second day of the tour, instant impressions

by Sharon Santoni
[blank]There is really too little time in the day to blog properly for you, but here are just a few images of our day :  we hit a big fair, then enjoyed some time to discover Rouen before visiting a last dealer.
The weather is not fine,  but we are having fun and enjoying delicious food along the way![blank]
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46 comments

Julia September 14, 2013 - 8:21 am

Love those pretty chairs! They'd look perfect in my bedroom at my house in Brittany.

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Babi September 14, 2013 - 11:53 am

Amazing pictures, yhe place seeme to be incredible!
I'd like to be with you … I love brocante.
Have a great week end.
Bisou, Babi

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Magnolia Verandah September 14, 2013 - 12:37 pm

Love the cutlery, pretty pink china and the embroidery thread.

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Castles Crowns and Cottages September 14, 2013 - 2:38 pm

Oh how very French and fun! You have properly showed us the good life here, Sharon and je vous remercie! Bon week-end! Anita

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La Table De Nana September 14, 2013 - 3:19 pm

Looks like so much fun..and the assortment of jams so welcoming..
The mirror shot is very fun~

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manuela carvalho September 14, 2013 - 4:38 pm

Imagens e ideias fantásticas! Manuela

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Karena Albert September 14, 2013 - 5:56 pm

What a treat Sharon; good food; great shopping. Thank you for sharing so much of your adventure!

xoxo
Karena
2013 Artists Series

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White Ironstone Cottage September 14, 2013 - 6:01 pm

Is that you in the mirror looking fabulous
fun!! post
xo
Pam

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Emm September 14, 2013 - 7:25 pm

I like the painting of the soldier with all his medals — and he seems to be wearing la légion d'honneur. Please tell me that someone snapped him up. And that most interesting hutch, have never seen one with vertical slats like that. Oh, and the flowered chairs. Want, want, want.

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Heather Robinson September 14, 2013 - 8:45 pm

Loved a rare shot of you! Yes? It is all too gorgeous to count–I am especially over the moon for the hutch with the heart!

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Anonymous September 15, 2013 - 1:22 am

Sharon, Brings back such pleasant memories…Love you in the mirror..Cheri H.

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Marsha Splenderosa September 15, 2013 - 2:16 am

OMG, that pair of chairs!
Too wonderful to find a pair in such great condition.
Wish I could have them right this minute.
xx's

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The enchanted home September 15, 2013 - 3:08 pm

What fun!! Love it….enjoy your weekend.

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Colleen Taylor September 15, 2013 - 9:16 pm

I love the mirror shot of you Sharon, yes a rarity indeed. The those mother of pearl knives look too good, the pastoral painting, ahhh, what a treasure.

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Divine Theatre October 18, 2013 - 5:03 pm

My favorite escape is transporting dogs and cats to the shelter! I know it sounds odd.
Transporters normally take the animals 100 miles or more, passing them off to the next transporter until they reach their final destination.
For example, last week we transported a Great Dane. She was so beautiful! The biggest dog I have ever seen! She was so frightened, as it was obvious she has been neglected and perhaps abused. She was very thin.
My daughter and I picked her up about 20 mile south of our home and drove her approximately 100 miles north, to the shelter who would be sponsoring her.
We played soothing, classical music in the car and soon she was asleep with her head on my daughter's lap.
By the time we arrived at the shelter she was no longer frightened. Just one step on her road to happiness. That is why we do it.

I love the idea of a painting party! My daughter and her friends would adore it as well! Thanks for sharing!

xo

Andie

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I Dream Of October 18, 2013 - 5:17 pm

Sharon, I didn't know you painted! I love that you do, and I think your work is charming and lovely. Painting is my escape, too. It takes my brain to a whole other place – engaged enough to usually chase away worries, but detached at the same time while it processes what I see. I think it's better than meditation. Couldn't agree more that we all need our downtime. My inlaws just walked out the door after a week's visit. I have the house to myself and just sipping my coffee and thinking about what I want to paint later today is soothing. Hope you have a beautiful weekend! XO

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Sue October 18, 2013 - 5:29 pm

Gardening and riding, definitely. I am not all that great at either of them but both activities give me an inner renewal and sense of accomplishment.

