When you see the term Gender Ideology, alarm bells should ring in your head!
Here we go again. Gender ideology. Gender. Ideology. Do you think you know what it means? It’s currently in vogue in the Americas. Bolsonaro put it back in style in … Continue reading
Pergolating Part Deux
Slowly but surely. This week we planted Silver Lace Vine on the uprights. I know, it’s one of those out of control plants, but considering the erratic weather we want … Continue reading
The Cost of Living Crisis Revisited
I know the situation is very different from the 2008 financial crisis but the effects are very similar. A year ago a cucumber at my local supermarket (Intermarche) was 1€, … Continue reading
Pergolating, Part I
Here we go, part I. It’s up but there’s still a ton to do. You can see a pair of the new iron chairs. They look super designer and light … Continue reading
Number 42, Before Us
Yesterday we had the great pleasure of being visited by a former resident of number 42. One who grew up here and loves the place as much as we do. … Continue reading
Hi Ren
Originally posted on Esme's Cloud:
It’s been too long, of course, but if it makes you all feel any better no-one has been getting much in the way of…
The Wonders of Absurdist Entertainment: Chateau DIY
Imagine this scenario: There are British people who want to live in a grand French country house, but they (a number on this program) can’t quite afford to do it. … Continue reading
Happy Holidays!
All is well, all is quiet — which is how we like it. Soon to be are pictures of the installed pergola. Mike is well. Psa tests are one per … Continue reading
The end of summer in Mazamet
And what a wonderful time we had. Discounting the heat, of course. That part was appalling. Having resisted air-conditioning all these years, we finally gave in and installed one in … Continue reading
A Very Mazamet Summer: Flowers, Food & Wine
And a good time was had by all, I believe. Our first guests of the year have come and gone. My brother and sister-in-law. I realised something fantastic happened to … Continue reading
Do you need an abortion? PLANCPILLS.ORG
Let me start by asking people, all of you out there, to pass this along to your readers and followers, friends and family. I know many people are disturbed by … Continue reading
Summer Girls, Guest Rooms & Kitchens
SUMMER GIRLS ARE COMING!!!!! We’re more than thrilled. We’ve had no visitors since the pandemic began and it seems we’ll be making up for it this year. Mike’s brother and … Continue reading
Christianity and the Strong Arm of the Law: Do the religious not trust themselves?
This was from the former Pink Agendist Blog posted in January of 2014, but happens to unfortunately be relevant yet again. “Christianity has had, since its inception, an obsession with … Continue reading
Some beautiful places in the Tarn
I’ve been in contact recently with a pair interested in moving to the region. After having looked at a few of the properties they’ll be visiting I was bombarded by … Continue reading
The Difficulties with Villa Ermo Pt. 2
The background problems were discussed in some detail here, but having had ample experience in design/furniture/art over the past 24 years, I wanted to talk about the things people don’t … Continue reading
A Short Post — regarding people’s nether regions
Just want to get this one out of the way because — well, because that’s what this blog is actually for. It’s here that I talk to myself (and to … Continue reading
The Complicated Case of Villa Ermo (Mazamet’s Grey Gardens)
No news yet on Villa Ermo near the Villa de Mazamet, and my hopes that someone would take it on are beginning to fade. To be honest, I’m not surprised. … Continue reading
Mid-March in Mazamet. Sold, sold, and please don’t sell that!
