On Saturday we went hiking to a place nearby (25 km away from home), to see the ruins of Montferrand Castle. (built in the XIIth cantury) The weather was glorious, again a bit too warm for mid-October, but I won't complain !
The hike in itself wasn't that long, but it was getting higher rather quickly, and the path was all rocky all the way, so a bit tricky with two little ones. (5 & 7) But we did good, had a stop on our way up for lunch, and a stop on our way down for a snack. We saw so many beautiful things, from plants, herbs, flowers, trees, animals, minerals & lichens. We have a very good book at home about the local nature, so we managed to identify all of our finds.
Photos are worth a thousand words, right ? So please enjoy the photos. I uploaded over 50 on Flickr along with two videos. You can view the whole set {here}. The views were breathtaking (at least for us), specially with such a good weather.
Once arrived at the castle, we had the most wonderful views. We could see the Pic Saint-Loup (658 metres/2,159 ft mountain), right in front of us.
We could also see the Mediterranean Sea !!! Here a very short video just to prove you.
We also had views like this one ...
We came home with backpacks and pockets full of stones & other findings. We more particularly brought back a bit of wild rosemary, wild thyme & some Smilax aspera berries. I'm pretty sure all these natural goodness will be incorporated in this week's projects. I have the secret dream to use the berries to dye some pieces of fabric, but would love to make this as naturally as possible, and wouldn't like to pollute more than it would be useful to me. See what I mean ? I have read very few about mordanting fabric, and I wonder if there are very natural and earth-friendly ways to do it. Three persons do inspire me much, I name them : Carolyn, Margie & Cathy. My very own problem is that I live in an appartement, and would NOT like to stain everything in my bathroom !!! If you have any advice to give me, they'd be oh so much appreciated, thanks !
Well, this was our Saturday.
Sunday ... was supposed to be a relaxing at home day ... mwell ... I have the feeling I spent the whole day doing houseworks ! Blugh ! Things have to be done when they need to get done, but phew ! Not a single crafty happening yesterday, unless you count baking as a craft ! LOL I had planned to bake {apple + double chocolate muffins} so that's what I did ! (note : this recipe requires 1 apple, but I used two, this time)
In other news, I have had the opportunity to get interviewed by the sweet Marysia of House Of Art. She had interviewed fellow crafters and friends like Anna {Lillalotta} and Laurraine {Patchwork Pottery}, so I was truely honored, to say the least ! Thanks so much Marysia, I loved it ! You can read the interview {here}.
In a word, a full weekend, and it was great !
I hope you had a fabulous weekend yourself. I know that my Canadian friends celebrated Thanksgiving, so I hope they all had fun with their loved ones.
Well, gotta go now. I would love to craft a bit before going back to grab the boys at school. Um, after I'll hung another load of laundry, that is. Man, does this never end ??! LOL
Enjoy your new week, and please take good care !
oxox
I am up very early this thanksgiving day having gone to bed very early last night after a wonderful meal with the family. I think it was the combination of somnolence inducing turkey, delicious wine, cheese from france , topped off with pumpkin pie and chocolate.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post to read today. I love every picture, word and video. I feel like I shared the walk with you and your family. I am looking forward to your experiments in natural dyeing. It doesn't have to be messy.
What good little hikers you have, I'm especially impressed with the youngest legs in the family making it up that steep hill. Great finds you've brought home and lovely views indeed.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to that last question, no, housework and laundry never end. I have been working on lessening the load by training up my children to take on some weekly tasks, I bought them each their own pair of rubber gloves, they both now know how to make toilets sparkle!
I have received the giveawayprice you sent me. The strawberry is supercute and has already found it's place in our living room. I'll take a photo this week and post so you can see. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteSonia, these photographs are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOnce again your photos blow me away. France is just so beautiful. I can't believe how warm it still is there, you lucky lucky lady. I have our heating on here!
ReplyDeleteI have been meaning to email you and ask how you are settling into your new life in the south. Making friends, new long walk to school. How the boys are doing. I promise to email youXX Take care, much love. Thanks for the fabulous beauty in your photosX
Hi Sonia! How nice was that trip?! My kids watched the videos with me. Daniel loved to see it. Don't your boys want to exchange letters with them? I've posted about it on my blog a few days ago. BTW, a long time I don't craft anything. I've neglected my studio since I started college and the amount of homework Erik has is divine! I even closed that blog as you know. I need to make things for my home and friends...for Christmas. I like the idea of natural dyeing, I've tried with coffee once (on paper). xoxo.
ReplyDeletegorgeous, gorgeous photos Sonia. Some fabulous Autumnal signs too :o) My favourite photo is the 'tucking into sandwiches' one. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWell, you could try dyeing on a small scale, just to see how it turns out. Using old buckets and small scraps of fabric. Onion skins are meant to be good for dyeing things a sepia yellowy browny colour. Hope you give it a try, sounds like it will be messy but fun.
Thanks for visiting over the weekend. It was a busy one.
lots of love xxxx
wow, what a stunning view! how i long to go on adventure treks like that! someday, someday!
ReplyDeleteHi Sonia! Your pictures are amazing! Sounds like you had a great time on the hike! The views are breath taking! Those acorns are very cool looking! I hope u have luck with using the berries for dying your fabric! It sounds like a neat idea! Have a good week sweetie! hugs!!
ReplyDeleteHi Sonia! What a lovely day you had. Family hikes are something we have always done with our kids. Even when they were so small they had to be backpacked. The castle ruins must've been so exciting for the boys. I enjoyed the video and I'm sure you'll come up with lots of great craft ideas for all the momentos you picked up along the way! Thanks for the birthday wishes! (((Hugz)))
ReplyDeleteI have just discovered your charming blog. You take lovely pictures. How wonderful it must be for you to have such ancient ruins and sites to go to so near your home. Thank you for showing us your wonderful day!
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