It’s all a-buzz here in le petit bateau because today my partner Romain – aka French Boy –  has just released his first album. It’s been a year in the making –  while I’ve been working intensely on my book, he’s been working on his album, rocking the houseboat down. How did we manage to both work from home on two completely different projects without a hitch? I have no idea. But it’s been wonderful, a year we will never forget, for all the right reasons.

So “fiction”, what’s it all about? Well, Romain is a rock and blues guitarist, and this self-produced album is a collection of instrumental songs which take their inspiration from various decades of pop, blues and rock. This is definitely an album for guitar enthusiasts (it ain’t mainstream music) and for those who love to rock on! Believe it or not, I am one of those people  – even though I play mostly classical piano, I love to listen to loud, feet stompin’ rock. “Fiction” is exactly that. I have lots of favourite songs on the album, including ruffian,  jungle path and la loue (which was inspired by one of our walks along the river loue in France, where Romain is originally from), but I think my favourite favourite is the album title song fiction – a fab mix of pop, synth rock & blues. I also love lawlessness 1 & 2 – Romain composed these for a dance piece titled “restlessness” choreographed by my dear friend Heidi here in Amsterdam earlier in the year. And the colour purple & stone are pure, beautiful head bangin’ rock.

A big congratulations to my french boy for taking his passion to the next level and producing something wonderful. Please be sure to spread the word about “fiction” to all your guitar-loving friends, and to listen to the songs, you can click here or listen to some of them on his myspace here. The album & individual songs are available for purchase on both itunes and cdbaby. For those interested in purchasing music the good ol’ fashion way – that is, on a CD – Romain will look into it in the new year.

And my contribution to the album? Yes, it’s the cover. I made a few different versions but this was the one we both loved the most. I hope you like it too.

xx

…you were probably hoping I’d moved on from this subject already. But you know, when inspiration hits, I just go with it. And homemade jam just happens to be my inspiration right now. Bare with me, dear readers.

this is a collage i made a few months ago from magazine clippings and frangipanis

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The weather in Amsterdam this past week has been glorious. and I have been able to enjoy alot of it in between work. It’s been a busy week – for me and my gorgeous guests – so we are all going to take a breather this weekend and get back to posting on Monday. Riley, Yvette and myself have some awesome things coming your way!

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For now, here is a list of some of the “day enhancing” things I’ve been taking pleasure in this week which are all part of the local landscape here in ol’ Amsterdam. Perhaps some of these things will enhance your day too…

…the smell of this flower which I planted in my little garden by the bridge of mon petit bateau.
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…the fine company of this wonderful lady who I met for the first time yesterday, while on her way back home from an intense month spent in Africa. She was one of my first ever readers, and it was such a treat to meet and get to know her in person. We enjoyed pancakes for lunch, wandered these streets, and had some morning tea here.
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…enjoying tea and lunch in my beautiful friend’s incredible abode. I can’t wait for her to show & tell!

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…spending time with my (blog)house guest, buying herbs for each other’s gardens.
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…having another divine massage and facial at this fabulous place.
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…soaking in the afternoon sun while sitting on a gorgeous old French fisherman’s chair which i bought at this lovely boutique(which I’ve featured here before).
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…floating around in a long cotton dress I bought at this store(who knew they had dresses!?).
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…incredibly touched that this piece reached family members far and wide.
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…enjoying dinner at this lovely restaurant with my new friend (who you will learn more about soon!) (and who ordered a lavender & honey parfait for dessert that was to-die-for-delicious)

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Hmm, now looking at this list, perhaps I’ve over-indulged a little…?

xx

PS have a fabulous weekend! Please let me know what you get up to, wherever you may be in this world.

…or pay me so i can justify spending precious hours on these fanciful creations… “hello, my name is pia and i’m currently addicted to creating whimsical ribbon girls who where clogs and top hats”.