week 45 2024

Hello!

The cranes have been flying south, looks like they know it is time to head to the warmth for winter.  Did you know that cranes mate for life?  To find out more about them and their migration paths, click here.

Cranes over Sauveterre

Generally you hear the cranes coming before you see them! 

Whatever you do in the Gironde and Dordogne regions this week, have a good time.  There's another Jour Ferier coming up on Monday, so prepare for a long weekend.

 

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 45

 

9 November

11 November

On October 24, 1922, November 11 officially became a public holiday dedicated to commemorations in France. Since then, every November 11, France has paid tribute to the soldiers and victims of the First World War. Throughout France, parades and activities are hosted on Armistice Day. Many cities and villages around the country host large community events to memorialize the losses of the war. People place wreaths, garlands, flowers, and other items on gravestones and memorials as well.

 But Duras does it differently...

 

Coming up...

 

And finally...

I've been busy making soup bowls and plates in the studio.

 

I love the cosy shape of the bowl, that makes it perfect for soups and stews, or breakfast cereals and porridge - it will even hold a good number of crisps and snacks!

Come and find them in Sauveterre at the Arts Typiques boutique, along with a whole host of other handmade items - it's a perfect place to start your Christmas shopping - #shoplocal

Week 8 2024

 Hello,

Those few sunny days have turned into stormy ones - possibly because I washed my car (take note WS!)

However, not before plenty of cranes had been spotted flying overhead.  There's a wonderful website where you can keep up to date with their travels - just click here.

I love hearing their distinctive sound, then heading outside to watch them circle over the river, then reform their 'V' flying formation, and continue on their journey.

Whatever you do in the Gironde and Dordogne regions, keep warm and dry and have a good week.

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 8

https://www.cinema-pays-foyen.com/

https://www.asacso.fr/services/bac-2024/

 

Coming up...

And finally...

I've been experimenting with new colours to add to my 'Mocha' range.  I rather like this caramel colour on these coffee tumblers.

Week 7 2023

Hello,

The Cranes have been spotted flying overhead with their very distinctive sound signalling their arrival.

A quick check on the crane migration website points out that there has been significant movement since 9th February. 

Crane movement on 15th February.

Unsurprisingly, given the beautiful sunny days we have been having, there have been plenty of cranes heading north.

Keep enjoying the good weather. Whatever you do in the Gironde and Dordogne regions, have a great time.

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

 

Week 7

Coming up...

It's Mardi Gras (or Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day) next week, so carnival season is upon us.  Me, I'm just in it for the pancakes!

 

 And finally...

As the days lengthen, we head out into the garden.  In the pottery studio I've been busy making these plant markers. Ideal for your herb and veg patches...

Contact me if you'd like one or two, or commission some that would suit your garden. 

Or perhaps you would like to make them yourself? - 0630898536

Week 47 2022

 Hello!

Winter is on the way, and now I know for sure as the cranes are flying south on their way to Ethiopia and the Sudan. I can't decide if they are later this year, but I've heard them in the night as well as seeing them in the day.

Set against the blue skies, and making their distinctive honking sound as they fly, the long v-shaped lines of cranes fill the skies.

Good luck cranes on your migration, see you again at the beginning of the spring.

 

Whatever you do this week in the Gironde and Dordogne regions, have a good time.
Best wishes,
Helen
notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

 

 

Week 47 

25 November

26 November

27 November

Coming up... so many Christmas markets...

Make a Christmas tree from clay.

And finally...

Here's a throwback photo from 5 years ago when I was planning for my first pottery market... who knows what the future will bring?  I would certainly never have guessed that 5 years later I would have my own pottery studio and classroom as part of a lovely association of artisans in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne.