Art in the Garden

Dear Lovely,

When I traveled to Paris in September on the Creative Renaissance, every single day felt magical and enriching in a different way. Sketching class at the Palais Royal was technical and challenging. Journaling at the Tuileries felt cleansing. Making pottery brought peace. Learning the art of floral arranging was joyful. Creating perfume felt nostalgic and deeply personal. There was something profound every single day. By the end of the trip I was exhausted, not so much physically, but emotionally. We were emoting and producing in all these different ways, which took so much more out of us than anyone anticipated.

Of all our wonderful adventures across Paris, the last day was one of the most meaningful to me from beginning to end, and I’d like to share it with you.

Lorie arranged for us to meet her friend, a French impressionist painter named Laurence-Amelie at her historic home outside of Paris, where she prepared lunch for us in her magnificent garden. Our day began at Gare de Lyon. We had some time at the station prior to our train leaving, so I took the opportunity to sit and write, something I hadn’t had much time to do since traveling to Paris.

My mindset was anything but anchored. In fact, I felt all over the place, tossed between waves of happiness, exhaustion, sadness that my trip was ending, and inspiration by so much beauty. I felt rich. I felt broke. I had grown over the past week, but what was I to do with that growth?

People rushed all around me. Wheeled suitcases. Wired headphones. Sneakers. High heels. Backpacks. Passports. Both anticipated reunions and mundane work meetings were at the end of the train tracks, the particular traveler determined which ending. I sat, observed, and thought about Noëlle, my character from The France Dance. She found herself in a moment of crisis at this very station, exhibiting a myriad of emotions: overwhelm, confusion, and uncertain as to what came next. My eyes teared up due to the camaraderie I felt with her in that moment, and though it had been some time since I had spent with Noëlle in this train station (the novel was written 3 years ago), I was surprised to see how parallel my life felt with hers in that moment. Sure, authors often share emotions or experiences with their characters, but typically the author does it first, not the character.

I always welcome a good existential moment. We can chalk that up to either the depth of my emotions or thought, or both. Either way, pondering my existence is a common theme circulating through my brain, and I find each time it occurs, a tiny bit of lightning strikes.

I hopped on the train that day to find an Impressionist Village at the end of my tracks, and Laurence-Amelie welcomed us into her home and garden. On this day, we didn’t create. In fact, we received. We were nourished, welcomed, and inspired, a treat that felt medicinal.

The decor at her house was a combination of French Country Farmhouse and artistic expression. The color palette was pastel. The feel was feminine. I loved the windows, the beautiful tiles, the cushy sofas, the hand-painted walls, the stacks of dishes, the Provençal light. It was the home in a fairytale, and one I would love to be the heroine.

She prepared lunch for us and served it in her garden, though the word “lunch” doesn’t sound special enough. Perhaps, a luncheon, a delightful midday gathering, or déjeuner, would be more appropriate. It was probably the most beautiful, most colorful meal I’ve ever been served. And what does an artist do when she prepares a meal for a dozen creatives? She paints the menu, obviously.

le menu: pink radishes with butter and herbs; leeks salad with vinaigrette; mini pâtes en croûte; chicken suprémes with tarragon aspic; tartare of gently cooked salmon; sweet red pepper tartes; rustic garden beets with fresh goat cheese; and for dessert: ultra raspberry sherbert and pink grapefruit ice cream.

The table in the garden was just as delightful as the meal. Blue and white china, floral cloth napkins, vintage glassware, watercans holding a mixture of fresh and silk flowers, a fabulous tea (pomegranate, I think) that looked as beautiful as it tasted. Garden benches surrounded the table and were stuffed with fluffy pillows that had been covered in fabrics designed by the artist. Everything was thoughtfully appointed and artistically imagined. Can you believe how special this delightful midday gathering was? We drank champagne, stuffed ourselves, learned about her painting process, switched to red wine, sipped some coffee, and then of course, I purchased a painting from her. How could I not?

When I originally saw the painting, Laurence-Amelie had it leaning horizontally on her fireplace mantel. I loved the painting, but preferred a vertical piece, so on a whim, I changed its orientation to see if it still worked, and blessedly, it did. Laurence-Amelie shipped it to me in Texas, and right now it’s being framed. I’ll be sure to share the finished product with you ASAP.

(Also, I have to mentiont that I wore the uber comfortable and easy to travel with Spanx dress and red flats that I talked to you about it my Paris Fashion Diaries part 2 post. The dress is on major sale!)

Our time with Laurence-Amelie came to an end and we had to head back to the train station and on to Paris where we attended a macaron baking class. Cooking always feels good to me, therefore it was a wonderful ending to an enriching day.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, everytime I travel with Lorie, magic happens. When would I ever have the opportunity to experience such a magical day without her creating the path through the Creatives Renaissance trip? Thank you, Lorie. And thank you, Laurence-Amelie, for your fabulous hospitality and beautiful artwork.