petite anglaise

November 23, 2006

a room with a view

Filed under: misc — petiteanglaiseparis @ 1:19 pm

The agent immobilier motions me through the tiled entrance hall and out into a paved yard with a balcony, which looks out onto the back of a nearby school of architecture, which is slightly downhill. The courtyard is bathed in light, even on this rather grey, uninspiring day, with its small droplets of rain which mist my glasses and make the whole world look foggy. The residents have decorated the courtyard with a ramshackle assortment of potted plants. Perfect.

Beckoning me through a door onto a narrow staircase, we climb two flights of stairs and he throws open the door.

I fall in love.

The main room is freshly painted, with a wooden floor and exposed beams across the ceiling. It is filled with light and the window looks across the courtyard we just crossed. There is a brand new kitchenette, with two hobs and a mini-bar sized fridge, just like in my first ever Parisian apartment. A tiny shower room and toilet (and it’s not even a chemical toilet, the estate agents is at pains to point out) open off the kitchen, in a room the size of a cupboard.

Of the three studios I have visited this week, this is the one. I want it, desperately. I can picture a spacious desk placed just so, by the window. A sofa bed in the corner, a large leafy plant. An uncluttered, bright, empty space where there is nothing to distract me (possibly not even the internet!) It will be my retreat, my writing place, but also the hotel petite anglaise, where good friends can come and stay at weekends. The home I share with Tadpole will become just that, the place where I relax. Where the computer once dominated my living room/bedroom/office, there will now be space for an adult sized dining table.

And so I go back to the agency, and take out all my paperwork: contract from publishers (in English), the compulsory electricity bill (why this document is so sacred I do not know, because the EDF never ask for proof of identity before opening an account), a photocopy of my carte de séjour. I explain that renting makes perfect sense for me, right now, as I can expense it, and add that I will obtain a bank guarantee, in order to reassure the proprietor, lest he throw up his hands in despair at the lack of the usual payslips. I hope that I will be seen as an attractive tenant, a stable, quiet individual who won’t even sleep there, who won’t mess up their freshly painted walls or really do much “living”.

Now I sit beside the phone and pray that I will get the call to say it is mine, and soon.

106 Comments

  1. And did I forget to mention that the Chinese supermarket down the street sells GINGER NUTS?

    My cup is now officially overflowing.

    Comment by petite — November 23, 2006 @ 1:38 pm

  2. Wow I can just picture it. It sounds so french so artistic…

    Fingers crossed you’ll get it.

    Comment by CeeCee — November 23, 2006 @ 1:43 pm

  3. After reading that, I want a Parisian studio and I don’t even need it for any legitimate reason!

    To dream…

    Comment by BLC — November 23, 2006 @ 1:44 pm

  4. I can’t see a reason not to go for it. Maybe the fact that the minibar is not furnished might be a turndowner… Who knows.

    It looks brilliant though.

    Comment by Bob-i-Licious — November 23, 2006 @ 1:51 pm

  5. have i missed, you (petite,) discussing what you’re currentlyy working on? or is it a secret?

    Comment by BLC — November 23, 2006 @ 2:05 pm

  6. It is a memoir, provisionally titled “petite anglaise” for publication in spring 2008 after which there will be a second book, which can be memoir or fiction and should see the light of day in 2009ish. It is as yet untitled and is TOO MUCH FOR ME TO THINK ABOUT RIGHT NOW. But the exact focus of the memoir, I’ll keep to myself for now. I’m superstitious like that.

    Comment by petite — November 23, 2006 @ 2:13 pm

  7. WOW. Thanks for that, I must have missed your posts regarding your employment prospects in a post-‘douced’ world. I do love a good memoir. Make sure it reaches Australia, or even better, you reach Australia for a book tour!

    Comment by BLC — November 23, 2006 @ 2:25 pm

  8. You are very much in business! Congratulations!

    Comment by Antipo Déesse — November 23, 2006 @ 2:25 pm

  9. I’ll take a stab at guessing the focus of the memoir. I bet it’s about you, and France, and being a little English, or a Little English, while living there.

    Good luck.

    Comment by Damian — November 23, 2006 @ 3:00 pm

  10. Congratulations on finding such a perfect bolthole. It’s a great idea to keep the memoir details to yourself, as it will be a treat when it comes out.

    Comment by stressqueen — November 23, 2006 @ 3:01 pm

  11. Wait… Am I missing something? Didn’t you just move to a new place like a few months ago/ you’re moving again? Wow!!! It takes a lot to move house, I realized that we we moved last year. now I’m dreading the next move once this lease is up! All the best, it sounds like THE perfect place!

    Comment by Meena — November 23, 2006 @ 3:02 pm

  12. You are indeed in business…

    Does this make you feel more like a ‘real’ writer now??

    Comment by Lizzy — November 23, 2006 @ 3:19 pm

  13. New information! I can imagine that writing a book is a lot of work, but Spring 2008 is a long wait. Just as well we have the blog in the meantime.
    Good luck

    Comment by Pierre L — November 23, 2006 @ 4:09 pm

  14. Don’t forget – desk facing the wall. So says Stephen King, anyway.

    Sounds great, though – good luck with the paperwork!

    Comment by Iain — November 23, 2006 @ 4:13 pm

  15. Petite, still waiting to hear if ‘favourite toy’ ever surfaced.

    Comment by sacha — November 23, 2006 @ 4:27 pm

  16. no, it never did.

    Comment by petite — November 23, 2006 @ 4:37 pm

  17. How lovely to have a room of one’s own! It’s something I dream about. Have you ever read the Diary of a Provincial Lady? I love, love it, and even she found herself a flat away from domestic bliss (!) where she would try and write but would mostly be led astray for lunch and sherry parties whith those she thought far more glamorous than herself. You might even be able to take a lover there!!

    Comment by Welsh Cake — November 23, 2006 @ 4:42 pm

  18. That sounds wonderful! I’m sure it will inspire your writing even more.

    Comment by BlondebutBright — November 23, 2006 @ 4:47 pm

  19. Let’s just hope the new landlord is not Internet-savvy ;-)
    The place sounds tres jolie – good luck!

    Comment by Isabella — November 23, 2006 @ 5:18 pm

  20. Petite, the utility bill isn’t to prove your identity, it’s to show that you live at the address you say you do. Since it was posted you there, and you have it in your hand, ipso facto, you live there!
    Bonne chance.

    Comment by Mr Pedantic — November 23, 2006 @ 5:58 pm

  21. The space sounds perfect for writing and will allow your home to be just that, a home, free from your “job” as a writer.

    Spring 2008? That’s ages away – why so long?

    Lisa
    p.s “Desk to wall, ass to the window, as it leaves one open to inspiration!” so said Brendan Behan having consumed a dram or two!

    Comment by Lisa — November 23, 2006 @ 6:02 pm

  22. Hope you get it! :)

    Comment by Joana — November 23, 2006 @ 6:33 pm

  23. Wow! Sounds amazing! I am sure many a happy & productive writing day shall be spent there.

    Good Luck

    Comment by Fee — November 23, 2006 @ 6:34 pm

  24. Wait a minute… do you really need a second space to write in? Tadpole is in school during the day isn’t she? and with her dad sometimes? Kind of splurging isn’t it?

    Comment by magillicuddy — November 23, 2006 @ 6:54 pm

  25. Des ‘Ginger Nuts’, en France ?

    J’aurais bien voulu les trouver quand j’y ai habité. Mais, pas de chance. Je crois que je ne suis pas jalouse de l’appartement, mais jalouse des biscuits. C’est bizarre ça !

    Comment by Une Fille — November 23, 2006 @ 7:25 pm

  26. magillicuddy – I don’t think so. I’ve been writing in my 12M2 bedroom, which gets little natural light, is also my living room and has no room for us to eat (we eat in my daughter’s bed/playroom, which has a miniature table and chairs).

    I don’t want to move, but our place is tiny, and just not suited to being a home and an office. I’m finding I can’t sleep at night, after having worked in that room.

    Plus I have nowhere to put my friends/family up when they want to stay. And I will get a tax break on my rental. So all in all, it makes perfect sense to me.

    Comment by petite — November 23, 2006 @ 7:38 pm

  27. I’m jealous. It’s a kind of a fantasy to me. And I can’t stop picturing the “garçonnière” (no pun on words thanks) the precise opposite way you described it:

    Hope it will open an inner view at the same time.

    Comment by 4 roses — November 23, 2006 @ 7:41 pm

  28. Oh, Magillicuddy. So young, so naive!

    Now Petite gets to ask cute boys if they’d like to come back to her “atelier.” Which is of course a beautiful french word for “shag den.”

