How many of us have had a great idea, only to be stopped in our tracks by an immovable object?
I think I mentioned once that when I first arrived out here, my aim had been to run a Gite for painters. Not a painting school as such, but somewhere where 'artists' could be based, use studio facilities, and maybe have a joint evening crit', with like-minded people, over a glass of wine or two before supper.
We advertised in The Times, and were soon inundated with enquiries. Unfortunately (and here's the immovable object) my advert' seemed to have been read by most of London's Psychiatrists, who wished to be shot of their most difficult patients for a week or two. We ended-up hosting a succession of extremely difficult, and odd, people; one at least of whom we considered quite dangerous. He had a large sword in his car, and was continuously asking Lady Magnon to pray with him!
With two small children in the house, I soon reluctantly decided to abandon the business, and I took to stone cutting instead.
In fact the peace and tranquility that we gained by stopping, far outweighed any financial advantages that we might have had by continuing.
Most things happen for the best, even if at the time it looks otherwise.
35 comments:
I never know which one I prefer: Plain sailing or obstacles. The former is, well, plain - effortless by another name; the latter a challenge. And what are challenges for if not to challenge us? Still, there is a place and a time for anything. And sometimes, maybe like you decided in the end, the time is not the right time.
What you describe was, still is, the romantic dream. France, gite, artists, hospitality, conviviality, exchange of ideas. Alas, sometimes reality doesn't match the dream. I won't reference your neighbourhood's recent addition (steel containers).
"Praying with Lady M"? That's a new (to me) variation on an old theme. You can't but smile.
When you say you took up stone cutting, what does that mean, involve?
U
I guess ‘ pray with me ‘ makes a change from ‘ come up and see my etchings ‘ 🤣 At least you had a go even though it didn’t turn out as you’d hoped ! XXXX
He was very creepy, and worried us at nights. We didn't like to ask why he kept a huge sword in his car!!
We made openings for ancient stone buildings that were being restored. We made mullioned windows, huge fireplaces, local style dormer windows, etc etc. If anyone required something special for a project, we would carve it for them. Very hard work, but lots of fun.
My friend runs painting holidays. She gets some pretty mad people attending and fall outs are common.
If my experience is anything to go by.... I'm not surprised.
I always used to say "Whatever is is best." Until I read Voltaire and flirted with Nietzsche. They messed with my mind and every time I say that now I hear a friend's voice in the back of my head telling me to remember those two philosophers.
Some times immmovable objects provide opportunities. I always used to say that I wanted to live on a hill and paint. Well, the immovable object of disability gave me the gift of time, so now I paint, and I also now live on a hill which gives me excellent north light!
Some things are meant to be, we just don't see it for a while.
Creepy indeed. We offer B&B in our guest annexe in the summer and I prefer to try to "vet" any potential visitors at the time they enquire about booking. We have only had two unpleasant experiences so far, the result being that I now try not to accept anyone under the age of 50!
A salutory lesson here Cro. The photo is a brilliant accompaniment.
I read Nietzsche when I was much younger, but I must admit that I don't remember too much.
My mother always told me that 'everything happens for the best'. I'm not sure if she was right, but I like to think she was.
If they are self-contained, and a bit away from the house, then it's OK. In our case they were IN the house.
I love that photo. It must be post-Beeching.
Most things really happen for the better, this is something I try not to forget.
Things rarely turn out exactly as planned in life. But at least you tried something and adapted to find a role that was more acceptable and pleasing to you. When one doors shuts another one opens.
This reminded me of Durrell's 'My family and other animals' with all of Larry's strange friends.
Family disgraces were always sent abroad. Sounds as though you got your fair share of them. Funny now, for us who are reading about it!
She was right. Always listen to your mother!
Me too Yael. I don't know if it's always true, but I hope it is.
We weren't too worried about stopping; our lives were much more peaceful afterwards.
My father's older brother was sent off to Ceylon!
One of my father's relatives was sent out to Ceylon too. However, I think he was sent out as Chief Justice.
My uncle was sent to grow Tea.
Or rather post Marples!
Immovable objects are made to go around...
But lateral thinking is required for that!
Possibly those immovable objects are sent to teach us to think, or at least see differently
You have lead a very interesting life so far.
Thank You for many ideas to think about along with you.
parsnip
I know that I would not want to share my home with a stranger. Years ago, we were innocent as to what horrors some people can be, but now with 24 hour news, we know better.
I wonder if The Times was the right place to advertise.
That has certainly been my attitude in life, but on this occasions I think I was right. The world was shouting "STOP".
Many interesting things have come my way, not necessarily through my own doing.
No, it was a bad decision that was made obvious to us through experience.
I suppose we we hoping to attract a more literate type of painter. It didn't work!
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