COTE DE TEXAS: Dreaming of My So-Called French Life

Dreaming of My So-Called French Life

Is spring really here?  Really, is it for sure spring yet?    It has been such a cold winter for Houston and everyone is so tired of it.  I know it can’t compare to what those in the north have to suffer through, (and suffer you must surely do!)  but still, this winter it was actually cold here – and for a long time.   Most winters, we have spells where you can wear T-shirts around during the day, but that didn’t happen this year.    And yes, while  I do consider anything lower than 65 degrees to be freezing – it’s all in what you are used to.     March is usually when we start wearing our summer clothes in Houston, but not this year.   And how about this – every time you think winter is truly over and you pack up all those sweaters and fleece, isn’t it always sure to bring on that one last cold front?  This summer when we will all be miserable and complaining, I know I’ll regret saying this, but – I’m so ready for hot weather!!!  My flowers are freshly planted and we’re holding out hope that our huge oak tree is going to make it, but it looks like we have to wait another year or two to be absolutely certain.   I planted a ton of caladiums last week and I can’t wait for them to peek out of the ground and unfurl their huge elephant-like ears!    Do they have caladiums in France?   I wish I had a French garden, with a row of plane trees growing outside a bastide made of limestone with light blue shutters.  And there would be lots of lavender and tall, cypress trees, and gravel paths lined with box.   One of my favorite blogs to read and dream about is Vicki Archer’s French Essence.  Vicki is from Australia, but she now divides her time between London and her house in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, the poor girl.   In Provence, where she and her family grow olive trees, Vickie wrote the book “My French Life”  all about her experience of falling in love with a French ruin and turning it into this:

 

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Vicki Archer’s house in Provence with its tiled roof and blue shutters and pergola surrounded by flowers.  “Mas de Berard” Vicki calls it, I call it a dream.

 

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Vicki’s terrace where they take drinks and dine – how gorgeous is this?

 

Vickie’s book “My French Life” has inspired me to think of writing about MY life.  After all – it’s just as glamorous.  Working titles are “Being Born in Galena Park Didn’t Hold Me Back.”   (Yes, I spent the first year of my life in that booming metropolis, Galena Park, near the stinky Houston Ship Channel.)  Or how about this title  “A Life Divided: Houston and South Padre Island.”    Wait, I have a few better ones:  “A  Grocer’s Daughter, a Landman’s Wife,  A Shopping Fool’s Mother.”    hmmmm – doesn’t quite have the same ring as “My French Life.”    OK, try this one:    “From Secretary to Interior Designer to Blogger – A Road Never Taken”   or  “Pretending A Spec House’s Backyard in Texas is a Lavender Farm in Provence.”    My favorite though is “My So-Called French Life.”     I’ll let you know the final  title when the publisher calls.

So, I don’t actually live Vicki Archer’s life (that’s for sure!) but I can dream, can’t I?   A psychiatrist once told me that when you get down or get the blues, you should imagine you’ve won the lottery and what you would do with it.    I hate to sound so superficial, but sometimes it works.  OK, let’s play.   What would it be like to move my family to Provence and tend to this garden?   It’s available!!!

 

“Le Dream:”

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Every morning I would get my bicycle out and ride down this gravel road to the village bakery for fresh hot coffee and a croissant.   If I can move to Provence, do I still need to cook?

 

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I’d come back laden with the daily papers and bakery goodies and have my butler Pascal ring that bell on top of the bastide to wake up my lazy  family (some things never change.)   We’d eat the pastries and drink the coffee and read the paper sitting outside under the umbrella.   Pascal’s wife Charlotte would whip up lunch for us to eat here too.   

 

 

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After breakfast, Pascal would set up a little bistro table with a chair for me to blog away on, right under the shade (we’d have wi-fi, of course.)  All the while my dog Georgie would be swimming in the pond and Sammie Jo would bark at the squirrels (do they have squirrels in Provence?)  Ben would head back upstairs to his bedroom, at the front, right, to sleep the morning away (probably nursing a migraine) and occasionally he’d wave at me down on the gravel terrace.  Elisabeth would be gone – driving into town for a bit of shopping!

 

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After lunch, Ben and I would go to the ruins for swimming under the hot summer sun.

 

 

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After the swim,  we would go back upstairs to change out of our wet clothes and shower for an early evening.   We’d wait for Lizzy to come home and then we’d watch the Purple Martins fly into their cute little house.  Or is that a dovecote?    OK, we’d wait for the doves to come fly back.

 

 

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Before dinner, we’d take a leisurely stroll through the  gardens, taking the time to actually smell the roses. 

 

 

 

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 And dinner would be set up here, with a white table cloth and lantern light, watching the sun set over the mountain range.    Maybe, just maybe we’d have a glass of wine for the occasion.    And then, it’s back to the house for a quiet night in, watching a few good oldies on DVD.  

 

 

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Just to wake up and do it all over again! 

 

I hope your weekend is filled with wonderful dreams that one day might just come true!    To read Vicki Archer’s “My French Life” go here.   To read Cote de Texas’ “My So-Called French Life" go here.

99 comments :

  1. You are so funny and clever! Can I come visit you in Provence?

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  2. haha - i love your post - great blog titles, especially like the secretary one!
    These pictures are so beautiful - I can just imagine how wonderful those gardens would smell!! :-)

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  3. What? Are you trying to torture your Tejas sistas in Dallas?
    Awwww, your photos are heaven!

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  4. I would like to add your sisters in Florida to the question asked by Scandalous Housewife above! Oh, what I wouldn't give for a house in Provence... that one, to be sure!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  5. Joni, have I told you lately that I love you? Your working titles are hilarious!! You're too funny. Vicki's home is absolutely gorgeous and I am in love with the images of Provence. If you ever do make your "so-called French life" happen, you can "bet your sweet bippy" (a favorite saying of my eccentric high school French teacher) that I will be coming to visit!

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  6. Joni,
    You are one crazy lady....I love love love your sense of humor! The titles to your memoirs are very funny..do tell when you finally decide which one it will be.
    Thanks for putting a smile on my face...I hear you about the crazy weather, but like you said, in the grand scheme we have so much to be grateful for.
    Blessings to ya Girl...

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  7. Ohhh....and I am coming to Provence....I still say....
    Girl trip...how much fun could we all have>

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  8. Joni, you are so funny. I love the images, of course. I will notify you when I win the lottery so you can pick out a house. I'll even throw in a gardener. When pigs fly.

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  9. LOVE "My So-Called French Life" and eagerly await its publication!

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  10. I love the images AND I would read your book! The only thing missing is your dear friend (moi) who moved to Provence and bought the estate next door so we could still be close and shop together. The fact we have never met shouldn't come into play since we are dreaming, right? :) Thanks for the laugh!
    marcie

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  11. And in the autumn, Edward and I would visit for a week or so and we would all have blueberry pancakes and pink champagne in the garden while Pascal fills our rooms with fresh flowers and chocolates. We would wear silk dresses and large floppy hats and speak only in iambic pentameter after dark. Yes, I can just see it!

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  12. You know - her patio has me re-thinking wicker for my non-existent, but soon to be brick patio. What do you think?

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  13. Ahhh, thanks for the daydream too Joni. I'll make a deal with you. You get a pretend life in Provence and I'll get a pretend life in Campania and we'll compare notes.

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  14. I LOVE IT! Fantastic dream, Joni. What about the day trip to Paris to shop? Of can only Lizzy go? Who is wedding that gorgeous garden? The staff, I'm sure. But, I wouldn't be able to resist getting my hands dirty. I think I'd pick some of those roses for bouquets in the house as well. Lovely dream, very lovely.

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  15. ***** Sooo DIVINELY HUMOROUS & alot of "truth" there too, for sure, Joni!!! The only "CHANGE" I'd make, for me personally, would be RUNNING to town for the goodies n' papers... you know, as part of my 12 mile a day run~~~ (Hey! We ARE "PRETENDING" here, right?!?!?!)~~~~~

    Also, I should NEVER "read Joni" late at night~~~ you ALLLLWAYS make me grin, smile and/or chuckle sooo much (ESPECIALLY TONIGHT! This is SOOOOO TERRIFFIC!!!)... I'll be darned if my laughter doesn't wake up the dog (let ALONE my DH!!!).

    If I may say, THIS was one of your absolutely "BEST EVERs"!!!!!!!!!!!

