Catherine

It's the end of the Cannes film festival and beginning of a long weekend with summer temperatures. Mornings are spent at the beach and evenings with friends sharing recipes, stories and life. Suddenly fruit is everywhere, on towels, t-shirts and in interior decor. Feng Shui practitioners see fruit as symbolising growth, abundance and productivity. Think of the myths around apples as a gift of choice, poison or love. Other countries use fruit to show a new season has started or as part of a religious festival. Peaches in Japan often represent immortality and fertility and there is the famous

A previous French town that we had lived in was revisited and a wonderful new store has opened with every colour possible in ceramics. Dishes, jugs, bowls, cups and more and then I saw the fruit! It was a joyful explosion of colour and perfect for summer, which is just around the corner. Feng Shui practice sees fruit as a symbol of growth and abundance. If the fruit is made of a ceramic or stone, it represents the Earth element, grounding and providing a strong foundation. I will go back and buy some in bold greens and lemons. As

Thoreau stated, "I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees". Spring is in the air and the feel of the beach between my toes and soft waves against the shore is comforting and a reminder of how being grounded offers a sense of security and connection. Others call it being 'earthed'. Some prefer the country side and soil, others are urban hikers, some need to pound concrete and others bathe in forests. The Earth element is central to Feng Shui as a blend of yin and yang, stabilising your space and living areas.

It is a time of reflection as several friends and I are moving in to a new decade. It is strange as we approach a different age group with doors closing just because of a number. Other doors are still open but it is thought provoking to ask where has time gone and has anything been achieved? Not in a depressing way, but a time to ask, what next? Not a mid-life crisis but more of a checkpoint and a chance to look back and say, what a road has been traveled. Then we turn with curiosity and move

Glass, a melange of raw materials that form one of our most precious materials. Think of lenses, mirrors, windows, test tubes and electronics, never mind bottles, glasses and ornaments. In Feng Shui it represents the Water element which is all about the flow of wealth, growth, emotions and the need to balance all of these. Crystal balls are a key cure for stopping Chi energy in its tracks so that it stays in a room to add positive energy. They are hung above windows to catch the light and to avoid the 'corridor' effect of energy going right out

Julia Childs said,"people who love to eat are the best people". Absolutely! A lovely long lunch was had with two French friends. Life stories and views were exchanged, the hours moved in to late afternoon and the next meal was booked. By the time it was finished, the anticipated menu was already being discussed. We had spoken with old friends the same day who we will see in May. Past meals were remembered and historical events revisited where the good, the bad and the ugly was shared and our younger lives hovered in the background. It is that one

The sun has finally burst through and has a bite. Coats are coming off, t-shirts are coming out and everything is lighter again. Spring is here, mimosa and tulips are in all of the markets. It is the time to look at what outer space you have. If you don't have any, get a big low pot and create a mini garden with bulbs and light grass. Many garden nurseries will help with this. For those with balconies and gardens, it is the time to clear out old plants, put down new soil and spruce up this area. You

There is a breath of spring in the air. The sun is brighter, the sky is bluer and our step is springier! Three kilograms of clothes are shed, tulips and daffodils are at the market, almond blossom is blooming. After a busy week at work and visiting family, we relaxed on the tiny balcony. Two chairs just fit and with a couple of lavender pots and glasses of wine and pepper cheese, we have all we need. Next week will be all about outdoor spaces  but today, it is a quiet dimanche, a good book, the best person at