    Write on!

    Comment by Meg — November 23, 2006 @ 7:42 pm

  29. I think bachelorette pad sounds classier, don’t you?

    Comment by petite — November 23, 2006 @ 7:58 pm

  30. Sounds gorgeous! I want to live in Paris too!! Mind you, I think Madrid is pretty beautiful too. This is my first visit here, and it is a stunning city!

    Sally

    Comment by Sally Lomax — November 23, 2006 @ 8:16 pm

  31. Meg, “atelier” won’t fit but you’ve added a 3rd definition to “garçonnière”:

    1. an appartment for bachelor (ette).
    2. a place where a rich married man (sorry ladies) invites his mistress (es).
    3. an alibi for women writters.

    Please Petite don’t let drop the feather.

    Comment by 4 roses — November 23, 2006 @ 9:16 pm

  32. OK I’m just JEALOUS JEALOUS JEALOUS…. But good for you ! I know I will read the book… and pass it along …

    And Meg ,was that “young and naive” comment for me???? Puh-lease? Not that young… I came to Paris 18 years ago as a would be writer, and somehow got stuck …. So… how young am I? LOL HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL THE (other) AMERICANS OUT THERE.

    Comment by magillicuddy — November 23, 2006 @ 10:34 pm

  33. the flat sounds lovely!! good luck!

    Comment by aminah — November 23, 2006 @ 10:54 pm

  34. Forget logic, it is always best to go for the “love at first sight” apartments!

    Comment by Lost in France — November 23, 2006 @ 11:08 pm

  35. I’ve often felt I’d like more space than I have. They say it is bad karma to use your bedroom for anything except sleeping (and sex) but being a student I practically have to live out of mine. One day I will live in a big house with a den that I can use for my obsessive interneting, while my bedroom stays fresh and clutter free for when I’m ready to go to sleep.

    *Happy sigh*

    Comment by Ignorminious — November 23, 2006 @ 11:18 pm

  36. It does sound lovely, I bet it will be beautiful in the summer, your own little haven.

    Comment by Susannah — November 23, 2006 @ 11:44 pm

  37. great writing. I can really visualise the place for real, and your excitement (for me its all about the feelings) :o)

    good luck. Seems you need the space in more ways than one..

    Comment by simon — November 24, 2006 @ 12:00 am

  38. What arrondissement ??

    Comment by Eric — November 24, 2006 @ 1:11 am

  39. oh, a stone’s throw from where I am now, in Belleville

    Comment by petite — November 24, 2006 @ 1:29 am

  40. Oh very exciting – with another killer view for a masthead ?

    Comment by Mark — November 24, 2006 @ 1:35 am

  41. I read this on my mobile phone as we sit huddled in the dark ’round a candleabra. It’s thanksgiving day on this side of the pond and the power’s gone out.

    I hope you get this wonderful sounding pad…

    good luck

    Comment by Gimp — November 24, 2006 @ 1:59 am

  42. You are far from me :-) 16eme

    Comment by Eric — November 24, 2006 @ 2:05 am

  43. Ton antre….a toi….L’antre de l’ecrivain. How glorious that must feel.

    (Unless perhaps I got it wrong and it’s your new “love nest” LOL!)

    Bonne chance!

    Comment by Karma — November 24, 2006 @ 2:14 am

  44. Ah! A Room Of Your Own– Fantastic idea. I hope you get it. Think it will be good for you.

    Comment by Nicole — November 24, 2006 @ 4:11 am

  45. I had heard about this blog, and as I suspected, like 90% of them this is self-indulgent, tabloid tripe. Quite appealing to tabloid lovers who love the group therapy of such blogs and pathetic publications. Go read some real writing and learn something. But these days you don’t need to be good to make money or get attention…

    Comment by robert — November 24, 2006 @ 4:51 am

  46. It sounds marvelous. Can I come stay (for a few months or so?)

    Comment by joeinvegas — November 24, 2006 @ 4:58 am

  47. Such a good idea, I’ve worked from home before and unless you can separate a room for an office and close the door at the end of your working day work never leaves & your life kind of becomes a dreary cycle.

    Also, being a single mother myself, I’d LOVE to have a bachelorette pad for those “intimate” moments. Oh, and I suppose the family can share too.

    Comment by QldDeb — November 24, 2006 @ 5:40 am

  48. I meant share in the accommodation when visiting, not the “intimate” moments thing!

    I just read my post & it didn’t quite read right. Unintentional but normal for me (foot in mouth disease).

