Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Rays Of Sunshine

Wandering Around Cottage - May 2016 Edition

Lancieux, Brittany, France


Today's walk begins with a rocking chair. Unusual, right?

La promenade d'aujourd'hui commence avec un rocking chair (un fauteuil à bascule, pour le cas où la police québécoise de la langue passe par là). C'est plutôt inhabituel, non ?

For whatever reason - probably watching too many episodes of the TV show The Little House In The Prairie - which is very different from the books, I know - just a side note in case Laura from Decor To Adore reads this post - I love rocking chairs! I do hope you made it alive from the last sentence, I'm too tired to rewrite it! Anyway, I had, in my living-room, a rocking chair that is gorgeous - if I may say so of my own furniture - but when Cottage was flooded I rushed the chair as fast as its heavy weight and my weak muscles would permit upstairs. It has stayed in my (very unfinished) bedroom ever since.


Pour une raison que j'ignore - enfin, peut-être ai-je regardé trop d'épisodes de La Petite Maison dans la prairie quand j'étais petite - j'adore les rocking chairs. Je trouve que cela donne tout de suite un air serein et confortable à une pièce. J'en avais trouvé un il y a quelques temps. Il était dans le salon, mais lorsque le rez-de-chaussée a été inondé, je l'ai porté à l'étage aussi vite que mes muscles gringalets et que son poids délirant me l'ont permis. Depuis, il est resté dans ma chambre, encore en chantier de toute évidence.

Scouting my favourite second-hand website, I found an even more gorgeous chair to sell in  the town of Lancieux which is between Cottage and my parents' cottage. Maybe it would be great to have an other one in the living-room again? So we decided to go together to pick the chair. As soon as  I saw it, I knew it was wrong for Cottage. The back was all carved and it was beautiful, but it was too big. The key in living in a small house is not to overpower the rooms with what's in them.



Toujours est-il que sur Le Bon Coin, j'ai trouvé un autre rocking chair de toute beauté en vente pour pas trop cher dans la ville de Lancieux, située entre Cottage et le cottage de mes parents.  N'était-ce pas l'occasion pour le salon de retrouver un fauteuil de plus ?   Mes parents et moi avons décidé d'y aller ensemble. A l'instant où je l'ai vu, j'ai su que cela n'irait pas. Le dossier était entièrement sculpté, c'était magnifique... mais il était beaucoup trop large et imposant pour Cottage. Un des secrets quand on vit dans une petite maison, c'est de ne pas laisser les meubles manger tout l'espace.

My father was very disappointed as he hates when things don't go according to plan. So I offered to have a little walk around Lancieux.

Nous étions déçus mais nous avons décidé de profiter de l'après-midi pour visiter la ville de Lancieux. 


The beach there is lovely and has very typical little beach houses.

La plage est splendide et bordée de petites cabanes de plage adorables.

I kind of dragged my parents to the church as I think they are most of the time lovely in Brittany. They were actually glad I insisted.


Comme d'habitude, j'ai insisté pour que l'on visite l'église, c'est rarement une mauvaise surprise en Bretagne. 

 
It's not a very old church as it dates back from the beginning of the XXth century (you might want to remember that information for later), but they are some interesting features. like carved columns and a beautiful wood pulpit.

Ce n'est pas une église très ancienne puisqu'elle date du début du XXe siècle (je testerai votre mémoire dans un moment...), mais elle est bourrée de détails charmants : des chapiteaux de colonnes sculptés, un belle chaire qui doit presque faire paraître les sermons intéressants...

Many churches around here have a wood ceiling that was built by marine carpenters and was a replica of a boat hull. This one doesn't, but it still has a little reminder that Lancieux is a seaside town.


De nombreuses églises bretonnes comportent un plafond qui était fabriqué par des charpentiers de marine, à la façon d'une coque de bateau renversée. Celle-là n'a pas ce plafond que j'adore, mais il y a tout de même un voilier miniature qui nous rappelle que nous sommes au bord de la mer. 

 
Right across the church is a beautiful stone house. It has obviously been restored by someone who tried to use as much old materials as possible. All the window surrounds, for example, are different and were probabably reclaimed from other old houses or mansions. I think the person who did that restauration must be an interesting person.


En face de cette église, il y a une superbe maison en pierre. Elle a attiré mon attention car elle semble n'avoir été rénovée qu'avec des matériaux de récupération. Ainsi tous les entourages de fenêtres en pierre paraissent appartenir à différents châteaux ou manoirs car tous ont un style différent. Je me suis dit que la personne qui vit là doit être bien intéressante.

