A Little Bit of Eden

The Little Shepherd

For the next three days we planned to be lost in the hills of La Provence while visiting J.J.’s sister, Aurore, and brother-in-law, Bernard* in their little bit of heaven. This discrete couple is coming to the close of rearing 7 successful children, as the last two boys are finishing lycée (high-school). 

La Nativité

Les Perrets are a somewhat Bohemian couple, who live on a tract of land far from the madding crowd. Their roomy two story home has been fashioned over time, including a separate accommodation for visitors, and a nice swimming pool. Their home & large garden reflects spontaneity over rigor. Tidiness is hardly the hallmark of such abodes, but freedom of expression is.

Arc of Life

Within the confines of a very loose daily schedule we all do everything we have to do and some things we elect to do. The early breakfast shift is for the 2 students and Aurore who descend the hill to Jouques, the closest town, for schooling & daily food purchases. The later shift is for Bernard and the guests (that’s us) who are in no hurry. The meals will be gourmet, the laundry will be washed and sun-dried, the vegetables and fruits will be harvested. Each one will attend to his or her important things. It’s a peaceful life and a style that has produced a lot of fulfillment. If there is pressure on the children it has always been to do as well as possible in their studies, pursue some fun things that they each enjoy, but above all to understand that the world awaits their 

contribution. 

Promise of the Moon

The children know that their parents are not meant to support them an inordinate length of time. But you see, the “pressure” is gentle. It’s one that allows the children to return for visits as they wish, & for the parents to be there for them when they need them. J.J. & I are amazed at the relative ease in which the Perret chickadees are leaving this secluded nest and going out into the larger world.  In pursuit of a more urban happiness, four out of five are located in cities close enough to go home frequently.  #1 & #2 are married, living in Grenoble and Antibes respectively, cities a half-day trip away. #4 in Marseilles & #5 in Saint Rafael are finishing studies. Only #3, a married daughter living in Quebec, has just delivered her first baby girl with only her French husband at her side. The Perrets will be making the trip to see the new grand baby girl soon. These children, with constant & lively communications among themselves and home, manage independently.

Completely different style: Small boats at port

The Perrets have an open house policy. While the French tradition is never to just drop in, if the Perrets not going to be out-of-town, they will generously open their home to family visitors. Family reunions are frequent, which can also include aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. This has to be La vie de Bohème at its best. No one worries much about doing the wrong thing; it’s not wrong unless it offends. No one worries much about schedules; as long as we get things done, why the hassle? No one worries about conventions; what were they ever for anyway? I suppose we could have stayed even longer than we did, however, J.J. & I mustn’t spoil ourselves to too much of a good thing. The “world” awaits us, too. 

A bit risqué but so wonderfully carefree: "Forbidden Fruit"

*Bernard is a painter of substance. But in keeping with his lifestyle, don't fence him into just one school of art! I feel so privileged to be able to exhibit these paintings in my blog.