The Journal

Taking inspiration from the great French philosopher Michel de Montaigne (whose famous tower lies just an hour and a half’s drive from Maison Les Buis and can be visited during your stay), we offer a miscellany of writings shaped as a stream of consciousness. Each piece is a reflection on the everyday concerns of modern life.

Claire McGory Claire McGory

On Ritual

What is ritual except an act of devotion? What is devotion except an act of reverence, towards something on its own accord, the spiritual that is birthing into sight?

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Martina Kalvin Martina Kalvin

Reason and Intuition

I consider myself an intuitive person, but what comes first, reason or intuition? A few days ago I found myself choosing colours for a website design. My first instinct was mauve and green, like a globe artichoke. Still, I decided not to rush it.

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Nicolas Spikings Nicolas Spikings

Significant Things

Twice an angel has come and visited me in my dreams and given a hug of love that is beyond description it was pure love, I believe she was giving me a bit of healing I needed.

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Phil Mochan Phil Mochan

Swimming

There is a moment just before you get into cold water when your body knows what is about to happen and your mind has not yet agreed. You stand there, at the edge of a river, a lake, a pool that has been sitting open to the night air, and everything in you says no.

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Phil Mochan Phil Mochan

Building

Maison Les Buis was a nunnery, then a courtyard farm, and now a place where artists come to work. The stones don't mind. They have been reused so many times.

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Martina Kalvin Martina Kalvin

The Treasures of Brocante

A few months ago, a dear friend gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl. Not long after, during my weekly wander through the local brocante (flea market), I found myself searching for a small gift to mark the occasion.

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