▼

Wednesday, 27 August 2008

Summer is nearly over... a good time to start.

The summer feels as if it is coming to an end in southern France - there is a definite crispness in the night air and an autumn clarity in the blue skies. I have just returned from a yoga class with my friends in the neighboring village of Eygalieres and as I drive home along the Voie Aurelia I decided that today is the day to start blogging.

I am new to yoga and none too flexible ( Sophie our teacher assures that it will come - she is a complete rubber band after years of contortions) but I enjoy the calmness that seems to follow these sessions. I am not sure whether this relaxation and sense of peace comes from the breathing techniques and exercises or more from sitting outside in a beautiful garden with a direct view to the Alpilles on one side and a glimpse of Mount Ventoux on the other. I know the eyes are meant to be firmly closed in order to focus and get the most from the session but I cannot help but drink in my surroundings. 

I am new to blogging but was introduced to this wonderful pastime as a result of the Penguin publication of  'My French Life' in 2006. Kind and creative bloggers out there wrote about my book and it is to them I want to say thank you - thank you for your support and thank you for introducing me to your world. 

So this blog I hope will enable me to write about all the little moments that make up life in France, to share my love of interiors and fashion and maybe even shed a little light on old London town from time to time.


on

18 comments:

  1. Topsy Turvy27 August 2008 at 15:18

    Vicki - thanks so much for commenting on my blog and for the link. Your description of your yoga class makes me want to rush back to visit St. Remy right away - I loved it there! And welcome to blogging ... I will be back often.

    -Lana

    ReplyDelete
  2. Things That Inspire27 August 2008 at 23:56

    Thank you for stopping by my blog! I love your banner, and look forward to reading your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oliveaux28 August 2008 at 09:26

    Thanks Vicki for your comments & the link! I love your book so I am really excited to find your blog...cannot wait to read more!
    Amanda x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anna Spiro28 August 2008 at 11:43

    Vicki it's SO great to see you've joined blogland! I can't wait to enjoy your stories and your beautiful pictures!!

    xx
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  5. Porchlight Interiors28 August 2008 at 11:52

    Very much looking forward to hearing about life in France. Welcome to blogging!

    ReplyDelete
  6. mondocherry29 August 2008 at 06:56

    How lovely to be able to do yoga with a view! I have only been to classes in rather ugly rooms that don't inspire relaxation at all!
    Welcome to the addictive world of blogging!
    Clare

    ReplyDelete
  7. la la Lovely29 August 2008 at 15:43

    Vicki- thank you so much for the comments on my site. I LOVE your book and it was delightful surprise to have you visit my blog! I'm so looking forward to reading your blog & learning more about life in France. I will add you to my blogroll & will be back to visit often.
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Trina

    ReplyDelete
  8. lily-g30 August 2008 at 09:29

    Being able to see and live life in France through your experiences will be amazing for us Aussie bloggers,I still sell so many copies of your book and I can't wait to experience Paris myself and follow all your great tips in your book, by the way if your in paris the same time I would love to have a coffee or dinner with you,have a great weekend
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  9. vicki archer30 August 2008 at 13:44

    Judy, sadly I will not be in Paris until early October. Have a fantastic, fantastic trip xv

    ReplyDelete
  10. vicki archer30 August 2008 at 13:45

    Thank you so much everyone for your comments and for finding me xv

    ReplyDelete
  11. Here, There, Elsewhere... and more30 August 2008 at 17:17

    Bienvenue and Welcome to Blogland..!
    Looking forward to "what's to comme"..:)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Unknown3 September 2008 at 20:37

    Dear vicki,

    Having absolutely fallen in love with your book, My French Life, I am delighted to find you have a blog! Your life in France sounds absolutely magical, and I only hope for the chance one day to visit all the places you describe so beautifully.

    Keep on blogging, I'm addicted already! And will there be another book? I really hope so!

    ReplyDelete
  13. vicki archer4 September 2008 at 07:41

    Thank you so much for your lovely comment and the answer is yes but not until late next year! xv

    ReplyDelete
  14. Josephine Tale Peddler8 September 2008 at 00:42

    Oh No! The last thing in the world I needed was another Blog to distract me but there's no way I can pull myself away from your world. I adore your book so much. I'm originally a Hobart girl and love France with a passion. The combination of you and Carla together was a dream of a vision. Thank you so much for your book and I cannot wait to follow your Blogging
    A bientot x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Heidi Jean8 September 2008 at 07:45

    I loved reading about your shopping spree at Olive Huiles du Monde. I was in St. Remy in May and had a fantastic time at that shop. In fact, I've been searching the internet for the Popol raspberry pulp vinegar they sell. Do you know if they have a website or email address so I can contact them & beg them to ship me some vinegar here in the USA?

    ReplyDelete
  16. vicki archer8 September 2008 at 09:00

    I could not find the website either ( thought we could all look at it) so I suspect they are a little behind when it comes to shipping and marketing etc. Next time I am in there I will definitely ask for you. Thanks for stopping by. xv

    ReplyDelete
  17. So Lovely12 September 2008 at 02:53

    Welcome, welcome. I love your blog and your book. I have friends who have just bought a 100 year old barn in Italy and are in the middle of completely restoring it. Its turned out to be a little more expensive than they thought!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Helen8 March 2009 at 18:09

    Today I have read your first post, am sitting here thinking about what you have written and anticipating so much ...

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting French Essence... I love to read your comments and I hope you will be back often... xv