Monday, December 14, 2015

Peace On The Earth, Good Will To Men

Christmas At Cottage - part 2 (though a very small part)


Even if I don't decorate a lot at this time of year, compared to other bloggers, I always have a wreath and I like creating new ones every year. 

Même si je ne décore pas beaucoup à cette époque de l'année, par rapport à d'autres blogueurs, j'aime faire une nouvelle couronne chaque année.

I was very uninspired this year.

Cette année, je n'avais aucune inspiration.

There are all kinds of reasons for me not to be inspired this year. Even if I see many, many beautiful things on blog, I couldn't find something I wanted. 

Il y a de nombreuses raisons pour lesquelles je ne me sentais pas dans l'atmosphère voulue cette année.  Même si je voyais de très jolies choses sur les autres blogs, rien ne me donnait envie de m'y mettre.

I decided to stop thinking about what I thought people might want to see on my blog and to begin concentrate on what I wanted for this particular year.

J'ai décidé d'arrêter de penser à ce que j'imaginais que les gens voulaient voir sur mon blog et de commencer à réfléchir à ce que moi je souhaitais pour cette année.

The image that came to my mind then was this one.

Ce qui m'est venu alors à l'esprit ressemblait à peu près à ça.


Finding a white bird to put on my wreath was easy. For some reason, white birds are all the rage for Christmas trees in France this year. The tag didn't say it was a dove, but I thought the cheap one I found would do. 

Bizarrement, trouver un petit oiseau blanc a été facile. Il semble que décorer son sapin avec des oiseaux soit la grande mode cette année en France et j'en ai vu plusieurs modèles. J'ai choisi un petit pour ne pas alourdir la couronne qui doit tenir sur une pointe. L'étiquette ne précisait pas "colombe", mais bon...

 
Things got complicated when I began looking for something to create the blue background. I was envisionning fluffy blue feathers. Don't ask me, but it was what I wanted. Apparently blue feathered garland are NOT all the rage for Christmas this year in France. I couldn't find any in the three decoration stores I tried.

Les choses se sont compliquées quand j'ai cherché ce qui devait faire le fond bleu. Dans ma tête j'imaginais bien un tapis de plumes bien duveteuses. Ne me demandez pas pourquoi, mais c'est ce que je voulais et hors de question d'en démordre. Apparemment, les guirlandes de plumes bleues ne sont pas la grande mode cette année en France. Je n'en ai trouvées dans aucun des magasins où j'achète mes décorations.

 
Then, I had an idea. I was probably going to find that in the party store that I only know of because it faces the paint store where I buy my Farrow & Ball paint cans. I went straight to the "wedding aisles" and to the blue one, to be precise. When you're a single lady, let me tell you, you don't really feel at ease in that kind of store. 

Soudain, idée de génie. Et si j'essayais le magasin de déco de fête que je vois chaque fois en face du magasin où j'achète ma peinture ? Je me précipite dans les décorations de mariage. Je ne sais pas, moi, je vois bien ça en déco de mariage. J'aime autant vous dire que lorsqu'on est une vieille célibataire, on ne se sent pas vraiment à l'aise dans ce genre de magasin.

 
No blue feathered garland to be seen. I dared to ask a salesman, keeping my fingers crossed he wouldn't ask me when the wedding was to take place. He didn't. But he said: "Blue feathered boa? Have you looked in the whore costume aisle?"

Pas une seule plume bleue en vue. J'ose demander conseil à un vendeur, craignant qu'il ne me questionne sur la date du mariage. Ouf ! Cela ne lui vient pas à l'esprit. Par contre, il connaît bien son magasin. "Un boa de plumes bleues ? Allez voir dans l'allée des déguisements de prostituées !"

The wedding aisle suddenly didn't seem such a big deal... I walked towards the whore costume aisle, trying to keep my head high and again keeping my fingers crossed, this time in order not to walk on a pupils' parent (it's a really small world in Brittany). There they were. I grabbed a blue feather boa and went straight to the cashier.

Finalement, le coin "mariage", ce n'était pas la mer à boire à côté... La tête haute, je marche en direction du rayon indiqué en croisant les doigts pour ne pas tomber sur un parent d'élèves (oui, la Bretagne est un petit monde). Et là, victoire ! J'attrape vite mon boa bleu et je fonce vers la caisse.

 
The wreath goes with a song. I'm not religious, but the message here is universal, or so I hope.

La couronne de cette année s'accompagne de cette chanson. Je ne suis pas religieuse, mais le message est universel, j'espère.


See you soon,

A bientôt,



PS1: I may have news for you soon about my chairs (if some of you even remember this is the project I'm supposed to work on).

PS 1 : J'espère pouvoir vous montrer l'avancement de mon projet chaises bientôt, même si c'est loin d'être terminé.


69 comments:

  1. Hello Magali, garland highly original, creates a warm atmosphere, and the story of its creation :-)
    You have a beautiful desire ..... I also underneath subscribe
    In my snowing :-)
    I greet warmly

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  2. The soft blue and the dove ...:o))
    Good luck with the chairs !

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  3. Haha, I love it... after all where else would you get a blue boa?! ;)
    I love the way your wreath turned out and I think it's really important to stick with what you like and not feel like you have to live up to what other bloggers are doing. Often things in Blogland seem so perfect, but real life is often very different (at least mine is!)!

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    1. My experience of decoration has a lot to do with delays and imperfection and little to do with the magazine like photos we can see on some blogs!

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  4. I can't remember the name of the big store on the edge of Pontivy, but I'm pretty sure they would have had just what you needed! It was one of those stores that sold everything from 'deguisements' to saucepans. Their Christmas area was a joy.

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  5. Good morning Magali! I too have always struggled to decide how to decorate in order to SHARE my home on my blog. I always felt that what I'd often see on other blogs was not what I had, could afford, too copious or even liked for my own home. So like you, I just decided to do what I WANTED, which is more on the simple side. By keeping with my own instincts, I developed my own "French" style that I think emulates the true French country style. I too love white birds and I have a few perched in my chandeliers and candelabras! BUT I LOVE YOUR FEATHERED couronne! YES!I think you did a great job and isn't it hard when we get an idea in our minds, then we have to go out to find the materials, but have such a hard time finding them? That's part of the fun, especially when we finally find what we need.

    ENJOY THE BEAUTY of the season, your way!

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  6. I love it! Soft, ethereal and peaceful. Best of all, original !

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  7. I am really laughing about your trip to the whore department, Magali. I love the vision you had for your wreath and it turned out beautifully. xo Laura

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  8. Hi Magali,
    Love the blue feathers and the white dove. Soft, serene and so pretty.
    Have a great new week ahead.
    Kris

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  9. Super original and lovely! I suppose the popularity of the white doves could be a reaction to all the terrorist attacks in France this year? In any case, I wish you a peaceful and happy Christmas and new year...

    xo

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  10. Hi...LOL..had that been me someone would have been there..such a GREAT idea..i LOVE the blue..all icy looking..it's Prefect..the whore aisle will be sold out..and such a nice Christmas "carol" too..i'm like you.

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  11. Love the wreath! Love the story even more! :)

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  12. Bonjour, je suis une fan bretonne de votre blog .J'adore votre cottage et cette idée de couronne est originale !
    A bientôt .
    Nadege

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    1. Je suis ravie de compter une Bretonne parmi mes lectrices. Merci d'avoir pris le temps de me laisser ce gentil commentaire.
      Bonnes fêtes de fin d'année à vous!
      Magali

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  13. A little trip to the racy section and voila! A beautiful wreath that sends a lovely message of peace. xo Patty

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  14. This post hits home. My one-time 'handle' on line was 'boadoreen'. Long story ;).

    As for the 'whore' aisle, I am laughing that they name it that! That would never happen in the States!

