If You Would Not Fail... #2

What would you do with your life if you knew you would not fail?
From Kim: (USA)

Okay. Tough question. I think I would start another small business...a corner drive thru coffee shop. I would also invest money into the stock market. (Not doing that yet and not sure how). I would like to start up a new ministry at my church. But at the same time I would learn to swim and play in a golf league every week. Maybe I would go to massage therapy school and do massages on the side. Who knows. I guess the possibilities are endless. But with the guarantee of succeeding, I am not sure everything means as much. I think that enjoyment in life is not always in succeeding in everything but in the process of trying, learning, and trying again. I am not sure I would want to succeed at everything.


And from Lisa: (USA)
Travel the world, meet interesting people, write about it and publish, either articles or books. So many places to go . . . and there's a story in every one.




From Jason and Jenn: (USA)

Professionally: Go back to Perdue, combined with my Graphics degree I would then be able to get into Pro/Engineer Mechanical Design. Personally: Continue air-brushing and move into canvas eventually. Jenn would probably start her own business, most likely a bookstore/coffee shop... and would like to start writing books. Both of us: Buy a home with acreage, have kids...

What friends would do...#1

What would you do with your life if you knew you would not fail?

From Joe: (USA)
There's so much I'd try to do. There just wouldn't be time enough to do them all.

Mark Twain said a lot in two of his quotes; "“Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like its heaven on earth.” And "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

I do try to incorporate them both in my life. The second one is perhaps a bit harder to incorporate into my life than the first one but so much more gratifying, exciting, and rewarding in the long run.



From Dee: (USA)
Travel the world meeting people and documenting daily life in words and photographs.

From Kathy: (USA)
If I knew that I wouldn't fail, I think that I would want to be an actress. Or maybe a rock star. but probably an actress as it does not involve so much touring. Or a personal assistant to somebody cool.






From Ruth: (USA)
M, if I had your talent for photography and writing, I'd do what you're doing and publish a book for others who love to travel "close to the ground." That means experiencing the people and culture, not just viewing them.

From Harriet: (USA)
Hhhmmmm.....personally - have more children - maybe write a children's book.

Professionally - design and open my own free standing outpatient aquatic physical therapy clinics (more than one).




This is more interesting than the clock contest. Keep 'em coming! M

What Would You Do?

What would you do with your life if you knew you would not fail?

Yep

Coco Puffs.

Fine French Cuisine

Guess what I had for fine French cuisine tonight...
Sorry, no prizes offered, just curious if anyone can figure out what this food was...
M

Happy Mail

Emails are almost as nice as letters. They take time to compose, and you can add little surprises, like photos for a full effect. Heard from friends I have not seen in more than 5 years - are doing well, and added some photos of their family and their adventures. Communicating on a more frequent level has also been wonderful. Long chats that were not possible with people out of town, discussing the future with friends; when in the past we would have been distracted by the daily crush of our busy schedules. Listening to suggestions and hints for future plans with "no strings attached". Slowing our pace, and now our friends have been forced to slow their comments, suggestions and replies. They seem comfortable taking their time, composing their thoughts, and discussing their dreams.




Friendship truly can surround the world like a warm blanket, and a comfortable chair. Thanks to our family and friends out there. M

Flowers of the Sun

A two students offered a quick car ride to "capture a sunflower" near Montreuil Bellay, a town 30 km from here.



Stopped at nearby ruins of Chateau de l'Ebaupinay, and although signs posted in French warned "Enter at your own risk", wandered inside this 15th century structure, marveling at the solid construction of what is left after a 19th Century fire.


Third car ride John has taken in two and a half months, fifth for me.




In France; walking is good for you... M

Wading in the Stream of Consciousness...

John allowed me to transcribe his stream of consciousness today. The Questions? Why is he here ? What does he want to accomplish? John's thoughts for the day:

Hopes, dreams, aspirations…reality.
***Warning*** these thoughts are loaded with clichés, and confessions of a wanna-be.
Have I reached end of my potential? No - I need time - I’ve just begun.



<<<>>>
"Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work."
Stephen King
<<<>>>



What took so long? - Fear of failure? Laziness?
Our journey to France for…Romance of French study, or where I need to be - or both?
This has been a "Fantasy Camp"! - Will I have to go back to my regular life when I am done?


Sensations: Difficult, satisfying - participating or doing something positive to achieve goals. What are my goals?
#1 Satisfy my soul.
#2 Earn a living in my art.
#3 Portraits?
#4 Murals?
#5 Art fairs?
#6 Teaching?
#7 Have my own studio.
#8 Balance of commissions and my own creations.
#9 Continue education.
#10 Transference of knowledge. (I now feel an awesome responsibility for continuance of a long tradition).


I am currently studying with “modern masters”. Feelings: Overwhelmed, sense of teamwork, building foundations, (“what does this structure look like?) - I like working in a group; to hear comments and suggestions for others, but also enjoy working solo. This course is about building…seeing…observing (not just rendering what you see), but looking for the humanity of each subject, “what makes them...truly them?”. I will not be bringing home large numbers of finished masterpieces, but studies of exercises - My brain is almost full now, but I am still digesting… There is a sense of urgency - the last few weeks! - Need to absorb as much as possible. Upon arrival, I felt as if I had“just fallen off the turnip truck”. These others are world travelers, some people much younger than I.. Am I now playing catch-up? No big egos, though - they are all struggling with their own inner voices. I feel... at ease, driven, time flies... The pace of this process is still unknown to me. I can visualize what I want to portray, I am driven to allow the investigation and journey of discovery to happen.



<<<>>>
“Why Make Art? Because I think there’s a child’s voice in every artist saying: I am here. I am somebody. I made this. Won’t you look?”
-Chuck Close<<<>>>





This (France for 3 months) was a good choice, but now I am hungrier - (where will we eat next?)



<<<>>>
"Art calls for complete mastery of techniques, developed by reflection within the soul." --Bruce Lee <<<>>> "Willing is not enough; we must do. Knowing is not enough; we must apply."
-- Bruce Lee<<<>>> "If the primary aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever." -- Thomas Aquinas <<<>>> "Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is."-- Will Rogers <<<>>> "A man who never made a mistake never made anything." -
-David Gemmell <<<>>>



Thanks, John - now our friends and family can understand more what we are trying for... M

Welcome to France

So a few new students have begun trickling into Argenton-Chateau for new 1-month art course taught by another instructor. Many still have jet-lag that goes along with getting lost between home and tiny-towns-of-France, along with wide-eyed wonder that hits as you wander into an area overlooking "French Countryside" at its best. Have met a few delightful people, and one was sweet to present me a gift of some flowers after I offered her a lemonade and a seat. A "getting to know you" party tonight at the tabac, and maybe dinner at a real restaurant before or after.
New artists; welcome to Argenton-Chateau. Enjoy the magic. M

Once a Lifeguard, Always a Lifeguard

Quiet week at Argenton-Chateau. Visited pool twice this week, and need to note a few differences: Town's outdoor pool was probably constructed in 1960's or '70's, and is built of brick - covered in many layers of waterproof paint. It is an "organic" design, free-formed, non-symmetrical rounded shape, gradual shallow to deep in a flowing design. Attached are three water slides (also of brick construction) that flow down a hillside adjacent to a wading pool. No ladders, just a gradual slope (like a beach) to enter the pool at any depth. Small diving platform about 3 feet above deep end. 2.50 Euros for adult admission. Building entrance opens into a community area with private dressing rooms, mens restroom on left, womens on right, but those entrance doors are always open, and certain, ahhh, umm... mens facilities are always within view. Two smaller rooms with benches along the walls - one for men, and one for women; also never saw those doors closed. To the point? Unusual to see a unisex pool house. Showers are within view of deck = shower in your suit. Rules? None posted, although I did break one rule on the first visit. Carried my items onto deck while swimming, and put on shoes prior to leaving deck ...NO shoes on deck! Never hear lifeguard raise his voice, and heck, not even wearing a whistle. Horseplay? OK. Carrying others on your shoulders? OK. Running on deck? OK. Food and drink on deck? OK. Public displays of affection lasting 20 minutes or more in or out of water? OK. Spitting water at each other? OK. Holding others under water? OK. Three or more off diving platform at a time? OK. Headfirst, tailfirst, or sideways down slides? OK. Want a pool chair? Gotta pay for it. Shade? No, not really. "Marco Polo" Games? No, does not seem to exist here... As a lifeguard from USA, just one question: Where do I sign up?

