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Thursday, 4 June 2009

June...after May and before July


  mas de berard painted by the very lovely anne harwell
of annechovie

June is the month that I always think of as a kind of in between month - spring has sprung and summer is more of a July and August moment. If I thought of June as a colour it would be green. The heat has not reached those high scorching temperatures that wither and tire a garden; the grass is lush and the trees are still flush with new growth. 


So what about June, other than it falls after May and before July? June is my month to prepare, to plan and to organize for the summer. May and I am still enchanted by the blossoms, too focused on enjoying the aftermath of a long, cold winter; June and I am starting to take the beauty of my surroundings for granted - the roses are past their first flush, the irises are all but finished and the lavender is yet to bloom. When I walk around the farm my eyes are opened to what needs to be done and I become impatient to have everything ready for summer. June is my ticking clock, my countdown time before we melt into the lazy days of summer.


June is my last chance to get anything fixed or changed before September; it is my time to prepare the house for guests and to make sure any farm issues are resolved. In southern France life gears up for July and August and even though our farm is home we always think of summer as a holiday period. Of course the world still turns but here jobs are definitely categorized as 'before' or 'after' the summer. Technically July is a working month, but to wrestle down a tradesman to start a new project or even to repair an existing problem is no easy task....forget August, the whole nation is en vacance. I do have my 'secret squirrel' numbers to use as a last resort (those magical '06' mobile numbers cajoled from unwilling electricians, plumbers and whoever else I could persuade) but these are for my vrai emergencies. So this month, right now, I need to look into my crystal ball, identify any looming disasters and get on with the job. Failing that I need to pray like mad that nothing too essential will crash in the next couple of months. 

June - a month of hard work; July and August, the slow down months. Experience tells me if it breaks or it's not working I can and will learn to live with it.... and there is something very liberating about that. xv
on

69 comments:

  1. Alicia4 June 2009 at 08:23

    ...but think of how a busy June will create a lazy, leisurely July & August.
    Ahhh the grande vacance of European summers. There's something so wonderful about a chunk of holiday. Americans with the crazy rush, rush niblet of vacance are missing out.

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  2. manon 214 June 2009 at 09:11

    Tu as raison Vicki.
    Ton jardin est une splendeur,et premier indice je sais ou tu habites

    ***rires***
    amitiés

    manon

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  3. cotedetexas4 June 2009 at 09:22

    wait - I bought that print! is that yours?!!! wow!!!! haha!! what a small world, I didn't realize that.

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  4. Mélanie4 June 2009 at 09:40

    your garden is gorgeous ! You are right June is in the middle , it is a transitional month

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  5. Petunia4 June 2009 at 10:18

    I have missed stopping here. What a wonderful post...another FAB inside look into your French life. I think the US could learn s few things about how Europeans do summer. We should all be on vacation in August! Lovely photos and the painting is beautiful.

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  6. Josephine Tale Peddler4 June 2009 at 10:43

    Such a lovely painting. I have never thought of June in quite that way before!

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  7. Oliveaux4 June 2009 at 10:59

    Nothing quiet like a European summer, reading your post makes me wish I had a holiday booked! Ax

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  8. Alison Gibbs4 June 2009 at 11:16

    You 'paint' a beautiful picture of your little part of the world.
    Alison

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  9. Zita - Mlle Magpie4 June 2009 at 11:42

    Ah, yes, those French summer holidays. I do remember fondly the whole month off from the laboratoire at ENS on rue d'Ulm - a perfect time for an international student like me to go back home and have a long visit with my family and friends.

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  10. Unknown4 June 2009 at 11:46

    Hi Vicki,

    I think it takes an amount of time and willingness to fall into the rhythm of another lifestyle. Learning how "it" works before one can fully embrace it!

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  11. Stephanie4 June 2009 at 11:54

    I love how you are preparing for two luxurious months of summer. It's so nice that there is actually a break there to rest and really enjoy the time of year!

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  12. Renée Finberg4 June 2009 at 11:59

    it is true..it is freeing to know we can live without everything working perfectly , all the time.

    thank you for the words of encouragement & concern xx

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  13. Debra4 June 2009 at 12:17

    Lovely work from Anne- she as nice inside as she is lovely on the outside. Don't you love the feel of high summer season? Just enjoying the days, the warmth, the ease. Wouldn't it be nice if we could have our homes inspected every once in a while for potential problems- hmmm... I guess we could do that.

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  14. Porchlight Interiors4 June 2009 at 12:39

    I would love to be spending my June in France - your pics look lovely! I must admit though, a Brisbane winter is quite perfect in its own way - I'm enjoying the cool change! Tracey xx

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  15. Annah of Sweden4 June 2009 at 12:41

    Thank you for your comment! :-) /Anna

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  16. MFAMB4 June 2009 at 12:41

    so so true. great piece. i wish i could say that it wasn't hotter than hell here already though. i mean what is it, june 4th? 3rd? 5th? and already temps are in the mid 90's.
    anyway. vicki you make me want to pack up to my own mas in the south of france, i tell you. and start over. need a new neighbor with a 4 year old and 2 cats (oh and a husband)?

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  17. Blue Muse4 June 2009 at 12:47

    All that lush and wonderful green. Truer words were never spoken about June. I like your June much better than mine - the tourists will be here within a few weeks and life changes dramatically around here.
    The painting of your lovely home is stunning.
    xo Isa

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  18. count it all joy4 June 2009 at 12:54

    Your posts on all your amazing blooms were inspiring enough, but my goodness, the lush greenery of your garden is heavenly. Have you ever been to Fiji? It sounds like France goes into "Fiji Time" during the summer - how wonderful! Lovely post as always. Meredith xo.

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  19. Auntie sezzzzzz...4 June 2009 at 13:10

    What a lovely way, to look at June! I was just musing the other day... about... where _does_ June fall, as it were? Not total Spring, but not total Summer either. You have the answer. 'Tis the month to get ready for Summer.

    Our Summers don't have exactly the same cadence as yours in France. But still, who wants to work hard, in the hot times? Do it now, seems wise, no matter what country one resides in.

    But _enjoy_, during the work of June too. Every month is too precious, to not stop from our scurrying about, at times, to just e-n-j-o-y.

    Gentle hugs,
    Aunt Amelia

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  20. High Desert Diva4 June 2009 at 13:12

    I could work well with that schedule. I, too, am waiting for the lavender to bloom...

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  21. Christina4 June 2009 at 13:20

    good luck with all of your work, it seems that i've planned a lot of work and no play. i'm going to have to remedy this!

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  22. Linda@ Lime in the Coconut4 June 2009 at 13:40

    Lovely painting by Anne!

    Sounds like you will be enjoying both a productive and beautiful June!

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  23. Kelli4 June 2009 at 14:08

    Lovely post! Let's see some before and after shots of your amazing jardin... I am sure you have one or many! :)
    Good luck with all your projects; June for me is also a project month this year before I fly off to France pour les vacances.
    Hallelujah!!!
    PS ~ I wholeheartedly agree with Petunia! The US has much to learn about the benefits and the art of relaxation, conversation and light meals.

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  24. The Clever Pup4 June 2009 at 14:16

    June is my favourite month. Usually it's not too hot.

    I find there are lots of differences between the French and North America (not Quebec!)regarding vacations and the quality of life in general.

    The French have a highly developed asthetic sense. They seem to take great delight in good food, wine and surroundings. They savour things, take their time. They are mindful. I heard a story of a french fellow driving a friend from from Provence to Paris. He took a 3 hour lunch, then drove like a crazy person, took an hour over coffee and jumped back in the car and put his foot to the floor.

    Although I've yet to visit Provence, I imagine it to be a place where one can forget that Taco Bell, Burger King even exists.