I noticed that behind one window, there was a stack of paper. To some people it might have meant that the owner was messy, to me, it meant s/he was ver interesting.


Derrière l'une des fenêtres, j'ai remarqué une pile de papiers. Certains penseraient que la maison est en désordre, moi je me suis dit que la personne habitant là devait être très intéressante.

 
But when I saw the back door, I knew the owner must be fascinating. I mean who owns a replica of the dancer by Degas and a plastic Yoda and displays them in the same room? Before you get any idea, I never saw who lives there.

Mais quand j'ai eu un aperçu de l'intérieur par la porte arrière, je me suis dit que cette personne devait être fascinante. Quelqu'un qui possède à la fois une reproduction de La Petite Danseuse de Degas et un Yoda grandeur nature en plastique doit être une âme sœur... Ne commencez pas à vous faire un film, je ne sais pas du tout qui est l'heureux propriétaire de cette maison.

So how's your memory? When was the church built? Yes, so disappointing it's not very old. The older one has been distroyed, but the tower survived. It has an amazing mermaid carving and the cutest anchor display that I'd love to copy in my garden if I ever have time to prettify the garden.


Alors, ce test mémoire, on le fait ? De quand date l'église ? Eh, oui, déception, elle n'est pas bien vieille. Mais, bien sûr, il y avait une église avant le début du XXe siècle. Elle a malheureusement été détruite, mais il reste le clocher ainsi qu'une adorable sirène sculptée dans la pierre. J'ai aussi trouvé charmante l'ancre posée contre le mur en pierre. Il faudra que je m'en souvienne quand j'aurai enfin le temps de donner du style au jardin. 


Speaking of the garden, it's the reason why I haven't had time to write since the beginning of May. Spring finally made an appearance at Cottage and so I used every waking hour when I was not at work to remove the weeds from my vegetable garden, to turn over the soil (ok, only the first two inches) and to rake.  I'm so proud of myself, I'm sharing a photo of the bare vegetable garden!


En parlant de jardin, c'est la raison pour laquelle je n'ai pas écrit sur le blog depuis le début du mois. Le printemps a finalement fait son apparition et j'ai passé toutes les heures où je n'étais pas à l'école à désherber, retourner et ratisser mon coin potager. Je suis tellement fière que je vous montre une photo du résultat... vide... mais les plantations ont commencé !

See you soon,

A bientôt,


PS1: I recently became aware that I lost all my abs... If anyone sees them (or even only one of them), please send them over to Cottage... It'll help me a lot to follow the instructions in this video I'm using to get back in shape... Because for now, I can usually do about two movements when the inrtuctor (who is awesome) asks for ten or twelve!


PS 1 : Je me suis récemment aperçue que j'avais perdu mes muscles abdominaux... Si vous les voyez passer, merci de les renvoyer au Cottage, ils me seront bien utiles car après des mois à ne rien faire, je tente de me remuscler (la petite vidéo si dessus est super pour les abdos - mais avant que vous ne me félicitiez, sachez que je ne fais environ que deux mouvements de chaque exercice quand la prof en demande dix ou douze).

PS2: I'm taking along in this walk readers from the following parties:

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.fr/2016/05/show-and-share-no-313.html              Join Us for Share Your Cup                                                 


50 comments:

  1. Des travaux, une belle ballade et du sport quoi de mieux pour se faire du bien
    Travailler les muscles, la respiration et le contrôle de soit, c'est parfait pour le corps comme pour l'esprit
    Ton jardin est en bonne voie, j'ai hâte de voir ce que tu vas nous planter, que de découvertes à venir
    ça te laisse tout un programme à réaliser pour les prochaines vacances
    Je te souhaite une très belle semaine
    @ bientôt

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  2. Magali, I to would have dragged, pulled or any other way gotten the rocker up the steps, it is so pretty. Sorry the other rocker wasn't right but you'll find another. The tour was lovely, loved seeing the church (the first thing we look for when visiting France are cathedrals and churches) and the the house. I think it must be a very interesting person living there. Glad you've had some nice weather to prepare your garden.
    Have a nice week………hugs.

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  3. my goodness you sound as out of shape as me! I can do only a few reps, I dig only a couple inches LOL -- we need to get together and help each other out :) as always I love your photos and seeing another part of the world - it would be so interesting to see. Thanks for sharing

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  4. La découverte de Lancieux (en dehors du vide-grenier) a été très agréable... je vais essayer de me renseigner pour savoir qui habite dans cette magnifique maison... Quant à ton potager, c'est du bon boulot ! Bon courage pour la suite.

