Acrylic on canvas – 10 x 12 inch – Unique work

Marilou arrived in Normandy a year ago with her parents, her uncle, and her aunt. They had grown tired of the heat in the south of France. Forest fires and the overwhelming number of tourists during the summer months hastened their decision—something they had been wanting to do for a very long time. And then, the opportunity arose.

The parents of her best friend, Jane, have family in Normandy—specifically in Conches-en-Ouche. Getting together as a small group in such a lovely spot turned out to be the best decision they ever made. The pond is magnificent. There aren’t many houses around, so there’s very little noise disturbance. The only downside: the hunters!

Marilou is having a blast with Jane. Every day, they discover a new spot. They are part of a whole group that swims, chats, and laughs together in an area kept safe by the oldest Eurasian coots. These birds stay on the lookout for the slightest danger—be it a peregrine falcon, a tawny owl, or, of course, humans. Their vigilance becomes even more intense in the autumn.

For other reasons, protecting their broods between April and the end of July is also crucial. They build their nests on the water’s surface and look after their young as a pair—each with their own specific role!

Today is Halloween. Marilou and Jane have decided to surprise their respective families. For the past few days, they have been gathering costumes from their surroundings—ferns, twigs, yellow and orange leaves, and a bit of mud—and just like that, they’re all set. They cover their black bodies and stark white beaks until they disappear from sight.

They are hiding behind a tree trunk that fell into the water during the last storm in January. They are waiting, huddled close together, for their parents, aunt, and uncle to swim nearby—at which point they plan to jump out, startle them, and shout, “Trick or treat!”.

It feels like ages since they took up residence in this rather eerie corner of the pond. No one has come swimming nearby. They leave their hiding spot and head slowly back to their home. Suddenly, an unidentified group approaches them, shouting, “Trick or treat!” They get the fright of their lives… but then, all at once, they recognize their parents, uncle, aunt, and some neighbors, too!