    I'd love to be in your shoes, Vicki

    XO Hazel

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  25. La Belette Rouge4 June 2009 at 15:26

    Here's hoping that you don't need to call your secret squirrels( I love that expression).

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  26. Sherry4 June 2009 at 15:27

    I can only imagine how busy you are in the summer with guests! I love your description of June...it is green...and it is that in between month..not quite summer and the tail end of spring. For me is signifies the last of my "free" time before my children are home from school for the summer. It's like a last blast of quiet!

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  27. Kirsten Steen4 June 2009 at 15:34

    I also never quite looked at June from this perspective. So interesting. We've had an unusual May here (in Oregon). Hot summer weather and now that it's June--thunder storms and rain. Now June looks like a small respite from the warmth before it starts again in July.
    Happy Summer to you!
    Kirsten

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  28. mary4 June 2009 at 15:38

    Thanks, Vicki, for (once again) touching cords within. June is truly an in between month--I love it!! I will always wake up in June knowing that school will soon be out. I still have a sense of coming anticipated freedom for me and everyone else who has ever been a MOM...no more lunches to make, carpools to drive, sports games to attend...just a long lazy (?) summer of unscheduled opportunities. Have a wonderful summer!

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  29. Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop4 June 2009 at 15:42

    How true it is, your dead on my friend, hope this finds you well,Chrissy

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  30. La Maison Fou4 June 2009 at 15:52

    Yes, the bird that works hard in the garden & lansdscaping can sit back, water & enjoy it in July and August! You are so right about that! I do love June, it helps me slow down when school is out and decompress! Good to hear from you,
    like the post!
    Leslie

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  31. Polly4 June 2009 at 16:01

    I hope your June isn't too busy in the end! I love your photos, the green is so cool and soothing.

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  32. studioJudith4 June 2009 at 16:07

    Hmm ... . those deeply lobed leaves look familiar: could it be a fig tree in your beautiful garden??

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  33. The-Countrypolitan4 June 2009 at 16:22

    You have lovely gardens at your farm. Your marking of time by seasons reminds me of when I lived in New England, where to me there seemed to be just two seasons... winter and getting ready for winter.

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  34. Simply Mel {Reverie}4 June 2009 at 16:34

    A lovely thought on June...it is the in-between month. Gorgeous photos! And I love your secret stash of 'just-in-case' numbers, clever girl!

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  35. Helen4 June 2009 at 16:34

    There was a great article in our local paper this morning about a new term for what's happening with many folks out of work ... The term is "funemployment" (I love that word)- and what is it?

    Here's Urban Dictionary's definition:

    "The condition of a person who takes advantage of being out of a job to have the time of their life. (example:) I spent all day Tuesday at the pool; funemployment rocks!"

    Granted, most of these folks are younger without many responsibilities ... but reading about July and August in the south of France made the term funemployment even more enticing somehow.

    Rock on, Ms. Vicki, rock on!

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  36. Velvet and Linen4 June 2009 at 16:36

    The French have such a wonderful attitude.
    Here in Los Angeles things never seems to slow down.
    I think I will start to be a little more French this summer!

    Your home is gorgeous. Anne did a beautiful job capturing its charm.

    xo
    Brooke

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  37. Parisbreakfasts4 June 2009 at 19:13

    Love love love Anne's renditon of mas de berard. Those pinky grand houses are so Provence, so French to me.
    Lucky you!

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  38. boubou4 June 2009 at 19:19

    Bonjour ! first time i come across your blog so im gonan visit it now :)
    Well if you wanna be inspired by my collages/Scrapbook or just dream, come and visit my blog :)
    a bientot !
    Boubouteatime xx

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  39. mati4 June 2009 at 20:28

    oh,so right ---and those 06 numbers are still tricky in June - but, I love the hustle of the vignerons who seem to have so much to do in the vines- it is a gift to experience the cycles of nature ---thanks for sharing the super photos and love the rendering of your bastide/Domaine? have a great day!

