Memo from J-P
For this page of oldquimper.com, we give the floor to Jean-Pierre, who serves as the CFO (Chief Feline Officer) of The Meadows Collection. Appointed to that position in 2007, he has gamely agreed to attempt the daunting task of taking over the duties previously fulfilled by the late, but ever-present-in-our-hearts, Porquier-Beau...whose image continues to grace the upper left corner of this link.
Jean-Pierre is now twelve-years-old, which translates to sixty-four in human years. He is still very young-at-heart and so full of enthusiasm that he has bravely stepped up to the plate.
It is with great pleasure that we pass along the latest Memo from J-P:
Greetings to all.
First a little bit about me:
Jean-Pierre is now twelve-years-old, which translates to sixty-four in human years. He is still very young-at-heart and so full of enthusiasm that he has bravely stepped up to the plate.
It is with great pleasure that we pass along the latest Memo from J-P:
Greetings to all.
First a little bit about me:
I was born in Paris and am thoroughly français despite paperwork that lists me as being a chat de la fôret norvégienne (Norwegian Forest Cat). My full name is Châtelain Jean-Pierre. Châtelain because being born in 2007... December 21, 2007 to be precise...means that in accordance with French regulations, my name must begin with the letter 'c'. Those born in 2008 have names that begin with a 'd', those born in 2009 have names beginning with the letter 'e' and so on.
Châtelain is a French term from the Middle Ages used to distinguish the seigneur or lord of the manor. We live in Quimper now, so it's more like lord of the apartment...but the important part is that I rule the roost, so to speak. Jean is in reference to Jean-Baptiste Bousquet who settled in Quimper in 1699 and Pierre is in honor of his son, Pierre Bousquet, who in 1708 founded Quimper's first modern -day pottery factory.
Châtelain is a French term from the Middle Ages used to distinguish the seigneur or lord of the manor. We live in Quimper now, so it's more like lord of the apartment...but the important part is that I rule the roost, so to speak. Jean is in reference to Jean-Baptiste Bousquet who settled in Quimper in 1699 and Pierre is in honor of his son, Pierre Bousquet, who in 1708 founded Quimper's first modern -day pottery factory.
Every once in a while I like to put the spotlight on a specific topic…it might be an unusual example of Quimper pottery or perhaps a further look at a place or structure…something that I feel will further your enjoyment of French faïence.
And then sometimes I take this opportunity to share with you some of our adventures in Quimper...because one of the results of being so gab-smacked enamored of Quimper pottery has led to the inevitable and now we live in Quimper...right in the middle of Old Town !
I'm an indoor cat, but I do see a lot from our windows and the folks are always up for an adventure. Here's a quick rundown of what we were up to last month...it will give you a bit of a taste of the sights and sounds of living in Quimper.
Extraordinary times right now...with not much to report from my arbre à chat...French for cat tree...
Looking east towards the Cathedral...all the shops and patisseries are closed...
...and turning west towards the boulangerie, the rest of the street's shops and boutiques are also closed and the only people in sight are police officers patrolling...
...to enforce the extraordinary regulations...but everyone understands the importance of staying close to home.
Except for brief shopping forays for absolute necessities, the French must stay indoors.
So we do our part and wait...
An unnerving situation, but one that this street has experienced in the past...
...in addition to cholera and other infectious diseases, la peste noire or black plague ravaged through the neighborhoods of Quimper in 1349, 1412, 1594 and 1639.
All classes, conferences, hikes and performances have been cancelled along with the very popular twice weekly outdoor street market. The daily indoor market, Les Halles, is open, but only with limited hours. The number of vendors has been reduced and only a strictly regulated number of shoppers can be in the building at the same time.
Maintaining a good distance between customers is required. At times, the line extends for blocks...customers waiting patiently while avoiding close contact.
The folks have only been able to catch a brief glimpse of winter turning into spring...
...but the joys of basking in sunshine are still relished with delight...
...and we improvise the best we can...with a nap in the sun...
...or a good read on the balcony.
Socializing is now done ever so briefly and at a distance...
...and definitely minus the customary greeting ritual of kisses on both cheeks.
A far cry from the usual Breton gab fest...
...as so aptly illustrated by sculptor Louis Henri Nicot with "The Three Gossips"...a faïence group produced by the Henriot pottery.
That's my memo for this month; I hope you enjoy my sharing of our adventures in Quimper!