    Many thanks~~ for ALWAYS "being here", with your special sense of humor & sharing so very much of your creative self!!! (I'm in AWE of you, my friend!)~~~

    Warmly,
    Linda

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  16. Joni
    Thanks once more for a delightful post! You and I have so much in common. My journey started as a clerk who became a mother and housewife who became an interior designer and finally a secretary. Can't tell you how much I enjoy your blog. Lady you have talent!
    Marion

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  17. Where did you get those pictures of MY HOUSE???

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  18. Linda/mom - sign in with an email address!!!!!!

    too funny - like I'd really be riding a bike - who are we kidding? I'd be driving my fat behind there!!!! ahaha!!!!!!!!!! omg, I need to diet soo bad,

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  19. Oh, that sounds so wonderful! I can't get the image of those faded blue-grey shutters & warm limestone out of my head. Can I book a week in your French guesthouse? :)

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  20. What a great post to look at on a rainy Saturday morning (it has been raining all week here - very unusual in our drought stricken state). I would love to sit out there at the teak set on the terrace - this might be one of the most beautiful settings I have ever seen on the blogosphere.

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  21. Joni, In my so called French life I haven't gotten so far as to dream through the events of the day but I do try to take the name of our city and give it a French name. We live in East Point, though I tell my family we live in "pwant est" just to give it the French name. My kids have learned to greet me with a "bonjour" but somehow their southern accents make it sound a bit more like "bawndjur." You seem to have perfected the imagination process. When you get settled in your So Called French Life, can we stop in for lunch? It would be great to join you. A bientot!

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  22. What on earth can I say Joni??
    Except yes there are squirrels and could you please send me Pascal and Charlotte's number...xxv

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  23. And where is my room? Did I miss where you described it?! a bientot, -susan

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  24. What wonderful pictures. What a wonderful life. Could I send for Pascal and Charlotte? Do you think they would like the coast?
    Book deal? Yes, yes, yes. It's time Joni!!!!!!!

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  25. I'll ride in Meg's suitcase, and do the cooking, but you really don't need to cook in France. Just market every day or two. It snowed again(lightly) last night, and I'd kill for 65 degrees. I'm going to retire to Provence. Its the only other place I've ever wanted to live.
    Where is that unbelievable great house?

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  26. Joni I have almost the same dream everyday!!! Your post reinforced my belief in dreams!!!

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  27. Take me with you when you go...This is exactly my dream!

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  28. I love those tall skinny bushes, that's always how you know you are in Provence. . . and those gardens, how stunning. . . I wish I was there again.

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  29. What pretty pictures. That sounds like a perfect day to me!

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  30. Joni,
    I love your post! My husband and I stayed at a bastide in Provence over the summer and I kept thinking "why oh why do I live in Houston?" What I wouldn't give to have a place in Provence!

    Thanks for letting me escape the "chilly" Houston weather!

    Amy

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  31. Gorgeous! I think I have just the music to accompany this, de bon chance!
    On parle de toi, on parle souvent
    Et tant de fois jusqu'à présent.
    Sans réfléchir, sans faire d'esprit
    D'un avenir cher à ce prix,
    Mais mon parler est bien trop franc
    Devant tes excuses à deux francs.
    Je pense encore être invincible,
    De tout mon corps être indicible

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  32. You forgot to mention about the wonderful American neighbor "MBM" you have & take under your wing. ;)

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  33. That was hilarious! And really beautiful. If you need someone to help you eat pastries and smell all those roses, I am sooo good at that.

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  34. And we'd all be skinny!

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  35. This is one of my favorite posts so far...Galena Park...that made me laugh. We kid my Mother about being from Goose Creek )aka Baytown. Love your working title...My So-Called French Life. I guess mine would be My So-Called Island Life. And I could care less which island I end up on...as long as the sun shines, the waves crash, the rum is running and the fish are biting.

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  36. Ms. Joni, I think you've got a best-seller on your hands! Let us know where the book signings will be.

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  37. PS: Your story reminded me so much of a little book I have called
    "The Illustrated Cottage" by Nina Williams. She is/was an editor-at-large for Country Living Magazine and writes about her home in Colorado and how she decorated and trompe l'oeil-ed it into a Provencal fantasy complete with imaginary occupants and the most perfect carriage house. Do you know this book? If you don't, I think you'd love it. I turn to it again and again as I work to create my own little dream cottage here in the burbs. Thanks again, for the fun post and, as always, for the inspiration. Happy Saturday!