    Comment by QldDeb — November 24, 2006 @ 5:42 am

  49. Oh…sigh…I’m dreaming of something similar (although not in Paris)…bigger sigh…for my photography work. Not a photography studio as such – but a place to work on my work. Edit. Retouch. Commune with. A space where my head has a chance to relax and let all the thoughts out into the void around me – leaving me free to pluck them out of the spectrum coloured air as I need to – or want to. A place where I can be me again. Not wife. Not mommy. Not child. Me Creative. Me free. Me in a space that’s all mine.

    Comment by Valkyrie — November 24, 2006 @ 7:58 am

  50. I’m so glad to hear you’ve the funds to rent a second home-from-home! It was really quite sad when you had to give up your last apartment. Such beautiful views.

    Comment by Milk & 2 Sugars — November 24, 2006 @ 9:27 am

  51. Good luck with the apartment. Like you I don’t understand why the EDF bill is so sacred. I was buying a car about 6 yeras ago and forgot the EDF bill but had a bank statement, which obviously had my name and address on it but it was not good enough. Just goes to show it is not just a case of having something that was posted to you.

    Comment by Billyboy — November 24, 2006 @ 9:27 am

  52. I was quite amused by your post for the simple reason that I had beleived myself cunning by guessing you were living near the former-Meccano factory (today the school of architecture you’re mentioning), mostly on the basis of the picture of the Paris view on your page.
    A friend of mine lives on the top floor of the building you’re hoping to work in, and therefore I’m familiar with this view.
    I was pretty sure you were already living in this building.
    Take this as an omen.
    Someone thought of you living there. You will.

    Comment by bennett — November 24, 2006 @ 11:17 am

  53. Sounds like a REAL WRITER’S dream come true. More evidence that you are exactly that: a real writer!

    PS to #14: desk facing wall may be bad feng shui, depending on the room. What you don’t want is your back to the door.

    Comment by The Bold Soul — November 24, 2006 @ 12:21 pm

  54. I was lent for three gorgeous weeks one of those little Paris studios, though the bathroom was in the hall(public) and the shower was in the kitchen and no working hob, I LOVED it dearly! So expedient for getting creative work done (watercolors in my case). I’m convinced that Parisien studios are the absolute BEST! Is it because they are in Paris? Probably..but the light there is perfect.
    Bonne chance PA :)

    Comment by ParisBreakfasts — November 24, 2006 @ 12:37 pm

  55. THe reliance on EDF bills is fascinating. When we moved out here we had 4 addresses and unfortunately the postman still delivered the bills. The EDF used the original lotissement address. The water company uses the counter number not the house number! At Conforma someone in front of me was trying to prove their address for credit with such bill – difficult!!

    Good Luck with your new career and life

    Comment by Brian — November 24, 2006 @ 12:43 pm

  56. Yes, I was surprised when I registered to vote in my new arrondissment and all that was required was my carte de sejour (which has an old, old address on) and an EDF bill. I mean, surely my local tax bill would be a more fraudproof form of ID?

    I don’t think identity theft is as big a deal here as in the UK, but with a stolen EDF bill a person could get away with quite a lot…

    Comment by petite — November 24, 2006 @ 1:02 pm

  57. @56
    Dear Petite: few are the desks where they are allowed to ask for tax forms: HLM for an example.
    @52
    I also guessed it was there.
    We live near the Mouzaïa “village” not so far away.

    Comment by saluki — November 24, 2006 @ 2:12 pm

  58. Good luck! I am personally sick of property but I know when we eventually move it will be worth it…

    Comment by lilacstripe — November 24, 2006 @ 3:00 pm

  59. Is buying a studio apartment for writing like a more grown up version of buying a nice notebook and a pen?

    Comment by Jonathan — November 24, 2006 @ 3:27 pm

  60. a room of one’s own – great! wish i had such luxe. share my writing quarters with about a million lego men. and what pulling power it confers … much cooler than offering to show your estampes japonaises, non? come up and see my memoir!
    m

    Comment by mad muthas — November 24, 2006 @ 3:28 pm

  61. Robert

    The correct way to write your message would have been,

    “I had heard about this blog and, as I suspected – like 90% of them – this is self-indulgent, tabloid tripe: quite appealing to tabloid lovers who love the group therapy of such blogs and pathetic publications.

