And I am not talking about the lilies, although they were the first real gift that I have given myself in a while (and their perfume is impregnating the walls of our new home, slowly replacing the thwack of paint). No, something that will have a far longer lasting effect, I hope. For those of you that have been reading along for a few months, you might remember our lovely Easter weekend “In the Alpilles” when our dear friends saved us from the madness of the Easter bullfights by inviting us to stay at their home in the country. Well, they have come to the rescue again. They are loaning it to us while they head off exploring for ten days. Ten days! Of quiet. In the pool. Sipping rosé. While reading. It is, indeed, of the pinch me variety.
Most certainly because we are acutely in need of it, something that our friends are well aware of, so much so that they told us that it was “an order” that we accept, knowing that otherwise that we would simply be overwhelmed by their kindness and try to weasel out of it. With the cost of moving, we cannot afford such a respite otherwise any time soon. Actually, Remi and I haven’t taken a vacation since 2006 and even that was a rushed affair for a friend’s wedding. I have been back to the States a few times since but again, finances kept Remi here. These past few years have been especially stressful and I think that the move was the final goutte d’eau de trop. Today, while I was ironing, I started crying and couldn’t stop. On and off for a very long time. I spoke to my friend Frederique, who thinks that it was what they call the contre-coup, something akin to backlash. Nothing that a stretch of nothing won’t cure.
We are leaving the piles of random objects that have not yet found their places where they are, paintings are propped up on the furniture. The lilies will powder and rose petals will fall on the mantel. There is a problem with the internet where we are going, so I may not be posting as much as I would like and again demand your patience. I promise to come back with many photos and hopefully a new perspective as a parenthesis within the new perspective.
What a wonderful break for you at just the right moment – hope you have a fabulous time and can relax and recover!!
Hello Anonymous and thank you for your insightful comment. Yes, economic uncertainty is part of the times but good things can come out of it as well as Remi and I are both seeing–it forces you to be creative about what you can do! And I always, always appreciate the great things that <i have in my life that money can't buy.
And yes, I better move forward–life will drag me along by the heels if I don't! 🙂
After reading some of your posts, it seems you are going through some transitional times, trying to make your way through the challenging economy. Well, I'm sure you are aware that you are not alone. Many of us are living "altered" lifstyles, and the uncertainty of what economic climate we will find ourselves in as the future progresses. Just be glad dear one that you are able to live in such a lovely place, can still buy bottle of wine, light some candles and have close friends around your table.
Yes, it is stressful to move and navigate your way through a budget every week, but please…..many of us are doing the same thing and are still living in the U.S. So enjoy what you have and move forward!