It seems we’ve arrived at the hot-cakes stage of the market. The Reynes house sold for asking price, approximately one million US$. I don’t know who bought it. The park … Continue reading
Another Mazaversary!!! Also, lunch and dogs
The Ukrainian branch of the family is in a secure location so let’s set aside for a moment all the terrible things happening in the world. As we celebrate another … Continue reading
The Ukrainian flag has gone up in Mazamet
Our mayor has put the Ukrainian flag on the town hall. What a horrendous time. On the French side of my family, almost every generation lost people to war. My … Continue reading
Tradução: Linguagem jurídica envolta em comportamento mafioso. Minha experiência com Caio Druso
Imagine esse cenário. Sua mãe, no Brasil, na Europa ou na América, recebe uma carta de um advogado no Irã. A carta é uma notificação extrajudicial. Sra. X, Estou a … Continue reading
This is how the mafia operates: Caio Druso
A Portuguese version of this post will follow shortly. Imagine the hilarity of receiving not one but an inbox filling succession of “extrajudicial” letters as attempts to — not only … Continue reading
February Auction Highlights, London & Madrid
Still time to bid! Each with caned seat and back with loose cushions upholstered in red and cream damask. Profoundly French. I’ve always loved sitting at dining tables where everyone … Continue reading
Winter in Mazamet: Visiting the Molinié Villa
It’s been cold! The lawn has been regularly covered in a white dust of ice. There have been storms and flooding in various parts of France. Luckily, we’re not in … Continue reading
Wishing you all A Life in Roses in 2022
Mike got me a few roses for a nice start to the New Year.
Happy Holidays!!! To Every Thing There is a Season, and a Time To Every Purpose
We’ve had a lovely bit of very welcomed sunshine lately to brighten up what’s been an emotional time. As we’ve completed our seventh year in France we also lost the … Continue reading
Gorgeous Stuff; Autumn in Mazamet; And just for fun: The Canadian High Court Decision
The weather has been fantastic. Mild sunny days and cool nights. It feels like compensation for a summer that was very volatile. A book by Sonia Servant via the Dept. … Continue reading
The Secret of Life: We all play the status game, but who are the real winners?
“Life is a game. To understand this is to understand why the human world can be so maddening, angry and irrational. The behaviour of racists, transphobes, conspiracy theorists, cult members, … Continue reading
September in Mazamet. A House of Substance
Thank goodness for September, the cool nights are back. This month and October are some of the best months in Mazamet. Lovely sunny days punctuated by cooling rains. Skies that … Continue reading
A Fascinating Perspective; Critical Race Theory in Action at The White Lotus
“… Excellent performances (and performers) like Rothwell as Belinda are wasted as the Black and Hawaiian characters — the ones actually best suited to critique their white oppressors through the … Continue reading
2021, Summer in Mazamet — and art
… and what a strange summer it has been so far. Another year without Summer-Girls visiting. Had they come, we’d be listening to Thomas Dutronc’s album Frenchy and drinking champagne … Continue reading
Much Ado About Critical Race Theory
People seem to be incredibly preoccupied with this theory at the moment. It’s being discussed in much the same way as they used to talk about the Homosexual Agenda. I … Continue reading
All the Things One Doesn’t Say Out Loud. De mortuis nihil nisi bonum
“Her mother blackmailed her, her husband Giovanni Battista Meneghini stole from her, and shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis was violent and abandoned her for Jackie Kennedy… …In writing a new biography, … Continue reading
E La Nave Va – Liberty, Equality and Vaccination
Only two weeks to my second Pfizer Covid shot. I didn’t think I was going to get the first until after June 15th when vaccination opens to the general public … Continue reading
Brilliant Idea for Next Door + A Brussels Tapestry
And so it becomes clear. The house next door has been purchased to become a co-living residence for seniors. It’s a fantastic idea and an interesting option both for the … Continue reading
Camellia Season, Work and Many Versaries
First of all I’d like to know what the moratorium is in the post-Trump era before we can say offensive things again and not be confused with his supporters? I … Continue reading
A Random Rant or an Open Letter – or the 1st draft of a letter
Infuriating. Infuriating. Have I said infuriating? For the nth time in the past three years the French Douane (customs office) has sent us a request for supplementary information on a … Continue reading
Happy Holidays!