    Go read some real writing and learn something.”

    Your final non sequitur, “But these days you don’t need to be good to make money or get attention…” needs a more contextual information in order to mean anything at all.

    Something along the lines of, “This is proof that you don’t need to be a good writer to make money or get attention” would be sufficient to get your message across. Unfortunately it would also be wrong, as proved by The Telegraph’s interest in – and indeed breaking of – Petite’s story.

    Perhaps you should go do some real writing and earn something.

    Comment by Damian — November 24, 2006 @ 3:29 pm

  62. Ummm — who’s this Robert dude… #45… figment of your creative imagination? if so, kill him off in Chapter 1 please.

    Comment by magillicuddy — November 24, 2006 @ 3:44 pm

  63. Hi petite,
    I hope to hear that you get the place. It is such a tremendous thing to have an extra place for writing. I used to write in our living-room. Sometimes I managed to keep my concentration to the PC despite of one wife, two kids and three budgies – but it was really hard.
    Now I’m changing my writing place to an own office room in your flat, since our son has moved out to life with his girlfriend and so his room became available. Big improvement. If I write, I just shut the door and nobody is allowed to come in – except the building is burning. But an extra place is the non-plus ultra, but not yet affordable, since I raeched only the short story level in writing so far (but the novel level is dawning slowly).
    Petite, I look forward to read your book(s) – would be great if they would be translated to German quickly.

    Frank

    Comment by adventurer — November 24, 2006 @ 3:48 pm

  64. Just read Roberts post after seeing Damians comment on it.

    @Robert
    Your post is ludicrous. If you don’t like (or understand ) petite’s great blog, just to go the writings you appear to accept – maybe you are one of those guys who only read the items of some obscure literature canon, like so called classical literature, that is boring, confused, and weird, but since it is promoted my “literature experts”, the readers feel “intellectual” if they read this stuff, despite they don’t understand it if they are really frank to themselves.

    Comment by adventurer — November 24, 2006 @ 3:59 pm

  65. tabloid tripe? Miam miam!!

    Comment by 4 roses — November 24, 2006 @ 3:59 pm

  66. Tut tut tut Robert.

    Had a bad day?

    Frustrated at the lack of girlfriend, social life or career prospects?

    Yes? Well don’t take it out on Our Petite.

    Now go away.

    Comment by David in London — November 24, 2006 @ 4:18 pm

  67. Ooooooh!

    I’ve always dreamt of something like this.

    Of course, it would be a bit stupid now that I’ve converted my attic into a gorgeous little study just for me (and I do love it – sorry study, I wasn’t cheating on you, not really). I couldn’t really justify it.

    But still, what a lovely idea…

    [And I HIGHLY recommend having an internet-free writing retreat. I’ve spent several writing weeks in internet-free cottages, and when I’m writing at home I unplug my internet cable during working hours – and it makes a big difference to focus on productivity. But if you have no computer at home any more, when will you access the internet? What would happen to your blog?? Can you have a wireless laptop or something, for home use?]

    Comment by Clare — November 24, 2006 @ 4:22 pm

  68. [anal self-edit]

    That should read, “and it makes a big difference to focus AND productivity”

    [/anal self-edit]

    Comment by Clare — November 24, 2006 @ 4:23 pm

  69. I’m thinking:

    boring desktop computer in writing den, sans internet, and sexy powerful black macbook for blogging and play at home on my wireless connection, sometimes plugged through lovely flatscreen monitor (serving also as TV) with wireless keyboard and mouse for Tadpole’s grubby fingers.

    Comment by petite — November 24, 2006 @ 4:44 pm

  70. Hello petite,

    Hopefully (then again maybe not) your new digs will not be referred as a “baisodrome” as described to me by a 20 something fils a papa looking at my apartment (one bedroom) in London. A first but hopefully not blast hello from a FrancoAmerican again living in London

    B Desmo

    Comment by PDesmo — November 24, 2006 @ 5:06 pm

  71. “This is proof that you don’t need to be a good writer to make money or get attention”….

    Whether that is true or not, a useful ingredient is to be lucky. Petite can speak for herself, of course, but it would not surprise me if (despite all the anxieties at the time) she regarded herself now as having had a lucky break with the doocing eposode. Every cloud has a silver lining, they say (or is it ‘All’s well that ends well’?).

