I read this letter in the lobby of Belles Rives, in Antibes. There’s almost no-one here these day. Just Gertrude Stein, Archie MacLeish, Picasso, Dos Passos, Hemingway, the Fitzgeralds, the Murphys… as I said no one. We just keep spending more time, with less people.

There was time when the lost generation started summering on the Riviera, and basically invented what many of us just returned from, a beach holiday a/k/a fun in the sun. (For my part, I came back ready and raring to work… and had to wait for lots of people to finish). Lesson learned there.

The term, “perdue” or “lost,” was used by Hemingway as the epigraph for his novel “The Sun Also Rises,” marking the birth of the Lost Generation label as we know it. Contrary to the insinuation that this generation lacked purpose, they found it in their friendships and, consequently, their writing. The practices and attitudes that sustained them are worth revisiting as we navigate our own unsettled times. Here are five lessons from the Lost Generation:

1. **Nourish Your Body and Mind:** The Lost Generation valued freshness and originality in food, conversation, and art. Meals were often sourced from the villa’s gardens and orchards, emphasizing the importance of fresh, simple, and authentic experiences.

2. **Involve Your Children:** Unusually for their time, the Lost Generation involved their children in their adventures and gatherings. This inclusivity fostered a sense of community and creativity, even among the younger generation.

3. **Maintain Your Routine:** The Lost Generation adhered to a daily routine that included work, exercise, relaxation, and socializing. Such structure provided stability and allowed for both productivity and leisure.

4. **Pursue Your Craft Relentlessly:** The commitment to their craft was unwavering. They discussed, debated, and wrote incessantly, which contributed to their lasting impact on American literature.

5. **Nurture Your Friends:** Loyalty and generosity defined their relationships. They supported each other emotionally and financially through the challenges of life, proving the enduring strength of their friendships.

As the Post Covid world grapples with its own uncertainties, the Lost Generation’s advice remains relevant: savor life and savor your friends. Their legacy reminds us to cherish the meaningful connections in our lives and to seek purpose in our friendships and passions, even during trying times.

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I did a few watercolors here as well. Here’s my favorite…

Weekend Watercolor, Belles Rives, Antibes