Satine

May 23, 2012

Swim the English Channel, Drown in Champagne

Lately, I go to class, swim at the public beach and run by the waterfront every day…I run the piers and old WW2 reinforcements…there is one in particular that reminds me of S and always makes me wish he were there, so I take a moment there, right at the edge, to stretch my legs or drink some water and think of him. Generally, we’re so wrapped up in each other, which is great, but it’s good for us for me to get away. We have some good vacations planned together coming up, but this is for my own personal edification. Life is good here. Blue skies and clear water, fresh strawberries and pears, red wine and strong coffee…and of course everything tastes better on vacation. A little bit of work, a ready-made new group of friends, and lots to do.

When I came here, it was like a dream…walking to school uphill in the sun with the smell of mimosa flowers in the air, along the narrow lanes, stately villas behind high stucco walls and leafy vines. Opened the doors of my balcony to let the sun and the wind in…in drifted the.sounds of a girl and her guitar singing folk songs. Magical. People singing along, unpolished individually but lovely in unison. I go to the grocery almost every day, passing old men playing petanque at a private club, when I come back everyone is so lean and tanned, the students so young, so beautiful. Everyone talking, smoking, cannonball-splashing into the chlorinated blue pool, drinking at the bar or at the beach clubs until a very reasonable hour. I never thought a girl like me would grow up, come here, see all this.

Juan Les Pins:

Cannes:

Ok, so I’m curious. What is “a girl like you?” How did you grow up that would not lead you to expect this wonderful life you have made? Tell us about that girl and when she became so fearless.

I’m so glad, u sound like u’re having a fantastic time! I have yet to go to France, but the magic of Europe, that lifestyle that u talk about, is sth truly wonderful and that I have gotten to really love. The last picture is just breathtaking, btw!

LittleBlackDress

May 24, 2012

Love the title reference. Words to live by.

would die to see all that. you have made very good choices in life and work hard for it all!

Lovely! Makes me long for the beach. I’m glad you’re having such a wonderful, peaceful time.

rubix cube

I second [Kate]’s note…

I’ve always wanted to go to Cannes, how awesome!!

Cat

Magical 🙂

It all sounds so lovely. I didn’t realize you were back in France. And I third Kate’s note. 🙂

Adriana Mole

You are living proof of what many say is the key to a good life — set goals and do the work to meet them. Also, you rock.

I absolutely LOVE your description. And I “third” [Kate]’s note!

Caty Shark

The last one in particular is a sensational photo. Also – [Kate]’s suggestion is a good one.

Sounds amazing. I think I could handle that life :-).

Awesome pics! Sounds like a lovely time.

Complicated Disaster

Yeah. I too want to know what you consider to be a girl like you! CD xxx

ryn: I don’t, no. I smoked heavily through my late teens and early/mid twenties, and then quit cold turkey at age 26. I am not a huge fan of his smoking, to be honest, which he knows. I tolerate it – as long as it’s never in the house and I don’t constantly have to smell it on him (he is pretty careful to wash his hands and use mouthwash or a mint after.) I do wish he would quit, but I know from personal experience that you have to be mentally ready to do it, and I don’t think he is.

CyclingChick

Alleycat123

May 25, 2012

Ah. Gorgeous. How exciting to be at Cannes!

How is your French coming??!

kmh.

May 27, 2012

You are so fantastic! I hope you continue having an amazing time! How long are you there for?

farine

Mmmmm… sounds divine.

dancerd

May 28, 2012

beautiful!!!

RYN: Haha, Rup is my first boyfriend — we broke up 9 years or so ago after four years together, and he’s definitely into girls — he’s been with Em, this girl, for four years. Andy was the ex you’re thinking of, I think he maybe officially identifies as bi now, not too sure, but he’s been dating a girl for two years now, so yeah.

Almost Genuine

May 29, 2012

ryn: rough waters, there was no rain or anything. The official reason was gale force winds. I’m not sure how big the waves were. I think they announced something like 4-5 ft, but they seemed even larger to me! I couldn’t see out the windows half of the time, and I basically spent the entire hour willing myself not to get ill. It worked, but I probably wouldn’t have lasted too much longer!

PS – i’m beyond jealous of this entry. I’ve been reading on my ipad a lot and not noting as much – but this sounds so perfect. I need more vacation days!

Coyote Walker

what beautiful pictures….