    Comment by Jim — November 24, 2006 @ 5:36 pm

  72. I love mini-bar sized fridges, I’ve spent many a happy time in hotels raiding them…just like a child let loose in a sweet shop.

    Comment by Lucy — November 24, 2006 @ 6:22 pm

  73. I know you would dread moving again…and perhaps good apartments in Paris are too difficult to come by…but would it have made sense to go up in rent and get one bigger apartment? Just wondering.

    Best wishes on your new place. Did it come through? Or did I miss that, too? lol I can see why you need more space. I have a large house out in the country, so I am spoiled by all of this space. I also love big windows, so I can understand that more natural light would be important. I tend to go a bit mad in dark, small spaces. : )

    I might have missed this…but are you still close by to Mr. Frog? It was so convenient having him across the street.

    Do you still need a childminder? Or does Tadpole go to school all day?

    Elle

    Comment by elle — November 24, 2006 @ 7:17 pm

  74. A room of your own! Yipppeee! I’m jealous.

    Comment by clarissa — November 24, 2006 @ 9:05 pm

  75. #69

    honestly and quietly(for once), step forward to something that will be a bit disturbing the first time, but a real pleasure… bite the apple! Seriously.
    New things and new anythings, what will scare you now? New way of life and new life, what the hell, a new computer is not gonna stop you. Furthermore if you feel like it. An apple a day keeps doctor away!

    Comment by aymardo — November 24, 2006 @ 11:53 pm

  76. just wondering what is the status of your law suite against your ex-employer?

    Comment by kitkat — November 25, 2006 @ 1:08 am

  77. It’s not classy, you are the tragic person in sixth form english who thinks they can write.

    Comment by Belly — November 25, 2006 @ 1:18 am

  78. kikat: the tribunal date is set for February 2007.

    belly: I didn’t take sixth form English, but I’m sure you’re right, and all those publisher people are wrong. What do they know?

    Comment by petite — November 25, 2006 @ 1:24 am

  79. Oh Belly, jealous, are we? Petite, keep up the great work. Love your blogs.

    Comment by Vanityspice — November 25, 2006 @ 3:14 am

  80. got it ??

    Comment by Eric — November 25, 2006 @ 3:32 am

  81. I have to say the inclusion of a nearby shop selling Ginger Nuts would be the swaying factor for me too. Hope it all works out well.

    As for belly’s comment…I can think of far better parts of the anatomy they should have named themself after :)

    Comment by Templar — November 25, 2006 @ 6:01 am

  82. (re comment 81) Yeah, like ‘TIT’.

    Comment by suze — November 25, 2006 @ 3:23 pm

  83. Oooh that sounds so wonderful!
    I just spent an hour scouring ‘immobilier’ websites. Some of them are gorgeous (with less attractive price tags!)
    Will we be treated to any pictures?

    Comment by Jealous — November 25, 2006 @ 4:09 pm

  84. If the owner agrees, yes, but I’m still on tenterhooks waiting for an answer.

    It doesn’t matter how many assurances I give them, including a bank guarantee which involves blocking a year’s rent, the French get a little shirty if you don’t have payslips and a nice stable job, preferably in the civil service.

    Comment by petite — November 25, 2006 @ 4:12 pm

  85. I adore your blog, I just wanted to wish you good luck!

    Comment by Chelsea — November 25, 2006 @ 5:14 pm

  86. To Belly (comment #77):

    Unless I’m much mistaken and some hoodlum is pointing a gun at you as you type, no-one is forcing you to read this blog, much less comment on it.

    xxx

    LRS

    Comment by Little Red Squirrel — November 25, 2006 @ 7:28 pm

  87. Ditto Robert (#45)

    If Robert is your real name….

    LRS

    Comment by Little Red Squirrel — November 25, 2006 @ 7:32 pm

  88. Firstly, i do hope you succeed with renting your studio. Sounds an ideal place to work – and you DO need to work away from home, especially if ‘home’ is far from spacious.
    Secondly, in reply to Robert, Belly, and suchlike, of course you are entitled to express your opinion but, in comparison to all the other posts, you can see that you are definitely in the minority. If so many people enjoy reading Petite’s blog and appreciate her style and writing ability do you honestly mean to suggest that we are all semi-literate readers with no taste?

    Comment by Sablonneuse — November 25, 2006 @ 9:14 pm

  89. 77.Belly
    If you don’t like Petite’s blog, why you don’t just keep your belly and ass out of it, and don’t bore us with your jealous blathering.

