tag:,2012:/1 2012-05-17T22:24:41Z my life in a rural french village [by mimi pompom a former fashion editor from west london] Movable Type 3.34 tag:www.toutsweet.net,2012://1.405 2012-05-17T22:02:42Z 2012-05-17T22:24:41Z

I'm back online with news of two events this weekend. On Saturday evening (19th May) there will be live music at the bar in Blanzay, which reopened in a blaze of glory on Tuesday night, with new owners Gavin and...

Karen I'm back online with news of two events this weekend. On Saturday evening (19th May) there will be live music at the bar in Blanzay, which reopened in a blaze of glory on Tuesday night, with new owners Gavin and Lesley. (I've never seen so many people packed into a bar in rural France). Entrance is free, with music from 21.00 onwards. Also tomorrow, the 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May, animal charity The Hope Association is holding its giant annual book sale (plus bric a brac) at the Salles des Fetes Clussais La Pommeraie 79190, 10 am to 3 pm (D45 Sauze to Lezay road). There are a lot of abandoned and badly treated dogs in the Poitou-Charentes, so please come along and support this event, while stocking up on reading material for summer and beyond. ]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2012://1.404 2012-05-11T15:03:29Z 2012-05-11T15:04:28Z

Just a quick post to say that I have no internet connection at the moment – I'm writing this in the bar in Champniers – so apologies for any unanswered emails. Hope to be back online soon....

Karen Just a quick post to say that I have no internet connection at the moment – I'm writing this in the bar in Champniers – so apologies for any unanswered emails. Hope to be back online soon. tag:www.toutsweet.net,2012://1.401 2012-04-23T21:08:13Z 2012-04-25T17:47:32Z

Several people have asked if I will be doing any London book signings for Tout Soul. The answer is 'YES!': my favourite bookstore, Waterstones Kensington High Street, has very kindly invited me back for a second time. I'll be...

Karen Several people have asked if I will be doing any London book signings for Tout Soul. The answer is 'YES!': my favourite bookstore, Waterstones Kensington High Street, has very kindly invited me back for a second time. I'll be signing copies of Tout Soul between 6.30 - 8.00 pm on Tuesday, May 8th, so if you live in or near west London, do come along and say hello. There will be aperitifs, there will be books, and there will hopefully be Biff (ancient Golf permitting). Recent signings in France made me realise how lucky I am to have such terrific readers. Highlights included meeting Twitter friends Rosie L, Richard (practically my neighbours in the Poitou) and Rosie G who co-runs a gite business in the region Arbre de Cerise. I especially enjoyed meeting Mary who told me that she drove a camper van to France alone, age 72, and gave me some great gardening tips for my courtyard. Mary, you were an inspiration and you were right about the rhododendron. I also loved hearing how one reader, and soon-to-be Champniers resident, read my books in the early hours of the morning on his Kindle with a wide-awake baby over his shoulder. Thank you to The Mad Hatter's Kitchen, la Grande Galerie and to Jeanne and Ian at the bar in Champniers, who put together a very entertaining (for me anyway) audio visual display. Biff was transfixed as pictures of his face flashed up on the screen, to a specially selected soundtrack. Much impressed Ian! Finally, an early warning to people in the Dordogne: Biff and I will be coming to Eymet for a signing in August [dates and details to be confirmed].]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2012://1.400 2012-04-08T16:38:09Z 2012-04-08T18:37:32Z

Nightmare. My human pet is planning another road trip. I'm not sure where it is that we're going this time but yesterday, I heard her telling a friend that 'it was all organised'. What this really means is that she...

