I noticed that there were Cats everywhere we went....Some belonged to people and some were just there and people would feed them so they wouldn't starve...Here are a few of these little dears........
I honestly don't remember where I saw these little guys....but one thing is for sure......
Whether it is in Los Angeles or The South Of France.....Cats are the same, everywhere.....
They stretch out wherever they feel like it.....especially if it is hot! They want a cool spot under some shade....
And they clean and wash....They were really dear.......
And sometimes they just sit and check you out....Cats can stare you down, you know? I wanted to say, "Bonjour, ma Petite Chat.....!" And..."Merci Beaucoup!"
One morning we went to Cannes and met up with a man named Gabby, (Gabriel Garcin) who lived in Cannes. He was a friend of Daddy Joe's. We met him in front of The Carleton Hotel--one of the more famous places on The Croissette......
That's Daddy Joe above...standing in front of The Hotel, looking for Gabby.....And I took this sweet picture of Daddy and Olga...I actually posted it in an earlier France Post, but it certainly bears being posted again......
And then Olga took a picture of me with Gabby.....I don't know what he said that amused me so much, but it is kind of a fun picture!
And, by the way, he took us to the home of these two "maiden ladies",(that was the term used....), because the house was filled with lots of Antique goodies---I don't remember why we were looking at all this great stuff, but we stayed there about and hour and a half and it was utterly fascinating---maybe Daddy was thinking of buying some things---I just don't remember.....
The picture above was Gabby and me and one of the ladies that lived in the house we visited......After that we connected with another man who was going to take us to see some land that Daddy had bought...My father loved to buy land wherever he lived, and even in some places he didn't live. Before going to see the property, we drove up into the countryside to this kind of wonderful outdoor restaurant up above Cannes.....
This picture above is not in focus at all, but I include it because it has such a feeling about it of this special peaceful place....The building was an old Chateau and different, in many ways, from any other place I had been to there in the South of France.......
Here and there, there were these little cocktail tables and chairs, close to the Chateau itself, where I guess people could stop and have an Aperitif......
But most people seemed to be out in this garden-like setting....and that is where we were headed. We ate outside under the trees, along with lots of other people....and it was kind of wonderful because this was a place that seemed to not be filled with tourists....It certainly had a lovely authentic feeling to it.....I must say, most of the places we went were not filled with tourists, with a few exceptions, of course. But because of that, I felt that I was really living the true flavor of France, if you know what I mean......
It was a charming place. And French was being spoken at most of these tables....this was a Sunday and a day that the French really enjoy. 
Families were having a leisurely Sunday Lunch together.....It was really lovely to see all these people enjoying their 'day of rest'......
Here are Daddy and Olga, (across from him), in the picture above, and the man who would be taking us to Daddy's property after lunch, who's name I cannot conjure up. And that is his wife I believe, next to Daddy Joe........
I want to say that this man's name was Gaston....but I am not really sure that I am remembering this right. I think we were there at this lovely peaceful place for about three hours, having our tasty leisurely meal, with wine of course, though I really didn't drink. But I think I tasted the wine because everyone was partaking. 
I got a lot of pictures of Daddy at this outdoor restaurant and the other people sitting there having their lunch, as well.....
I loved the look of this whole garden-restaurant area surrounded by these very tall trees, which created the shade needed so one would feel pretty comfortable sitting outdoors in the heat of summer.....And here below, more pictures of D.J.
These were some of the best pictures I got of him and the others because of the light! You can see how much he is enjoying himself, in this series of shots......
And how relaxed he is. And here is another picture, below......
And later, we walked around the building some because we all needed to use the 'facilities'....Here is a picture of me at the top of a rather interesting incline. This wonderful building felt like it had so much history......
If you enlarge this picture, you will see I have a cigarette in my left hand.....Yes, I was still smoking then, but in just a little over a year and four months, I would stop, for good! After that, we walked back to our car....Such a pretty tree lined area, too.....
