Chatty corner

Clearly the bench where the mémés sit for their evening chat. Another group of neighbours in extra 2. 

Today was yet another artists' open day, with open studios all over Occitanie. I already know all the artists round here, so I decided to cross over to the Minervois and visit an open studio in Paraza.

Paraza is a small village which is so convoluted that I always get lost when trying to find my book group friend M's house, even though it's next to the church which you would think would be easy to find. The streets are so narrow that you can't see beyond the next corner. I took the opportunity to wander round at leisure in daylight, and yes I did find the church, without actually looking for it. So maybe I'll be able to get straight there next time.

There are quite a few artists and creative types here, as can be seen from the colourful streets; a lot of houses have been painted in bright Italian colours, which is unusual around here (extra 3). I chatted to the artist who was officially part of the event; he makes his pigments from natural sources like earth, ashes, and chalk. 

I asked if he'd been busy and he said I was the only person he'd seen apart from the official sponsors who had to turn up. Oh well. But he was happily painting in the sunshine outside his studio. An unofficial entrant was the young man who runs a vintage clothes shop -- an entire house stuffed to the rafters with clothes. He recycles Barbie dolls into pop art (extra 1). I particularly like the one where Barbie and Ken have swapped bodies.

It's been a warm, sunny day, so it was pleasant wandering around in the sunshine. We still haven't needed any heating.