So here we are and what a year it has been. I don’t even have the energy to comment. Let’s hope 2021 brings some measure of normality back. Christmas Menu … Continue reading
Masterpiece, from Master Piece, Objet de Maîtrise, Meesterstuk
Excerpt from Walter Cahn, Masterpieces: Chapters on the History of an Idea, Princeton, 1979 “The exercise of a profession during the Middle Ages necessitated admission to a guild or corporation, … Continue reading
The Redemptive Power of Beautiful Things
A more light-hearted post since whenever one turns on the television all we hear are terrible things – so I give you some beautiful things: I found this great little … Continue reading
Masterpiece Art: Stephen Finer, Portraits that Capture
I highly recommend this virtual exhibition, which you can see from the comfort of your home. Not a bad option these days. The paintings are sublime. STEPHEN FINER: PORTRAITS THAT … Continue reading
She’s Leaving Me!!!
She’s decided she’s going to live in America. I won’t lie, I’m a little bit shaken. I thought that considering the virus and the turmoil in the world, she’d … Continue reading
Official Mourning Declared Tomorrow in Brazil’s 4th Largest State
Governor Rui Costa declared official mourning for the 18th of August to honour my grandfather’s death which happened this morning. Mayor ACM also released a statement. Not entirely sure how … Continue reading
Medical Fraud: Misleading Coronavirus Video Spreads Online
In a video posted Monday online, a group of people calling themselves “America’s Frontline Doctors” and wearing white medical coats spoke against the backdrop of the Supreme Court in Washington, … Continue reading
And now for not beautiful things, like Covid-19
Last week my mind was the scene of a landslide of memories and emotions. It’s taken me a while to collect my thoughts. My email began flooding on Wednesday. Messages … Continue reading
Beautiful Things: Roland Oudot and Mercier Freres
Roland Oudot and Mercier Frères. Two names that aren’t terribly well known although they should be. A few weeks ago I saw a painting by Oudot at auction and thought … Continue reading
The Threshold of Injury to Demand for Action Ratio as Based on Genetic Determinism/Identity
Consider this example: For the past few years a sector of the American population has been proposing the legal denial of service to customers based on the customer’s sexual orientation. … Continue reading
Preparing the house for Imaginary Summer Girls
It’s the one time a year when the house gets cleaned from top to bottom, hard to get to cobwebs removed, unused rooms opened; So even though Summer Girls won’t … Continue reading
The mood music for this post is Sabor a Mi, late 60’s.
And then one day, suddenly, it makes sense. It all makes sense. I’m reading Pete Walker’s Complex Trauma (CPTSD) book. It’s the text I hoped I would one day find. … Continue reading
Isolation has increased productivity.
I finally got around to restoring the George I st chest that we found in Castres. If you recall, it was in a dubious state (see below) – which meant … Continue reading
A Lady of a Certain Size – and results. Also, STEP AWAY FROM THE ART!!!
Where do I begin? Well, the Spanish tapestry I mentioned in the last post nearly doubled its 2018 sale price. That’s some serious appreciation in a year’s time! The walnut … Continue reading
(Often Overlooked) Modern Artistic Wonders of Weaving
via tapestry ||| sotheby’s This is up for auction again – not sure why, but usually when things come up for sale just a year or two after they were … Continue reading
An 18th Century Walnut Sofa, Circa 1730; And other thoughts including on people who see Jesus on toast
It’s a very conservative estimate, but there’s a chance someone will end up with an outstanding piece of furniture for a very reasonable price. I still find it baffling that … Continue reading
Things to do during confinement: EXTREME FLOOR WAXING!!!
First I (hand) scrubbed the floors to get rid of old wax buildup which caused dark patches (and there were also specks of accumulated dirt especially where walls meet floors.) … Continue reading
Phenomenal performance, writing, photography – everything.
I don’t think I remember what my mind was before the things that happened that ruined my mind. It’s particularly fascinating for me to see someone exposed in this way, … Continue reading
One can tell by my eyes that I’ve probably been crying forever
Firstly, thank you all so much for the kind comments. I just didn’t have it in me to respond. I went to the vegetable shop yesterday and despite my efforts … Continue reading
Shattered.
