Never judge a book by its cover

The mass exodus from France has begun. I see from various Facebook comments that the election of a socialist president of France, M. Hollande yesterday has sent a shudder of fear through the ex pat community. Ferrari’s are apparently queuing up and jamming the slip road out of France to Monaco, fleets of super yachts are upping anchor and slipping their moorings and the Euro is beginning to fall out of bed with orders to sell through Currencies Direct swamping the system today (well I had two calls).

I only wish I could stay and enjoy watching how this socialist utopia will develop over the next year but the decision is made, France and Valbonne are now merely a holiday destination for me but only as long as there is food to eat and wine to be drunk. I shall be doing my best to make the most of both before they run out as soon the working people of France will all have retired early and be waiting for state handouts.

Now whilst I am away from my beloved Valbonne during the summer there is an opportunity to rent my house for a mere £2750 per week. All details at this website. Whilst contented customers will be enjoying all that Valbonne and the surrounding area has to offer, I shall be sheltering in my overcoat and Wellington boots (or are they now called Hunters as an excuse to charge you more? in which case I shall have to buy some) from the rain and wind probably in Arundel jealously thinking of my clients enjoying the web and the pav.

So graveling was my grave duty yesterday, I think I would have preferred stoning, which of course in an oblique way I was, although use of the word enjoyment in that context is a little misleading.

Work has commenced on the second book. I sat in the web in the late evening sunshine and began planning it over a refreshing ale. That nice lady decorator has more will power than I, partaking of Ice Tea in an utterly self-satisfied way, tutting as I went to the fridge for the second beer, which was, I contend, helping the creative process. Us successful writers must be allowed the freedom and the raw material to express ourselves in order for us to weave a picture in words for our waiting readers (I can hear her saying, what a pile of shite).

With the book now well underway, the position regarding the cover needs to be addressed. I shall be expecting to hear from Marina Kulik who with her painting classes has taken it upon herself to trawl the huge talent pool of local artists and come up with a cover image that best sums up the new books’ deepest themes. Whilst at the monthly antiques market which takes place in the square and surrounding streets of Valbonne on the first Sunday of each month, I came upon a contender. I do hope Marina is not selling off the best images before I get a chance judge them.

Nice moustache

Today is a bank holiday in France, which followed a bank holiday in England yesterday, but do I get a day off? Not likely. More graveling awaits me. Of course it is not out of the question that the cavalry will arrive and save me from a fate worse than work. I have in mind being dragged of ny I know not who for an impromptu dash up to Valbonne Square for a pizza and a pichet (where have I heard that before) for lunch and to sit and enjoy the sunshine which will be absent from my life shortly. I live in hope but little expectation.

Chris France