Karen Nightmare. My human pet is planning another road trip. I'm not sure where it is that we're going this time but yesterday, I heard her telling a friend that 'it was all organised'. What this really means is that she has bought a self-erecting pod tent from Décathlon and re-sellotaped the car wing mirror together. Anyway, I'm not going to worry about that now. I was given a dried pig's ear for Easter, so have plenty to be happy about. My human wasn't very happy when she found it tucked down the side of the sofa, where I'd put it for safe keeping, but I think really she was just jealous that no one had given her a pig's ear. She muttered something about going vegetarian again, but I wasn't fooled. Anyway, this is just a quick post to wish everyone happy Easter and to say that I will be taking my pet along to Fish & Chip night at the bar in Champniers tomorrow evening, to sign some more of her books. (Surely there can't be anyone left in the Poitou-Charentes who doesn't already own a copy?) PS: where is this elusive Easter bunny that everyone keeps talking about? Monday 9th April, 6.00 pm onwards: book signing at Bar Les Tilleuls, Champniers, 86400. Tel 05 49 87 08 99; www.champniersbar.com. ]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2012://1.399 2012-03-19T17:49:08Z 2012-03-19T18:14:52Z

For anyone who missed the picture of Biff at the outdoor opera a couple of years ago, with his eyes on the chocolate pie, here it is again. I think the expression on his face says it all, really. (It's...

Karen For anyone who missed the picture of Biff at the outdoor opera a couple of years ago, with his eyes on the chocolate pie, here it is again. I think the expression on his face says it all, really. (It's actually one of my favourite pictures of him.) Also for books lovers, I have written a 2-part guest blog for LibertyLondonGirl today and yesterday, on six books that make you happy.]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2012://1.398 2012-03-17T12:35:20Z 2012-03-17T21:22:12Z

WOOF! What a week I’ve had, taking my human to all those book signings! Right now she is upstairs, answering questions for an American blog. No one is asking me any questions, which is odd, as I know that really...

Karen WOOF! What a week I’ve had, taking my human to all those book signings! Right now she is upstairs, answering questions for an American blog. No one is asking me any questions, which is odd, as I know that really it is me that most people are interested in. So, for those who want to know more about my life, I've done a Q&A of my own. I don’t think anyone will mind that I've made up the questions. Q: Biff, you are so handsome with your wet nose, shiny coat and lovely white teeth. In fact, you are probably THE most handsome dog in the Poitou-Charentes!!!! Can you share with us some of your grooming secrets? A Obviously, some of it is down to good genes but otherwise I would say: no sugar, lots of vegetables and the fact that I have to exercise my human pet several times a day. I also enjoy a daily swim, even in winter. Q: Biff you're obviously quite a cultured little dog. We’ve seen the picture of you watching Aida at the oudoor opera in Sanxay. But what is your favourite TV programme? [KW: I’d like to point out that Biff wasn’t actually watching the opera; he was sneakily eating his way through a chocolate flan while the rest of us were watching the stage.] A: I like watching The Very Hungry Frenchman. That Raymond Blanc seems like a nice fella. With regards to that chocolate pie, it’s true that I helped myself. But honestly, if you put temptation in a chap’s way... Q And what about your favourite music? A: My favourite singer is Nora Jones, because my pet used to play her in the car when I was a puppy, as she thought it would stop me being scared. But I’m not scared of anything – apart from Maisie, a friend’s Staffie bull terrier. Maisie is a bitch. Unfortunately, my pet has very strange taste in music. She recently started listening to rap – that Tinny Tempura fella [KW: It’s Tinie Tempah]. She says that his rhyming couplets (whatever they are) are sublime (whatever that means). We once listened to his CD nine times, all the way back from the ferry port (I'm exaggerating, but not much). My pet even sang along for some of the way. Terrible. You’ve no idea what us four-legged folk have to put up with sometimes. Q: And what are are your favourite foods? A: Corned beef hash with peas; and I’m quite partial to a toast soldier dipped into boiled egg. Q: Favourite book? A: Watership Down. All those rabbits... a doglet can only dream. Q: Finally, Biff, we know you are quite a busy chap. But do you have any hobbies? I like swimming, chasing deer, going out to restaurants, barbecues, travel and socialising. ]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2012://1.397 2012-03-07T16:38:33Z 2012-03-07T23:22:27Z

They're here at last... I drove back from the UK early yesterday morning, my old Golf weighed down with twelve boxes of Tout Soul for my French signings, the wing mirror held together with FRAGILE tape following an altercation...