Late last night, as I was going to bed, Rudy started twitching. A strange affair, like electric shocks going through his body. This developed into ever bigger seizures/strokes. A while … Continue reading
Life on lock-down, including the Joys of Cook—-ware
The Boulevard de Lattre de Tassigny and Rue de Strasbourg are magnificently quiet. The weather has been lovely this week. Mike took the opportunity to help Rudy with some rehab … Continue reading
Self-Isolation, Louis XV Stools & Some Cooking
We’re following the French governments’s advice and in self isolation because Mike fits the risk group criteria. We already live in quasi-self-isolation, so the main difference is instead of food … Continue reading
Convalēscentia – Part I
For those of you wondering: All is well! Mike is back to normal – or at least as normal as one can be after health scares of this type. He … Continue reading
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood
Well, yesterday was, anyway. Today it’s cold. Thank you all for the good wishes. My apologies if I didn’t answer you personally, I was a bit distraught. I have excellent … Continue reading
Happy Holidays!!!
Wishing you all the very best! We’re hiding out at the moment because Mike’s had a health scare. I really don’t want to talk about it for now – until … Continue reading
The Mayan Conquest
Intense. There’s no better word to describe this first month. Maya’s life experience has created a very unique mindset. Humans have a tendency to personalise everything – and so, I … Continue reading
Maya, Day II
I’ve cut away most of her matted fur and she’s had a bath. She arrived Tuesday evening because things got delayed at the shelter. The night was peaceful but she … Continue reading
Life can be difficult
I usually make an effort not to talk about unpleasant things – but sometimes life just doesn’t cooperate with me. There have been two things this this year that have … Continue reading
Best value property in the region – by a mile!
Four floors of 200m2 each, 10 rooms, exquisite panelling, marble fireplaces, fabulous garden with ancient trees – and of course this happens to be the sister-property of number 42. The … Continue reading
Late Summer 2019 at Nº 42
Summer girls have come and gone – and their company was utterly wonderful, as always. This year they brought along with them a pair of glorious Victorian cut crystal claret … Continue reading
Louis XVI Commodes, Including a Highly Important Marquetry Dresser by RVLC
Firstly, have a look at this: “… The commode having three drawers, the first set in the frieze, mounted with panels of ormolu interlace and rosettes above the remaining two … Continue reading
Uncle-hood
We had a surprise visit – which coincided with the heat wave. We thought the temperatures (we’re just two hours away from the record breaking 45.9º!!!) might ruin the experience, … Continue reading
Like stepping into a Jane Austen novel: The Harveys and the Herrings
To the left the Harveys, to the right the Herrings (of Norwich/Norfolk), in this most unusual portrait painted in 1820 by Joseph Clover, when the two prominent families were united … Continue reading
Lights, Camera – Mazamet
Lights, lights, lights in the garden! Absolutely wonderful. There was one thing I missed terribly about Spain and that was the ambience at night. Particularly in the garden at Villa … Continue reading
André-Léon Vivrel, Sotheby’s Hong Kong
AGE OF ELEGANCE: EUROPEAN PAINTINGS, FURNITURE AND SCULPTURE HONG KONG André-Léon Vivrel (1886-1976), FRENCH STILL LIFE Source: Vivrel Still Life, Sotheby’s This is an artist I did not know, but … Continue reading
To Gillie, With Love
“I hope you are already aware of the forthcoming celebration of Gillie’s life and art and the launch of the Lynne and Land Foundation we are setting up to help … Continue reading
Call this number and tell the woman I must see her chest without delay.
