Gayle Smith Padgett's Blog, page 6

The Birdwatcher’s Wife Arrives!

It is with great pleasure—and huge relief—to announce the release of the The Birdwatcher’s Wife! After a year of birdwatching with Ralph across France in 2019, followed by a year and a half of writing (aka editing!), my “baby” is now out in the world—in paperback on Amazon. The e-reader will come along shortly, as … Continue reading The Birdwatcher’s Wife Arrives!

Lazy Summer Days: Grazing and Foraging in Saint-Rémy

It’s August in Provence, so the high temps are no surprise. When the heat’s on high, all bets are off. So for our daily workout on an especially toasty day last week, instead of a long-distance bike ride, hike, or tennis game, Ralph and I opted to lie low and take it easy. We did … Continue reading Lazy Summer Days: Grazing and Foraging in Saint-Rémy

It’s Heatin’ Up in Saint-Rémy

Thick sweaters and summer in Provence? Mais oui, a surprising combo! Yet, the beginning of June, colorful knits appeared all around Saint-Rémy—on trees! Called “tricotags,” these bright works of yarn art are part of a program called G-Graines. The first edition of this state-funded, biennial project to support artistic and cultural activities promotes the theme, … Continue reading It’s Heatin’ Up in Saint-Rémy

Hail to Peter Mayle!

Peter Mayle’s most famous book, A Year in Provence, hit the bookstores in 1989. Subsequently, it became an international bestseller, with sales topping six million, in forty languages. This book and my first encounter with Mr. Mayle made such lasting impressions on me, I wrote about them in the introduction of my book, Passion for … Continue reading Hail to Peter Mayle!

Country Comes to Town in St. Rémy de Provence

Historically, the transhumance is a grand event in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. On Pentecoste Monday—which falls in either in May or June—herders in traditional garb guide thousands of sheep and goats around the ring road—twice. Tourists go nuts snapping close-ups and trying to pet the animals as they trot by. Sadly, due to Covid-19, the festive event was … Continue reading Country Comes to Town in St. Rémy de Provence

Countdown to Flying the Coop in Saint-Remy-de-Provence

Here we are in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, heading into the fourth (and last!) week of the third major lockdown in France’s battle to conquer Covid. As of 3 May, the ten-kilometer limit on travel will be lifted. Time will tell when restaurants and cafes will be able to open, but indicators suggest that may happen around mid-May. … Continue reading Countdown to Flying the Coop in Saint-Remy-de-Provence

Spring Sprouts in Saint-Rémy-de Provence

Winter’s subdued veil is lifting to reveal a kaleidoscope of color in every direction. A crimson camellia here, a purple iris there, and almond trees bursting with delicate pink blossoms seemingly everywhere. Ah, spring is on its way, bringing with it reminders of resilience and hope. With all the little buds popping open, one sunny … Continue reading Spring Sprouts in Saint-Rémy-de Provence

Tip-toeing Around Tulips in Saint-Rémy

Les roses are always a fabulous idea, the month of Saint Valentine or not. But oh là là, vibrant tulips like these can’t but melt hearts too. In Provence, les tulipes are an especially welcome spirit booster in February when gloom and gray can reign for days, with the temperature sometimes dipping below freezing at night, … Continue reading Tip-toeing Around Tulips in Saint-Rémy

Bonne Année 2021 from Snowy Saint-Rémy

A very Happy New Year 2021 to you all! Snowflakes fell on St. Rémy the first week of the year—an unusual event for this patch of Provence. So we were compelled to don our ski attire and head out for a stomp about town to see what we could see. The sun was in hiding, … Continue reading Bonne Année 2021 from Snowy Saint-Rémy

Let There Be Lumière…in St. Rémy de Provence

Holiday lights are ablaze in St. Rémy de Provence. These spirit-boosting salutes to the festive season are most welcome, especially during this very different December in Provence. Celebrating traditions is a special challenge now in the time of covid. Most public events have been cancelled, including one of our favorites, the convivial Fête de Lumière, … Continue reading Let There Be Lumière…in St. Rémy de Provence