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  38. Once again, I say a book is in order. Joni Webb, you have more talent than you believe that is within you. Be braver and work with it. You have touched so many lives that I can't bear to think that you feel some how less than.

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  39. Sweet! What a fabulous house and daydream!

    Vicki's house is amazing! It is so soothing and inviting...

    Can't wait to read your book! j.

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  40. Thank you, thank you for this post! They were predicting 6 inches of snow up here in Kansas City and I needed an escape. While it didn't snow, it's 30 degrees and depressingly gray. These pictures made my day! What a lovely escape!

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  41. Hi Joni, you could definitely do a book, I think we can all relate to your titles :)
    These photos of your fantasy life are divine! I want to visit you in that dream!

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  42. Hi, Joni~ It's bellesmom1234@comcast.net ~~~ (Plz remove it from "here" now, OK? ~ Don't want all of H'wood & the others getting hold of it again and BOTHERING me to do a movie or write a book! Ha! Well, we A-R-E pretending today, right?!?)~~Looking forward to hearing from you soon, my friend! Smiles n' best, Linda

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  43. I'm right there with you sister! And, I have dreamed of what I would do if I won the lottery as a way to get over being down about something. I had no idea anyone else would do that. It works! And, of course, part of my day dreaming includes having a place in Provence.

    Well, a girl can dream... I don't ask for much, just a couple of mill...

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  44. You are too funny - and spot-on !! I , too, think I was French in another life....and it could still Happen. Thanks for a lovely dream on a dreary and cold day

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  45. Joni~

    I think I'd like to stay and DREAM with you! Provence is HEAVEN!!! We are sooo lucky Ms Archer shares her WONDERFUL life with us!!! If we can't be there she makes us feel we are!

    I hope your hugh oak tree makes it and your bulbs start to BLOOM! Thank you for sharing lovely Provence with us, I love all the garden Pictures!!!:)

    ~Miss Kris~

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  46. Thank you SO much for this. It's a freezing day in the Midwest (what? again?:-) - reading your funny, wonderful post and looking at those gorgeous photos just gave me a lift!

    And I always fantasize about winning el Lotto and what I would do with it. I thought everybody did! Provence is no longer my destination - something a little closer to home, north of San Francisco calls me now...but the look is similar and the croissants and coffee just as yummy!

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  47. ...this georgia girl is going with you...

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  48. Here I come to visit. Beautiful Images. Oh to have a home in Provence! However Carmel or La Jolla would do as well

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  49. PS You are the best, and you know dreams do come true!

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  50. Well, it is chilly here today, but you have to admit that it's a gorgeous day! Mimsy

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  51. Joni, maybe one day you will write that book, you do have a great sense of humor. OK, so was that last link supposed to go nowhere on purpose? Thought that might be part of the humor in this post. I love your imagination too.

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  52. I'm landscape designing in France this fall & sent your post to the client. Her stone barn, soon to be house, has similarities to your pics.

    It is the closest I'll get to having 'my own' French garden.

    You nailed the pictures Joni. Thank you for helping me with my work!

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  53. Simply said, your posts are the best! A heartfelt thank you for allowing me to dream along with you . . .
    photos & commentary are fabulous! - KBN

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  54. Joni, these pictures are soooo wonderful! My heart just melts when I look at them. What a dream! I can't wait for your book to come out. I know it will be a best seller no matter what you title it! Just be warned, if you get a place in France, I'm coming to visit! laurie

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  55. Where would we be without our imaginations?? I found out a friend is spending two weeks in a house across from Notre Dame...I am also imagining I am with her. Are you buys the lottery tickets? We should all run out and get one! Who knows. Love your blog!!!

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  56. Sounds like a perfect lifestyle to me!