That’s the sort of unusual note Mike finds on his desk in the morning. And let me tell you, what a chest it turned out to be! Central or Northern … Continue reading
A Hanging, our Mazaversary and Various Other Versaries
The Hanging: It looks right. It was March 2015 when we arrived at number 42. Many corners have been turned since, but now it looks as if the big ones … Continue reading
Mazamet, March 7th, 2019
February in Mazamet has been like Spring. Lots of sun and beautifully mild temperatures hovering around 15 during the day, cooler nights. It’s been very enjoyable but of course something … Continue reading
Early February in Mazamet. A little bit of wonderful.
First things first, I’ve been doing the interiors of the cabinets in the scullery. They were plain and boring – completely unrefined. So I thought I’d add a bit of … Continue reading
As I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadows of Hungry Ghosts
Or is it goats? Worry not, this isn’t a depressing post! I’m actually feeling very well. But this is a haphazard post which basically goes nowhere, so be warned. I’ve been … Continue reading
Happy Holidays!
As usual, we couldn’t get the dogs all together and still for a Christmas card picture – so this year there are two. The boys were particularly disruptive, which meant … Continue reading
Did you know that when a parent dies you get a free churro?
A breathtaking piece of writing from a cartoon, no less. If you have Netflix, look up: Bojack Horseman series 05 episode 06, it’s delivered by Will Arnett. The first part … Continue reading
Chairs, China & Art – and detours
Remember how the dining room was nearly done? Oops. There’s been a detour. I wasn’t happy with the balance of the lighting as we sat at the table. The right … Continue reading
The World in Which a Dead Son Is Better Than a Gay Son
I’d rather have a dead son than a gay son. Let that phrase wash over you. Let it envelop you. Let it sink in. Taste its bitter sting. A dead … Continue reading
Mazamet, October 2nd, 2018
The weather has been sublime. Warm days, cool nights, stunning skies. I’ve been making an effort to order my thoughts. Sometimes my mind feels so full it’s like sitting on … Continue reading
Cooking this season – let’s call it vintage style: Cordon Bleu, Madhur Jaffrey & Edouard de Pomiane
The other day I found a complete set of the 1968 Cordon Bleu home course for sale online, and of course bought it immediately. It was designed by Rosemary Hume … Continue reading
The End is in Sight!
The fabric above is a 100% linen fabric called Water Iris, by Zoffany. Only £78 p/ metre. It’s what we’ve settled on for the dining room chairs. I’ve been working on … Continue reading
If the grass is greener on one’s own side – does one stop watering?
So confusing! I opened an upstairs window this week to this image. People here let their grass go brown in summer. I went looking around and it seems everyone does … Continue reading
Let’s talk about good stuff. Mazamet, August 22nd, 2018
The wallpaper is up and I’m thrilled. The effect is even better in person than in the pictures. The room is alive. The dark table will anchor the whole thing, give … Continue reading
So – Sarah Porter – What can I say?
It’s true that the day after you get bad news is a little bit easier. Just a little, though. Memories have been flashing in my mind all day yesterday and … Continue reading
LET THE FUN BE-GIN!!! Until it ends.