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Catherine October 18, 2013 - 5:31 pm

My Victorian great grandmother used to have painting parties in her parlor. There were easels set up around a huge room that had 114 foot ceilings. I wish someone had painted that scene.

I love to make things. I can start at 9: 00 AM and suddenly realize it is 5: 00 PM and I have forgotten to eat. Time just flies when I get so immersed in a project.

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Heather Robinson October 18, 2013 - 5:50 pm

I was so blown away by the beauty in Andie's comment that I forgot what I was going to say! Wow.
Uh yes, "photography" (just the act of focusing will get me to stop thinking too much) and yoga (ditto).
Such a beautiful post, Sharon. Very inspiring…

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Jayne E October 18, 2013 - 6:58 pm

Sharon, I'm in awe of your paintings. They are lovely and you should be very proud. My escape is patchwork quilting. I make quilts by machine and by hand and it's the hand- piecing that calms me and centres me. Quilting comforts my soul.

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sharon santoni at my french country home October 18, 2013 - 7:11 pm

Wow Andie! Your devotion is admirable!

Xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home October 18, 2013 - 7:15 pm

My art is just amateur Jeanne, unlike yours :), but it's the doing that I love, never mind if the paintings are show able, or better kept in a dark room!

Xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home October 18, 2013 - 7:16 pm

Sounds good to me Sue, and you get out in the fresh air too!

Xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home October 18, 2013 - 7:19 pm

That must have been an amazing scene Catherine, and of course that was a time when painting was a very popular past time

Xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home October 18, 2013 - 7:22 pm

We all love your pictures Heather, but I think you could have added writing to your creative outlets
Xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home October 18, 2013 - 7:24 pm

thank you Jayne, I don't think my paintings really merit awe, but like you with your quilts , it's the creative process that does me so much good.

Xx

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The Blue Farmhouse October 18, 2013 - 7:26 pm

My "me" time is cuddling on the sofa…blinds open…light streaming through, people passing by…no agendas or to do list..just.watching episodes of HGTV!

Rita

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Julie West Wales October 18, 2013 - 8:03 pm

Sharon, I love your landscapes. I found my late father's watercolours and brushes when emptying the house and decided I would have a go – he'd taught me to lay a wash when I was 8 years old, but I'd hardly picked up a brush since. Then I discovered pastels – what a revelation! Now when I want to unwind I retreat to my easel, something to do with all those glorious colours just waiting to be stroked onto paper.
I love the idea of paint parties, and I will keep that book in mind for when my granddaughter is a bit older. Thank you

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Karena Albert October 18, 2013 - 8:45 pm

Sharon, your paintings are wonderful! So as you probably know, painting is at the top of my list, then reading,pouring through design books, an unexpectedly great movie.

So important, yes!

xoxo
Karena
2013 Designers Series

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Lorrie October 18, 2013 - 9:03 pm

Creating something with my hands is my "go-to" for downtime. Gardening, stitching, cooking. Sometimes if I really need to get away from even my own thoughts, losing myself in a good novel works. Just 30 minutes can energize me. (but then I have a hard time stopping)

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Prince Snow Farm October 18, 2013 - 10:47 pm

You are such a talented artist! How wonderful that you have this means of relaxation! I just did a post yesterday on my relaxation….the garden of course! Pop by if you have a moment!

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Jennifer Clark October 19, 2013 - 12:48 am

To relax, I garden or read a good book/shelter magazine with a cup of coffee/glass of wine. I also refinish furniture. Right now I'm working on a small chest of drawers I picked up for $5. I plan is to paint it black, (once I get all the baby blue paint and Spiderman stickers off) and add crackle graze, gold highlights, then add enamel knobs I picked up in Italy. When it's finished, it will be my bedside table and storage for my scarves and bags.

I like to paint, but I get frustrated by my inability to capture what I see. Love your paintings, Sharon!

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kerrie of sea cottage October 19, 2013 - 1:10 am

Journaling outdoors in nature is my favorite quiet time. Drawing and painting too and when i was younger running in the country. I love your paintings.

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kerrie of sea cottage October 19, 2013 - 1:12 am

Journaling somewhere quiet outdoors. Painting and drawing too and when i was younger running in the country. Now walking on waters edge.