Karen They're here at last... I drove back from the UK early yesterday morning, my old Golf weighed down with twelve boxes of Tout Soul for my French signings, the wing mirror held together with FRAGILE tape following an altercation with a pillar in London. Over ten people worked on the production of Tout Soul and I'd like to thank them all, but there are two people in particular, to whom I'd like to say a very big 'merci'. The first is Andy Robert Davies for the wonderful cover illustration. Andy – who has pretty much cornered the market in French illustrations – now also does the artwork to accompany my regular column in Living France magazine. The second is Geoff Fisher of CPI Books, who has put up with my irritatingly perfectionist ways and endless questions for the past six months – and remained calm, unflappable and thoroughly charming throughout. I'm sure that he is greatly relieved that he is no longer fielding a dozen missives a day from me. All I can say is: Thank you, Geoff. And I don't want to panic you or anything, but it won't be long before I'm knocking on your door with the next one. (I should also mention that CPI delivered ahead of schedule on everything – proof/press preview copies, e-book conversion and the final print run.) I'd also like to thank everyone who has emailed me, tweeted or commented on my blog in the past week. Extra enormous thanks to those who read Tout Soul on their Kindles at a cracking pace and posted the wonderful, early reviews on Amazon. And thanks also to the lovely Emma Lee–Potter for doing the first interview and review of Tout Soul on House With No Name. Meanwhile, Biff has had his hair cut and we are both very excited about next week's events, kicking off with lunch at The Mad Hatter's Kitchen this Sunday, 11th March. Join us for cocktails and get a signed copy of Tout Soul from 12.30 pm onwards. Forthcoming Book Signings Sunday 11 March and Sunday 18 March: The Mad Hatter’s Kitchen, Le Breuillac, 79190, Caunay. Tel 05 49 27 67 29. I would like to invite anyone booked in for lunch, to join me for a pre-lunch cocktail and book signing from 12.30 pm onwards. Monday 12th March, 6.00 pm onwards: book signing at ‘Fish and Chip night’ at Bar Les Tilleuls, Champniers, 86400. Tel 05 49 87 08 99; www.champniersbar.com. Tuesday 13th March: 10.00 am - 1.00 am book signing at La Grande Galerie, 7 Rue de Temple, 86400, Civray. Tel 05 49 87 73 02 www.grandegaleriefrance.com Thursday 15th March, 8.00pm: I will be reading from Tout Soul at the Entente Internationale meeting, Lycée les Terres Rouges, Rue Jean Moulin, Civray. Tel 05 49 87 21 28 for information. ]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2012://1.396 2012-02-24T16:09:07Z 2012-02-26T21:28:54Z

I swore that I wouldn't, as I love the look and feel of real books too much. In my house in France, books are stacked up on shelves, under and over tables and piled up on the floor. They are...

Karen I swore that I wouldn't, as I love the look and feel of real books too much. In my house in France, books are stacked up on shelves, under and over tables and piled up on the floor. They are literally, part of the decor, as I've always believed that books bring warmth and character to a room as well as being part of your personal history. But in January I bought a Kindle. It was purely for professional reasons – I wanted to see what my books looked like in electronic format. Then I discovered that on Amazon you can 'sample' the first ten per cent of any e-book for free, which is enough to tell you whether you want to carry on reading. It's the book lover's equivalent of being given an unlimited tasting at the Charbonnel & Walker chocolate counter. I've also discovered that on Kindle, I read much faster. As a result, I have zipped through twice as many books as I normally would, many of which have been on my 'must read' list for months. When the snow and ice arrived in France recently – blocking out the satellite signal and making it impossible to leave the village for nearly a week – I was even more grateful for my Kindle. I had no TV and no organic vegetables but I did have the the world's biggest book store at my fingertips. It's important to point out that Kindles are far from the only way of reading e-books – you can download to many tablets and devices including your computer - and Amazon is not the only place to buy e-books. As for me, I will buy books on Kindle because it is a quick and convenient way to read; and then, if I really love a particular book, buy the 'real' version for my bookshelves. It is the immediate access that makes e-books so wonderful. It's also a good way not to waste money on books that turn out not be your cup of tea. And so dear readers, this is a very roundabout way of telling you that ... TOUT SOUL IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON AMAZON. And if you are waiting for the print version, you can in the meantime, click on the link below and have the first two chapters of Tout Soul delivered free to your e-reader, or your computer, tout de suite. ]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2012://1.395 2012-02-11T09:38:51Z 2012-02-12T20:40:57Z

It's cold outside – minus 8 as I write this, dressed, for the record, in snow boots, four layers of clothing and a knitted hat. (One of those layers is a fake gorilla fur gilet, in which I really...

