France!

I have been in France for about a week now with Monika and her family, as well as another intern who is also from France.  The first few days the kids and grandkids were here so the house was full of energy and of course food! We spent some time going over the studio and the garden here at the house. She has a lovely home and studio here in the countryside – jealous… Friday we went to the market in Rennes and did a little walking around the old part of the city. I must say one of the things I am really going to miss about Europe is the markets. We have a good market in Detroit MI but I may need to get my sister to go market hunting with me when I am in Virginia. When traveling I promise myself that I will try all food offered to me, even if it seems like it would turn my stomach or is something I normally don’t partake of. Monika has made me a tomato lover… I know I cannot believe it either but I eat them almost every day now. They are not big meat eaters and with the garden and the before mentioned market it is really easy to eat good produce. Also, to the surprise of all the members of the household I also REALLY enjoyed a strange strange sausage… that was made of tripe. Go figure. Tomatos and intestines YUM. Ha.

Getting back to the non food part of my time in France ….

The first day here I got right to work for Monika. I only have a three week period and there is much to be done so I figured I wouldn’t waste any time. She has a few deadlines coming up so I am helping her with some ring projects while Anne is helping with some cross stitch. Thank whoever for Anne! I know how to cross stitch for my own pleasure but as simple as it may look this work is precise and intense. I could do it… but I know I would take about four times longer than Anne or Monika. Me thinks I shall stick to the jewelers bench for the time being thank you.  I wont talk too much about the work because I really want everyone to enjoy the finished product. What I will say is that I find it fun, interesting and very much Monika Brugger. Tomorrow I will ask where she will be showing so that you may all keep up with the activity.

Gardens, Markets, Cats, Metals, Stitches… and spiders.  

France I really am enjoying you.

-More to come soon-