Tuesday, February 10, 2015

A Land Without Magic

And A Little Kitchen Update - February 2015


Today, I had an apointment at the townhall to show my project about changing the windows upstairs. I was a bit nervous, but I had worked like crazy at creating pictures of a very well balanced house, both for the side on the street and the side on the garden.

Aujourd'hui, je me suis rendue à la mairie pour porter mon projet de changement de fenêtres à l'étage.  J'avais travaillé comme une folle pour créer une façade équilibrée (au lieu de deux fenêtres comme vous les voyez sur les photos, j'en voudrais trois) aussi bien côté rue que côté jardin.

To me, of course, it's all about creating a magical cottage...

Pour moi, bien sûr, il s'agit de créer un cottage magique...


But suddenly, I met reality: the townhall is a land without magic. The people I saw wanted to know nothing about balance or cottage or beauty. All they were interested in were how many inches there were between the windows and my neighbours' wall.

Rencontre brutale avec la réalité: la mairie ne comprend rien à la magie. Les employés n'en avaient rien à faire de l'équilibre de la façade. Tout ce qui leur importait, c'était le nombre de centimètres qui séparaient les fenêtres du mur de mes voisins.


So apparently, some of my ideas are too magical and I didn't calculate inches correctly... You see, if you build a brand new ugly house, it's ok that you're very close to your neighbours' house, but if you have an old cottage, the rules are different.

Apparemment, certaines de mes idées sont trop magiques pour eux et je n'ai pas bien mesuré mes centimètres. La fenêtre de laquelle je vais voir le jardin de mes voisins ne leur pose pas de problème, bizarrement, mais celle qui va être au-dessus de leur local poubelles est rigoureusement interdite...


I tried to argue, to explain what I was doing with Cottage... Useless...

J'ai essayé d'expliquer que les poubelles se moquaient bien que je les vois en petite tenue et que mes voisins, eux, prenaient rarement de bains de soleil à cet endroit-là et que, moi, cela me permettait d'ajouter un soupçon de lumière dans une pièce aveugle et que... et que... Autant parler une autre langue...

If you want an idea of how I felt, it was a lot like that:

C'est une journée qui a ressemblé un peu à ça:

in English



en français



Don't worry, I plan on beating them at their own game... Just not tonight! This has left me exhausted.

Bon, je vais revoir ma copie et essayer de les prendre à leur propre jeu de centimètres... Mais pas ce soir, cette journée m'a vidée!

Can we please pretend that something was done at the Cottage today? For the sake of my sanity? Can you please pretend that you've never seen what I'm going to show you? Please, I didn't have the best day, you owe me that!

The previous curtain that was beginning to show its age...

Bref, juste pour vous faire croire que quelque chose a tout de même avancé au Cottage aujourd'hui, laissez-moi prétendre que je viens de finir le nouveau rideau qui est déjà apparu depuis plusieurs mois sur le blog. Allez, soyez chic, j'ai eu une journée de folie!


I'm pretty proud that I was able to sew that very easy curtain and I like the touch of blue it adds to the kitchen.


Je suis assez fière d'avoir réussi à faire l'ourlet toute seule.  Comment peut-on refuser une fenêtre à quelqu'un qui sait faire un ourlet????


So, what do you think? Would a cup of tea help me feel better? Oh, but have you noticed my new kettle?


Que dites-vous? Une tasse de thé me remettrait les idées en place? Bonne idée, j'en profiterai pour vous montrer ma bouilloire.


Actually, I'm pretty sure you've already seen it and you haven't noticed it at all, because it's pretty boring. As I couldn't find one that was vintage-looking and in my price range, I did what I always do when I can't find something I love, I go discreet.


En fait, je suis sûre que vous l'avez déjà vue, cette bouilloire et que vous n'y avez pas prêté attention. Je vous comprends. Comme la belle bouilloire au look vintage dont je rêvais n'était pas dans mes prix, j'ai fait ce que je fais toujours dans ce cas-là: j'en ai cherché une qui soit discrète.