Karen It's cold outside – minus 8 as I write this, dressed, for the record, in snow boots, four layers of clothing and a knitted hat. (One of those layers is a fake gorilla fur gilet, in which I really do look like I'm closely related to Biff.) Downstairs, the log fire is roaring and the oil-fired central heating is on (so expensive, that it's like throwing gold bullion out of a windows, but at times like this, it's hard to care). All this and I'm still cold! Fortunately, I had enough advance warning of this cold snap to organise an oil delivery before the roads iced over and the Arctic conditions swept in. According to a French friend, we are seeing a replay of the legendary winter of 1956, when it was mild and balmy until early February, when the mercury hit minus ten and stayed there for three weeks. On the bright side, the village really does look stunning when the snow first flutters down, casting everything in pure blue-white light as night falls. The local lake has iced over and looks like a moonstone, while earlier in the week, the baker's wife built a snowman, with a croissant for a smile. They also scattered sugar sprinkles outside their shop when the snow turned to slippery ice. But I feel for friends who live in cold stone houses or draughty barns, or who rely on just one wood burner to heat their house. Friends in a nearby hamlet report that it hit minus 14 degrees one morning this week, and that their loo has frozen over. Stories of burst water pipes abound. There is however, one little chap who LOVES the snow, rolling around in it like a black polar bear cub. And when Biff is not bouncing around in white powder he is polishing up his pencils and tidying up his paws, ready for a series of book signings to coincide with the launch of Tout Soul on 7 March. In addition to the list below – weather and ancient Golf permitting – I've had a number of invitations to sign books in various towns and villages in the region. It really is time for me to get out and explore a bit more of France, so further dates will be added soon. In the meantime, keep warm everyone and remember, it could be worse: it's minus 36 in the Ukraine! Sunday 11 March and Sunday 18 March: The Mad Hatter’s Kitchen, Le Breuillac, 79190, Caunay. Tel 05 49 27 67 29. I would like to invite anyone booked in for lunch, to join me for a pre-lunch cocktail and book signing from 12.30 pm onwards. Monday 12th March, 6.00 pm onwards: book signing at the first ‘Fish and Chip night’ of the year (oh the glamour!) at Bar Les Tilleuls, Champniers, 86400. Tel 05 49 87 08 99; www.champniersbar.com. Tuesday 13th March: 10.00 am - 1.00 am book signing at La Grande Galerie, 7 Rue de Temple, 86400, Civray. Tel 05 49 87 73 02 www.grandegaleriefrance.com Thursday 15th March, 8.00pm: I will be giving a reading of Tout Soul and answering questions, about... well, anything really, at the Entente Internationale meeting, Lycée les Terres Rouges, Rue Jean Moulin, Civray. Tel 05 49 87 21 28 for information. ]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2011://1.394 2011-12-27T10:21:17Z 2012-01-16T10:31:02Z

Not me, I hasten to add but the proprietors of La Grande Galerie in Civray. When Eileen phoned me a month ago to say that she and Wally were about to retire, had sold the gallery and would be moving...

