My favorite part of the day in France is when we would all come back to the
chateau after a long day of brocante* shopping. We would have a glass of wine and we would all show off our finds of the day. I loved seeing things that caught other peoples' eyes. I might have seen the same little jar laying in a basket, but when one of the fabulous ladies showed it off I saw what they saw and grew an appreciation of something new.
Kaari taught us that if you had your eye on something you would ask the vendor about 5 other things and then right before you walked away you'd ask about the thing you really wanted. On a pad of paper we would write the price that we were willing to pay for it and then we would have a little back an forth negotiation even though neither party spoke the same language. I was so nervous at first after an embarrassing mishap on our honeymoon {We were at the Paris flea market and I seriously insulted a Frenchmen when I offered 40 euros for something that was (apparently) worth more... any way he NO JOKE pushed us out of his space. I was horrified and from then on had my tail between my legs and felt like an 'Ugly American'} Anyway, I digress. Kaari taught us to be aggressive and showed us that we could still shop even without knowing French {which was so much fun}.
And speaking of shopping. One of my friends from the trip is having a sale in Santa Barbara {
Summerland} tomorrow {November 20th}. Kaari's mom and sister will be there selling goodies and my friend
Carla will be there with all of her yummy canned goods. I think we might even make the drive.
*A brocante is what they call their flea markets although some are in people's yards {which was so much fun}
Beautiful photography -- I love the way you photograph peoples hands with your focal point items. We are off to NYC this afternoon, but this makes me wish it were Paris -- my other favorite city.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a doll to post about the event on your blog.
ReplyDeleteLooks like we are going to be rained out and I am awaiting word on whether we can reschedule the location.
Into each life some rain must fall.
Thanks for the shout out.
Cathy
Ok. I'm officially hooked on this Friday feature. Loving all your images and stories from France. Keep 'em coming.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm half-tempted to make the drive myself. Although, that would mean 5 hours in the car with a toddler. Hmmm...
ATTENTION LOVELY READERS:
ReplyDeletethe sale in Summerland has been postponed due to rain... I will let you know when there is another one... I know it will be every bit of wonderful! oxo
Perhaps next weekend? We are going down for a short trip to view an artist exhibit...wouldn't it be divine to meet up?!?! Fingers-crossed!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm headed to the Brocante by Maison Reve in Mill Valley tomorrow ... wish you could join!