I remember feeling very at home there in The South Of France---even feeling like I could live there. I honestly don't know that I could have, but during those three rather magical weeks, I certainly felt very 'at home' in that part of the world......We then got into our car and we drove a fairly short distance as I recall, to where Daddy's land was located......
It was a beautiful spot....high up.....Daddy always liked Mountain Tops....(Remember Huckleberry Hill Farm?). I actually broke off a few wild flowers right there on this exquisite piece of land and held on to them all the way back home to Lou Miradou....And I somehow was able to sneak them into my suitcase in a plain brown envelope, buried under some clothing, and brought them back home to Los Angeles. They were all dried, but still pretty much in tact. I still have them now, almost forty years later......I was afraid they might all just fall apart if I tried to get a picture of them....so, I am sorry you cannot see them.....
But above is a very sweet flower that Bella & Sol Fishko pinned to this postcard and gave to me the evening that they came to Lou Miradou for cocktail's and dinner....Bella was a very important Art Dealer in New York, having been associated with The A.C.A. Gallery's and then striking out on her own in 1961, opening The Forum Gallery...(Her son Robert still runs this Gallery as well as a branch in Los Angeles....). She was a very bright smart woman who had a great eye for talented Artists...Daddy Joe had known her since the late 1940's...early 1950's, and they were good friends....On the other side of this postcard she had written this:
So, though I cannot show you the Wild Flowers from Daddy's property...I can show you this card with that very sweet flower pinned to it and the lovely words that came with it......
I am very grateful that this flower held up so well.....And it is kind of amazing considering it was forty years ago....I love being able to see the stem of the flower hanging out to the side in the picture above.....There will be a few more posts of this very memorable trip........
More To Come........
Note: I am trying to continue on with life, but, it will never be quite the same.....I thank all of you for your very kind caring words and your understanding.....this is a rough time for me....but, on we go ax best we can......
- had this to say:
The outdoor dining looks like so much fun. I love nothing more than enjoying an outdoor meal.
I love the picture of you in the purple dress. You look so pretty, and I love the dress style.
You've described my favorite thing about cats. Their ability to find a spot and be happy anywhere.- Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 4:18:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I am so glad you post, Naomi!
I enjoy so much your France's series. I am amazed because you have many photos! Really they are a great treasure.
Love your photos and that one you wear a purple dress is lovely!
I hope you have a nice week. Many hugs my dear friend.- Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 6:26:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Hello Naomi: I am sorry for your loss of your friend John and hope you can treasure your memories of him as you deal with your grief.
Love all the beautiful France posts! Your love of photography and of your father (and parents) comes through in your skill. I am truly enjoying the France posts.
Take care of yourself,
Anne- Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 6:32:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Yes, somehow we muddle through, don't we?
Another lovely post, Naomi. You certainly had a nice time in France that summer. I was there for such a short time that I really didn't get the feel of it the way you so obviously did.- Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 8:52:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What I love most about this post, adn your other French posts, is the real feel of sun and relaxing fun times somewhere exotic. I just love the pics of the French kitties and I especially love the one of you laughing. That purple dress really suited you I think :)
Sending more hugs and hoping you are doing as well as can be expected.- Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 10:37:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
The cats are beautiful, and they remind me, I must get myself to Key West and visit the Hemingway House where cats and kittens can be found roaming around the estate.
I need to learn to lounge like a cat. ;) (Just a thought.)
I love the outdoor table beneath the trees. You would absolutely love Lincoln Road these days. If only you could travel to Miami...I'd take you out on the town for a time you wouldn't forget!
These pictures of your father are fantastic...the best so far. They capture his joy and peacefulness perfectly. I think he really learned to relax in the South of France, didn't he?
The pictures of you are wonderful as well. I love you in that purple dress holding a cigarette...although I'm glad you quit smoking shortly after it was taken. That decision saved your life, my friend!
I know it must be a difficult time for you, Naomi. Please take care of yourself and you know where I'll be. :)- Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 11:57:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
These are fabulous memories of your father. Trust me I know what these mean to you. I havent lost a parent yet but I have lost my grandmother and my great grandmother. I was quite close to them both.