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  15. Happy Holidays dear Magali, I love your blue wreath! I am a blue kind of gal. It is so breezy and beautiful and show hope and peace which we all need. xx Jo

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  16. So pretty, and It is very shabby chic. That's funny in regards to the aisle's name. I didn't know white birds were in, but the tree in front of my daughters piano is silver handmade ornaments, white doves, feathers, and rabbits. I'm very slow to do things this year... xoxo Su

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  17. Et bien en tout cas tu as de la suite dans les idées et le résultat est génial, j'aime beaucoup. Attention de ne pas siffler dinon les matous risquent faire des bonds pour attraper l'oiseau chanteur.
    Sans blague, c'est vraiment une jolie idée à retenir. BRAVO.
    Bisous bisous. Babette

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  18. Bon, ta couronne ne fait pas vraiment "Noël", mais elle fait calme, paix, sérénité, rêverie... et humour... On en a besoin en ce moment... et puis au moins elle est originale !

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  19. Imagination provided you with the perfect, unique door display.

    Peace to you this holiday season.

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  20. I love the soft delicateness of your wreath. It is like a sweet hug!

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  21. It works Magali and the perfect symbol for peace I might add.

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  22. très jolie, cette couronne bleue. J'aime beaucoup

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  23. So pretty, my favourite decoration this year. And you were very brave in your search, loved the story that came with it. Merry Christmas from Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada

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    1. Thanks a lot! One must take risks every now and then to complete a vision we have ;) Happy Christmas to you from France!

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  24. Love the wreath! It makes me think of Renoir and the ballerinas. It looks very peaceful, and French.(what a surprise) And, I have not forgotten about the chairs.

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    1. I like the fact that the wreath makes you think of ballerinas as I'm a big fan of ballet! Happy holiday season to you!

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  25. And where you least expect it, very good! A beautiful blue Christmas to you and peace on earth, ( dove ).
    Mr. Cottage is feeling very flirty;)
    Keep warm with the kitties, Kathleen in Az

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    1. Sometimes, you have to think outside the box! The kitties and I are enjoying the warmest December I've ever experienced in Brittany. It certainly doesn't feel like winter is beginning in two days!
      Happy holiday season to you, Kathleen!

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  26. Such a lovely wreath you made! You are very creative! I also enjoyed the Christmas carol. Merry Christmas to you!
    Nancy

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  28. What a beautiful wreath you created. I love the dove and the message of peace. We sure need this in our world today. Have a wonderful week, Magali.

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  29. Une belle idée emplie de bcp de messages
    Bravo et félicitations

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    1. Merci beaucoup pour ce gentil commentaire. Bonnes fêtes de fin d'année!

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  30. You had me laughing as I pictured you walking through the store wearing a disguise. :o) Your wreath is beautiful and the message of Peace on Earth is clear.

    I like to do my Christmas decorating before I start looking at blogs, because it all becomes a bit much for me to take in. Thanks for sharing the lovely song, Magali!

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  31. How lovely, Magali! A happy holiday in your beloved cottage.
    Amalia
    xo

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  32. What a perfect wreath !! Peace on Earth is what we need most, so your message is shared, both with the wreath and the perfect voices of 'Celtic Woman' (I am a fan for ages!)Best wishes for the Holidays to you and your family and friends !! Marie from Belgium

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  33. Jolie couronne très aérienne, jamais je n'aurais pensé aller dans ce genre de magasin...j'ai une question sur le billet précédent, pourquoi as-tu écrit Yule ainsi ? je ne veux pas avoir de ramener ma science, mais c'est JUL, le J se prononçant comme le Y...God Jul...Jul prend un e si par exemple tu veux écrire "jour de Noël"...Juledag"...ou fête de Noël...Julefest...


    Bises.

    Caroline


    http://bleunordique.canalblog.com/

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  34. Your tale of purchasing the blue feather boa is too funny!!! Ahhhh, but your wreath is timeless and so very pretty. Best ~ Mickie.

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  35. My goodness this is just beautiful. I love blues and greens. Your story made me laugh! Peace to you from California.

