If it’s Friday, it must be France …
Since I sent my manuscript for Book #3 in the Love in Provence series off to my editor at Amazon’s Lake Union Publishing, I’m taking a week off to be a somewhat normal person. For me, that means without being attached at the hip to my laptop. Well, maybe not completely … I’m making notes and researching my next book too.
In the next week or two, we’ll reveal the new title for Book #3, edits will get under way and my break will be over. C’est ma vie … and I love it!
I know I missed posting this on Friday, and it’s actually Saturday, so please excusez-moi! It’s incredibly easy to lose track of days here in Nice … the weather is beautiful and there’s just SO much to do.
Take today, for example, this morning I popped a couple of streets over
from where we’re staying and had a cappuccino and croissant (they just go together, don’t they?) with Margo Lestz. She recently published a new book, “Curious Histories of Nice, France”, which I downloaded last week and can’t wait to read! Margo always discovers the quirkiest information about this part of the world! She’s fortunate to live here full time. *colour me green … just like that eye-catching book cover*
After that, I met up with my two friends who are visiting Nice with me and we took a stroll through the grand hotel Le Negresco. You just can’t visit Nice without taking in the history and beauty of this mythic landmark.
Next, we had a quick lunch at one of the many beach restaurants, just across the street. As you can see, it was another beautiful day with the Med gleaming.
After lunch, we crossed the street, again, to spend a few hours taking in the excellent exhibit of vintage photographs and art explaining the history of Nice at the Musée Massena.
Tomorrow is June 21 and every hamlet, village, town and city in France will celebrate la Fête de la Musique with spontaneous jam sessions and planned performances on street corners and in parks and buildings or wherever the mood hits the musician. It’s great fun. There’s something for every musical taste and it’s a day not to miss. What better way to welcome the Summer Solstice?
A free concert set up on the Promenade des Anglais kicked things off this evening and when we wandered through the crowd of tens of thousands on the way home from dinner, the party was on! Massive speakers and screens ensured everyone had a view. The weather was perfect and the mood was relaxed and happy … what a pleasure to be part of it! As the French do so well, the evening ended with spectacular fireworks.
Everything we did today was within a walking distance of half an hour. Is it any wonder we love this town? How did you welcome the longest day of the year?
Bon weekend et bonne fête des pères/happy father’s day to all of the dedicated dads who love and support their children each day.
This was the poster in the window of the chocolatier around the corner … I could’t resist it. (And, yes, we did go in and buy some chocolate!) Hug your father a little longer today, thank him for all he does … and then share some chocolate! For those of us whose fathers are warm memories, pick some special moments to treasure today.
If this day doesn’t hold good memories for you, I hope you find other reasons to celebrate and that you can “count your life by smiles, not tears”. Thank you, John Lennon.
About Patricia Sands
Congratulations Patricia! And I love your photos! 🙂
Thanks, Edith! It’s always a nice feeling to send off a manuscript, even though feeling the story is finished is sometimes a challenge. There’s always something more to say. One of the reasons I love the editing process is the fact that it gives the author an opportunity to add a few more details. I’m glad you enjoy my photos as I love sharing them.
C’est la vie!!!
Oui, Anneli … and today is a “work day” for me here in Nice. Expect your blog post … finally!
As usual, the photos make the words come alive. This makes me so happy! Since I can’t travel, at least I can revisit some places I love and discover new ones. Merci, dear Patricia!
It’s always a pleasure to know you are along on the journey, Martha. 🙂
Always, Patricia!
Lovely pictures – and yes, we enjoyed the Fete de la Musique – both the amateur and professional bands in our own village. We also went to see Jurassic World to celebrate Fathers’ Day – well, the Big Boy enjoyes IMAX 3D as much as the Little Boys! – and then had some crepes afterwards. All in all, a very nice weekend!
That sounds like a lovely weekend! It’s great fun to see the variety of of musical presentations and the general enthusiasm of everyone strolling around … particularly when the weather is festive too.
Oh, how I miss la Fête de la Musique. I can’t understand why it hasn’t spread round the world. It’s such a joyous event – well, hundreds of events. Have a wonderful weekend!
I agree with you, Margaret. “Joyous” is the word for it and there’s absolutely no reason why this event couldn’t be held in every country. It’s another way of bringing communities together in such a positive way.
I always love the Negresco for a glass of champagne. Such great art. Oh, how wonderful it is that you’re in Nice. Last year at this time I’d left Nice and was in Aix-Les-Bains. Thanks for bringing it all back!
Now we just have to plan to be here at the same time! Champagne at Le Negresco would be a bonne idée!
Wonderful, happy and informative blog. Congratulations on getting #3 turned in and cheers on beginning #4.
Thanks, Sheri. I loved writing #3 and look forward to sharing it with everyone in 2016.
We have just returned today from our first visit to Provence, spending first a week in the magnificent Gorges du Verdon & Lac du St.Croix area. Then on to Aix-en-Provence, which had such a great atmosphere, plus our visit happened to co-incide with la Fête de la Musique – it was amazing! Can’t wait to return to explore more of this wonderful region.
Petrina, what a fabulous trip you planned! I can understand why you enjoyed it so much.