Karen Not me, I hasten to add but the proprietors of La Grande Galerie in Civray. When Eileen phoned me a month ago to say that she and Wally were about to retire, had sold the gallery and would be moving over 150 kilometres south by the end of the year, I must confess that I felt very sad. In the GG, they have created a wonderful little arts hub, displaying and promoting the work of local artists and crafts people and hosting book launches (including mine) as well as art classes, writing groups, charity events and wine tastings. They have fostered an extended creative family in the most unlikely of places – a hidden square in the market town of Civray. I owe them a great debt of gratitude, for all their support and enthusiasm for my books. They have sold dozens of copies of Tout Sweet and Toute Allure at the GG and in addition, passed on clippings from US newspapers and magazines and come up with many useful suggestions for promoting the books. I have also been able to count on them for an excellent dog sitting service. Things did not get off to a great start, as Biff and their dog Glen (a little rescue dog with springs in his paws) took an instant dislike to each other. I still chuckle at the memory. It was January 2009 and France, like the UK, was snowbound with all Eurostars and flights cancelled. The local roads were dire – but I had to get back to the UK to give a talk. It took me a few attempts before I made it to Civray, driving at 20 kilometres an hour through a strangely calm and icy white landscape. As I handed over Biff, both dogs reared up on their hind legs, snarling and baring their teeth. A diminutive, and elegantly-dressed figure stood in the snow, holding on to each of them –and Biff's doughnut bed – unfazed and smiling. 'Off you go,' she said. 'Have a marvellous time. They will be absolutely fine.' I had my doubts. As I walked away to the sound of ferocious growling, I was impressed by her positive attitude but felt guilty for leaving the doyenne of the GG to cope with a potential bloodbath. I needn't have worried. By the time I got back, Biff and Glen were the best of friends and sleeping in the same basket. It was always a pleasure to see Wally and Eileen and we were always made to feel welcome. Had the GG been on my doorstep, I would have been there every single day. I'd like to thank Eileen and Wally and congratulate them on making such a success of the GG, thereby enhancing the lives of many locals. I wish them lots of happiness in their new home and hope that it is not so much Au revoir as A bientot. Meanwhile, I can't wait to meet the new owners – from Australia – and wish them every success with the GG. ]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2011://1.393 2011-12-26T21:34:47Z 2011-12-27T18:09:11Z

WOOF! Happy Boxing Day everyone. I love Christmas. Turkey dinners, cocktail parties, Downton Abbey on the telly and lots of unexpected treats – it really is a great time of year to be a dog. This year my presents included...

Karen WOOF! Happy Boxing Day everyone. I love Christmas. Turkey dinners, cocktail parties, Downton Abbey on the telly and lots of unexpected treats – it really is a great time of year to be a dog. This year my presents included a squeaking carrot (great for throwing around the room for my human pet to catch), a bone and a bottle of something called ‘Biffy’s Magical Hair Rinse’ which Frances made up especially for me. (It’s a blend of cider vinegar and essential oils, designed I think, to make me even more irresistible.) This morning, I received another gift: a surprise delivery of food from Lily’s Kitchen, the delicious organic dog food brand. There are no 'animal by products' or 'derivatives' in this, just real meat with herbs and other good things such as alfalfa sprouts and blueberries. (I've noticed my pet's nostrils twitching, whenever she serves me the Goose & Duck Feast with Fruits for dinner.) I hope that my mate Glen, the little spotted terrier who lived at La Grande Galerie, is also enjoying Christmas in his new home. His loyal human chums, Eileen and Wally, have taken well deserved retirement after several years of running the GG and have moved to Cognac, where Glen will have a big garden to play in. I hope they invite me to stay soon, as I'm a little miffed with my pet following a recent incident in the local park, when a crazy French lady with a poodle started shouting that I should be on a lead. (Such a fuss about nothing: I was only having a friendly sniff around.) ‘Ne vous inquietez pas, il est castré,’ (Don’t worry, he’s castrated!) shouted my pet, as the French lady scooped up her poodle. I was mortified. No chap likes to have his private details broadcast to the world like that. Several of the old boys fishing in the lake, flinched and flashed me a look of sympathy. Honestly humans can be so embarrassing sometimes. Before I go, I'd like to wish all my readers peace, love and joy – and lots of walks and delicious treats – in 2012. ]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2011://1.392 2011-12-12T19:09:34Z 2011-12-12T19:10:33Z

On Friday evening I waved Biff off in a camper van for a mini-break in the Gers with his second family (aka 'Sarah' and 'Steve') as I have had to return to London for a few days for a meeting....

