Hello Everyone,
You were probably expecting a ‘curious story,’ but every few months or so, I do a little personal update which I call ‘Margo’s Musings.” So, here’s what’s going on with me…
Weather
Since I’m British now, I have to comment on the weather…
Summer in London is drawing to a close, but what a summer it has been! It’s been one of the longest and warmest summers that I remember (in London). There were even a few days when it was the hottest place in Europe!
We don’t have air conditioning, so on one of those scorching days, I packed up my laptop in my little rolling case and set out to find a cool place to sit and work. It took a while to find a place with air conditioning, but I finally settled in a restaurant where I had a really long lunch. I stretched it out so I could stay in the cool air. The next day, Jeff rented me a room at the air conditioned hotel just across the street. Thank you, Jeff.
New Beginnings
As the seasons change, it’s a time of new beginnings. The summer holidays are over, adults return to work, children go back to school, and everyone is refreshed after their summer break. In France, there’s a word for this time of year, it’s called la rentrée which simply means “the return.” This is a time when the French set goals and plan for the things they want to accomplish in the coming year – similar to the New Year’s resolutions we all make in January.
Just like the French, I always get inspired to plan something new at the end of summer. But this year there’s more newness in my life than normal. I’ve moved from France, and London is now my home base. We’re also in the process of remodeling a new flat which we hope to move into in October. In addition, I had some health problems I was dealing with for the past several months. But I’m doing much better now and I’m feeling more like myself.
Writing
My writing projects have been on the back burner a bit while dealing with health and moving. But I have a few in the works:
French Symbols– I would like to publish a book about French symbols before the end of the year – (wish me luck). I have most of it written, but I still have to write a bit more, put it together, and do illustrations…
Other Projects– I also have other projects in various stages of completion: A children’s book of fables, Women in the French Revolution, and I am toying with some fiction writing.
Courses
I always associate September with going back to school. I love to go to school! In London, there are several places that offer ‘short courses,’ often all day on a Saturday. I took one last week on drawing cartoons. It was fun and interesting, and it may even improve my drawing – we’ll see. Then toward the end of the month I’m taking a 3-weekend course on ‘The Fairy World.’ I’m pretty sure I’ll be inspired to write something about fairies, so stay tuned…
Thank You
The change of seasons seems like the perfect time to say a big THANK YOU to all of you, my readers. Thanks to everyone who has read my posts, bought one of my books, left a book review, bought me a coffee, or just sent nice thoughts my way. I appreciate each and every one of you, and I hope my stories bring you a little bit of enjoyment.
What about you? Are you planning something interesting as we go into a new season?
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Ahhh, la rentree, . . ..
🙂
Margo we always enjoy your musings, and can’t wait for your next book(s).
Thank you so much. That’s very kind. Hope all is well for you! 🙂
Thank you, Margo. I do look forward to your posts. I agree with you; this is such an interesting time of year, don’t you think? For farmers, students, teachers, parents, sportsmen and women and many businesses it is the start of the new annual cycle.
And it happens quite suddenly. Farming is an iconic example. Since the early spring the fields here in North Yorkshire have slowly changed from brown to green to golden yellow leading to a short period of frantic activity as the harvest is gathered in. Then, suddenly, the fields all turn brown as they are ploughed and replanted and the countryside returns to its more sedate pace as new seeds begin to germinate and grow.
The impact of the education cycle is very similar, and probably affects more of us than the agricultural cycle. And it is no coincidence that many of the world’s great festivals and celebrations take place at this time of year. Judaism celebrates Rosh Hashanah (the head of the year) in September. Harvest Festivals take place around the time of the Autumn Equinox in Europe. North America celebrates Thanksgiving a little later.
As you say, its also a great time to take stock of where you are now. And as it is a time of renewal and rebirth its really a time to appreciate what we have.
PS Re French Symbols, have you read Laurent Binet’s ‘The 7th Function of Language”?
Thank you again. J
Thanks, Jeremy
I hope this season will bring some new and wonderful experiences your way. I haven’t read the 7th Function of Language, but it looks interesting. Thank you for the recommendation.
All the best, -Margo
Talking about a fairy 🧚♀️ world, it reminds me of when I first experienced the painting “The Fairy Fellows Master Stroke, at the National Gallery eons ago, transporting me into its world for quite sometime. I can’t remember who painted it, but I certainly remember the painting.
All our love 💕 Margo, to you and Jeff, from Michelle and me xx
Wow! That painting looks amazing. I’ll have to go see it. Maybe it will even be covered in my course.
All the best to you and Michelle.
So sorry you have had health issues to deal with in the midst of an exceptionally hot summer in London. Here on the other side of the world, winter has been pleasant for me. I had June and July in Melbourne, where my only problem was exceptionly strong winds, causing a problem with my eyes (in the process of fixing now). I am now in Perth, where winter is mild and this year there has been a lot of winter rain – very good as it generally does not rain in the summer. And in marked contrast to a large part of Eastern Australia, where the drought is very severe – hope it ends soon. Spring is wonderful – such a hopeful and happy season in general. Your writing projects all sound very interesting. – i am looking forward to reading the results. With very best wishes.
Thank you, Paula. Hope your eyes are healing up nicely, and that you have a lovely Spring. It seems so odd that you are going into Spring while we are entering Autumn. I’ll have to get to that part of the world one of these days. 🙂
Hi Margo, on Facebook, there is an OU Language club and I just joined. One has to answer two questions to qualify. The first one, which language do you study at OU. I said, None, but I was accepted. However, 50 years ago I spoke fluent French, but I have forgotten a lot since. If you don’t use it you lose it. Your interest in the French language fascinates me. I like the nasal sound. I like the French chansons and wonder, how you feel about them, too. Best wishes for your future writing. All the best, Beat
Hi Beat, That sounds like an interesting club. I know that if I don’t keep up my French I will lose it, so I need to find something like that. I just need to settle in a bit more first.
I like French songs too. The thing I find interesting in both songs and poetry is how the final “e” which is usually silent (there are exceptions) in spoken French is pronounced. I guess they have to do that to keep the songs from sounding choppy.
Good luck with keeping up your French.
Hi Margo- I discovered your blog this summer just as my partner and I were leaving for our annual summer holiday in Nice. (summer 2019 will be our 20th anniversary on the Côte d’Azur!). So sorry to hear of your challenging health issues and summer heat! We live in the southern USA so are used to extremely warm temperatures. Doug and I visit London, Paris and Nice frequently and would love to meet up with you sometime! By the way, we found your book at the Librairie Massena and bought several copies for us and friends who join us in Nice from time to time.
Here’s wishing you a lovely fall and lots more inspired writing time! We will be in London around American Thanksgiving time. Hope to meet you someday!
Mike Bryant
Hi Mike.
Wow – 20 years on the Côte d’Azur! That’s amazing. I’m so happy you found me and my book about Nice. I lived there for 11 years and just moved back to London. Nice is a great place (but then so is London).
I would be happy to meet you if we are around when you are here. You can always contact me through my blog. Thank you so much for your lovely comments and for the “virtual coffee.” If we meet in London, I’ll buy. 🙂
All the best,
Margo