Gayle Smith Padgett's Blog, page 9
May 21, 2018
Hail to the Sheep!
Pentecôte Monday means party time in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The highlight of the day’s festivities is the treasured tradition called the transhumance—the spring relocation of thousands of sheep and goats to higher pastures for the summer. Before the animals take on the trek, they mark the occasion by running around the town’s péripherique, which circles the … Continue reading Hail to the Sheep!
April 17, 2018
Provence to Palm Springs…and back
Magenta bougainvillea blossoms shot willy-nilly across the warm cement tennis court like sanderlings skittering along tide foam on a sandy beach. As the temperature edged toward 90F in Palm Springs, California, where my husband and I were playing a few sets last month, my thoughts catapulted over the San Jacinto mountains to the sea. How … Continue reading Provence to Palm Springs…and back
February 21, 2018
Honey, I shrunk the marché!
If marketers opted not to hunker down in front of the ol’ homestead hearth, they definitely did need to bundle up, tête to pie, for the Saint Rémy marché this chilly last week of February. Braving 40 degrees (tops) and an icy mistral, the vendors were not peddling breezy linen frocks, wide-rimmed Panama hats or … Continue reading Honey, I shrunk the marché!
February 3, 2018
Winter Rhythm in Saint-Remy
Peace embraces Saint-Rémy in winter like a comforting hug. In town, restaurants and popular venues take their congé annuel. A primary rue in centre ville is empty at noon. Traffic jams and lines at the boulangerie are shorter. Trimmed plane trees reveal the town’s distinctive architectural features. Panama hats disappear and puffy coats are par … Continue reading Winter Rhythm in Saint-Remy
January 26, 2018
Salute to Peter Mayle
It is with deep sorrow that I offer this salute to Peter Mayle, who passed away on 18 January in Aix-en-Provence. The author of A Year in Provence, along with many other notable titles that celebrated Provence, held a special place in my heart. Perhaps the following excerpt from the introduction of my book, Passion … Continue reading Salute to Peter Mayle
December 27, 2017
Music of the Night
No phantom tenor crooned from opera house rafters. No symphony orchestra performed an Andrew Lloyd Weber score. But there was a lyrical angel perched in a treetop and an Italian quartet of English-singing impersonators. The celestial being and the troubadours may belong to opposite ends of the musical spectrum, but during a pair of pre-Christmas … Continue reading Music of the Night
December 14, 2017
Let There Be Lumière!
Brrrr, chilly temps have arrived early in Provence—along with grim, gray skies. Lamenting the absence of summer’s azure canopy and endless soleil-filled days can lead to sliding spirits. But wait—Provence is prepared. To the rescue—a hearty harvest treat and community camaraderie, plus the all-important twinkly lights. The Danish may have perfected hygge (cozy comfort), but … Continue reading Let There Be Lumière!
November 27, 2017
Waiting for Dafoe (…as Van Gogh)
Star power comes to Saint-Rémy! All last week, a film crew buzzed around Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the psychiatric hospital where the post-Impressionist painter, Vincent van Gogh, lived from 1889 to 1890. Here, American actor Willem Dafoe was filming, “At Eternity’s Gate,” a new flick about the great artist. The Saturday before Thanksgiving, Ralph and I popped … Continue reading Waiting for Dafoe (…as Van Gogh)
September 3, 2017
People-Movers, St. Rémy-style
Summer in Saint-Rémy means luxuriously warm temps, bright blue skies, and heady lavender-scents. Everybody and his frère are out and about, taking full advantage of this seductively sensuous time of year. How many ways to feel the breeze? Let me count the ways. Up, up and away. You won’t be seeing me up there anytime … Continue reading People-Movers, St. Rémy-style
August 18, 2017
Summer calm at the mall
Up and over the craggy notch of the Alpilles mountains, down through vineyards and tiny villages, plus a few roundabouts and voilà, you’ve arrived! Not at a cram-packed beach. Not at a bustling city center. Nope. You’re in a quiet oasis of calm, away from the maddening crowds, surrounded by bubbling fountains and cascading petunias—at … Continue reading Summer calm at the mall
