mezmerized thru the paths of your imagination to wondrous places I oculd never dream of visiting. thank you.
Hope your Easter weekend was a great one.
We've had rain - for a change LOL -but spent the holiday with family and friends and didn't let the weather annoy me a bit. Took my brnd new umbrella and a warm sweater and let the good time lead me all the way thru this long break.
Bisous
rita

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

Lovely post, as ever! Hope you had a wonderful Easter and vacation time.

Anonymous said...

my goodness...what a wonderful, magical and sweet little journey this post was...each step a perfect delight!
i think you must be a fabulous teacher! how lucky your pupils are.

i am sorry to arrive here a little late, i have been nursing two sick animals this weekend. both are now thankfully on the mend.

my warmest wishes to you xxx

sumea

Anonymous said...

Dear Anita, What a lovely post. The images are all so beautiful. I wish I could step out and walk in those streets and gardens some day but for now you have provided me with an up lifting journey. Thank you so much! I hope you had a wonderful Easter celebration.

My Grama's Soul said...

I SO.......LOVE.......STOPPING BY HERE!!

Nuff' said.

Blessings,

Jo

Miss Sandra said...

Dearest Anita,
I so love stopping by for a spell and losing myself in your dreams. Tis all truly delightful..and so lovely!
xoxo
Sandra

Unknown said...

Anita,
You are such a wonderful storyteller...I was caught up in traveling myself as I read your beautiful post. I love your images, especially those expressive children's faces. Ahhh Spring break goes by too quickly. But soon, you will be free for all summer long.

Karen

Champagne Macarons said...

Bonjour ma belle ~
another creative and magical post!
I'm so delighted that you had an enchanting adventure for spring break. I'm certain your students adore you and how lucky are they?!!
I, too, am a dreamer and I believe I have three just like me ;) The story of Peter Pan has always been one of my favourites. I tell my children that the world is a beautiful place and my hopes for them to explore it.
Thank you for your most kind comments. I also want to thank you for your recommendation of Cobroxin. I will give it a try.
xoxo, B

Rosie said...

How very enchanting...such a masterpiece you paint with a collection of well chosen words...hoping you took a bit of time to relax, after your romantic getaway. Thank you for sharing your wonderful day dream with me...I so enjoyed it ...smile on...Rosie

Woolytales Miniatures said...

awwwwwwwww..... I am a dreamer too!
beautiful post. The children's faces are priceless and that castle... where is that?
Have a wonderful back to school day ,my dear!hugs~

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dear Sweet Anita...thank you for visiting...and how absolutely right you are...one cannot go wrong!!! Happy Tuesday to you too...Dzintra♥x

Simplement ... said...

Non ! Non ! Je ne veux pas que tu meures en Provence, mais que tu viennes me voir !!!!
Bisous ma chère amie si loin mais si près du coeur.
Marie-Ange

Rosie said...

Morning Anita...celebrations will commence on the 14th of this month. When will you blow up balloons?...Looking forward to a good gab session with the ladies. Thanks for popping by...smile on...Rosie

Seawashed said...

Lovely Anita,

Oh how you have made my heart glad. You are such a lovely one. Thank you for all of your visits to Sea Cottage and 'sweet thoughts' left behind to cheer me. You have become an instant friend! I did not know you are a teacher. I miss teaching. I taught my own children for 15 yrs...now they are in college and high school. I have been applying for teaching positions but with our economy it is difficult to find a job. I can tell you are a delightful teacher...how lucky are your students. Oh and that picture in your blog header is dreamy!!!! Sounds like you had the best Easter holiday. ox~ Fairmaiden

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour dear Anita,
Wonderful! Never stop dreaming and make sure you always take us along for the ride. I'm sure you are a marvelous teacher and all your students must love you! You and Ruben had the best vacances of all...its not where we go, its who we're with! Okay now I must run to find my magic hat!
Good week to you,
Mimi

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Thank you so much for scoopin' me up and takin' me along on your beautiful Spring break. I too can whisk myself away from the Ponderosa into other worlds all within my daydreams. Ahhhhhh!

God bless and have a terrific Tuesday!!!

La Petite Plume said...