    Comment by adventurer — November 26, 2006 @ 1:05 am

  90. @48,
    being a male Petite groupie, I’d also like to share intimate moments.
    I think Robert, @45, just likes to stir the pot. If we all ignore him he’ll go away and slit his wrists.
    Your proposed pad sounds absolutely magnificent, Petite. I hope you can swing it.

    Comment by AussieGil — November 26, 2006 @ 4:31 am

  91. PA – Are you from York per chance?
    Belly – Fuck me after all these years you pop up on t’internet. Clearly you have not changed much and are still being a sad, boring, fuckwit after all these years. 40 odd and I suppose you are still doing your PHD – if you ever started that is. Get a life and some friends lad, its not too late. MF, Big Man and Dodgy Domes et al will all be highly amused to hear of your literary observations.

    Comment by Billyboy — November 26, 2006 @ 10:10 am

  92. Billyboy – yes, I am, why?

    Comment by petite — November 26, 2006 @ 3:10 pm

  93. And yes folks, the call came last night and WE’RE ON!

    Comment by petite — November 26, 2006 @ 3:17 pm

  94. Félicitations Petite!

    Comment by Jim — November 26, 2006 @ 5:23 pm

  95. Good for you! A good omen for the forthcoming book!

    Comment by M — November 26, 2006 @ 6:33 pm

  96. You looked great in The Independent on Saturday. Nice piece about blogging/money.

    Hope you have all the happiness you deserve in your new home.

    Comment by Insider — November 26, 2006 @ 7:10 pm

  97. Good luck petite, you lucky girl!!

    Comment by suze — November 26, 2006 @ 7:27 pm

  98. I am so jealous! I have my fingers crossed for you.

    Comment by Beth — November 26, 2006 @ 8:12 pm

  99. Bon, voilà une bonne nouvelle: quand pend-on la crémaillère ?

    ;°)

    Comment by Saluki — November 26, 2006 @ 8:42 pm

  100. Hmm. I knew nothing about the Independent piece, but sounds like they used one of the Telegraph pics again from July…

    Comment by petite — November 26, 2006 @ 9:55 pm

  101. Re: Robert/ Belly and Damian

    Robert and Belly – Have you written anything, and if you do, do you allow it for public perusal? or do you simply read other people’s blogs to criticise them.

    Damian – FANTASTIC comment and aboslutely right!

    Petite – I think that writing is like a picture. Those that like it read it, and those that don’t…………

    that’s their problem!! I like your writing and you certainly wouldn’t be so popular if it weren’t very readable! So write on……..

    Sally

    Comment by Sally Lomax — November 26, 2006 @ 10:30 pm

  102. PA – I asked the question out of idle curiosity because of your reference to the KitKat rejects and because of a comment left on this board.. I have not lived in York for almost 30 years although I still have family there.
    We Still have a holiday in Scarborough every summer. By heck we know how to party!

    Comment by Billyboy — November 27, 2006 @ 9:41 am

  103. KitKat rejects!

    Haha, I was just thinking about those giant bags of cut-price rejected Smarties we used to get via someone who worked there. They used to live in our pantry, and I used to sneak in and steal handfuls of them when I wasn’t supposed to.

    Comment by Clare — November 27, 2006 @ 3:10 pm

  104. Stepping back and trying to be objective – because I’m a fan of Petite’s writing and so am already biased – I’ve noticed that those who are critical (Robert, et al) discredit themselves immediately simply because of their meanness. Most readers/commenters are pretty diplomatic, even when disagreeing. The mean nothings these people leave are worthless and speak volumes about their failings and insecurities. But you knew that, all ready!

    Anyway, the Room sound delightful!

    Comment by Molly — November 27, 2006 @ 9:39 pm

  105. A pied-a-terre in Paris! Sounds so incredibly sophisticated and romantic. Sigh.

    Comment by just saying — November 29, 2006 @ 1:36 am

  106. I perfectly agree with your need to separate home and work. I also work at home, and I like it that way, but if it suddenly became too small (if I had a Tadpole), I’d do the same. Besides, all doctors and sleep specialist advise NOT to work and sleep in the same room – your room should feel relaxing for you to sleep well. And if you can’t add an office, find it outside. Did you get this very cute place?

    Comment by Laurette — November 29, 2006 @ 3:42 pm


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