The week between Christmas and New Year is the week I call 'the quiet week'. It is the one week of the year when the world seems to slow down, turn off and take a long deep breath. The phone stops buzzing, the emails aren't flashing and there is time... time to indulge, reflect and just be. 'Being' is not something that we can all do very often... it is the greatest luxury of all.
The mornings have been frosty in my corner of Provence... and quiet. As snow muffles the everyday sounds so does frost. Frost, hand in hand with the mist, lends an ethereal atmosphere to the countryside and makes it impossible to be anything but tranquil... except for the occasional shot from the hunters up in the mountains... and even those pops in the stillness become customary and can't alter my reverie.
I have enjoyed this 'quiet' week at our farm 'being' with my family and friends... walking, reading, watching movies... chatting about everything and nothing. Over indulging the 'gourmet' side of life and minimising my 'technical' addictions. Waking up each day and not having a major list of must 'do' items must be one of the best feelings in the world...
Santa, clever old guy that he is, managed to deliver Frozen Planet to Provence and this 'quiet' week has been a visual treat for us. This series, narrated by David Attenborough is not to be missed... we have been enthralled and I will watch it over and over... New Year's resolution... a trip to the frozen world. It might not be this year ... but I have promised myself one day... (European readers can buy it now from Amazon ... If you live in the US or Canada you will have to pre-order... but it is so worth the wait... )
Reading has been our other pastime... Santa..... even cleverer that ever... delivered Kindles to the kiddies and they were a huge hit... Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy has proved to be the favourite... if you haven't read these books... start now... gripping and impossible to put down.. That is the thing about the 'quiet' week... reading and watching what you want... relaxing the mind and escaping to a place of your choice... I have been devouring some coffee table books from my wish list... J'aime Paris by Alain Ducasse... his 'where to' places in Paris and Historic Houses of Paris... both brilliant...
(European readers can find them here and here...)
And the other pastime in this 'quiet' week... a visit to the local Roman site of Glanum... Can you see why I am so in love with this part of France? Quite beautiful I think.... Happy, happy New Year... xv
images - vicki archer
Lovely post Vicki and the photos are beautiful. Frozen Planet made its way to our household also - breathtakingly beautiful - dreamy visuals - awe inspiring. My dear friend leaves tomorrow for a trip to Antarctica - her husband is an amazing photographer, no doubt a book in the making. is on the wish list but for now the dvd is enough. Very best wishes for 2012 ... xx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Vicki, wow a white Chrsitmas how beautiful xx
ReplyDeleteoops Christmas (sent it to quick :)
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely photos. I have just started following your blog and have added you to my daily reads on my blog.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year 2012, Vicky ! Thanks for sharing your love for our country overseas ! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat stunning photos.
ReplyDeleteI too have enjoyed a quiet week, it was much needed. I am heading over to Amazon to check out the books you mentioned,
Happy New Year :)
I can see why you are captivated by this magical place...loved your photographs, so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLovely that you can slow down and take it all in.
xxxx DJ
Such a beautiful way to spend the week. I am in Coles Bay, Tas with family. Children, mother, in laws, niece and her adorable girls. We feasted on freshly caught Salmon this evening, and playing Monopoly now. Too soon, we will be back to Melb, the heat, and work. have enjoyed lots of laughs, rest, walks and fine food and wine. Happy New Year to all of your followers Vicki. Carolyn
ReplyDeleteYes, we also have been so delighted to just take in the quiet time--actually extending to today as well it seems. Although the dishes must be tackled--I can no longer see the sink! Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos--I believe that is my favorite of Glanum that I have ever seen. :)
ReplyDeleteVicki these pictures take my breath away, I felt my blood pressure go down just looking at them! I love Historic houses of Paris, its sitting on my coffee table as we speak and is such a breathtkaing book I agree. Funny we were recently in DC and ate at Adour and the manager was telling us about that book on Alain Ducasse, didn't know there was one out..will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteAnyway I do hope you enjoy your quite time, when the world spins just a little slower, and there is a blanket of calm that settles, I have experienced that too and its been a most welcome reprise. Enjoy and happy 2012!
Never seen Provence so frosty .. truly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love it in spring, summer and fall but is is stunning this way.
Happy new year
anni
Welcome back Vicki! :) Your photos are stunning, the garden of your home looks really beautiful in the frost.
ReplyDeleteBonne année,
Sharon
xx
Beautiful photos! Happy new year to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteDear Vicki, I wish you the very best for the new year. Your garden in its frozen beauty is a visual treat. I have never visited Glanum and may just do so during my trip for the Avignon deballage in February.
ReplyDeletewhat gorgeous light you have!
ReplyDeletemiam...miam
Oh my goodness Vicki......,your photographs are stunning. Frost just sprinkles magic over everything and your farm looks like something from a fairytale.
ReplyDeleteWe watched Frozen Planet when it was aired here. All of his programmes are out of this world. The photography is like nothing else.
Thank you so much for all of your support in 2011 and also, for commenting over at Lou, Boo's and Shoes. You are very kind to do that and are a true blogging friend.
From the bottom of my heart I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and peaceful 2012..... a year full of fulfilling wishes and lots of fun.
Sent with much love from my family to yours. XXXX
Amazing photos. I felt more tranquil just staring through your window...
ReplyDeleteML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com
Dear Vicki,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I want to give you my best wishes for this New Year!
I am always so pleased to see you have posted a blogpost and I am looking forward to all the new ones this year!
Your pictures here are just gorgeous!! Your corner in Provence is magical!
Warm hugs,
Greet
Lovely post...very calming and thank you for the reading recommendations. Happy New Year to you and yours...
ReplyDeleteVicki-
ReplyDeleteHappy to learn that you were able to have some down time to enjoy with your family.
These images are gorgeous. I wish that we could have snow.
Have a nice week.
Teresa
xoxo
So beautiful. That Santa! He's one smart guy. Happy New Year. I enjoy the peek into your 'goings on'.
ReplyDeleteVicki dear, glad you found time to 'indulge and reflect' because, like most of us, here's yet another year to tackle head on!! Let's make it the best one yet.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images of your landscape - amazing how a heavy frost mimics real snow and gives an entirely new perspective to the trees, vines, and shrubs.
I visited Glanum a few years back. Remarkable Provence, something special around every bend, be it a field of sunflowers or a crumbling ruin. Yes, you are living in a truly beautiful place.
Happy, healthy New Year to you and yours. Will always be looking forward to reading your posts.
Hugs - Mary
So very beautiful! I love that your property looks spectacular (and so different) throughout the year. This past week flew by - I didn't get through all my beautiful new books!! It seems to have been all about food and family - not a bad thing!
ReplyDeleteI can feel the peace and calmness in your words and see it in your photos Vicki...I am also relating to the over-indulgence in the 'gourmet' side of life...for me it has been chocolate and champagne. We celebrated many occasions all at once with Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque...with French thoughts on every sip..:)
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful year ahead Vicki...I look forward to many more posts from French Essence...
Jeanne xx
PS.. Frozen Planet a big family hit here also..along with Downton Abbey Christmas Special. :)
Sounds like the perfect week. Eating, reading, resting, walking in the winter scenery. I love this week too. We did basically the same with some tobogganing thrown in to make it Canadian. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWhat beauty! Thank you, Vicki, for sharing your lovely world with us! May 2012 be full of all good things for you and yours!
ReplyDeleteVicki, your garden is just about the most beautiful I have seen... and even more so in the snow. Happy New Year to you - it is going to be spectacular! Phil xxxxx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous photos. Thank you so much and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. The snow is so peaceful. All the best to you in 2012!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Vicki. This is lovely indeed. I would love to visit your corner of Provence one day. I am glad you took the time to relax and enjoy your quiet week with family and friends. Thank you for the beautiful pictures (love your dog!) and the list of recommendations. I will look them up. Looking forward to seeing you on your blog or mine in 2012! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, indeed. Thank you for this, and Bonne Annee.
ReplyDeleteI have not been to Provence at this tome of year but it is truly beautiful- must add to my must-visit list! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletewww.missbbobochic.blogspot.com
Hi Vicki, So beautiful. And the big guy is gorgeous. Does he sleep on your bed? (he needs his own king-size bed). Yes, it has been a quiet week for me, too. I almost dread the thought of picking everything up again, but I love the action, also. Provence in the winter, your garden, dreams of distant places and people..........Happy New Year. I know that this one will be spectacular. xoxo Mary
ReplyDeleteWe love "quiet week" too! Time to enjoy the small pleasures such as playing card games, getting back to the child in me with my own pencil crayons and colouring book, knitting, reading and planning for the year ahead which for the first time ever includes a trip to Provence. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photographs! So glad you have had time to rest, relax, and recharge. We have enjoyed the same. Happy happy New Year to you and yours!
ReplyDeletexo E + J
Looks and sounds like the perfect beginning to the new year! xxoo :)
ReplyDeleteChe foto spettacolari !!!!
ReplyDeleteHo visitato la Provenza in una vacanza estiva...
ma non pensavo alla Provenza con la neve!!!!