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  57. I have been curious about Vicki's home every since she did her post on her gorgeous kitchen.
    The pictures of her home do not disappoint.
    I hate to wake up from my...um I mean your dreamy French life. I think I need to go back to bed!

    xo
    Brooke

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  58. That was really rather funny!!
    Your book titles cracked me up-
    seriously though- who really lives like that? For real??
    I'm REALLY missing out then :)

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  59. That was really rather funny!!
    Your book titles cracked me up-
    seriously though- who really lives like that? For real??
    I'm REALLY missing out then :)

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  60. I am sitting outside in the gardens drinking a wonderful young French wine. The bread, cheese and olives are fresh and delicious. Andre takes my hand and gazes into my eyes..BEEP BEEP BEEP - my alarm wakes me... LOL -once agian a very fun post!!
    xx-Gina

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  61. Just when I had packed away my winter clothes and broken out the spring things, it got into the 30's again in Dallas this weekend! What's up with that?

    Your post came just in time, though. Now I know that the solution is to move to Provence. I'm not sure I would ever care about the temperature in such beautiful environs! That long gravel drive and that beautiful stone gateway are to die for!

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  62. I love your imagination Joni! Not only can you tell a story, but you can also fashion one! Beautiful photos. Have a great week!

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  63. love your dream life, Joni! I also dream about my french life sometimes (which happens often to be true). I even trying to persuade my husband to move to Provence instead of the States in a year or so after our Hong Kong life. and I don't mind ruins either! but no luck so far :-(
    Irina

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  64. Simply FANTABLOUS!!!!
    gREAT pOST.

    julie

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  65. Wonderful post, thank you...
    Yes winter has been long up north and it's still snowing...the only roses I smell are in Safeway...but I always stop to smell them! We did earth hour with french onion soup and red wine, would have been even nicer under the umbrella on your patio... I enjoy your blogs very much Thanks again

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  66. Okay, ya got me with that last "go here"!

    You are too funny. Love the post.

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  67. As I'm reading this it is a dreary, rainy and cold Sunday morning in NJ. And I SO want to be right there in that garden, right NOW! Beautiful!!!

    And I'm ready to write a glowing review of "My So-Called French Life" for Amazon when it comes out... ;)

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  68. OMG. I'm so jealous. And I can never get enough of French Country.

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  69. Eh...Book Scmook....go for a reality TV show.

    Divine so called french life, ma dear!

    And Vickies...well,swooon.

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  70. Joni dear ... . another great dreamy post. I do believe we MUST have the dream before it can come true!
    You're the best at finding "available" properties which tempt me and add to my dream list.
    It really is too hot in Mustique by now . Let's just follow that trailblazer Vicki to Provence!

    Judith

    p.s. I finally posted a couple of pics of my tres humble casa ... . as you requested.

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  71. Oh Joni, this is definitely one of my favorites! I was having a pretty depressing day until I logged on and read this post. You are too funny! And your working titles remind me of my journey, too. I would love to be an "ex-designer" if I could live this fantasy!

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  72. I've never dreamed of living in Provence -- till now. Wow!! That is one gorgeous house!!! Love the landscaping and the gardens and the pool by the ruins. I'd be swimming in it every day :-)

    If I can't have the house, can I at least have Pascal?? I'm tired of doing everything around my house ;-)

    Kelly @ DesignTies

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  73. Well, whatever you call it, I will definitely buy your book! Gorgeous images, you've got me daydreaming. I think I'm going to ride my bike to the neighborhood coffee shop tomorrow morning and try to imagine that Woodrow Ave. is a a gravel road between an allee of Cypress trees. :-)

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  74. Da*n it I am awake! Thanks Joni for the lovely daydream. BACK TO REALITY! -Brenda-

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  75. Oh, Joni, I hope you will continue to do your design work in France, because in my French life, I was going to ask you to help re-design my French chateau. When I call, you won't have to worry about your retainer, because after I win the lottery, money will be no object and you can name your price - will that be enough to lure you away from your maison? We will drink wine and eat crusty bread (and we won't gain weight) and all the finest French foods during our breaks from shopping (or will we shop during our breaks from eating and drinking?). We will admire all our finds from some little village market that no one else has heard of. And we will hire other people to do all the work we don't want to (we will delegate a lot). And then we will sit and admire our beautiful work. While we eat.