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  5. I too bought an old rocker, and it too is stuck up in our bedroom, which looks very much like your unfinished room! Love the stone house with all the unique features. Hope you get stronger each day. Once you are off school, or have the time, perhaps try swimming. I found I was in the best shape (for me) when I did a daily swim exercise class. Sadly there isn't a pool where we live so I am mush! So good to hear from you. xo Patty

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  6. Beautiful church! I'm looking forward to the day when I can see these things you show in person ;)

    xox

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  7. Hello Magali, I read the books and yes, the tv series didn't follow the books, that's Hollywood for you. Sitting in your beautiful rocker enjoying the view, how relaxing. A statue of a mermaid in your backyard garden, I can picture that:)
    Always enjoy your travels, Kathleen in Az

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    1. I haven't (really) decided how I want to organise the garden later, but a mermaid in it seems like a great idea!

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  8. It's a lovely town, and the church is very pretty. xoxo Su

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  9. Hi...i wish spring would make an appearance here..raining 4 - 5 days a week an temps in the 60's..love your rocker..an the floor looks beautiful too..the church is wonderful..an now i get the anchor inside..altho i'm not sure i'd like having the person on the pulpit to my side..seems hard on the neck..i noticed the house also had a ceramic cat at the back door..so that seals it..they most be fabulous people..Thanks for the walk..always fun to be an armchair traveler..hope your week is off to a fine start..

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  10. I'm like your father, I hate it when things don't go according to plan, but a walk in that town would have made it better!

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    1. My parents love it when I show them around anyway, as they don't do it much by themselves...

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  11. I always love a post from you.. this one had Cottage and a tour, wonderful. I always like to know the "why"behind things and that stone house is a perfect example. I think you should stalk out the place and get some pictures of the resident. And you could do some ab exercises while stalking. Oh, but you still have school, or are you done until fall? Well, if not I understand, you do have a weedless garden awaiting your attention. I am jealous of that clean patch of land, by the way.

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    1. I still have school: French schools aren't out for summer before July 5th... Still a long way to go! The clean patch of land already has weeds reappearing, of course ;)

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  12. Beautiful church, even though it's not that old. lol. I think your garden is ready and waiting for some planting. It looks good. Too bad about the rocking chair, but I'm sure you'll be on the hunt for one that is just right for cottage. Enjoy your spring weather!

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  13. Your pictures are so beautiful. I love the beach and the church. So interesting. And such a beautiful time of year. I have planted vegetables in pots, as it is easier for me to water. I'm hoping to enjoy them this summer.

    Jocelyn

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  14. Thank you for the lovely tour. I always love when you take us some place so beautiful. By the way maybe our abs are hanging out together. If you see mine tell them to go home. lol
    xx Jo

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  15. So cool to see the old buildings. Looks like a lovely place. Have relaxing times in your garden.

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  16. Retourner la terre fait du bien aux quadriceps, désherber remuscle le dos, tu vois que tu en fais de la gym.
    Dommage pour le rocking-chair- , mais je suis sûre qu'il y en a un qui est fait pour toi, un jour il va te sauter aux yeux.
    Les minous vont-ils bien? Plein de caresses pour eux.
    Bisous. Babette

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  17. Well if you find my abs you may also return them! I am feeling every aching muscle in my body these days with all the work that is being done in the garden. But I also love every minute of it! Good luck with your veggie garden - I was in mind planting Bok Choy and Fennel this morning before work.

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  18. Chère Magali, HELLO! The charm of your region, OH how I crave to be there! The stone homes, the coast, it can't get any better. And that window through which we get a glimpse of the owner's taste, that is SO magical.

    I wish you a happy spring!

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  19. The rocking chair looks like the perfect place to read a book, and stare out the window. Glad you rescued it! The beach looks lovely, the church is beautiful, and it would be something to meet the owner of that house, to see who's behind those varied items in the window! I'm envious of your garden space - I have to make due with a small herb box, and a container or two of tomatoes!

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  20. What a beautiful walk! Just a little early to be planting vegetables here, too - but we've been getting our gardens ready as well! I know where my abs are - under a layer of fat! ;-)

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  21. That church is lovely!! I love beach and sea themes and the fact that they had a mermaid, sailing ship model, and an anchor is so cool! How beautiful!

