It most certainly is November, tout d’un coup. The Christmas decorations are up, the light is giving its last, most magnificent hurrah before sliding into slumber. At the end of this long week, this long year, I am frankly too tired to be verbose. I hope that these photos, taken on a walk last week in Arles, will make you happy all on their own, without much in the way of commentary.
However, one thing really worth mentioning is the respect that I have for my Mom. Well, always but most certainly today. For she is taking off on a three-week journey through Nepal and India to retrace where Buddha lived. I am so proud of her (and all of us) that decide to keep taking the risks that are right in front of our noses and are all the scarier for it.
It is not an obvious or easy choice for my Mom to have made but one born out of a certain or uncertain necessity. Similarly, I love to look at Ben, using his sniffer to guide him as he goes. That is the best of life, when we unfold our stubborn cardboard wings to dare, if not to fly, then at least to stand expanded.
Karena! It is so great to hear from you!! I think that we are all in need of an update on your progress. Sending you lots of love and strength!!!
Heather your Mother will have such an exciting journey! Oh the images you posted are just wonderful I love to see Ben walking along the cobblestones!
Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am getting better every day!
Love and Hugs,
Karena
Art by Karena
Stacey, you are always welcome here to "make it real", I hope that you know that!
Heather, how are things going for you? I love India and know my Mom will be blown away!
Hope your mum takes a camera, India the most colourful country on earth!
As always, I love taking vicarious visits with you, Ben and your camera!! Just lovely! Wow – totally impressed with your mom!!
Nantucket Daffodil, thank you for being here. Sometimes they do! Our last house would groan with the wind like a house at sea. Amazing, isn't it?
Oh Helen, I will give Ben a bisou from you! He deserves it and I thank you for all of your wonderful comments!
Thank you so much Carmen Wunsch de Alvarenga. It is wonderdul to have you here!
Francine, I just sent you an email at in**@in********.com that I dearly hope you will get. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your Mom. And yes, do come back to Arles! If there is the Mistral blowing, I will take you in to have a bit of wine and Remi's delicious agneau à la lavande by the fire to warm you up. Being in an airplane is another example of an excercise in letting go–you can do it!
These are so beautiful. When i was last in Arles, the wind chased us away! need to return.
Jose Esteves is making a lamp for you and he will ship it directly to you. We had ran out of stock and i could not bring one with me when i went to france 2 weeks ago (as none were to be found in our stock) can't believe i am going again next week and I really am scared of flying…
Hello Heather
Such a pleasure watching the photos and reading about you !
Thanks !
Hello Heather
Thank you for the stunning images, such a play of light and shadow. Kudos to your courageous mother and I applaud her for her curious mind and will.
Pats to Ben for the joy he brings
Helen xx
Stunning architecture…if only the walls could talk.
Thanks so much for your kind words about my Mom, Brooke–she really is a role model for me–and still a hottie to boot!
Oh Laura, I think that we have them all the time but some of us (myself) don't put them in to use often enough! My Mom's travels should really be something extraordinary. The trip of a lifetime!
Lovely photos Heather. Thanks for sharing your part of the world. I also appreciate the reminder about "unfolding those stubborn cardboard wings". Seems we all own a pair of those at certain times. Best to your Mother as she embarks on her spiritual journey.
Laura in Santa Fe
I am proud of your Mom too! She is a role model for us all… a reminder to keep growing, learning, and pushing ourselves to new heights spiritually and artistically.
I hope you get some rest this weekend. It sounds like you've had a busy couple of weeks!
xo
Brooke
Thank you for the kind comments ladies.
Dash, I have been saving your posts to dive into this afternoon. 🙂
Elizabeth, do you know the trick of massaging the pressure point on the "webby" part of your hand between your index finger and thumb for a headache? It works! Feel better, please.
Debra, it is true when we face new adventures it makes us stronger. My Mom has travelled in Europe before but not beyond. I can't wait to hear her stories!
Virginia, your wings are out every day, friend. 🙂
Vicki, I hope you are tucked up warm and cozy on this rainy day. Brrr….we are about to tuck into a late lunch of oysters (with a glass of white as it is le Weekend).
Love your Arles, Heather….Happy weekend… xv
Such beauty your camera finds on your walks Heather. And that soft, soft gentle light of late autumn which softens all it falls upon.
Your mother is a very courageous soul – good on her for being brave enough to fulfil a wish. An inspiration to others to spread their cardboard wings too. Virginia xo
Beautiful images and thank you for taking us along on your stroll with Ben. I know how your Mom is feeling going on this trip the first time I had to fly over to Europe alone for business I was scared but it made me a stronger person for it. So good for your Mom and I hope she has the best time ever!
No commentary needed. I haven't visited Arles – it's s beautiful.
Your mother sounds to be an inspirational woman.
My head is also spinning after a very tiring week – I have a perpetual headache. I hope you are able to relax and "recharge your batteries".
Warm wishes.
Gorgeous photographs Heather, and the utmost respect for your Mother.
XXX