Wednesday French Inspiration

Château de Chenonceau*

When you tour the Loire Valley during the off season you may not get the full experience.  I love how the covering over the scaffolding tries to fool your eyes.  If you close one eye and turn your head and squint a little then it might look like the real thing.  It leaves you somewhat unsatisfied.

Have you ever read a book like this?  Maybe it has be a first, second or third draft of something you have written.  It looks good.  It works for the most part; however, it needs revised yet again.  If you want to pull in the big crowds your work has got to do more than an off season castle.  Sure it will draw a crowd, but just imagine all the bells and whistles.  Fully restored and the gardens in bloom.  Your book completed with the best word choices, the subplots weaving seamlessly with the plot.  You would have a real page turner on your hands.

No matter what you are doing in life, do it well, and make it something you are proud to put your name on.

 *The link above will take you to previous Chenonceau Wednesday French Inspiration posts.

Wednesday French Inspiration

On the grounds of Chenonceau they have beautiful gardens, and wonderful mysteries to discover. This door is one of my favorite finds. It leads to so many questions. Where does it go? Why hasn't it been used for so long that it is covered in vines?

Do you think I would have gotten in trouble if I had moved the vines and burst through the door. Do they have a french mafia that would have taken me out? Do you think the French have a mafia?

I want to here your theory on what is on the other side of the door.

Wednesday French Inspiration

Can I test your observation skills for a minute? I just want to know if you are on top of your game. Take a good look at this picture. I will give you a moment.

I am in no means a tall or a short person. I am very average. Yet I'm standing in the door way to this beautiful room, The Salon of Louis XIV at Château de Chenonceau. Do you notice that my head is touching the door frame. Okay you noticed. Now glance over at the portrait of Louis. Notice that mile high hair. Glance back at the door and consider. HOW THE HECK?

Were French nobles really short? Or were they accustomed to bowing under each door frame? Wouldn't it be hard to be intimidated by a king if you were towering over him? I have mentioned before that I am no history guru. But it would be a blast to meet Louis and determine his height. In truth, Napoleon was not a tall man, but he accomplished much. I realize that height has no merit on to ones ability to lead. I just had never considered the height of royalty before.

Have you had anything in life or your manuscript take you by surprise? Things just seem out of sorts? Maybe you just need to think of other options or explanations. See where it leads you.

PS. If you are a tall person with big hair and you visit Chenonceau, you may want to duck.

Wednesday French Inspiration

Birds Perched upon the bridge of Château de Chenonceau

Okay when I looked out the window and saw all of these birds my first thought was " HOLY CRAP!" Literally, think of all the crap that would be falling. But then I had a more inspirational thought: When you are out on the edge, it is nice to know that you are not alone. (that is a much better thought isn't it).
When I am overcome with stress or grief it is easy to feel alone and to be blinded by my own emotions. So please don't be blinded by your emotions or your trials, take a look down the ledge and see there is a long line of friendly faces who are out there with you and willing to follow you through it all. Be aware that you are in fact on the ledge of something beautiful. I mean how cool would it be to be on the roof of a castle. Yeah I thought so. And for all of the people who don't get out there on the ledge to help you, we can send the pigeon bombers after them.