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  22. That church is lovely!! I love beach and sea themes and the fact that they had a mermaid, sailing ship model, and an anchor is so cool! How beautiful!

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  23. That church is divine. Literally and figuratively!

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  24. The church is beautiful, thank you for this lovely tour and oh the beautiful house also.

    Your rocking chair is very pretty and I love a rocking chair. Unfortunately, I do not have one and I wish I did.

    Great pictures and your garden looks good - happy planting.

    Mary

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  25. je retiens le nom de Lancieux car j'adore les cabanes de plage !! je rêve aussi de rocking chair au salon... drapés de plaid quiltés - ah super, un potager chez Cottage !! essayez les poireaux perpétuels, une fois les bulbes plantés, ils sont toujours disponibles pour agrémenter un plat ou une soupe - y-aura-t-il des potirons dans le potager de Cottage ? à bientôt - cordialement - monique59

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  26. Too bad the rocker didn't work out but what a lovely day you had. The church is beautiful. That anchor is so gorgoeus as well. Good job on getting the garden spot ready. It looks great. Have a lovely rest of the week.

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  27. I have a rocker that I rocked my babies in. I love that church and the stone house. I love looking in the windows, at a distance esp. At night.

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  28. I'm glad that "wrong" rocking chair made you go on this lovely walk for us to enjoy!

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  29. You have a lovely garden space Magali. I'm jealous!

    I absolutely adore that church. I have a weakness for arched doors it seems, but truly, it's charming and so European.

    xxx

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  30. That church is beautiful no matter how young/old it is! And Yoda? Awesome! I channel Yoda all the time! I'm excited about your vegetable garden. I just planted some tomatoes, but Phil is going to put in a raised bed or two for me pretty soon. Of course, they'll probably mostly just grow weeds. ;)

    -andi

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  31. I love fun side trips that turn into discoveries. Can't wait to see what you're planting. We're already harvesting radishes and sharing them with our friends who eat them like candy. Jo

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    1. I planted my usual tomatoes, zucchinis and eggplants, but the slugs are a real problem this year! We'll see what I can save.

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  32. I'd want to copy the mermaid too - she is lovely.
    Were you tempted to knock on the door of the stone house? To lurk, perhaps, in hope of running into the owner? That window would have had me wondering too!

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  33. I love how you catch all the gorgeous details. Love the photos Magali! Thanks for the tour. PS I think my abs are hanging out with yours. If you catch them together, please tell mine to get home! Cheers.

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  34. Lancieux surely looks like a great town by the sea. The white sand is so inviting. I miss the ocean so much! That church is beautiful. Incredible details on the church building and on the house. The doors are interesting and certainly like nothing we have around here.

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  35. I love seaside towns with all the little beach houses standing together. It's not a common sight in California.

    Thanks for sharing with SYC.

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  36. Usually don't comment as there are always so many others, but wanted to say thank you for showing the house built from old, unmatched things. I loved it so much and found it an inspiration to stop procastinating on what the perfect trim would be for my house and just do what I think is right for each room. That lovely home was truly perfect in its imperfection.

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I'm so happy the featured house inspired you!

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  37. Hey sweet lady! I'm back! I loved your post so much that I am featuring it at SYC! Thanks for sharing. xx Jo

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  38. I just love that shot of the rocking chair with the light streaming in :)

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    1. Thanks! It'll look even better when I get to paint the walls, but there are more work to do in that room before any "cosmetic" change can happen.

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  39. I found the addition of the anchor and the boat in the church interesting. But the church was pretty. I liked the shot of the rocking chair too.

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  40. I love that you've read Little House on the Prairie. My girls and I love that series!! I haven't shown them the TV version yet. You had a flood? Maybe I shouldn't read your posts from newest to oldest. Oh well. Your tour was lovely.

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  41. I just discovered your blog and enjoyed it so much. How kind of you to address the Orlando tragedy. I'm from Connecticut, and as you know we had the Newton tragedy, so senseless, such horror. One of the victims was from our town. I really enjoyed your humor, most particularly the lady not allowing photos.....have a beautiful day!!!! Karen

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    1. I'm so glad you found your way to The Little White House. Welcome! And thanks for taking the time to write a comment.

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  42. Magali, the church is beautiful, and the little houses on the beach very interesting, we don't have them here. Your photos are always so interesting, love the one of Yoda and Degas. Take care, Jeannie

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  43. Magali, the church is beautiful, and the little houses on the beach very interesting, we don't have them here. Your photos are always so interesting, love the one of Yoda and Degas. Take care, Jeannie

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