Sabbatical

Sabbatical...That is the term for this French adventure. Quiet time to reflect on careers and plans for the future. John will be entering additional thoughts in a bit, but I should start things rolling. I love my job, the location, my co-workers and those I work with on a daily basis. My work is in town where I live; a quick 10 minute drive, or a hilly 20 minute bike ride. Wonderful equipment and facilities, and the staff is my second family. Most assume my leave for a "French Adventure" is only to support my husband in his dream.





That is not entirely true. There are certain skills and specialties I enjoy, and have worked through several years of continuing education and additional training to supplement those skills .There is time here for studying and considering additional options to increase my satisfaction with "how" I help others. Have enjoyed communicating with old and new friends (through a wonder that is the internet), and appreciate how they have taken quiet time to prepare for what they now love to do every day.



I am hoping to be at that level soon. Always looking for advice. M

To Travel to France...

A friend emailed me to help plan a trip to France... Wow! Realized an excellent subject for my blog. Starting with geography: France is shaped like a Texas-sized hexagon:

No, Paris is not an island on the west coast, this map (from Wikipedia) shows an enlarged portrayal of Paris off the left side. We are in a small town bordering Poitou-Charentes and Pays de-la-Loire Valley, in west-central France. Two and 1/2 hours by TGV (high speed train) from Angers to Paris (CDG) Charles Degaulle Airport. Preparing for 110 days in France we read/brought several books: Good over-all description of southern France ? "A Year in Provence" by Peter Mayle. We love "Lonely Planet Phrasebooks - France" for simple, clear communication. Michelin (online), offers road maps of specific regions - but not necessary unless planning a lot of driving. (Got one for Poitou-Charentes, and the map is taller than I am...). Check out "Culture Shock - France" guide; good tips about traditions, customs and getting along in France; including tipping, proper etiquette, facial and hand gestures used (and not used), and minor things that can get confusing; like how to request "2 bottles of wine" by holding up proper fingers, to what to wear - or not, and how not to look like a tourist.


Some areas are more tourist-centered than others, and French fluency helps, but is not always necessary. The simple ability to initiate conversations in French will mellow recipients to be much more polite and helpful. Enroll in community language courses, converse with someone who speaks French, or find language tapes or CD's to practice French.

Fun things to do, where to stay, and what to eat: Had (brilliant) idea of checking past issues of larger newspaper travel sections for European restaurant and lodging reviews (so they are good, but not crazy-busy, as from recent reviews...), found our cozy boarding house in Florence from a 2004 online issue of a "New York Times" travel article.



Have had excellent luck with both www.kayak.com and www.orbitz.com for affordable plane tickets, and out-of-the ordinary lodging; found (monastary) hotel in Pisa through Orbitz, most sites list attractions within walking/close driving distances, and directions for train or bus stations. Train tickets: Those in USA should purchase train tickets while in USA, (much cheaper and easier), we utilized the site; www.raileurope.com, but found several good online sources. Purchased our "set-date" train tickets from Paris to this region for May, when first arriving, as well as some "open-date" rail passes for three days during our final two weeks off. France has an amazing rail service; rode super-fast TGV trains (100+ mph) back and forth to Paris, and every car is clean and comfortable.



Other transportation issues: You can rent a car, (USA or while here, once again, cheaper if renting in USA), do not need an International Driver's License, but can pick one up at most AAA offices, is good for another excellent photo ID in several different languages... Bus stations seem to be centrally located in every town and city of France, so bus tickets can wait. Other fun things to do: Complete a Google search for "house rentals" or "lodging at working farms" for true regional taste. And if you fly in or out of Paris, we highly recommend a few days to visit some major museums. Tickets to major museums, in any city can sometimes be pre-purchased at home, or through a central ticket-sales office or French internet cafe when you arrive.




The dollar is weak when compared to Euro (1 Euro = .75 US), but getting simple cafe food or stopping at grocery stores will lessen sticker shock at restaurants. When purchasing plane tickets, check each specific airline's baggage restrictions; may not be able to carry as much luggage as in USA. Finally, and MOST IMPORTANT: Have passports! In USA passports are taking longer to process than usual (more than 8 weeks), so if traveling soon; get passport first, plan second.