Summer girls have come and gone. We had a glorious time as we do every year. They went exploring this year in a way they hadn’t done before. They say … Continue reading
This map shows what white Europeans associate with race
“… Each country on the map is coloured according to the average score of test takers from that country. Redder countries show higher average bias, bluer countries show lower average … Continue reading
Denialism: what drives people to reject the truth by Keith Kahn-Harris
“In recent years, the term has been used to describe a number of fields of “scholarship”, whose scholars engage in audacious projects to hold back, against seemingly insurmountable odds, the … Continue reading
Mazamet: Being Gazumped & Hot August Real Estate
Okay, so we weren’t actually gazumped – I just like using that word. An apartment came up for sale in the building across the street (Residence du Haut Languedoc) and … Continue reading
Mostly pictures
Summer girls are here and out for the day to Albi – I was going to go with them but when I saw the temperature was going to be 35º … Continue reading
More dining-room-inations and some pergolating
The blue-grey is going up as I type. The blank space in it is for the Palmeraie (wall)paper after Carl Blechen. I’m in the last stages of the ebonising of … Continue reading
Of ridiculous things to say
Yes, Richard, it must be cultural. Either that or senility. Church bells are an absolute invasion of people’s right to reasonable peace and quiet. I make an effort not to be … Continue reading
Mazamet: Creating a new life in the South of France – Interview with Gareth Johnson for MainlyMale/GTV London
Journalist Gareth Johnson of GTV London and MainlyMale asked me a few questions about our move to Mazamet. The original source has been archived, so I’ve included a copy of … Continue reading
For Brexiters, truth is what you believe – even if it’s a lie | Opinion | The Guardian
“… It was shameless, a degradation of our public life. But sealed in the bubble of her ideology, protected by a right-wing press locked in the same bubble, she was … Continue reading
Religion as a Tool in Social Dominance Theory
“Social dominance theory was put forth by two researchers, Jim Sidanius and Felicia Pratto, in 1999. Specifically, Sidanius and Pratto attempted to explain how, and why, social structures seemed to … Continue reading
Dame Gillian Lynne 1926-2018. Once upon a time.
Dame Gillian Lynne, who has died at the age of 92, quite simply changed the way we think of dance. Her husband, actor Peter Land, announced on Twitter the … Continue reading
A marble bust of the Roman Emperor Commodus | Christie’s
“… Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus (161-192 AD), or Commodus as he was more commonly known, was the last emperor of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire for … Continue reading
(Almost) July at number 42
Mike got an umbrella because when summer girls are here we sit outside most days and his skin is prone to those lesions (caused by the sun) that have to … Continue reading
The Magnificent Hannah Gadsby Monologue
” … because I still have shame. You learn from the part of the story you focus on. I need to tell my story properly. Because the closet, for me, … Continue reading
Pot-pourri —– is a stupid title
Did you know pourri means rotten? The French term came about during the Napoleonic occupation of Spain. It began life as the name of a typical Burgos dish which mixed … Continue reading
Former inmates of Good Shepherd homes want compensation for forced labour – DutchNews.nl
“In the Netherlands at least 15,000 young girls and women were forced to work in the laundries and sewing rooms of the Catholic order of the Sisters of the Good … Continue reading
An Evening with Patrick Melrose or why the worse thing that ever happened to me was that I wasn’t an orphan.
Saturday evening in Mazamet. June 9th. The weather is mild. There’s a street party in the centre of town. From the garden we can hear music in the distance. For … Continue reading
June at number 42
Firstly, the garden. Above is what I’ve added to the garden in the past week. Today I’ve added 6 more astilbes (purpurkerze), 2 hostas (big daddy) and three lathyrus pink … Continue reading
In research this week: The Commode en Console
“… It’s French name, commode en console, indicates that it is, in fact, a console table designed to stand against a wall and a commode or chest of drawers. A … Continue reading
Yippee: a crucifixion, abortion, ducks and pretty things!!!