Cats are amazing arent they. I have one and she gets away from us all to go lay in the window or on my bed when the girls are getting to roudy for her..- Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 12:08:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I think your memory from 40 years ago is wonderful Naomi! I can't believe you still have flowers from then!! That is so neat! You tell about your trip like it was a recent thing...as far as remembering what all you did, etc. I think that's remarkable indeed!
It does sound like such a charming place. I love all the photos of your Dad. I also liked your purple outfit!!
More big hugs to you dear Naomi. I know this is a rough time for you.- Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 2:18:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I had so much to get caught up with, so I read all four posts that I'd missed.
First, let me say how sad I am to hear that your friend killed himself. How devastating it is. I'm sure he was in tremendous pain to do such a thing. I've always thought that those who take their own life only do so when they are at the end of their rope and see no way for anything positive to occur in their life ever again. Such pain cannot be imagined and should never be judged by anyone of the outside of it. I am so sorry for your loss, and I know this is very hard to deal with.
I enjoyed reading more about France and your wonderful vacation there. Simone Signoret looked lovely without makeup, so I've glad she allowed you to take that photo. You are a dear to not have shown it publicly until now.
I love that purple dress you are wearing! Very cute!
The whole moon landing experience was very interesting. How fun to have observed it from France.
Betty and Lee's b-day party looked like a lot of fun.
The rings are SO fancy! I'm sure Lee adores the painting you gave her. That is indeed a special gift.
Take care, dear friend. I'm sure your days contain a great deal of sadness right now. I'm glad you have some marvelous, close friends who have been beside you for many years. They are priceless in your life, and you are very blessed to have them, and they are very blessed to have you. Those Ladies Who Lunch gatherings are bright spots amidst a lot of pain and grief.
:-)
I hope Sweetie isn't jealous of all those kitties you posted pictures of!!
:-)- Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 3:42:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Stopped by to see Kim Hamilton... she is a special lady! So graceful and thoughtful.
- Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 11:50:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Continue to hang in there, dear.
The photos of the outdoor cafe awoke a longing for the summer beer gardens in Germany. I so enjoy sitting under the linden trees and watching the Danube roll by in my wife's hometown.
Cheers.- Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 5:07:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Hello Naomi! This post is just lovely and you looked stunning in that dress. I just love how you showed us around the time you were in the South of France. Just reading the whole experience made me sigh and wishing that I was there.
Anyway, it's nice to be back here. TC- Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 5:33:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Once again I'm overwhelmed.
You write these memories like it was only yesterday.
You know you melt my heart with the Cats;-))
And it's also charming to see the photos from 40 years ago.
How people were dresses. The Hairstyles and the lively Sunday scenes from southern France those Days.
Adorable, memorable and magnificient post.
btw. I've been workin from 8 am until 11pm and midnight in the past - that's the reason I've been absent as commenter.- Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 3:23:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
N,
Loved the pics of the kitties as I too am a kitty lover!! You have been on my mind a lot and I have not really been checking blogs so I am glad to see you posting during this very difficult time for you. Grief is NEVER easy. I hope your walk of grief is not to difficult, I keep you in my thoughts sweet lady! Remember no one can take the memories from our heart.- Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 6:50:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I feel like I'm there!
I love the purple dress :)
Toronto is HUGE about patios.- Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 8:34:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Lovely shots of the cats Naomi, I think I must snap some around my neighbourhood now.
I love the see the bond between you and your Father and hey..I love that purple dress, it looks great on you :D
PS: Thinking about your my dear friend, as life goes on and I hope you'll gain strength and be strong. Big Hugzzzz....- Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 10:44:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I never even met your father and even I can see the difference between these pictures and other's you've posted. He looks so much younger when he's relaxed. That picture of him and Olga, it just radiates affection. It's so sweet. Also, love the kitty pix.
- Friday, June 5, 2009 at 6:14:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi dear Naomi,
Just dropping by to say hello and wish you have a nice weekend.
Thanks for your always nice visiting and comment on my page. A big hug to you!- Friday, June 5, 2009 at 8:51:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Love that picture of you with Gabby - it is such a sweet one, Naomi...