But this one has a little trick that it only reveals when it's heating...  a pretty light that adds more blue to the kitchen.

Mais celle-à a un tout petit truc en plus qu'elle ne révèle que lorsqu'elle chauffe... Une petite lumière bleue qui rend la cuisine magique.

Cottage and I love our new kettle! 

Cottage et moi sommes fous de cette bouilloire!

In my next post, I'll take you to a land of magic!

La prochaine fois, je vous emmène dans un décor magique!

See you soon,

A bientôt,


PS: I'm sharing my misadventures with:

ARTL FEB 9           Ivy and Elephants              http://mysalvagedtreasures.blogspot.fr/2015/02/vintage-inspiration-party-176_10.html                

http://diybydesign.blogspot.fr/2015/02/winter-blues-wednesday-its-party-206.html              Treasure Hunt Thursday- From My Front Porch To Yours  

62 comments:

  1. Lovely kettle.
    I well remember the tussles one has over building rights, and half a centimetre over etc. Hope you get them to agree.

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  2. That's a pretty awesome kettle! Hmm; bureaucrats - unfortunately, I suspect they are universal. Do you have the expression, 'a jobsworth' in France?

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  3. Oh poor Magali! The rules are grossly unfair, after all you are trying to improve Cottage. Why are they so short sighted? Don't loose heart, I know you will win out. On a lighter note, love the new kettle!

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  4. Tomorrow IS indeed another day Magali, and I know you will be ready for the next round of propositions! It is so amazing to see how many organizations/people do NOT see the magic but rather think too much in calculations. Our neighbor called the city planners office to complain about the addition we added to our home; the neighbor was concerned that we were building to close TO OUR OWN garage, but it was verified twice that we were within code. What business was it of the neighbor anyway? We got our building done, and the magic never ends. In fact, the magic wafted over to our neighbor, who since then, has tried to replicate a sort of garden feel in his yard that we have in ours! So, spread the magic my friend. People need it.

    Anita

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  5. The windows remind me of skylights. Touch of blue in the kitchen is always good in my book. I have a blue ceiling. Looking forward to your next post, Kathleen in Az

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    1. My upstairs windows are indeed some kind of skylights... That's what I'm telling the administration... I can only see the sky from them, not my neighbours' parking spot. Somehow they think I'm going to step on my toilets every day and bend over the skylight to check if my neighbour is parked correctly!

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  6. I'm so sorry it's going to be a battle to install windows where you'd like them to be! At least you can go to your charming kitchen for a cup of tea to console you. Your new curtain is lovely!

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  7. I say just do it (It's easier to beg for forgiveness that to ask for permission).....okay that's probably not good advice, but damn them!! Will you post your drawings? Would love to see your vision for Cottage. Perhaps you could start a petition and your readers and neighbors could all sign it! Your kettle is too cool! It kinda makes me want to say, "Beam me up Scotty" Anyways I love the blue glow, and do you realize even your kettle matches your kitchen!

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  8. J'ai vraiment beaucoup ri en regardant le film avec Astérix... et pourtant, c'est le reflet de notre administration... et lorsqu'on en subi les conséquences, c'est pas drôle du tout. Mais je pense que tu vas t'inspirer de la dernière réflexion de ce petit gaulois si malin ! Courage ! J'adore ta bouilloire !

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  9. Nice job Magali! Hope you find the right balance between what you want and what is possible through regulations!

    xox

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  10. Sadly, yes, town building commitees are all about sizes, iches, technical things. But once you have a plan I hope they pass you then the magic can begin. We will be doing this with our rebuild of a badly wired, not heated addition this year. I know it is tiring and stressful but I wish you succes next time. I noticed your kettle, very fancy! Love the soft blue of the new skirt. xo Patty

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  11. It only proves that most governments are run by petty functionaries! Hasn't changed since Nimrods time. Love your new curtain and the kettle is adorable.

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    1. I'm very surprised that they didn't care at all if the new windows would destroy the look of Cottage or not, all they cared was that they were 60 cm away from my neighbours' wall!