And it’s only Wednesday! – In case you missed the exceedingly popular last issue of Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, there’s a fascinating article on the second case of crucifixion ever found. … Continue reading
Author Didier Eribon: ‘What was difficult was not being gay but being working-class’ | Books | The Guardian
“What was difficult was not being gay but being working-class,” he says. ‘People who say they are proud to be working-class are really saying they are proud to no longer … Continue reading
Christie’s: The Kenneth Neame Collection, Including Arts of India, English and European Furniture and Works of Art
“This June, discover the refined taste of Kenneth Neame, one of London’s most respected antique dealers. Ahead of his forthcoming relocation, Neame is offering a curated selection of pieces from … Continue reading
Number 42: Upstairs Landing Update
The bedrooms side of the landing is now painted. Scaffolding will be needed for the stairs side. The Baudson Wisteria mirror (from the charity shop) has a new glass and … Continue reading
The “Governor’s Residency” at Tel ‘Eton, The United Monarchy, and the Impact of the Old-House Effect on Large-Scale Archaeological Reconstructions
“… This has bearings on the date in which social complexity evolved in Judah, on the debate regarding the historicity of the kingdom of David and Solomon, and it also … Continue reading
The Elegant Atheist: Keeping away the Jehova’s Witnesses and the Mormons
I finally decided to get a sign having been woken up today by the doorbell and the consequent dog barking. I ran downstairs flustered, stopped at the inter-phone to say … Continue reading
Dining room-inations
So we were talking the other day about what to (finally) do about the dining room and Mike said it would be wonderful if we could make it feel like … Continue reading
Princess Margaret preferred a vase –
The Queen’s sister was so miffed at the tiny glasses on Concorde that she used a vase for her G&T, according to a recent report. But what is the best … Continue reading
Amazing deal: Maison Bourgeoise in Mazamet for 85 000€
Source: Vente maison / villa 12 pièce(s) à Secteur de Mazamet : 245 m² avec 7 chambres à 85 000 euros – Lopez immobilier Apparently this is in a fantastic location … Continue reading
Les Floriales 2018
This year’s Floriales (open air garden fair) is from the 27th to the 29th at the usual spot, the Jardin des Promenades. It’s definitely worth a visit, there’s a lot … Continue reading
A student pod – experimenting with space
This was a challenge. So much so that I’d been putting it off for months. I was so uninspired I was leaning towards just leaving the two studios in building … Continue reading
That was quick + The visit of flexitarian millenials.
– That took five minutes to sell, which is a rather good sign for the strengthening market of the area. Asking was 470 EU which is 580 US$ (at today’s … Continue reading
The Léon Daures Archives
The descendants of architect Léon Daures have donated all of his files/notes/drawings to the government of the Tarn. You might not recognise his name but if you’ve been to Albi … Continue reading
Hommage à la famille Hessel : mécènes et modèles | Christie’s
“The Hommage à la famille Hessel : Mécènes et Modèles auction, to be held on 23 March, offers one of the rarest art collections of the 20th century, including works by French … Continue reading
Chris Hayes: What ‘Law and Order’ Means to Trump – The New York Times
“… In this view, crime is not defined by a specific offense. Crime is defined by who commits it. If a young black man grabs a white woman by the … Continue reading
The Dilemma(s)
I spent a good long while last night examining the console table. The damage goes far beyond what I initially presumed. There’s over-painting throughout. And it’s not just the gold … Continue reading
A Horrendous Day
I had planned on posting wonderful pictures of a stunning parcel gilt lacca povera console table from the first half of the 18th century this afternoon – but that will … Continue reading
Fabulous news! Dame Gillian Lynne Theatre
‘Andrew Lloyd Webber has today announced that the New London Theatre is to be renamed in honour of the trailblazing choreographer Dame Gillian Lynne. The Theatre will be formally recognised … Continue reading
Older Than Springtime
The weather was lovely over the weekend and again today. I’ve taken advantage of that to start pruning the wisteria. Nightmare job. Terribly frightening to be that high up a … Continue reading
The Mezzaro & Other Textiles (an update)
The person you see in the video is J.C. Bordes. He’s a local artisan with shops here in Mazamet, in Labastide Rouairoux and in Albi – and he makes woodblock … Continue reading
Countdown + the newest family member