And of course, anywhere that has so many cats is a good place to be :)
Life's friends are irreplaceable... When one dies, a little part of you dies with them.
((hugs))- Friday, June 5, 2009 at 3:00:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
By the looks of all the pictures you took of the kitties over there, it appears as if your love for cats has been a lifelong love. :) When we travel, I miss our cats like crazy and try to lure any kitty available in for a snuggle. :)
Those are also some wonderful candids you captured of your dad. Very special indeed.
I'm glad to see that you're still posting and sharing with us. That tells me that you're working through your grief as best you can.
(hugs)- Friday, June 5, 2009 at 7:46:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, love the kitties, pictures of Daddy Joe and the lovely pictures of the cute spot you had lunch. I love that purple dress you are wearing, it looks terrific on you.
Your dad and Olga do make a lovely couple. I'm glad that you were able to go with them to France.... What a memorable trip.
Sorry that you are having a hard time right now.... Know that I am thinking about you. Looking forward to more about your trip.- Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 12:10:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Fascinating to see your series of posts about Cannes and the surrounding area. Other than the cars, some parts are virtually unchanged.
I've been to the Carlton a few times and I think the main change there is that they've removed that car park at the front and made it look even more 'exclusive' with a small drive in area away from the road. I expect you would still recognize the interior which I suspect is very similar.- Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 5:10:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Thank you for sharing the good fortune of your life. The photo of your father on the hillside showed the thread that runs through life- time and place.
May God hold you in his arms to ease the pain of your loss. How good that when He cannot relieve our suffering here, He can comfort us through the rest of eternity.
Hugs- Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 7:41:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I hope you will continue the story, Naomi. I love reading it.
Be good to yourself. Grieving is a process rather than an event. Hugs to you.- Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 11:04:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi- how fortunate you are to have such wonderful photos, and an incredible memory of it all. As a side note, you look particularly stunning in these images~
Re: your situation-hang in there I have you in my prayers- Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 11:07:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi I hope you know how special you are. I've never known anyone quite like you even though I've never met you in person...you fascinate me and you inspire me. You are a beautiful person inside and out and I am so sorry you are having to go through this bad time. Please know that I will be thinking of you and sending up prayers and special thoughts to you as I am sure many, many of your friends are also doing.
I love this post and how vivid the photos are. I can almost feel the air there. And you in that lovely purple dress! Wow. And laughing with Gabby...you were stunning.- Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 3:48:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I'm just catching up and delighted to see two more Sud posts. It doesn't matter a bit that the photos aren't digital - it gives then the genuine flavour of France in the sixties/ seventies. I'm not surprised you felt at home there- you look at home and as chic as any of the French madamoiselles.
How I miss those long leisurely lunches - the height of civilised living. I could smell the lovely lavender and herbs and love your precious flower and picture. She must have known how you would treasure it. I have an appointment but will be back later for Part9.
Courage mon brave!- Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 1:32:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I'm back to resume my travels in the south of France with you.
Really enjoyed this post. Loved the cats....they were all gorgeous.
I DO have to say your father does look extremely laid back and relaxed. You captured a very serene quality about him in these photos. I'm really hoping to get to the museum when I'm in DC next month!
And you...oooh la la! You look SO tres chic, Naomi! If one didn't know...with your gorgeous dark hair, olive skin and lovely figure, you look like a very savvy French woman!
Really enjoyed the post.- Monday, June 22, 2009 at 1:51:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Well, of course I loved all those charming kitties! But I think one of my favorite photos from this post was the one of your dad, Olga and friends around that charming French table outdoors in the sun, enjoying their day. I can see why you loved the South of France, if it was always this lovely and you were enjoying the company of family and the fascinating people you met. Photographs of the heart -- that's what I thought of the slightly (but not too) blurred photo of your dad -- it is the memory, isn't it -- and it doesn't matter if the photo is clear if the memory is clear in your heart. Beautiful indeed.
- Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 8:40:00 AM PDT
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