Karen La Grande Galerie, but Biff is going to write that posting when he returns from his travels. In the meantime, I'd like to say a big thank-you to everyone who visited our stand at La Grande Galerie on Tuesday, thereby raising €277 for the Phoenix Association in the Dordogne, and helping some little four-pawed folk have a second chance of life.]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2011://1.391 2011-12-11T18:01:18Z 2012-02-11T11:32:45Z

It's taken much longer than I imagined but Tout Soul is now available for pre-order from Amazon. The official publication date for the print version is 7 March, 2012 but the Kindle version should be available at the end of...

Karen It's taken much longer than I imagined but Tout Soul is now available for pre-order from Amazon. The official publication date for the print version is 7 March, 2012 but the Kindle version should be available at the end of February, to readers in the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia simultaneously. Everyone who has read or worked on Tout Soul in a professional capacity, has reported back that it made them cry – or at the very least gave them a lump in their throat. But they also said that it made them laugh, which is good news as I've worked extremely hard to ensure that Tout Soul delivers an ultimately optimistic and message and – I hope – a little beam of light in the winter gloom. ]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2011://1.390 2011-12-04T15:10:46Z 2011-12-04T15:37:04Z

Just a quick post to remind people that there is Christmas fair and vide grenier this Tuesday (6 December) at La Grande Galerie in Civray. Frances (Biff's former owner) and I will have a stall in the morning, where we...

Karen vide grenier this Tuesday (6 December) at La Grande Galerie in Civray. Frances (Biff's former owner) and I will have a stall in the morning, where we will be selling off the beauty products that I've received this year, thanks to my day job as a beauty journalist. It's a mix of makeup, skincare and fragrance - all by well-known luxury brands - and we will be selling them at a fraction of their normal retail price. All of the proceeds from the beauty sale - along with second-hand books and other items on our stand - will go to the Phoenix Animal Rescue in the Dordogne, a charity dear to both our hearts as it is the charity that rescued Biff. Now we would like to help some other doglets. It should be a jolly day - Biff will also be helping out - so hopefully see you there. www.lagrandegalerie.com www.phoenixasso.com ]]> tag:www.toutsweet.net,2011://1.389 2011-11-12T19:40:18Z 2011-11-12T21:10:24Z

It's been a while I know - I've been working flat out on the edits for Tout Soul - but when I woke up this morning it felt as if everything had fast-forwarded six months to spring. The sky was...

Karen It's been a while I know - I've been working flat out on the edits for Tout Soul - but when I woke up this morning it felt as if everything had fast-forwarded six months to spring. The sky was hyacinth blue with a few swirls of white cloud and my neighbours were heading up to the market minus their duvet coats. Several of the shopkeepers on the square meanwhile, have been busy sprucing up their facades. As I walked Biff around the village yesterday afternoon I was treated to a scene straight out of Chocolat. A crowd had gathered in front of the boulangerie where the new baker was perched on a ladder painting the letters above his shop. Meanwhile his lovely wife was busy painting the interior in a mix of fondant lilac and chocolate eclair. My friend Pierre-Antoine, the owner of a fashion boutique on the square, has spent two weekends updating his wooden fixtures with silver metallic paint. 'C'est beaucoup plus moderne,' he declared, admiring his own handiwork. And not to be outdone Félix the local artist has also had his paint brushes out. Since this picture was taken yesterday he has also painted his shutters bell pepper red, thereby flaunting the local regulations, which state that buildings on the square must be painted in tasteful blue and ton de pierre (literally 'tone of stone'). Every time I walk past the 'boho corner' as I call it, it brings a smile to my face. For all the talk about its brain-numbing bureaucracy, one of the things I love about France is that officials know when to exercise discretion. The French treat their artists with indulgence and the mayor I'm quite sure, will turn a blind eye to Félix's eccentric decor and look instead at the bigger picture and the jolly bolt of colour that he brings to the village. I've even been doing a little redecoration myself, having suddenly been hit by a pressing desire to paint the side doors to the garage earlier this week. It had nothing at all to do with avoiding the aforementioned edits. ]]>