Early Landscapes of Helene Grimaud: Aix en Provence

The early landscapes of Helene Grimaud are filled with the beauty and mystery of Aix en Provence; a city most artists would leap at the opportunity to experience. Why is it that not only Helene, but most creatives feel the need to strike out for themselves in foreign and isolated terrains to discover themselves? Those born with the beauty of ancient history seek avant-garde landscapes and vis versa. Perhaps being connected to the far past is a form of bondage. Princess Haiku doesn't know as she is a California ghost and adapts to edgy and new, as easily as the dream world. We will have to ask Helene won't we? If Princess Haiku listens carefully to the hidden subtext in her new CDs she will learn more.

Princess Haiku visits Clemence Isarue

Princess Haiku had a lovely and ghostly visit with Clemence Isaure last night. After all, said Princess Haiku, we both love the arts so much.

"Clemence is well known in Toulouse as the poets' muse and benefactress. Legend has it that her father refused to give her hand to a young knight she was infatuated with. The young man died at war and the desperate young woman promised to remain faithful to her pure love and devote her life to poetry. After her death, she bequeathed her estate to the city of Toulouse provided that the “Capitouls”, the city magistrates, would pay for the expenses of the "Compagnie des Jeux Floraux"; an association dedicated to preserving the poetry and the regional dialect “Occitane". Poets were invited every May for a festival of sorts and to share their work. A violet made in fine gold was given as a symbolic award. Soon after her death, the Capitouls denied the existence of the inheritance and in effect the very life of the generous Clemence. Today the "Compagnie des Jeux Floraux" still exists thanks to the tenacity of poets eager to maintain the Occitane language. The association is located in the Mansion d'Assezat, a beautiful palace from the Renaissance era."

Princess Haiku Escape Mode

It's a cold rainy day, said Princess Haiku. It's a perfect day to get away and while this is simple enough for a ghost, the rest of you need tickets. Here is some info in case you want to come along. Of course I never know until the last second where I am going and so can't help you there. BTW I made a new ghost friend and her name is Avant-Garde. Avy as I call her and I are off to parts unknown. We are leaving the red flower behind to cheer the rest of you up.