It’s countdown to Holy Week when the family arrives. People from Holland, (the) Ukraine and Britain. One of them is heavily pregnant with this child above! They don’t want … Continue reading
From a 2014 Sale: An Italian green and gilt-japanned chinoiserie bureau cabinet, Venetian, circa 1750
“This striking bureau cabinet, decorated with chinoiserie scenes imitating Oriental lacquer, takes its inspiration from the form of early 18th century Anglo-Dutch examples, which quickly took root as important pieces of … Continue reading
Demystifying Maison Jansen by James Archer Abbott
“Befitting its rich heritage, the name “Jansen” has multiple connotations. First, it identifies a century-long, global offering of decorating services that focused on both historical revivals and contemporary trends, largely … Continue reading
On this cold winter afternoon
Last night was the coldest night in France this winter. It snowed on the Côte d’Azur and in Corsica. Here the temperature went down to -7, but that was … Continue reading
The Heart is a Burial Ground: The lost, wild world of Caresse Crosby
“She is credited with inventing the modern bra, launched Salvador Dali on the international arts scene and founded a publishing house for writers including Hemingway, Joyce and Faulkner. But the … Continue reading
Beautiful Things: Indian Palampore or Genovese Mezzaro “Tapestries”
“A palampore is a type of hand-painted and mordant-dyed bed cover that was made in India for the export market during the eighteenth century and very early nineteenth century. Only … Continue reading
The African Textiles Are in Place
I’ve missed these terribly. They’re either Ajar veils or Bakhnug shawls, which are part of the attire of Berber women. We had them in the hall in Sotogrande (the … Continue reading
Mazamet: The property market this week
This just came on the market this week. I recognise it as I’ve gone by many, many times. This house faces the park on Avenue Albert Rouvière, almost directly across … Continue reading
Les belles demeures des anciens patrons mazamétains – 11/02/2018 – ladepeche.fr
“…Face au château, trois belles et grandes demeures. «Elles ont toutes appartenu à la même famille Vidal, propriétaire d’une des grandes fabriques de délainage. C’est d’abord le père qui a … Continue reading
The Paranoid Style in American Politics | Harper’s Magazine – 1964
Richard Hofstadter was DeWitt Clinton Professor of American History at Columbia University. His book “Anti-intellectualism in American Life” was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1964. This essay … Continue reading
V.I.Poo
So we’re watching television last night when this advert comes on. I kid you not. V.I.Poo. Not a documentary about reality tv stars, but an air freshener. I’d like to … Continue reading
Entirely Unreasonable
From -3 on Tuesday to +17 on Friday. Insane. Snow doesn’t have a chance in these conditions. Here’s Rudy in his work clothes. We have the impression the power’s gone … Continue reading
Mazamet Under the Snow
Last night was the coldest night in France this winter. And this morning we had our first proper snow of the season. This year I was prepared and all the … Continue reading
Enlightenment Now by Pinker via Bill Gates
Five interesting facts Gates liked from the book: You’re 37 times less likely to be killed by a bolt of lightning than you were at the turn of the century—and … Continue reading
Bidding on the Ritz: Paris hotel auctions furniture
Artcurial Sale “The Ritz hotel in Paris is auctioning off 10,000 pieces of furniture and decorative objects. The hotel, founded in 1898, reopened two years ago after four years … Continue reading
Is Jordan Peterson the stupid man’s smart person? – via Macleans.ca
Tabatha Southey delves into University of Toronto professor Jordan Peterson’s work and finds his secret sauce—and what makes his work unnerving Tabatha Southey “…Western civilization is, after all, a delicate … Continue reading
Satan Come Forth!
Someone was kind enough to tip me off to this having been put up on youtube. Utterly hilarious – and what an absurd wig they put on Mike. They all … Continue reading
A Carpet for the Study
A very attractive silk and wool Bidjar from the first half of the 20th century in just exceptional condition. It fits the room beautifully leaving about the same distance on … Continue reading
Titles are boring
This was the last Christmas of my 30’s. Then the last New Years of my 30’s. Then the last January 4th of my 30’s. Today it’s the last January 17th … Continue reading
Many days are irritating, this wasn’t one of them.
Sorry, the pictures are awful; but what you see resting on the desk is a wonderful Belle Epoque mirror frame we found earlier today (I put another mirror behind it … Continue reading
My Mazamet 
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