Villa des Roses rouge
2 juin 1785

I've finally reach my new summer home in the Aquitaine. The Villa is breathtaking with roses in full bloom. The scent is heavenly which allows one to slip into the perfect state of mind. So far I've had dance class, laughed over some trs ridicule gossip with a dear friend, played some very modern music and even started on a new dress in my artiste studio. The villa also came with a Shepherd and a small herd of sheep. I was invited by the Shepherd and his family to participate in one of the oldest pastoral traditions: the transhumance. The transhumance is the annual walking of the herds up to their summer mountain pastures. Migration of the sheep herds happens all over Europe: in the Alps, the Apennines, in Corsica, Switzerland, and Spain. I have procured some very sturdy shoes and walking staff for this occasion. The mountain trails can be very tricky.The shepherd that tends my flock is an "caractre intressant." He comes daily - herding stick in hand, black beret eschewed shadowed closely by a gigantic pair of Great Pyrenees herding dogs le patou. The dogs make quick work of rounding up the sheep. The sheep trot fast their little hooves clicking along the trail. I watch from my bedroom window as the long white river winds out of the far pasture and towards the mountain meadows for the day. Life here is easy and beautiful cher journal. I feel la joie de la vie at every moment! I may just stay here forever and enjoy my little piece of paradise found.