On Friday our lovely landlady Nira called at the house. We shared a lunchtime glass of wine and wonderful conversation. I was enchanted by Nira’s story of leaving London and sailing through France with her husband Alan on a remarkable adventure that ended in Agde. I am always inspired by people brave enough to ‘set sail’ as it were. We covered many subjects in a short space of time: the house, Agde, the Canal, our families, our children, Margaret Forster and bicycles. And much to my delight, Nira offered me a bicycle for my trips along the canal.
Sat -Today Alan brought the bicycle – as you can see it is beautifully sleek and pink. Alan stayed for coffee and inspired us with fascinating tales about the house and its many reincarnations. Very kindly he later posted a map of cycle routes along the canal for me.
-Tonight I rode my pink bicycle for the first time, through the town and along the path by the river. It was just a practice run – early evening, sparkling water, tidal breeze turning the leaves and grasses silver in the sun – it was an evening painted by Monet. Now he would definitely have approved of my pink bicycle!
Wooo! Loving the pink bicycle. Aren’t Nira and Alan wonderful?
Dx
I love your blogs. They are very interesting and inspiring. And I love your pink bicycle! Also, good luck with your writing. Your location(s) and surroundings have much to draw on for story ideas.
Thank you Linda, I’m so glad you found time to look at my blog -I understand completely how there is never enough time and all this other stuff gets in the way of the writing. That’s why two months in France is such a good idea.
I loved your blogs when I came across them because they are full of such practical and useful advice about writing – great advice about structuring the novel. They are also full of place too which I love.
People should definitely log on to Writing Out West – http://lindasandifer.blogspot.com/
Of course I loved Alan’s marvellous tales about the house which I’ll talk about soon on Twice Tasted. But I was envious of the bike,. As I said I would love one if it had stabilisers or even three wheels. But then a pony and trap might be even more salubrious transport along the beautiful canal.
As it is I’ll just have to used Shanks’ Pony. Tomorrow!
Love
wxx
Enjoying all your tales of the riverbank. I want to see a photo of you riding that pink bicycle next time!
Take care and love to Wendy.
Carole xx
Hi so nice to hear from you! For a picture of me on that bicycle look on Wendy’s blog http://lifetwicetasted.blogspot.com/ Got to tell you Carole riding a bike is not quite as easy as I thought – country roads are OK but the Canal path is very bumpy!! Rekendyke is so big in my story now we will have to go as sson as I get back.
A x
Hi avril, Talk about you every week. love your book Sweet Track. Just finished reading it. am looking forward to reading of your adventures on a ‘pink bike. Marty x
Hi Mary
I’m so pleased you liked The Sweet Track. My adventures on the bicycle are turning out to be very bumpy – I think maybe walking is safer!!
Avril x