Bohemian Rhapsody
LeAnn Wester Stephenson
I know in my head that the best things in life aren't things. The best things are supposed to be experiences and relationships and junk like that - Right?! But BOY, in my heart I would love to have one of these things! I would also sell my pancreas for half the talent and imagination that Jeanne Bayol and Jean-Marie Marécha possess.
Deep in the heart of Provence, along the foothills of the Chaine des Alpilles Mountains, there are some of the most beautiful gypsy caravans in the world being restored by these two. During the restoration process, Jeanne and Jean-Marie try to make sure and honor the essence of these marvelous pieces by staying true to the history that the caravans hold. I can't help but feel a sense of mystery and enchantment of times past when I look at these sacred gypsy spaces. It seems to me that the idea of traveling towards the unknown is what inspires and sparks my imagination. After all, isn't that what the gypsy's spirit entails? Jeanne and Jean-Marie want to capture just that in their restorations, which is what they call "a subtle mix of temporary and eternal."
Apparently, it has now become quite posh to accessorize one's gardens with these lovely caravans. Others, I've discovered, use them for a tea room, a guest house, a playhouse, or just a nice escape to sit and read a book. All are options I find simply delightful!
Jeanne Bayol, a native of Provence, is a woman of many talents. She can transform any event with her Bohemian touch, whether it be professional like fairs, seminars, or festivals, she can decorate private interiors, as well. Her sense of color and creative taste have led her to design clothes that are genuinely unique and bear witness to the liberty to dress oneself in an audacious fantasy. You can find images and information on those here. She is also a prolific writer and those titles can be found here.
Photos courtesy Gipsybazar, Les-Verdines, and Jeanne Bayol
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