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  12. What kind of windows are you going for? I was wondering if it was fire related? If so I could help you on the alternatives, lots of fire rated glass out there =) I hope you fare well with that, I can just imagine the stiffness of a french council. Even a swedish council, in a country that wears modernism and reason on their sleeve, tend to get opinionated beyond their scope. I can just imagine the french dito where culture and history and local jurisdiction is so highly regarded... As for water kettles, I have an ongoing affair with my delonghi Icona. Takes forever to boil but it is purdy =)

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    1. The problem with the windows and the administration is only a problem of distance between the windows and the neighbour's wall. But the regulation was created with modern houses in mind... Our two old cottages have very weird garden around them and that make it difficult.
      I also had a crush on the Icona, but it was very expensive in France!

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  13. I hate when others can't see our vision and all they care about are silly things like inches and technical stuff. I know you'll get it worked out but I understand your frustration. I do love your curtain ~ the fabric is beautiful!

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  14. The curtain you made is beautiful and so is the fabric., and I love the new electric kettle. We like our electric one, because we forget to check the stove. I'm so sorry about your plan, but I'm happy that you plant to beat them at their own game now that you have the specs they are interested in. We just paid the city a ridiculous amount for a permit and someone else for the drawing to replace an ugly falling down fence on one side of the property with a wall. They required a drawing for a wall that was on the same spot as the fence despite both parties agreeing. Of course a wall is not as important as windows to your bedroom and bathroom! My point is that bureaucracy can be ridiculous.

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  15. Elle est trop cette bouilloire. Mon fis a un robinet mitigeur qui s'allume en bleu lorsque l'eau coule froide & forcément en rouge lorsque l'eau coule chaude. On n'arrête pas le progrès. Mais quand ça tombe en panne !!!
    Caresses aux minous. Bises. Babette

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  16. ton rideau est magnifique et joliment posé dans ta très belle cuisine que j'adore
    Pour tes fenêtres, étudie le problème a un moment où tu n'auras rien d'autre en tête, le but du jeu c'est d'essayer de les court circuiter et pour ça tu as intérêt à assurer tes arrières, lorsque tu as affaire à des employés butése, rien ne sert de les contrer, il faut y aller en souplesse et avec doigté
    Au vu de tes réalisations tu trouveras bien comment arranger le problème pour rendre ton cottage encore plus beau
    allez, peace and love ;-)

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    1. J'ai bien compris que du moment que j'étais au-delà des 60 cm légaux, la mairie se moque bien que j'ai vue chez mon voisin ou pas... Je vais donc essayer de tomber dans les clous!

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  17. ah les joies de l'administration française !!! et encore, tu n's pas à faire à l'Architecte des Bâtiments de France !!! là c'est une autre paire de manches , comme on dit , bien souvent, leur ego est assez démesuré et les règles assez incompréhensibles !!
    courage, tu vas trouver la solution...

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    1. C'est vrai, là, il n'est pas question d'architecture! Aucune des deux personnes que j'ai vues n'a regardé l'harmonie de la nouvelle façade ni même mon effort pour créer des fenêtres dans le style de la région... A pleurer!

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  18. Hi.......I am SSSSSSo sorry about your horrible experience over the windows..I know how you feel..on an up note..I Love that new pot too..that's pretty neat that blue glow..sometimes it's the little things that help get us past the horrible..look forward to hearing how you win the war over the windows..almost as much as I look forward to seeing them in.!!

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    1. Oh, the blue glow did lift my mood yesterday after that horrible appointment!

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  19. oh my dear! I can picture the meeting. dour, old, sad faced officials. ready to vote down most anything. and you come there, wanting a magical cottage! it's a wonder the officials didn't faint away, simply at your presentation. magical appearing cottage?!? what???? why?????? for what purpose????? and not exactly measured correctly, to boot!!!! harrrrrumph!

    -chuckle- I hope you covertly flipped-'em-off, when leaving!

    and will come back with the perfect plan, to thwart their old, dried up, preserved-in-amber minds!!!!

    so there!!!!!!!!!!

