Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
There are moments in life that are pre-ordained; carved out of layers of particles from the past. As for the rest, most befall a mundane pattern. Rituals, traditions, repetitive cycles all become our mission to compete; perchance, stand-out. This has been my take on the years leading up to the summer of 2025.
I was first introduced to Chateau d’Orquevaux, an artists and writers sanctuary in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France, while doing a google search. It sounded like the perfect antidote to life in the ’25’s. After poring over the website, I realized that I needed to apply to be accepted. The wheels were set in motion; pronto.
An opportunity presented itself in the form of a 3-week residency at this mid-19th-century French chateau in July 2025. Spontaneity, instinct, desire, and a host of other exhilarating emotions were put into play. Once accepted, a decision was made without hesitation. This was one of those pre-ordained moments superseding all others. In retrospect, a gift from a higher order, sent to me through a circuitous route, after years of paying my dues in real time.
During the months that followed my acceptance, my daydreams heightened, my fantasies flourished, and all I could think about in my conscious moments was spending a month in a Chateau in France, with a group of like-minded artists and writers. I was on the cusp of reaching a lifelong desire to enter this alternate universe, one where I knew I belonged. Not simply the day-to-day minutiae that we all deal with. The stars had aligned, and I was being sent on a journey that would carry me through the years to follow in an elevated status. Simply put, that is how extraordinary this experience has been.
July 9th finally arrived, and leading to the chateau was reminiscent of the opening scenes in Downton Abbey, where Julian Fellowes has given the viewer pause to capture the essence of another moment in history, where time has stood still.
Hosts Ziggy Attias and Beulah Van Rensburg have followed suit, only this time I was a player in this epic drama. I would not be bold enough to call myself the Dowager Countess of Grantham, but most would agree, I was well-suited to be cast in the role of Lady Laura; a character from another world – a region known as the city of Nouvelle York.
Back to reality and to recap the months leading up to this extraordinary journey.
Once all seemed in order, and payments were received, flights and train travel booked, the visualization began to set in.
Again, nothing could adequately prepare me for the sheer magic of this magnificent palace set atop rolling hills covering over 40 acres of lush landscape, rippling streams andcows grazing in pasture. The grape vines that have been planted for wine, will be appearing by next summer butare still in their infancy.They are currently covering the hill facing the Chateau. This was my view, while overlooking newly planted young trees adorning the path leading to the lake. Sitting at my desk in a salon called Esthers Bath, I am surrounded by fellow writers, all creating and commiserating about their work, their life, and this otherworldly experience that we are sharing. Time has indeed stood still.
The rest of the group of 28 fall under a variety of artistic headings, from performance artists, musicians, choreographers, a fashion designer whose craft is handmade silk flowers, photographers, and painters. I have landed in my element as I have dreamed of being all of the above.
We come from different countries, backgrounds, and generations. A diverse group of talent on stage to enjoy the creative and homogenous blend of our craft, merging into one. The writers’ group has the opportunity to read their work aloud for comments and critiques at open mic sessions, enabling our voices to be heard by a receptive crowd.
The artists’ studios, formerly stables on the grounds, have equal opportunity. In the final days of this 3-week residency, their work is shown at an open-studio event, allowing their creativity to be viewed and boldly displayed.
It was during this walk-through that emotion took hold. I felt so overwhelmed to be among this rare group of creatives in a chateau surrounded by splendor, magnificence, and for me, a throwback to a past life.
My deep appreciation goes to Ziggy and Beulah who have taken the helm at restoring and maintaining the integrity of this inspirational setting by granting artists free rein to simply ‘create’. In a picture- perfect landscape that could only be imagined on film or in a novel. How fortunate we were to have been placed in this select group of artistic excellence.
@Chateau_orquevaux
@laura_j_wagner
Exquisitely captures the emotional ride of a lifetime. I adore this, Laura. Thank you. A bientôt! Kent
Oh thank you, Kent. This one just flowed and wrote itself! Loved every minute of our magical journey. And so glad that we met. xx
Thank you Laura! The pleasure was all ours
Fabulous
Wonderful! It was so good to meet you and share time in Esther’s Bath. I do hope that we get to spend time together again x Meg
We absolutely will make it happen. That’s an ‘order’:) wish my Orquevaux family lived closer xx
An incredible time, captured beautifully in this piece.
Merci Mark – what an extraordinary moment in our lives. beyond words meeting you and Georgia. xx
I loved reading this Laura! You’ve captured my thoughts exactly. Wasn’t it a dream?
A dream that continues… missing our Orquevaux family… and your effervescent energy xx
I basked in the vicarious pleasure of your experience, one I’d love to have myself, and one that sounds absolutely DELIGHTFUL. I’m so glad you had the opportunity and were able to make the very most of it. Brava, Laura!
Many thanks, Lorraine; it was truly a dream come true. You too will find an experience similar – you’re on a star-studded path.