Valbonne in the rain

It has turned so cold . In the lower elevations it's been raining, but today I noticed, it's snowing in the hills up above the town. 
I had my french class this morning in Valbonne . It was raining and all the leaves were brown and rust colored. I noticed many quince trees with big fat yellow fruit and no leaves. It's very beautiful here in the rain.
My teacher has been trying to figure out the key to my getting to the break through. I'm almost there but not quiet. He stopped me today and said, " I've got it! You want to speak French with a french accent." I don't know if it was the rain, my French frustration or my need to over achieve, but got all choked up. I'm trying so hard and I am disappointed in myself for not being there yet. Also, I would like not to stick out. I have been told by a few people that the French like the American accent that they hear when an American speaks French. Of course I can't imagine what that must sound like. I know that I love the french accent when they speak English. I guess I'm going to just have to trust that this is so.
I think the lesson is, I'm never going to get it perfect even if I lived here my whole life now. I would always have this American accent.

I also had the group lesson today. It was a bit painful. There was a girl that was an absolute beginner whose parents live here and are American . I think she's only about 18 or 19. Shouldn't she be in a serious learn how to speak french when you live in France with your parents and are still a kid, class? She was experimenting with a club kid / goth look...fishnets, beret, black nail polish, dark lipstick. She was very chunky. She didn't know what foie gras is. She said mercy instead of merci. 
The other 2 people in the class were at about my level . We would break into discussions in french about this that and the other things and she looked at us completely lost. 
There is also an Englishman that is a gardner of some sort. His English accent is so heavy, I can barely understand a word he says. There's no getting away from that accent and the enunciation that comes along with it.

Anyway, I have been hunkered down for days editing film from Italy and working. I got some beautiful photographs there, as usual. I can't wait to get back, in March and again in June, I think. It's hard to decide how to do it. I love to be in Tuscany for the spring, early summer, but, I also love to go to Rome. I also need to get to Naples  soon. It would be really nice to see the flowering fruit trees in early spring near Parma. I will definitely rent a car.

I am tempted to go to a formal lunch in Monaco for Thanksgiving. It's an American club. It's a bit of a dressy event, which is ok, but it's kind of a hassle to get there, and parking would be a challenge. There are lots of barriers. Also, I don't know anyone, but I reached out to a woman that is a treasurer and she said I could sit at her table...so perhaps I will. The other choice is a place called Stars and Bars. It is also in Monaco, but the event is in the evening. I think lunch is better. The people look a little old money Hamptons like. Men wearing ascots and blousy women in pastels. I know I'm being terribly critical, it's only for a couple of hours. Can I take photos?

I should have more to report.




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