I love it. The sun shimmering on the sea, reflecting off the blue and white sailboats as they glide along the coast, The smell of pine in the forest as the low sun reflects through the trees.

There is an ennui, a haze of heat that makes me sluggish, yet content. It is a novelty to me to be constantly warm. I never tire of being able to eat outdoors. in Scotland the only time I recall eating al fresco was on Guy Fawkes Night. We would be wrapped in layers and huddled round a bonfire eating potatoes wrapped in tinfoil and cooked in the fire.

The Riviera has long been a destination for Northerners. I read that Tsar Alexander II took the train to Nice in 1864, shortly after the line was opened. My fellow countryman Robert Louis Stevenson came in 1882 and wrote 'A Child's Garden of Verses'. This has special significance for me as it was his book that introduced me to a lifelong love of reading and writing poetry. I know many writers have found inspiration on the Cote D'Azur and continue to to do so. The Riviera Woman has a strong core of writers and it is a joy to read their articles, blogs etc.

I am keen to start a creative writing group/class in the Autumn, to bring together ideas, share expertise and encourage others. More details to follow.

Meanwhile...

"Is it so small a thing, to have enjoy'd the sun?"

I think not!

Happy sunny summer to all.