    Tessa~

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  20. I love your new curtain Magali. Your cottage is still so darling with or without new windows. But yes it is so disheartening. I hope you get the magic you want for cottage. We are all cheering for you. xxo

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  21. Forget the tea, have a nice glass of wine, take your shoes off and relax. Those old fuddy duddies, what do they know. It never ceases to amaze me just how narrow minded they are - never think outside of the box. Your kitchen and down stair is simply beautiful and you have done an amazing job keeping Cottage happy and pretty. Your skirt looks good.
    Load your guns and go back with terrific plans, figures and sketches and make them sit up and take notice. Good luck!
    Mary

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  22. I'm so sorry for your bad day. I love your cottage and it's magic--and your new curtain and kettle. I know you, and magic, will win out. Enjoy what is; anticipate what will be....

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    1. I do hope magic will win... Maybe with true love's kiss? But who should I kiss?

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  23. Love your new curtain it is lovely.There are problems with owning a home but,i still would not give mine up easily.Your video was very funny,thanks for the laugh.

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    1. I'm glad the video made you laugh. I always try to see the fun side of things!

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  24. Don't you just hate people who don't understand magic!!!

    We can't add onto our house because they would require us to make our garage a two car garage which would totally change the charm of the cottage so we just wiggle by in our little cocoon filled with magic.

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  25. I loved watching the Asterix and Obelix adventures. Oh how difficult it is to do things with the State. I had recently some similar situation with some papers for my son and it was really difficult for me. I loved your kettles!AriadnefromGreece!

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  26. So sorry Magali! Hopefully you can win them over the next time. Glad that you and your cottage love your pot. That's what is important.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  27. Ah, the joys of working with city building codes. We certainly have had our share of that. The town we're living in now won't allow the building of any new homes under 1,000 square feet. So we're building in a town 1/2 hour away, where building codes are less strict. Of course the city with the 1,000 sf new home restrictionshas pot holes in the streets and deer overtaking the town. Apparently potholes and deers overrunning the town are better for the environment than small houses. Wishing you all the best with your plans. I'm sure you'll figure it out.

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  28. I have no doubt you will beat them at their silly game! I love the curtain and the kettle. The fabric is lovely and the blue light is so cool! I think I need one...lol! Have a lovely Wednesday.

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  29. My dear friend you deserve a star on your forehead for being such a good girl with all of those muggles. (Harry Potter talk for non magic people) You will win out one way or another. If at all possible I would love to send you a little something to cheer you up and for cottage to. Could you email me your address? Hugs Jo

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  30. We have very tight construction requirements in our city - some are impossible to achieve with an older house. I think your kitchen is magical. You should have the next commission meeting in Cottage so they understand.

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  31. It's the same thing here - new construction seems to break all the rules, and they are too quick to tear down old buildings. I believe you will be able to use your magic on them, and you and cottage will win this battle! The new curtain is very soft and pretty; and the kettle is very cool!

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  32. Wishing the best to you in your next meeting....there are always unpredictable obstacles, but I have faith that you will prevail! Your new curtain is very lovely and your new kettle is wonderful. I've never seen one like it!

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  33. Quelle frustration de parler à quelqu'un qui, de toutes façons, ne voudra pas comprendre... J'espère que tu vas trouver une solution pour arriver à tes fins !
    Le rideau est très joli et apporte une touche supplémentaire de charme à ta cuisine. Au passage, j'aime beaucoup ton robinet !...
    Suis impatiente de découvrir le décor magique...
    Bonne journée.
    Nathalie

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  34. Oh Magali we all feel your pain! The path to permits is a very rough road. Your cartoon says it all, hubby thought it so apropos! Hubby & I owned an old home when we were first married that was built in 1909 and was always needing something not to mention our dreams for her. We were younger then and had the energy to persevere. We love watching your journey with Cottage. You will succeed!
    The new kitchen curtain is fabulous, lovely color and fabric design. And what a cool kettle!! You are amazing!