That's it!! I'm in!! I am dreaming right all with all of you:)) Queenie, you just out did yourself with this article!!!!! Why am I sitting here in my studio when I could be there too??? This is why La Petite Plume has chosen your blog as the recipient of a gorgeous award at our place:)) Just pop over when you can and copy and paste it here on your blog:)) Bravo bravo!!

Royal wishes,
Daisy

Rosie said...

Sweet Anita, my big day is on the 14th of April...I shall be with you in spirit and we shall celebrate together!...this will be fun...keep me updated on all your wonderful plans...still smiling...Rosie

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Anita....You definitely have the imagination to take us and yourself on a beautiful trip to places some of us only dream of visiting some day!~ :)Patti

Jenny said...

Hello, What gorgeous dreamy views. Thank you for that escape. The Dordogne is now on the must see list indeed.

Anonymous said...

dearest Anita,

you are such a sweet, kind soul. Lily and Yuki are thankfully fine now , both seem to have recovered fully from their ordeals.
Lily is a very sociable doggie and would adore to be linked with a photograph in your side bar...thank you so much for for the lovely thought. you are such a generous friend :o)
your lovely friends are very welcome to visit the meadow and will get a very warm welcome indeed from dear Lily xxx

many warm hugs and wishes xxx

sumea

Rebecca said...

Dear Anita,
Thank you for leaving a message on my blog and for your encouraging words. I am so new to this and am inspired by your beautiful blog. You take me on a visual journey and into a dream every time I come back to visit. Thank you!
Blessings in abundance,
Rebecca

Christine said...

Last time I was in Paris, it was 30years ago. Great to be back for a short but beautiful trip. Didn't even have to pack!

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Hi Anita,

Love your header and the first picture is so so sweet!

Have a most happy Wednesday.
Sending a lot of sunbeams your way. xo

desde my ventana said...

Merci, tu es si gentie. S'il te plaît, ne change pas ton header .... j'adore entrer dans ton blog et trouver cette merveille

Fete et Fleur said...

What a beautiful trip you've had. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Hugs!
Nancy

Bonnie said...

Hi Anita,
I hope you had a nice spring break. Thank you so much for your sweet comments on my blog, Love Your Place. Your blog is so wonderful! Your stories and pictures just take me away to places and things I dream about too. I cant wait to catch up on your previous posts. Your blog is a dreamy journey come to life for me. Bonnie :)

LiLi M. said...

Bonsoir Anita! I have been a bad blogger for a few days as we had such lovely weather and in our climate you have to enjoy it while it lasts (at least that's my opinion!) So I was sitting in the sun, with my eyes closed and dreaming away...and I'm not the only one who does that I see. I think one day we will meet in our dreams Anita. We enter the same hall, maybe an eggshell blue one and there we are: smiling at each other! We don't have to say much because we just feel soulmates.
Now I have the luck to dream along in the evening, reading your gorgeous post Anita. I doubt whether your pupils have made better journeys than you! Yours was gorgeous! I enjoyed it from the beginning untill petit Nicholas! Thanks for taking me along on your dream journey. Now I know where to find you in my dreams! À bientôt dans nos rêves, milles bisous, LiLi

Unknown said...

Hello Ms. Anita,

Thank you for popping by today to wish me happy paper cutting.

Oh, I just love your idea of Spring break. *sigh* I try to spend most of my time dreaming. Things are always pleasant and beautiful there.

I very much enjoy reading how much you love your work. That is as it should be.

As for Cinderella, she does inspire doesn't she? I am in the process of creating her glass slipper from paper. Oh my! I'll post when I get done.

Hope your day is dreamy in every way and that you find inspiration at every turn.

xoxo
~Kitty

Anonymous said...

you always know just how to imaginatively take me with you, love!

to a very creative storyteller...who caputres my imagination and my creative wonder each and every time I visit!

ciao bella Anita, always a pleasure to walk in your world, even for just a few minutes at a time!

always yours
always creative
always carmelina

Teacup Mosaics said...

Thanks for sharing your imagination vacation. I hope you share with your students also. It is always a magical treat to visit. Happy back to school.

Martina said...