Good luck - and have a great trip. M

Final Florence

City of Florence is divided into four districts; Santa Maria Novella, Santo Spirito, San Giovanni, and Santa Croce. Our lodging at Pensione de Luisa Maria Medici, is the division between Santa Croce and San Giovanni. Duomo is a spectacular central focus point in the San Giovanni region, and was less than 2 blocks from our room. Currently the Duomo is being cleaned, tower portion is finished, but this side of the cathedral had yet to be cleaned.

At the Pensione, our hosts have spent more than 40 years collecting fine works of art, including wooden and marble life-sized sculptures, framed oil paintings, antique furniture, and added to their unusual collection with 1950's and 60's slick, shiny furniture, which works in an odd, quirky, artistic manner... Just outside our doorway, a gilt robe and bare feet of a wooden angel sculpture dangle to within a few inches of your head when entering.

Murals were added to each room, and were completed by the owner of the Pensione.

Across Orno River between San Giovanni and Santo Spirito, is Ponte Vecchio, known to some as "The Bridge of Gold". Oldest bridge in Florence; has been destroyed by floods several times, and rebuilt stronger each time. Originally, bridge buildings were used as a meat markets, but in late 1500's following a flood which left waste all over the river, butchers were removed and replaced with vendors of gold and silver, still remaining today. This bridge is filled with gold and silver shops of up to four stories tall, all vying for thousands of tourists passing by each day.

Galleries and museums visited in four days included the 1560 Uffizi Gallery, 13th Century Basillica Santa Croce, 1800's Bargello Museum; (built to hold overflow of artworks from Uffizi Museum), 1418 (Medici) Church of San Lorenzo, 1458 Palazzo Pitti, and 16th Century Galleria dell'Accademia , (Academy of the Art of Design); where Michelangelo's 19 foot-tall marble "David" looks over daily crowds. Below, from an open-air portion of Bargello Museum, where photography is allowed, and crowds are less obvious...

Back in France; found at the Chateau in Angers.

Pisa Notes (and Hollywood Stars!)

Pisa, Italy airport has simpler access than a direct flight from Paris to Florence. Spent a leisurely day at Pisa before coming back home to France, and located their main tourist area; "The Miracle Square", or Piazza del Duomo; with three cathedrals, a museum, and the Tower of Pisa; which recently re-opened after engineering magic reduced the steady tilt, (which had begun to occur on almost a daily basis). Did not have time to tour the tower, but instead enjoyed exploring the cool interior of the cathedral in the foreground, marveling at the sculptures, architecture, and paintings - ignored by many who came only to see the leaning tower.
When first arriving in Pisa, we were excited with our lodgings at a 13th Century convent; St. Croce in Fossabanda, lovingly refurbished with grants from the city of Pisa a few years ago. Our goals of staying at non-chain hotels were realized with this little gem of a structure, and once again we were thankful for the limitless choices offered through the internet for travelers.



The murals within the convent have also been restored, and although none of the rooms were very large (existing single cell-sized dimensions), were very comfortable - except for some voracious mosquitoes... Through our doorway; overlooking the central plaza, the tower's working bell (discovered at 8 a.m. the following morning...), summoned us to a wonderful free Italian buffet breakfast of fresh yogurt, fruit, pastries, omelets, cereal, coffee and juices. Prior to leaving our relaxing lodgings, we enjoyed some thoughtful solitude to relax and create.
Will provide more of "The story of a week in Florence" in my next blog. The weather was amazing during our stay; warm, not too humid, and sunny - and we can understand how so many from other countries plan to "just visit', and end up moving to this sunny, welcoming country. Pale skin and hair tend to betray obvious "foreigner" status to the real residents of this land, but I enjoyed being "a minority" in their paradise. And the excitement? Saw movie stars! In the Florence train station, prior to returning to Pisa, I saw a man in his 40's, wearing a rumpled suit jacket and jeans standing in a ticket line, who I swore was Matthew Broderick. John walked by for a second view and was unsure, and with no body guards, and no Jessica, we assumed he just looked like Matthew. Found a shady bench at track 10 while we waited for our track location to be posted, and just prior to train #10 leaving, were happily surprised when a large baggage cart FILLED with Louis Vuitton luggage, two burly body guards in dark suits, and Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick dashed by to enter their privately booked first-class car! My first star sighting in Europe - and I was thrilled for the rest of the day! M