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Colleen Taylor October 19, 2013 - 6:55 am

Sharon, you're a woman after my own heart. My downtime is the same as my up-time & that's painting as well. Many people don't "get me" because I need the solace the quiet time to think & paint. I do it for a living but it still remains my saving grace. I thrive on it, without it I'm lost. Beautiful post & I do love what you're painting.

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Melissa Hebbard October 19, 2013 - 8:15 am

I have just come home from a botanical art class painting iris. Don't know about relaxing as I am absolutely exhausted after concentrating so hard, but I love really studying a single flower in loving detail, getting to know it's intricate structure, marveling at the way the light makes part of the petals glow, and really SEEING it. The watercolour medium is still a struggle for me but it doesn't really matter if the painting is beautiful, or even if it gets finished (which it usually doesn't!), it has been a lesson in marveling at the beauty in each wonderful flower.

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peggybraswell October 19, 2013 - 8:15 am

I can get away by journaling + by cooking..love your painting, sharon.+ it is the process that calms me down + helps me clear my mind. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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marsha cannon October 19, 2013 - 1:12 pm

Beautiful post and right on! The creative side of me has to be functioning or I am totally frustrated. Gardening, flower arranging and a little bit of painting and drawing which are fairly new hobbies do it for me. I love your painting and the tranquil set up of your easel and supplies.

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steph October 19, 2013 - 1:50 pm

as a compulsive knitter, I so understand that need to escape into the creative world! And as an art (history) major (a million years ago!! now!) I had enough studio experience to know that paint eludes me. (I can't even paint a living room wall—a solid color.) But because I've tried so many times, I have such an appreciation for those who can…and your work is quite lovely.
My grands are all into all sorts of creative outlets—and I see that book in their holiday future. Thanks for recommending!

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Marina Pérez Bejarano October 19, 2013 - 2:06 pm

Great landscape, painting is great but not everybody can. There's a part of my family that paints very well and the other that it's better not to talk. my therapy is reading

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Le Farm October 19, 2013 - 2:35 pm

Bonjour, Sharon,
When I saw your paintings, my first thought was how amazingly your hand mimics what you see through the lens of your camera. I get such inspiration from your perspective through your photos…it spurs my own creativity. As long as there is something conspired in my mind and then comes to life, my "pitcher fills back up". It can be a table I made out of an old door to a magnolia wreath sprayed silver. I'm the jack of all trades and master of none! It is also the process for me, not necessarily the outcome. But, getting back to your paintings…they are a glimpse into your true talent which to me seems to be the way you see things…you can turn the very ordinary into the exceptionally beautiful.
Suzanne@Le Farm

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Annette T. October 19, 2013 - 5:55 pm

Your paintings are beautiful and of course so is the subject matter. I've painted since 83 in acrylics, and recently switched to water colors about 2 yrs ago. It's so much fun learning this medium which can be such a mystery. I took a hiatus of about 3 yrs off and I kept noticing something just didn't feel right, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Then I realized I wasn't taking time for myself and I was so missing painting! Now I'm back and it feels great. I'm going on my first outdoor outing next week with my water colors. Teacher already warned us to practice at home outside just once so you make sure you have all your goodies!

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Nib's End October 20, 2013 - 3:25 am

When I write I can go anyplace I choose. I don't need to pack or buy a ticket. If I want trees or wind I simply paint them with words and sit on the grass with kings and washerwomen eating jam tarts and plums.

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Carolina Elizabeth October 20, 2013 - 7:57 pm

You are so very inspirational. THANK YOU. Hugs from Oklahoma. Carolina E.

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whiterose October 20, 2013 - 11:23 pm

Your paintings are lovely very gentle. As a painter I must agree it is a very satisfying meditative process, in fact I used those words in my Artist Statement, your post reminds me of what I am missing
I really need to "retreat to my own little bubble" get down to my studio and paint. Sometimes all you need is to read something like this, Thank you

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martinealison October 21, 2013 - 1:04 pm

Bonjour,

En tant qu'artiste peintre il serait erroné de ma part de dire que la peinture n'est pas une thérapie… Elle l'a été d'autant plus lorsque j'étais gravement malade… Elle est je dirais même ma meilleure amie.

Faites-vous du bien ! J'aime voir la douceur de votre touche…
Gros bisous

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