Paesaggio Incantevole.
Mi sono segnata i libri che hai citato......
Saranno presto nella mia libreria.
Grazie perché dal tuo blog io posso vedere la Francia, paese che io amo molto!!!
Felice 2012
Baci Giò
Happy New Year to you and your family Vicki!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are stunning and thank you for the "Frozen Planet" suggestion- I just pre-ordered it on Amazon U.S.. I hope it is released here soon.
xx
SP
All of those photos are lovely (especially around your enchanting home) but I especially love that last one of the Roman site. Went to the Pompeii exhibit at the Maillol today and can't get enough of that Roman artwork! Enjoy your week of reading, walking, playing and being!
ReplyDeleteKirsten
Happy New Year Vicki! Your pictures are just stunning...I wish you all the best in 2012,
ReplyDeleteNathalie
What a beautiful quiet week you've been enjoying. Your photos are lovely, and you can feel the peace and solitude just looking at them. It's been nice to have a little quiet time. To read, to chat, to just breath. A little pause at the end of the year to energize us for the new. Thanks for sharing a peak into your peaceful world! Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteYes, I must agree about the special magic of the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Your photos of your corner of the world are breathtaking indeed. Love the mystical essence of each shot. Thank you so much for sharing. Wishing you and your family a blessed 2012.
ReplyDeleteTootles
Diana
Oooooo..Magnificent and peaceful. Gorgeous photos as always! And i want to reach into the picture and hug your pup!
ReplyDeletePerfect serenity! Happy New Year, Vicki.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to see your winter wonderland of Provence. We spent the most wonderful Christmas at home relaxing, cooking, eating, reading, and watching movies. Your are right, just 'being' is such a rare treat.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such beautiful images - I can feel the winter hush of the landscape and your home looks gorgeous. I love my daily visit to French Essence - it is always a pleasure. Happy New Year.
ReplyDelete"quiet week"... thank you for your elegant and peaceful sharing...
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous and so serene, Vicki. Just ordered/pre-ordered your suggestions. I love Carmel-by-the-Sea during this week, too. So beautiful and peaceful. Even the sea gulls seem to chill. ;)
ReplyDeleteVery Happy 2012 to all! Hugs.
You always treat us to such beautiful photos Vicki....I adore these!!! I love your part of the world and I have such wonderful memories of my numerous visits to Provence....and of course I long to return.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a very happy new year!!!
Linda X
Happy New Year! Beautiful photo's. I really like the last one of Glanum.
ReplyDeleteVicki I have been enjoying this "Quiet Week" as well. Reading a lot. The Steig Larson Trilogy, yes, now the Hunger Games. My daughter got me the Kindle for the Holidays and I am thrilled.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow I see my surgeon, hope to get approval to drive and then I will mail off your books to our two winners! Thank you again!
Happy New Years to you and yours!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Amazing photos, I especially like the last one - it is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteVicki,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful plan...I too have decided to live in the moment for 2012 and enjoy the here and now. Beautiful images...wish we were experiencing a little frost...temps in the mid to high seventies here on the west coast in the U.S. I don't mean to complain, but it's winter for crying out loud!
Happy New Year my blog friend.
Karen
Sounds idyllic, Vicki, and thank you for another photo of your gorgeous 'baby' Apache. May 2012 be filled with blessings, dreams come true and plenty of new ones...
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki, so glad you had a quiet week, but more glad you're back on the blogging deck! I have really missed your posts. My dad got a kindle and he loves it! Who would have thought? I secretly still love the old paper style book that you can curl up with, but thats just me. xxCorrina.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. I loved the photo of Glanum. It is a wonderful place to spend the day. I often wonder what is under all that earth that hasn't been excavated. A very magical place indeed.
ReplyDeleteHow peaceful and quiet the garden looks - as if it, too, is having a quiet week. ("Week" being more a figure of speech than a botanical timeslot...of course!) Virginia x
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Vicki!
What an exquisite post, I find your blog so inspirational and your hard cover books stand proud in my living room. I just love them, they are so beautiful. I wanted to say thanks x
ReplyDeleteSo amazingly beautiful. That last image looks like an oil painiting. Happy New Year Vicki!
ReplyDeletexxx's
GORGEOUS posting!!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds and looks heavenly. It must be the prettiest place on earth.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a quiet week or maybe even a quiet weekend. I guess you can really have one any time of year.
And happy new year to you, too, Vicki! I, too, love the quiet week between holidays. Like you, I didn't make one single list!
ReplyDelete