Hi! Justfound your blog and really LOVE that post! Thank you for this lovely mini-vacances and all those awesome chateaus. Your pupils will love that too :)

Anonymous said...

awww... lily is so happy to have a little corner on your beautiful blog, she is wagging her tail excitedly at all your visitors and if some of them follow her over to the meadow she will greet them with lots of kisses and share her beloved (if rather soggy from being licked) bunny with them.
you are such a kind and sweet friend, with a dear loving faery heart of spring flowrers.
i am out in my garden (mostly) today, planting seeds for the summer and drinking tea...the sun is shining and i am happy :o)
i do hope you are having a happy day, kissed with love and sunshine xxx
hugs
xxx

sumea

Unknown said...

Good Morning Ms. Anita,

Thank you for letting me know about Fete et Fleur. I have actually been an admirer of her shoes for some time now but I am delighted to be in touch with someone who knows her. It makes the blogging community seem that much friendlier doesn't it? (tee hee :) There is another gal who did a papier mache shoe that I just love as well.

I have wanted to do paper shoes for awhile and still have not got mine quite right but I'll get it. Wishing you every gorgeous thing today.

Hugs! =D
~Kitty

Diana said...

Oh my goodness what a wonderful, clever post. I love France, especially Provence. What a wonderful job you have. Hoping you and your family had a wonderful Easter.
Tootles
Diana

Rosemary said...

I'm dreaming of all of those places.
Beautiful post as always Anita.
Merci,
Rosemary

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Adorable! I am crazy about the little row of white cottages. How very sweet. I've always dreamed of living close to the street like that. How lovely... Thanks for the tour.....it's as close as I'm going to get for awhile.... :-)

Yep, flexible, aren't they? And, to think I'm so proud of myself when I do a sit-up. How on earth did they learn to do that? Especially the beginning part when they walk around their heads. Holy Moly!!!!!! They're triplets...I think they were born like that, don't you?

I wish you'd popped over to France too..... But, you'll get to "visit" through the kids' stories..

Huggies!
Spencer

Micki said...

Your post is just charming. I loved seeing the pics of the kid's faces...What a lovely post!
Micki

The Victorian Parlor said...

Bonjour!

It sounds like your spring break trip was dreamy:)! The pictures are just beautiful!

Blessings,

Kim

koralee said...

Just wanted to pop by to thank you so much for your caring comment you left on my blog concerning my daughter's migraines the other day. Thank you sweet friend for your sweet words..what a blessing you are. She is feeling much better ....hugs for a sweet sweet Friday. I really do not know what I would do with you. xo

Debi said...

Dear Antia,

I am very late this week visiting you, but what a treat! I am sitting her with my morning coffee looking out my window at a veryb gloomy day and your post just swept me away for a lovey moment! I found myself dreaming as I imersed myself in all your wonderous photos! Thank you for the beautiful advernture and time to dream!
XOX
Debi
PS Where were those little cottages that were connected? So sweet!

Orange said...

Wonderful..dreams spur you into action!! So true, therefore one should never stop dreaming! Lovely pics, i like the colours..

Rosie said...

Once again, I was perusing your lovely home away from home. I so adore the "glitter goodies" you so artfully display. Would you mind if I borrowed a little glitter for my next post?...I would be forever grateful ...if you would rather I not...I shall just enjoy them at your house.
....smile on... Rosie

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hey Rosie!!

Look on your girl talk post for my response! Your new post won't allow me to leave a comment. Anita

Rosie said...

Oh you truly are so very dear...I adore the wee crown...if you really think it would be ok, I will think of you each and every time I crown one of subjects...grinning...Rosie

Rosie said...

Oh I am not the sharpest crayon in the box, when it comes to my little lap top. I hope I have fixed this...but can't be sure ...would you be so very kind as to jot me a quick note, to see if a miracle has occurred ...if perhaps not, please leave it on your own site, and I shall check there too...thanks so much Rosie

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hey there Rosie! I left you a message on your Girl Talk post....Your other post still is not allowing comments to be made. Anita

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Bonjour Anita
May I take the car for a spin around this beautiful countryside? Bebe wanted to get a breath of fresh air..
Merci cher ami,
Penny

Anonymous said...

Beautifully dreamy post :)

Charlene said...

Wounderful Post Anita! The photos were divine! Hope you enjoyed your Spring Break have a wonderful weekend. Charlene