Painting in the Languedoc

Firstly Happy Thanksgiving Day to all my lovely American readers, hope you are enjoying yourselves. For my sins whilst you have been indulging I have spent the entire day sweeping up the leaves from the fig trees. It's really rather naughty of me for intensive French beckoned but with guests due imminently I can't concentrate. I don't know when I became a worrier but the only remedy for me is the garden. A beautiful still day ensured that the smoke did a steady spiral upwards whilst crackling in a satisfying manner from the base.

Well, we have our first artist coming to stay at Le Chateau in 2008 and whilst I am biased I do so hope that she is filled with inspiration from the surrounding countryside of the Languedoc. Jill Campbell has been a professional painter since 1990 and now spends an increasing amount of time on painting retreats in the South of France having made the decision to spend more time travelling. Her gallery is based in Salt Spring,Canada and her delightful sounding husband says he is going to devote his time and expand her website. A double bonus for me then, a talented painter and someone who is a computer whizz. I've been saying for ages that I really must promote painting holidays here at Le Chateau, I am sure that Jill is going to produce some simply stunning work, heavens at this rate I'll be getting the canvas and sable brushes out myself !

Finally the sacred plum puddings arrived from England today for Christmas feasts. So my only little worry now is sourcing an 8ft high Christmas Tree and a fine turkey for the weekend after next. Easier said than done in France. Oh and some fireworks for New Years Eve.

No peace for the wicked.