Little hints of spring's long-awaited arrival blew into town in that last ferocious wind. When the gusts subsided, there was a splash of color here...
...a familiar spot now warm enough to stop for a moment there.
(And watch these trees! In no time, these bare branches will be spreading a leafy canopy across the Cours Mirabeau once again.)
We're peeling away the woolies...
...for something more sheer and lacy!
Today's marché aux fleurs was stuffed from edge to edge with colorful blooms...
...and a lively crowd of people taking advantage of the sun's first rays. Some there to do sun salutes...
...some to fill baskets with touches of spring's promise...
...and some to take in the sights while sipping a café in the middle of all of the activity...
Moi? I was there along with some other eager gardeners to pick up a few fresh herbs from two of my favorite plant vendors.
My neighbors downstairs artfully moved from winter greys...
...and brought color and life to our little rue with the first of what I imagine will be many al fresco dining experiences through the season. (How adorable is this?!)
The first sign of spring Chez La Fourchette is now sitting on the window sill...
...waiting for the chance to be tossed into what's cookin' next!
We're almost there, dear readers! Spring is on its way!
Bon weekend,
Leslie
ps: My neighbors have names that I'll be adding in a comment later...because we were all in a hurry in the hall when I told them I wanted to put their photos on the blog and list their names...and then one of them told me I spoke French well (or at least I think that's what he said!) and I got all flustered and tried to convince him otherwise and... well...you know how I can be. As soon as we cross paths again, I'll get that name thing straightened out so you can meet them.
11 comments:
I love your pictures! I studied abroad in Aix, and I miss it so much :(
You can see the sun coming out further and further as you scroll down all the photos! Another beautiful selection.
Madame LER,
Thank you for bringing the early stages of the French spring. Sounds like you are beginning to enjoy life again with some stability. BTW, I think you ought to become a professional photographer and news commentator. You seem to have quite a talent for that. Also, perhaps you can become a muse to your downstairs neighbors. Invite them up for your dishes, or a home made croissant, and see what they think.
Here, we are starting out with a very windy and grey overcast day with heavy rains expected late in the evening. More like a winter day for us. Even yesterday was grey. Many things are grey these days. But we must be grateful that life is reasonably normal for us, and to share with our dear friends in Japan. Japan and Libya are all we see now on the news.
I hope you can interpret my English. I would write in my native French, but I note that this seems to be a blog mostly read of Americans and other English speakers.
Bubba's Person
i would love to be in the flower market - i would want to bring them all home
you can tell it's spring here because the BNP Paribas is on in Indian Wells, California.......weather was lovely there.....Nadal"s playing at this moment....Vamos Nadal......
Brenna, Ahhhh...a commonly shared sentiment among students who have spent time in this fair ville. Dip in for a little tour of Aix as often as you can...until you find your way back, that is!
Deborah, awww, shucks. Thank you. I had a wonderful time finding images to make a story of spring's arrival.
BP, amazing how a bit of sunshine and sanity can make a life feel like it fits again, non? How right you are: current events around our little planet really put things in perspective.
Char, I'm with you! Today I went to the Sunday flower market and chose a couple of bouquets and a sweet bunch of garden roses. The vendor (another one of my favorites) popped a second bouquet of roses in my stash and sent me on my way. One of the many reasons I love the marché!
donna, Allez Nadal! I saw a snippet of this tournament the other day on television here...and yes, the weather looked lovely! Enjoy! (Don't forget the sunscreen!)
Thanks to all for stopping in and saying hello! Wishing you a good start to your week.
Ciao,
Leslie
Hello Leslie,
What an utterly charming and interesting blog you have. I am a francophile and I love the culture, food, architecture, decor (french farmhouse) cafes, and atmosphere of France. I am always looking for blogs that are written from the heart and full of "joie de vivre". Yours fits right in! I have added you to my blog list and hope you will find the time to come for a visit to mine.
Your post was just like spring...a breath of fresh air.
I will be following your adventures.
Kris
Kris, what an utterly lovely thing to say! Merci beaucoup...and welcome to the kitchen. There's a chair at the table for you whenever you stop in! How nice of you to share La Fourchette...spreadin' the love.
Leslie,
You are most welcome! And I will be spreadin' the love! HA
What a lovely post! I am going to follow you right now!
xo
Caroline
Caroline, thank you! Glad you found your way to the kitchen. A chair awaits you at the table for each return. Welcome!
Ciao,
Leslie
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