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  76. What's that you say, you and Ben skinny dipping in the ruins after a little lunch in the gardens!? Joni, you bad girl you!! :) ha ha
    I've had the same dream about finding a beautiful old French place and bringing it back to life...a girl can dream right!!
    xx
    Kara (Steel Mags)

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  77. I know you cant read these all .... but cant I just be the gardener! LOL

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  78. This is one of my favorite posts.. I was sitting here reading, dreaming away.

    hmmm..... are you sold that your butler must be named Pascal? I would like to volunteer to serve as your butler in a setting as gorgeous as this.... I would be so happy to ring the wake-up bell, tend to the dove house and the perennial gardens, and whip up fresh pasteries for breakfast. I can inventory the wine cellar which a home like this must certainly have and I can even provide some light french art song or a string quartet to serenade you while you enjoy the fruit and cheese plate in the midafternoon shade.....

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  79. I did not think it possible to be both inspired and depressed at the same time...THANKS!! Just kidding, what a lovely post!!

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  80. You are never limited in your dreams and the best part is they are free.

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  81. You are so funny.... I am laughing out loud as I type.
    Beautiful pictures... it was a fun trip!

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  82. When someone lives a perfect life and then you get to know them and they are even 'more perfect'...well..that is rare indeed. You and Vicki defy 'beyond perfection. How can someone possibly describe that?

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  83. These are gorgeous. Now I'm dreaming too. I'll be dreaming of these pics for quite a while.

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  84. LOL. I think you have jumped in my brain and stole my dream!!! ;) Where are these pics from?!

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  85. Hi Joni! I haven't been around much..BLOGGER'S BLOCK on my site! Been visiting yours and loving your recent posts. Ahhh...how I love this one... What a beautiful home in France our fellow blogger has..and those garden shots..to die for!!! Woke up with SNOW on my lavendar today! Dear Weather God..WHEN is spring coming???

    Happy Monday!

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  86. You crack me up! You have to put Oy! in the title.

    Love Vicki and her life and her book. She has another one coming out this year.

    (When's your book coming out??...)

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  87. YOU are funnier than french doors on a submarine! What would we do if we couldn't dream like this?

    I actually HAVE that white boutis tablecloth in the second picture. I'm addicted to boutis and matelassé. I love the Fronch limestone houses and mortar that are the same creamy color and the shutters appear to have been a lively french blue at one time that have weathered to a pale lavender.

    Don't you love plants spilling over a gravel walk.

    Paschal would be driving his ancient red Citroen down to Le Bucks du Star. Tell the truth.

    Wonderful as always. My caladiums and impatiens are READY and crying to be planted.

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  88. Which lottery ticket do I need to buy to get this...because SIGN ME UP! ha ha... oh and for me telling myself to shut up... That rarly works because if it did, I would harly ever be in trouble... I kind of refer to myself as 'the mouth from the South' and the older I get ... the disease just progresses!

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  89. Hi Joni,
    How lovely! Just a little inside note, however. Rumor has it around town that Charlotte has been dipping into the wine, hiding out in the TV room watching French soaps all day, burning meals and shirking her duties. Not to worry, though, I am submitting my application for the job.....;-) Alicia

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  90. Joni
    Now this is what I am talking about too!
    We spent two weeks in the south of France 1 1/2 years ago. However not this palatial, their farmhouse and afternoon cocktails and walks through the lavender fields, walks through their town, just stunning.
    I too, like you, dream about the possiblity of living there, or at least long leisurely holidays there!
    But until that happens I'll drool over your post again and again.
    Once again thanks for making me happy.
    You are really the best and always inspire me. Thanks seem inadequate!

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  91. such stunning images!
    isn't Vicki's book wonderful...can't wait untill her next one (fall 09?)

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  92. Karen at Junking in Georgia 2009March 30, 2009 at 5:31 PM

    oui oui oh la la!!!

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  93. hahahaha it all sounds perfect. so beautiful. although i seriously do think you should write a book!
    xoxo

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  94. I'll be the Butler..the sommeilier...the valet...the concierge..the pool boy..the gardener..the hunky gardener...the old man in the stalls mucking the hounds. the footman..the leg man..no I'll stop there..but I'll be there..

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  95. Really, why don't you just move. I think you would be right at home.
    I'd come visit.

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  96. oh my goodness that's pretty. you should read "Trail of Crumbs" by Kim Sunee.

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  97. Your site is wonderful, I love the architecture and furnishings from this part of the world. Only Venice is better to me.

    Eric in Dallas

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