Tag: Luberon

A Spring Gathering at Network Provence

Published on by Rebecca RonaneLeave a comment

A Spring Gathering at Network Provence by Maryna Fontenoy

Yesterday was Network Provence’s April meeting at Cafe de La Gare in Bonnieux featuring a presentation by Nancy Gilles.

Nancy is a well-being therapist for body and mind who engages her small troop of horses to enable a unique experience.  Nancy gave a charming explanation of her practice, outlining what a therapy session is like with equine assistance.

Unfortunately, no horses were at the meeting, but it was very intriguing to hear how these animals can assist us humans in unblocking barriers in our minds and bodies. This is not something that requires riding skills or even horse knowledge. Still, I get the impression that after working on oneself with horse participation, one might have a great amount of horse appreciation.  You can learn more and connect with Nancy through her website, https://lasantonneprovence.com 

https://instagram.com/la_santonne

 

Network Provence is so lucky to have such a diverse group of women with an excellent array of skill sets! If you would like to present what you do, please reach out. Networking, as we all know, is a great way to build connections and clientele. Our NP get-togethers are comfortably social and relaxed. We are looking forward to some more great times this spring, so do join us and get involved!

By Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence

“Inside Janice Jacquet’s Creative Process”

Published on by Rebecca Ronane

Today, Bonnieux artist Janice Jacquet treated Network Provence to a generous demonstration of her process for creating the colourful canvases we usually only see after completion.

With a dizzying array of colours, tubes, brushes and tools, Janice worked and talked us through what it was like for her to lay down, cover and reveal layers of glorious paint, which ended up in landscape abstracts to be defined by the viewer. There is something perfectly ASMR about watching and listening to the process. Janice’s voice and the sounds of various tools on the canvas, all the while revealing and changing such beautiful light, shadow and colour.  It reminded me of artist Gina Southgate, who uses the sounds she creates while painting as experimental music while she paints other musicians’ creations. How lucky we are to experience this from one of our own NP women of Provence! It was such an informative event and extremely relaxing and inspiring.

Network Provence boasts a wonderful membership of creative and enterprising women; it is always so satisfying to experience each other’s worlds like this. Refreshments and socializing with friends and newcomers is a great pleasure indeed, and today revealed that there will be some very interesting meet-ups in the near future.
Join us for more upcoming Network Provence events listed on the website. This is a valuable two-way resource for those living and working in the region.

By Maryna Fontenoy

Wine and Women that Network in Provence

Published on by Rebecca Ronane

The 2023/24 Network Provence season ended on a high note with a wine tasting at the wonderful Racine’s in Bonnieux.  Jess and Pierre, the Luberon’s favourite ‘caviste couple’, shared some of their preferred summer wines, two roses and a white, in a tasting set to prepare us for the summer ahead. Besides a rosé from Corsica’s Domaine de Leccia, the standout favourites were Cadet de La Begude for its drinkability and price point, and the white we shared was loved by all-L’Odalisque de Sylvain Morey, which is set to be a summer star, produced in the Luberon.

Jess talked us through why they chose these three wines, and judging by the refills; she was right on the mark for what we would enjoy. This couple knows their profession and can answer most questions, as evidenced by our curious attendees.  We learned about regional differences, discussed the myths of pink depths in rosés and found some interesting facts about what happens to wines that are exported and rack up the travel miles.  Comme d’habitude, Jess and Pierre let their passion for wine shine with great enthusiasm, knowledge, and good humour.  They break the mould of stuffy wine stereotypes and bring a sparkle of enjoyment to learning about the intricacies of our region’s favourite beverage.

Meanwhile, Network Provence welcomed newcomers and regulars with interest and laughter, which is always a feature of meetings.  We have had a brilliant season of meetings in Aix, and at our new meeting place the Cafe de la Gare in Bonnieux.  Events this year have included talks with Nora Jaccaud, photography with Raina Stinson, an art exhibition with Miriam Hartmann featuring NP members, floral arranging with Helen Puillandre, Hypnotherapy with Mei Yee, storytelling with Sabine Copinga, to name some of the special programs at our meetings.  We have also attended many art openings and other local events and used our connections to the fullest!  It is proven that connection is one of the most important elements in longevity and happiness. There is no better group in Provence to find community and connections among like-minded women than Network Provence.  I think I speak for everyone and give big gratitude to our leader, Rebecca Ronane, for founding such a wonderful group full of networking potential, friendship opportunities, and a creative connection hub.

Although meetings will be paused for July and August, make sure you follow along through Facebook and Instagram to see what wonders the women of Provence are creating and doing over the summer.  Now is also an excellent time to review your membership status and revise any ads you have on the website.  Keeping others updated on what you do and what you have to offer is a key point of being in a group such as NP. You should also have a look to see what others are up to as well.

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer until we meet again in September!

Written by Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence