A Caprice in Cabris

Catherine

8 years ago

Friday, June 24, 2016

Hi Journal. I’m sorry that I’ve been lacking in writing but I’m beginning to lose track of the days. I was thinking of journals past and I’ve written volumes. Now I’m afraid that I’m treating my journaling like a third child. You know—a million photos are taken of a first born; then a bit less with the second child. By the time the third child rolls around you have to search for the fewer photos you’ve taken.

I promise to write more next year.

Today we woke up to the news of the “Brexit”. The people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. This is bad. And I’m afraid it will affect voting in the USA. I don’t want Trump to be elected.

Wait! I’m not thinking about politics on this wonderful trip.

We’re going to laze by the pool today for a while. There was a notice that due to a wedding, the pool will be closing at 2:30 this afternoon. Can you imagine having your wedding here? I’m so pissed that I’m not wealthy. I want to have Oona’s wedding here one day.

I take my favorite place at the pool. Luckily I have hearing like a dog and can listen to the conversations of the wedding party. And pretend that my daughter, Oona, is going to have HER wedding here someday. I better start that diet now!

If only Oona knew what I was thinking she would beg Bonaparte to have me committed.

At the pool, wedding guests were bragging about the celebrations. I was eavesdropping on what the women were going to wear. I was also eavesdropping on where some guests were going after the wedding festivities. One couple was going to spend eight weeks touring throughout Europe. I’m jealous!

After soaking the sun under an umbrella, we up and left to change. We decided to take a drive to Cabris!

Outfit of the afternoon. It’s about time I put some real clothes on! I’m wearing this years-old shift from J. Crew. This white dress is perfect for the weather on the Cote d’Azur. It’s cotton and breathes!

Cabris holds a special place for Bonaparte because his daughter spent many summers with her grandparents there.

View from the village of Cabris. It’s located higher up in the mountains so the views never fail to please. Sorry about the date on the camera. I was messing around a bit and ..well–you know!

I’m mighty high here!

The lapsed bad Catholic girl in my loves visiting Cabris because every year I get to see the statue of Saint Rita and pray to her for money, a job, Botox, a winning Lottery ticket—things that nice girls shouldn’t even think of. But somehow old St. Rita takes my pleas with a grain of salt and pays me no mind.

St. Rita. Every year I visit her. Every year I ask more more and more. She’s not looking to happy with me…

..I also stop to pause for reflection by the altar at the little chapel and every year I take the same picture.

In the past, we’ve been to this charming little village when the heat index was supernatural. Hell was cooler.

This year, surprisingly, the weather was rather comfortable. Maybe around low 90’s with zero humidity. As usual the drive was pleasant, and even more pleasant was the fact that we got a parking space under the shade of trees. Actually parking in Cabris is always good.

Cabris is little village and one of those places that just seems to take a baby step back in time. The homes are cute and well-maintained. There isn’t a lot of hustle and bustle.

Houses are adorned with cute decorations..

..and the narrow streets, which are more like passageways, are lined with homes..

Trees with little oranges line the way..

…..people can keep stuff outside of their homes and it won’t get stolen..

…grab a seat and watch the world go by….

…or be like this cat and take a nap outside

Bonaparte said that it’s pretty much the same now as it was thirty years ago.

I love the cushioned bench.

..an old church that never seems to be open..

..a restaurant and auberge..

Another building..

We also took time out to visit an adorable little galerie that I had seen for a couple of years, but it was never opened when we passed by. I’m so happy that we were in Cabris when the galerie was opened.

Atelier Galerie Lulu.

We’ve passed by in previous years, but this was the year we finally entered the studio. Atelier LuLu is named for Lulu the artist’s cat!

…shhhhh. Lulu is sleeping. Or hiding from me.

Seriously. This galerie is the greatest little studio/galerie I’ve been in. The outside is inviting and there is a little bench with books that you can have. Well—just to have! The owner/operator/artist in residence is Olivier Buccellato. Olivier is quite the handsome Frenchman AND he is incredibly creative and talented.

Olivier Buccellato at work. I would like to introduce him to Oona!

The atelier is pretty much dedicated to his cat, Lulu!

How can you not love a studio that gives out free books??

I was glad that Olivier allowed me to take photos of the place. I wish Olivier the best of luck with his galerie because it is such fun, funky and pleasant. You know how you walk into a place and you get this vibe that it’s just a good, good place to be in? Yeah. That’s how Atelier Galerie Lulu is. If you ever get the chance to visit Cabris, definitely stop by the Galerie. You just may get to see Lulu too!

The inside of Atelier Lulu. This is the perfect place to curl up with a good book on a rainy day!

Maybe it rains books sometimes. Olivier said that he attaches books that he isn’t crazy about on the ceiling. That’s a good thing because I trash books I don’t like!

I’m really diggin’ Olivier’s work. Lulu!

A closer look.

More Lulu inspired artwork..

So glad we entered into this galerie!

Don’t forget to visit the galerie when you are in Cabris!

Cabris is always a pleasure to visit. It is always slightly sleepy and there is a certain sense of ease with the people who live and work there. My guess is that St. Rita likes to watch over them.

She’s glad that I’m gone for another year. She told that little statue so.

We enjoyed another long dinner on the terrace. Tonight we had one of the great little chickens that the French roast so well. The flavor packs a punch. A salad of tomato, mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with basil, salt and pepper was perfect for this hot summer evening.