French ovaltine?

since I am drinking ovaltine every morning for extra iron and vitamin D content, we did not want to take a chance and brought some with us along with lovely new container of Marshmallow Fluff.  Although the Ovaltine survived TSA at the airport, Fluff was seized and did not make it onto the plane.  As we then learned upon arrival, one can purchase Ovaltine in France called Oval-malt or something similar.  Marshmallows are nice but not as good as Fluff.

A new sculpture garde in Le Muy

Interesting article - art director is grand nephew of former French PM Mitterand.  Something to look forward to in the fall or next spring:

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/24/arts/domaine-de-muy-sculpture-park/index.html

Fragonard expansion

Over the last few years I have watched as my favorite perfumerie has expanded and grown, including new stores and housework merchandise in Marseilles and Cannes, and additional locations in Paris.  The younger generation has truly taken over and changed this 150 year old business.  It appears now they are opening a store in Avignon too.  Although I enjoy getting the extra goodies they send with my mail order packages, a shop in Avignon would be nice for the housewares that we have not yet explored, much of which has a flair from Morocco, and even from Asia and Vietnam.  We know it will always smell good.  The scent I have worn for 30 years.

Tesla in Aivgnon

Traveling to Provence is never easy.  Maybe that is what makes it so special, that is hard to find, hard to get there, but once you are there, perfection.

We were rather surprised this visit when we left the train in Avignon near the car rentals was what appeared to be a dealership for Tesla.  It may be seasonal but we will find out.  It is so new it is not yet on the Tesla website, but how fabulous that the French and Tesla are in the future now and here.

Dreamcatchers in France

At home in the native American communities we see dreamcatchers, designed to have near your bed when you sleep to catch your dreams and fulfill them.

This year at our weekly village market there was a new vendor who seemed to be Peruvian with many dreamcatchers, catching le reve of Provence and holding it nearby, ready to be lived and fulfilled as it has been for me and my family.  I know this year I was only able to be here for a short time, but my dream continues to return and breath the Provence air, see the light, eat the wonderful food and experience the joy and serenity.

France in Phili

Looks like a beautiful exhibit in Philadelphia for those who love impressionist painting and cannot travel overseas.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/24/arts/design/paul-durand-ruel-the-paris-dealer-who-put-impressionism-on-the-map.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=Moth-Visible&module=inside-nyt-region&region=inside-nyt-region&WT.nav=inside-nyt-region

A French Castle for the bucket list

Although Avril is now too old to travel back to her country, the Vendee region of her origin has places to go and people to see, and of course, food to eat.

It also has a restored castle where one can stay at a reasonable price during a future trip.  September?

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/12/travel/a-french-castle-now-open-to-all.html?hpw&rref=travel&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well