    Blessings and prayers for permits, Edie Marie

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  35. Bon courage avec l'administration ! J'adore votre bouilloire ! Elle est géniale ! Amitiés, Flopsy

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  36. So sorry Magali. I think once your figure out the measurements they'll allow, you'd be fine. At least the kitchen is making you happy right?

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  37. Can you imagine if you didn't have a cosy kitchen with a pretty kettle and new curtain (love the fabric) to come home to, the day would have seemed worse, I'm sure.
    I'm also sure you'll overcome the bureaucratic obstacle that stands in your way and beat them at their own game, and the result will still be magical.

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  38. Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about all the hoops and red tape you're having to deal with. Sometimes it just doesn't make any sense. Your kitchen is so charming and I love the fabric on your new curtain. Thanks for sharing at VIParty.

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  39. Everything will work out. It does, you know. The curtain is perfect. Love the fabric. I agree 100% about the kettle. Useful. Discreet. Like a good butler! How nice to come home to that beautiful kitchen after a bad time at the town hall. Angels to you!

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  40. oh la la... ce n'est pas drôle toute cette réglementation d'urbanisme ! je ne doute pas que vous trouverez une solution qui vous satisfasse Cottage, Vous... et la collectivité locale
    quant au nouveau rideau, il rompt le rythme des portes blanches, par son volume mais aussi par sa douce couleur si proche de celle des murs - encore la recherche du détail ! trop bien ! cordialement - monique59

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    1. Je travaille sur une nouvelle façon de présenter le projet qui corresponde à ce que veut l'administration. Ensuite, il faudra attendre la décision de la mairie!

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  41. I wish that I could come have a cup of tea with you and listen to you gripe about bureaucracy, red tape and the lack of magic. I am sure that you would feel much better, but we will have to settle for drinking our tea on opposite sides of the Atlantic and commiserating via the comment section of our blogs. Just know that you may have lost the battle, but that does not mean that you have lost the war!

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  42. Well, after a day like you had I think you could use a little magic. That story is really straight and to the point, that is how all planning commissions are in our country too. It has got to be universal. Love the little blue light at the end of the tunnel!..Happy Wednesday..Judy

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  43. How've you been, my friend? Aside from having to deal with completely non-magical a-holes who are in charge of approving your plans or not? Good luck getting everything figured out. I really like your new kettle!! Definitely could use some tea right now, just about to head to #2 of parent teacher conferences. #1 went okay. My baby is really good at reading and comprehending things in French, but not so much when she hears it and has to respond. le sigh. :) We'll get it figured out.

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  44. Very neat kitchen! I like your sharon rose, so beautiful.

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  45. Love the kettle, even more when it's all lite up! So sorry about dealing with governmental rules. We are facing the same thing, our garage is sinking, our 90 year old garage. All we want to do it "raise" it back up and lay a new floor. But you can't do that, because if we change it it's no longer under the "grandfather" clause. Oh my, life just has too many rules in it by people obsessed with rules? Love your little blue curtain you made, such pretty fabric. With it, it made your whole kitchen new to me....like the very first time I seen it!

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  46. Boo planning people - knowing you, I'm sure you already have another fab solution figured out!

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  47. Oh I like your new lighted tea pot
    and love your toile curtains you made my favorite material

    Janice

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  48. Magali,
    That cartoon was hysterical............but only in a cartoon, not so fun in person. Have felt that way myself a few times.
    Hope you get things worked out. Your kitchen is so cute, and like your new curtain, and love the old one too.
    very pretty and makes your kitchen look charming.

    Have a cup of tea or three, and throw your feet up and read a decorating magazine, might make you feel better.
    Blessings, Nellie

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  49. Magali, don't be intimidated, you shall prevail...when you're rested and have stepped away from this situation for a while, so that fresh ideas may come to you, like a little light bulb in your brain, or better yet, from your new electric blue kettle!

    Happy Valentine's Day!

    Poppy

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  50. Happy Valentine's Day! I love your white kettle and your blue kettle!!

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  51. I think officials on planning boards should be required to take classes in design and aesthetics. Most of them don't seem to know or care about aesthetics.

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