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  40. Madame DeFarge4 June 2009 at 20:59

    I like June, rarely too hot and was when school finished in Scotland. July and August are less appealing and I can usually not wait for September to start.

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  41. alaine@éclectique4 June 2009 at 21:28

    Aaah, I can small all that green freshness, how lovely.

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  42. Ingrid Mida4 June 2009 at 22:09

    I too find June a busy month but I'm trying to slow down and savour each day - like I did while in Paris last week. Too often I've lived a day thinking about the next one and not been totally present. Every day is a gift.

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  43. Linda Carswell4 June 2009 at 22:29

    Beautiful garden Vicki, they are a lot of hard work, but at the end of the day it is lovely to stand back and see your achievemnts!! Living in Tasmania, we forget the harsh changes in the weather and conditions that other countries have.....here every thing is looking rather 'drab' trees are almost bare...and it's a bit 'chilly'....only a few days into winter but I am already looking forward to the wonderful new growth of spring!
    Enjoy your garden...Linda

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  44. Slices of Beauty...4 June 2009 at 23:12

    Lovely greens.
    Always look forward to Summer with such beautiful eagerness and it's almost here!

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  45. Anonymous4 June 2009 at 23:52

    Les grandes vacances!! des souvenirs lointoins et merveilleux avec mes parents .

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  46. alice5 June 2009 at 01:39

    Your post brought me back to reading A Year in Provence during the summer months! Hopefully nothing will need repair or fixing for you this summer, but that is a rather refreshing attitude to take in case it does :)

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  47. FrenchBlue5 June 2009 at 02:30

    Vicki,
    Any month must be beautiful there~ I think my favorite will always be fall no matter where i am. I can feel the sun and air in this post
    though and it does feel so clean & fresh now~
    XO's
    Janet

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  48. alice5 June 2009 at 05:41

    Hi Vicki,
    I'm tagging you in the "6 Uninteresting Things that Make You Happy" Game!

    Here are the rules if you'd like to play along:

    -share 6 uninteresting things that make you happy
    -Mention and link to the person who tagged you
    -Tag six of your favorite bloggers to play along and comment on their blog to let them know they’ve been tagged!

    I'm sure your 6 things are anything but uninteresting :)
    Alice

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  49. lily-g5 June 2009 at 08:27

    your garden is absolutely beautiful and I can imagine how amazing it will look in summer, enjoy your weekend x

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  50. Les Cotrions5 June 2009 at 09:02

    Faboulous blog you have! J'adore la France aussi! St. remy is such a lovely place...I love all Provence!
    Warm greetings
    Vale

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  51. Unknown5 June 2009 at 09:26

    Hello Vicki!
    June is my favorite month. Just before the heat of our Summer in California. I adore those White Iris. Stunning! :) Have a great weekend.
    xoxo
    Judith~

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  52. Jojo5 June 2009 at 11:42

    Somehow it seems like the loss of a perfect month to be working so hard in June!

    For some reason at work, June ends up being the month of work as well. Our summer interns all arrive for a month of activities and events are all calendared before vacations start and every big project needs to be completed before the office gets quiet in July. I hate it. It always seems I wake up one morning in early July wondering where the month has gone.

    On a very happy note - summer reading! As soon as July arrives I have my books ready and I take advantage of the slow down and read. This summer I am so looking forward to reading My French Life.

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  53. for the love of a house5 June 2009 at 12:45

    Ahh, the French! How they have mastered the art of joie de vivre! How lucky you are (even if it is hard to get a workman right now ;)!
    joan

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  54. Antonio Barros5 June 2009 at 13:01

    Amazing garden!!!
    I want one like that too!!!

