18 Comments
User's avatar
Judy Wessell's avatar

Where exactly is Maison Violette?

Sif Orellana's avatar

Maison Violette is tucked into Neffies – a small medieval village in the Hérault, in the heart of Languedoc. Stone streets, a square, life moving at its own unhurried pace. Twenty-five minutes from the sea, three hours and fifteen minutes to Barcelona, and a little more than four hours to Paris by TGV.

Nancy Wright's avatar

Such a pleasure to read.

Sif Orellana's avatar

Aw, that makes me so happy to hear, Nancy. Thank you from my heart to yours :)

Madeleine Ann Eames's avatar

Beautiful. I can imagine this life in Languedoc, one of my favourite places in the world.

Sif Orellana's avatar

What a lovely thing to share, Madeleine. There is something about Languedoc that gets under the skin quietly – it doesn't announce itself the way Provence does, and perhaps that is exactly why it holds people so completely. What is your connection to it? 🌿

Morf Morford's avatar

I love your writing and your vision. I cheer on your every step. I however, make this journey as one who carries little in the realm of coin for now. I will forward each of your postings to my friends and wish you the best on this inexplicable and wondrous journey....

Sif Orellana's avatar

Morf, what a beautiful thing to write, and what a beautiful name to carry through the world. Thank you for being here, for reading, and for cheering from where you stand. That means more than you might know.

Please never feel that the value of your presence here is measured in anything other than exactly this – showing up, reading, and sending a kind word into the world. You are already part of this village.

And sharing these letters with your friends is one of the most generous gifts a reader can give a writer. I am grateful. Truly :)

Morf Morford's avatar

As long as I can keep soaking in your experience, I will find more than a few shreds of hope. To put it mildly, I live a world away. Here's a snapshot of my world - https://morfmorford.substack.com/p/animals-and-volcanoes?

Mia Axelsson Masgård's avatar

Hello, it’s time for me to join. 🙏🏽

Sif Orellana's avatar

Aww, Mia🥰 A big and heartfelt welcome to the village. So happy you are here🎉🙏🏻

Jay's avatar

Do it Mia, and a big welcome when you do, its a grest place to rest a while. 😊

PEGGY SIJSWERDA's avatar

Thanks for sharing, Sif. I too shuttle among homes in lovely places and sometimes feel I’m dreaming this life. But the truth is, like you, I dreamed it into reality. Someone once told me that I have invented my life instead of the other way around. I told her it just takes vision. Thanks for reminding me of the power of words, especially those that evoke our senses and, more importantly, our feelings. Enjoy your time in France!

Cherie's avatar

I am truly transported. And then you mentioned Sue Monk Kidd and I feel like kindred spirits. I’m also reading one of her books right now. 😊🐝

Jay's avatar

Hey Sif, i would love to hear a description of the view from the window in your photo that has the balcony. I am curious to read what you see. 💚

Simer Sodhi's avatar

Hi Sif! I started reading and could not stop, but am not a fan of reading on an electric phone or tablet device. I like a real paper feel of a book. I was wondering if you have published any books? I would love to get them from a bookstore. Let me know :)