* Tongue in Cheek *

Saturday Art Saves: Michele Wilson Puzzles

2013-05-25T17:37:52+02:00

Each Saturday I focus on a different artist that I admire. From potters to painters, chefs to collectors, seamstress to songwriters, lifestyle to lovers... anyone who set the paintbrush, pastry brush, hands and heart on fire to create.

Those who inspire art to flow where it may.

Photo Via Michele Wilson Puzzles

"For the past 35 years, in a small village in Burgundy, France, a unique skill, the art of wooden jigsaw puzzle cutting has been transmitted through the generations. Our artisans have mastered the use of the jigsaw, and create puzzles whose every piece is unique. This skill has allowed the Ateliers d'Art de France, to award Puzzle maker Michele Wilson."

Lucky for me Michele Wilson's amazing shop is next to our apartment in Paris.

Photo Via Michele Wilson Puzzles

Puzzle Michèle Wilson offers :

Wooden adult jigsaw puzzles, ranging from 80 to 5000 pieces

Puzzles with larges pieces, for adults, sold in metal cases.

Wooden puzzles of 40 pieces for adults

Children jigsaw puzzles ranging from 12 to 100 pieces, sold in plastic trays.

Photo Via Michele Wilson Puzzles

"Michel Wilson's puzzles are far more difficult than classic jigsaw puzzles. The pieces are all different and cannot be sorted out by kind. The cutting goes along the shapes of the image, it is the artisan that separates shapes and colors, and creates the difficulty, not a machine. They are unique, the strategy of resolution of each puzzle is different."

Click here to see Michele's shop in Paris, plus watch a video of her work.

"Handcrafted in France, the puzzles are cut from plaques of poplar tree that comes from sustainable forests. Each puzzle is sold with a description of the artwork, represented in its entirety to help reconstruct the puzzle, also to let you learn about the history of the artwork and artist." Text Via Michele Wison's site.

Unfortuantely, I did not take any personal photos of the puzzles. My friend's have a few, they are beautiful! Frame worthy.

For more information

Contact

Michele Wilson Puzzle's

http://www.puzzles-et-jeux.com/

116 Rue du Château

75014 Paris

01 43 22 28 73

The Gift of Loving One Another

2013-05-24T14:53:26+02:00

Deep the joy of being together in one heart
and for me that’s just where it is.

All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you.
All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you.

As we make our way through all the joys and pain,
can we sense our younger, truer selves?

Someone will be calling you to be there for a while.
Can you hear the cry from deep within?

Laughter, joy and presence: the only gifts you are.
Have you time? I’d like to be with you.

Persons come into the fiber of our lives,
and then their shadow fades and disappears.

All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you.

.......

written by Gregory Norbert, Weston Priory.

Wednesday Word: Monograms, Going Naked, and Korea

2013-05-23T10:02:14+02:00

Old lace pattern/monogram magazines, stacks found at the brocante.

Descriptions detailing how to...

Do you know how to embroidery?

If I could would I?

I would rather draw patterns, then thread a needle.

Some letters, monograms are more common than others in France, at the brocantes monograms with the letters:

M, C, A, T, J.... are easier to find.

Lucky for me C.A. is common.

Embroidering, stitching, sewing... are a more creative way to spend ones time, then blogging about it that is.

How do you spend your creative energy?

Cut out lace making.

Mine would be a hole.

Patience is not one of my virtues when it comes to creativity.

If I was a young thing back in the 1900s my undergarments would be without pretty detailing.

I would sew ribbons on mine, or wrap myself in a sheet and go naked.

You might be wondering what all this has to do with Korea and Wednesday's word? For years the French have pronouced my name as, "Core-A," and I cannot stand it. I even thought of changing my name. Then one day I heard how the French say, Korea.

My mother's name is Dolores. An old fashion name, though the letter "D" is harder to find in France. Sorry, Debe, David, Denise...

The letter "C" is easier because way back then they thought of me... yes they did. I can hear them even now, hundreds of years later:

"You know that American girl who will one day come and live in France? The one with the weird name, Corey, that is pronouced like Korea (Corée) we gotta make her some linens so when she goes to the brocante she will feel at home."

So there you have it... Wednesday's word.

How do you say Korea in French?

Corey.

That is how I tell French people how to say my name.

"You know the country in Asia, Korea? Well that is how you pronounce my name."

Yes, they look at me strangely.

But at least I have French linens with my initials.

Update on my Back

2013-05-22T23:50:16+02:00

For the last forty eight hours I followed your good intentions,

took advil,

did basic yoga strenches,

took hot baths, it felt so good!

Did not apply ice, as I couldn't bare the thought!

Walked or stood, as sitting killed.

Moaned.

Applied arnica to my lower back,

until I could see an osteopath.

Amazing grace. I am a bit sore,

but I can move! And feel a million times better!

Thank you, all of you for your caring and concern.

P.S. The Rose Jam post is a re post, as today I couldn't muster up the energy to write.

Though as usual the midnight owl in me is rearing to go.

How to Make Rose Jam

2013-05-22T14:52:00+02:00

How to make Rose Jam, photos and text by Corey Amaro

Cutting the red roses was not an easy task. Their fullness, ripe and fragrant, climbing up, circling my son's bedroom window, gave an air of romance, made me dreamy, made me forget the neighbors next door, and because of those reasons, the idea of cutting the roses to make rose jam just didn't feel right.

Everyday Annie asked me if I had cut the red roses, everyday I answered, "Not yet." Everyday she shook her head saying, "They will grow back, but if you do not cut them you won't have rose jam tomorrow." It sounded simple, yet those red roses meant something to me, and cutting them subtracted the feeling they gave to me.

Reluctantly I gave the scissor to Sacha, the first cut was the deepest, petals floated down like a gentle rain, covering the ground red around the ladder. I wondered if the rose vine felt pain, or was it just me?

After the red rose vine was cut bare, I stared at its emptiness, noticing the peeling paint of Sacha's shutters that frame his bedroom window, without the roses as a shield the neighbor's constant chatter rattled my brain... plucking the petals I wondered why I was making rose jam? I know the taste is like eating a rose, but was it worth the reality of cutting beauty away?

To make rose jam you need fragrant roses that have not been chemically treated. Whatever color of rose you use that will be the color of the jam. Many suggest to tear off the white tip at the edge of the rose petal, because it will the rose jam bitter. Though Annie waved her hands at me and said, "Honestly, do you think my mother had time to do that when she made her rose jam? I never saw her do that. Leave the white tip, it doesn't matter."
I trusted her memorable past experience and left the rose petals intact.

Rose Jam

-Cut the roses in the morning, just as they are beginning to release their perfume.
-Pluck the petals from the rose blooms and set them aside to dry, (this takes a few days),
-Fifty roses give about 100 grams of dried rose petals,
-Weigh the dried rose petals, put them in a large, cooking pan,
-Add the dried rose petals, cover them with equal amounts of sugar,
-Sprinkle fresh squeezed lemon juice over the sugar,
-Add a cup of water,
-Cover and set aside for twenty-four hours.
-Add another cup of water, and slowly bring to a boil, stir often, add water if you think it is becoming too thick.
-Cook until the juice ripples from a wooden spoon, and when the rose petals are tender.
-Ladle the rose jam into sterile jars, cover tightly with sterile lids,
-Turn the covered, filled jam jars upside down and let set for twenty four hours.
Rose jam from the moment you cut the roses until you spread it on your toast takes about five days to make. Rose jam made this way is preserved for years if the jar's seal is not opened.

The rose jam will look like this when you are cooking it.

The red rose jam juice is vibrant and sweet. If you want you can make jelly with it, subtracting the petals.

Or add it to chilled white wine, or vodka.

I prefer thick jam, so I add very little water. If you prefer jam more jelly like, you will need to add more than two cups of water.

The first time I made a batch of rose jam I tried a different recipe (not Annie's which is above) and the rose jam was very bitter, and the texture like eating wet jeans. I gagged. Annie scolded me for not following her tried-true recipe. I was angry at myself for wasting the roses, and since then have never faltered from her advice.

If only I didn't have to cut the roses to make the jam... making rose jam would be pure pleasure to make.

The rose jam is a delicacy, a royal taste, and as much as I love it, I feel sad about cutting the roses in bloom. There is a price to pay for everything.

The Silver Lining

2013-05-21T13:39:00+02:00

The silver lining to yesterday's event:

I wish I could say I had a wonderful massage, but that is not French Husband's gift, nor locally found. No instead I slept in and admired the play on light on the ceiling. The roses that cover my bedroom window gave such a sweet fragrance. And I found a baby caterpillar in my hair.

Oh the joy of sleeping with the window open! The caterpillar was nothing considering the bat that came in last year, or the neighbor's cat that peed under my bed.

Silver lining, your notes of thoughtfulness and caring. Thank you for the good advice! I feel better today than I did yesterday that is certain.

Back Yard Takes on New Meaning

2013-05-20T22:06:00+02:00

36 hours of utter downpour rain, in the middle of May, in Provence, is weird.

The lack of sunshine has caused poppies to bloom late, and the cherries not to blush red.

The rainstorm tried to rip every petal off the roses covering wildly our house. But try as it may, our roses hung on, such gracefully strength roses offer.

Late this afternoon I worked on a lattice in our courtyard. As I pushed the stake further into the ground I heard a strange squeek sound inside my body. Within in seconds I felt a sharp throbbing pain in my lower back.

Since then I hardly can move. I have never had a back ache until now. Dang, this isn't funny.

Have you had a back problem? If so what did you do to recover? Hopefully after a good night sleep this will be a thing of the past... though at this point I am wondering if I can get out of bed tomorrow!

Tea, Apples, Cinnamon, Brocante, Baked for Friendship

2013-05-19T21:27:00+02:00

Stacked tea cups waited on the kitchen table as I prepared the tea.

Mariage and Freres "Trois Noix", black tea perfumed with almond, hazelnut and walnut.

Such a match for an apple cinnamon tart.

Yes, I live in France where matching wine with your meal is as common as using a fork when you eat. The meal thing, the French ritual of dining has rubbed off on me. Why not match ones tea with dessert? And Mo's teacups to antique saucers? Why not savor our daily moments with extra attention... for it is in these everyday moments that we nourish the soul.

How could I leave this silver and mother of pearl dessert forks and knives at the brocante? Well, I couldn't.

"A set of twelve, How much?" I asked the dealer nonchalantly. He nodded and gave me his price. I asked for less. And he took the forks and knives from my hands steaming, "You know that is a good price, but if you want to pretend that it is not, walk away."

Dang it bugs me when antique dealers get bent out of shape. "Okay, okay, okay..." I pleaded, "I'll buy them."

When I polished them at home, they smiled back with etched blades. The taste of apples did not water my mouth at that moment, no, it was the floral etched blade. I literally kissed them.

Sugar cubes on a tarnished silver tray, with a sugar tongs and souvenir crowned top teaspoons.

The brocante has put a curse on me, spoiling me for such sweet little things.

Oh the pleasure of using old things that have a connection to the past, yet speak in present tense.

Did you know that the French use sugar cubes for tea and coffee, and granulated sugar for baking. Yeah its true.

Three golden delicious apples beckoned my attention,

"Enough already with the tabletop stuff, let's get cookin!"

Any grocery store in France, whether large or small, in a city or an out of the way country town has puff pastry dough. As my friend Annie says, "No need to make it when it is this good and inexpensive."

Pure butter puff pastry, one 15 inch pre rolled, including baking paper... cost a little more than a dollar.

Chop three golden delicious apples,

add them to the puff pastry.

Add a couple of teaspoons of brown sugar,

a handful of tri colored raisins,

a handful of walnuts (thank you Aunt Louie!)

some cinnamon, some nutmeg...

and a few chunkys of butter (about five tablespoons).

Mix everything on top of the puff pastry dough. Saves on washing a bowl. A small "green action" for the planet you might say.

Then fold the puff pastry dough on top of the apples. It should look like a plump nest.

Bake at 350° for twenty minutes (I use a convection oven.).

Turn the oven off, and open the oven door slightly. Let it breath for ten minutes before serving.

Tea, apples, cinnamon, brocante, baked for friendship...

Late Sunday afternoon tea under the roses with friends.

Saturday Art Saves: The Candle Maker in Provence

2013-05-18T14:54:52+02:00

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

Those who inspire art to flow where it may.

Discover one of the last remaining Candle Makers where candles are still made as they were in the 15th century.

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

"The “Living Heritage Company” is installed in a large warehouse in Tarascon’s industrial park, a very modern place for an ancient tradition.

La Ciergerie - The Candle Maker was created in 1858 by the White Canons or Premonstratensians established in the Frigolet Abbey between Avignon and Tarascon.

In 1903, the Monks of White Canons left France for Belgium and Great Britain and they sold The Candle Maker to Monsieur Chabrier, who set up the workshop in the old stables in the heart of his Provençal village, Graveson."

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

"The handmade candles attracted churchmen as well as enthusiasts, the quality work, and the reputation of the candlemaker grew until the day.

In October 2009, a fire devastated the handsome workshop, destroying dozens of wax molds. Stéphane Richard the owner of Tissus Souleiado in Tarascon bought the company, rapidly setting up in this functional site at the entrance to the village in order to open in December a new workshop-boutique.

The Candle Maker was saved, and production continued with the same expertise."

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

"Presently, there are six young, passionate and proud Master Candle Makers. One of them, Christophe, concentrates on the finishing touches of the immense church candles, revealing two 15th-century manufacturing techniques:

“Dipped” candles produce conical candles. Cotton wicks are stretched on a frame and plunged repeatedly into a wax bath at 70°C until the desired diameter is achieved.

The second technique requires real dexterity. Each Master Candle Maker has his own technique, but the gesture must be precise, he must continuously ensure the even distribution of the wax when he ladles the wax on wicks suspended from a hoop and gauge the candles diameter…"

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

Visits and tours are available at La Ciergerie.

"A candle over fifty inches high and nearly 3 inches in diameter

requires one week to make."

Photo Source http://souleiado-lemusee.com/lunivers/la-ciergerie/

Wax prepared to be poured on the candles.

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

Now if only I can find one of those ladles from the 1600s at the brocante....

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

"Molds, are also used, which allows for the fabrication of novelty candles of varied shapes and styles. Such molds were introduced twenty years ago.

Original translucent candles are also designed at the Ciergerie, with the incorporation of Soleiado fabric, photos, assorted hues of wax, or colored candle rounds."

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

Cierges - CIERGERIE DES PREMONTRES

Candles made traditionally, as they were in the Abbey hundreds of years ago, can be bought online, varied sizes, shapes and colors.

I particular like the darker shades. Various shades, pastels to brightly colored candles are available.

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

For more information contact:

Ciergerie de l’Abbaye des Prémontrés

20 rue des Charpentiers

ZA du Roubian

13150 Tarascon

T 04 90 99 59 34

www.ciergerie.fr

Also at Souleiado:

http://souleiado-lemusee.com/

The Everlasting Path

2013-05-17T23:15:21+02:00

Along the river we walked as night fell.

Slowly this spring evening.

My prayer thought went:

The earth as anchor,

The river as spirit,

The trees growing towards the light.

This river, which is behind our home, comes from a natural source and runs toward the sea.

Though myth has it the river was created by Mary Madeleine's tears.

Since I heard of that, the river has taken on new meaning.

Symbolic meaning speaks a truth to those who listen.

... at the altar of nature and Mary's tears I set myself free.

Dream catcher deep in the woods.

Weaving dreams together:

Yours,

mine,

theirs,

ours...

Queen Ann's lace grows wildly along the riverside,

A gentle texture; As an angel's breath, whispering ever so softly.

Certainly to the unknown, or should I say, "To the unseen fairies dance underneath."

Oh I forgot to mention... myth has it that fairies live along this river too.

An old, a very old, stone foot bridge.

Connecting one side to another.

There is a wire fence on the other side.

The other day I went for a walk with two little neighbor boys (8 and 10), they begged, "Come on let's hop over the fence and go to the other side."

They forgot that I was an adult... "Come on we'll hold the wire down!"

They hopped over like deers, and then kindly they held their small hands out towards me.

Foregoing reason, and rules I took a leap a faith... my inner child ran forth.

My favorite spot.

A child merging from the tree.

Do you see her?

Where does your inner child run free?

Sweet divine path.

Leads to no wrong.

Carrying you to wherever you want to go.

No questions asked, no answers given... just letting you take the steps.

Leaving behind, as you are, moving forward... past-present-future,

One step after another.

As night fell... we walked back as one.