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    1. Thank you, Laura! Blue and green are the colours of the flag of the area where I live, so I use these colours a lot!
      Have a peaceful holiday season!

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  36. What a wonderfully whimsical creation, Magali! It is perfect for the season!

    Merry Christmas!

    Poppy

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  37. Very original! I love it. My grandmother always had a lot of birds on her Christmas tree in clouding a white dove.

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  38. Tu m'as fait trop rire avec ton rayon des prostituées ! Rassure moi ce n'est pas ce qu'il t'a dit !! héhéhé !! Bonnes fêtes de Noël Magali !!

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  39. Oh Magali! I laughed and laughed at this post. First I read it in English and thought it might be a misspelling. Then I read it in French and really started laughing. Awww! Inspiration everywhere. The wreath is truly beautiful. I would rather have one small thing of what I want versus an entire house of fluff. May this week be Merry and Bright for you.

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  40. It's very pretty, Magali and I love your description of finding the boa! You always make me smile :) Wishing you a lovely Christmas and very happy New Year! x Karen

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    1. I'm always glad when I can make someone smile! Have a happy holiday season!

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  41. Purposefully whimsical , or vice versa. I love the simplicity of your wreath. Jo @ Let's Face the Music

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  42. un petit oiseau blanc qui sera parfaitement assorti au manteau blanc neigeux de l'hiver... enfin s'il neige un jour !!

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    1. Pour l'instant, les températures sont dignes d'un printemps, les manteaux sont encore au placard, c'est raté pour la neige!

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  43. Your wreath is beautiful!! What a super creative way to get the look you want - and I loved the post about the creative process!! Ha ha, glad you didn't meet any pupil's parents in the whore aisle....that would have been an interesting post as well!! Merry Christmas!

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  44. The wreath is beautiful, Magali. Peaceful, serene, soft, dreamy. "Whore aisle"? LOL Honestly, that's what it's called? Great story! Lovely song - Peace on earth -- good will to men. Oh, how we need that. May your Christmas be filled with peace and serenity. xo

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  45. Merry Christmas, darling friend! I hope this Christmas week is full of joy and beauty. And speaking of beauty, your wreath is stunning! Love and hugs to you!

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  46. Very clever idea for the wreath. Love the white peace dove. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!

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  47. Magali, I'm so glad you decorated the way you feel and not what you think others want to see. Too funny about the aisle you had to find that on. I don't believe we have whore aisles here.:)
    I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and your wreath is beautiful!

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  48. What a beautiful, unique wreath! Like some of the other bloggers that are in the US, I was laughing about the "whore aisle". I had to read that part of your post twice to make sure I was reading what I did. I thought it was a joke at first! If a clerk here said something like that, it'd be very offensive. Language differences can be quite amusing. :-) Merry Christmas to you!

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  49. You have whore costume aisles in your wedding shops? I'm almost tempted to pop down to Portsmouth and hop on the next ferry, just to take a look! Love the wreath...unique and classy, just like the Little White House. Thanks for letting us into some of your adventures here - they invariably make me smile - and thanks for popping over to my humble blog as you do. I wish you an outrageously good Winter Solstice and all that's good in the year ahead x.

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  50. Ton boa bleu est très originale;)
    Cette Anne , avec les températures printanières et toutes les evenements, je me sens très peu l'esprit de Noël .
    Hugs from France.

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  51. What a novel wreath! I LOVE IT!! Thanks so much for popping by my blog and taking time to comment while I am recovering, you have made me smile! Have a wonderful and Merry Christmas in that beautiful home of yours xx

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  52. OMG, a whore aisle? That's a new one for me, but I'd love to know what else they sell in that aisle, heh heh! Your wreath is beautiful, Magali...a perfect sentiment. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

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  53. You always have the best stories, Magali. Love that you were able to make such an "angelic" wreath from the boa. It's just lovely. Wishing you a very happy and blessed new year!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  54. Great wreath and story. The whore aisle...who would have thought it. LOL
    Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year

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