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  55. Shaz5 June 2009 at 14:39

    It seems funny hearing you gear up for summer when it is getting cold here (Melbourne Australia). We will welcome winter with open arms after our horrendously hot summer and terrible bushfires. Did you here about them? So sad and only about 45 minutes from our home. We were lucky, many others not so. Here's to new beginnings - the type that only the wonderful seasons can bring - both here and in your beautiful part of the world.

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  56. Anonymous5 June 2009 at 15:55

    I think of June the exact same way. Right now (it's raining) and everything is so lush and green and we are preparing our home for an onslaught of guest soon to come. :)

    Thank you for visiting The Vintage Nest and I hope you'll visit often. And if may, I would love to add your wonderful blog to my list of "take me away" blogs. ~ Miles of Smiles ~ Lynn

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  57. Angela5 June 2009 at 17:28

    never think of june this way. but true. i do the quarterly cleaning, wardrobe swap, etc....

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  58. Vicki Lane5 June 2009 at 18:20

    For me June means getting the last of the garden planted, moving houseplants outside, putting away the pinks and green and lavenders that have accented the living room and pulling out the blues and whites to keep us cool through the summer. It means a goodbye to the irises, azaleas, peonies,and rhododendrons and welcome to the time of roses, daisies, and day lilies.

    I admire your beautiful white Japanese iris and wonder how much longer I can do without one. I have a fine deep purple one that might enjoy a neighbor...

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  59. Couture Carrie5 June 2009 at 18:31

    Gorgeous, darling!
    You are so lucky to live in Provence... one of the most beautiful places on earth!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  60. Kathy5 June 2009 at 18:35

    I just ordered your book Vicki, I want to read more :-)
    I've never thought of June that way before and you are right June would be Green, I would love to see Green Provence. happy days, Kathy.

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  61. Miss Kris5 June 2009 at 19:42

    Hi Vicki~

    I "Love" your life! To sit back and hope everything runs smoothly over the"summer" months does have a peace about it! Nothing here slows down...I should add this to my embrace French living list.

    Have a beautiful day! Kris

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  62. ceecee6 June 2009 at 01:18

    Mas de berard looks gorgeous...in any season. Like having your own beautiful and tranquil park. A dream for a reclusive type like myself. Anne's painting reminds me of the first still in a movie - in the next, it will come alive.
    Catherine xx

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  63. Millie6 June 2009 at 01:57

    Sorry Vicki, but the mental picture of you buzzing around the property clutching a clipboard in one hand, the Blackberry poised in the other & stubby pencil tucked behind one ear (only to be removed to add another task to the list) has been the best medicine for me this morning!

    And then there's the other 'image' of you running full bore towards a reluctant French Tradie, ready to do a full-on tackle (a la Plugger Lockett from the Sydney Swans!) should he dare try to avoid attending to the task at hand! I hope Mr. FF realises what a star he has in you - I'm sure come July all will be perfect & you can plonk for a well-earned rest.
    Millie ^_^

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  64. Callie Grayson6 June 2009 at 04:56

    my mum was in town last week and we enjoyed wine and your olive oil with bread, mmmm it was so good. enjoy the transition.

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  65. Sarah Laurence6 June 2009 at 18:27

    Lovely garden and images. Good luck getting everything done and enjoy your down time.

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  66. Jeannette6 June 2009 at 23:54

    I just discovered your blog through Kristina of Mostly Berlin and as a francophile I saw directly that I hit the jackpot with your blog! Tomorrow will be my French Essence and coffee day! Looking forward to read your posts.
    Have a great weekend, Jeannette

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  67. Carole Buschmann8 June 2009 at 04:30

    Thank you Vicki for allowing me to dip into the "green' of your environment. Thank you also for your well put and astute observations.

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  68. Noel Solomon9 June 2009 at 19:24

    BEAUTIFUL GARDEN VICKI! What a sanctuary and perfect place to be.

    xoxo Noel

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  69. My Castle in Spain10 June 2009 at 10:33

    oh mon Dieu..c'est magnifique Vicki!
    and yes...vive les grandes vacances!
    :-)

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