The cows finally emerged from their barns this week. The nights are still crisp and a fire in the grate very welcoming, but the days are gloriously sunny. Snowdrops have been replaced by shy violets and daffodils in the woods.
Between Gym Tonique, my stretch class, speed walking three times a week for a heart study program in Toulouse, and walking the dogs, I am getting a fair amount of exercise. For an annual fee of 60 euros a year (about 80 dollars US) I participate in the state sponsored exercise classes four times or more a week.
I just cannot understand the resistance so many Americans have to a national health system. According to The New York Times, the French have the best medical care in the world, and it's universal.
Two recently completed portraits of my neighbour's children. I messed up the little boy and had to rework it from a photograph. Hate doing that but sometimes it's necessary. The one of the little girl was done from life and captures her slightly naughty yet charming personality.
The cows finally emerged from their barns this week. The nights are still crisp and a fire in the grate very welcoming, but the days are gloriously sunny. Snowdrops have been replaced by shy violets and daffodils in the woods.
I gave up a fairly successful career as an illustrator and portraitist in New York to come and live full time in in this small cottage in France. I tell my friends that I committed financial and professional suicide by doing this, yet I have no regrets.
