Happy days. Slung down low on the sofa next to my Sister, slurping up truths with our morning coffee and digging for answers amidst the croissant crumbs. The solidity of a quiet agreement of things that go without saying because they have always done so. Remembering what once was and who we once were without being precious about it because a certain now is just too appealing.
Happy Days. With a bit of puffed up pride introducing her to my world, this glowing Provence. Of sun tilted up, the castanets click of the cigales and the café chatter well into the night. Watching the ripple of discovery wash over her beautiful face or the pucker up tight from something different, like the tang from a fresh prune. I relax because she is relaxed and there is that electric wire of family between us.
Happy Days. Seeing her get to know my honey better and be wooed by my charmer of a pup. Of my getting to meet her wonderful companion and the joy I feel in seeing them together. Here. I am gathering up these memories to keep me warm in the winter of their absence, coming soon. But for now I will just be and enjoy.
So tell me, where did I take these photos? Any guesses?
Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.
Yippee! Will be in touch once I have a better idea of things…
xo. 🙂
Let's try for August. Let me know when's good for you. a xo
Hello Laura–a very, very good guess but these were taken in Aix–quite a bit closer to me! Can you believe that I have never been to the Cours Saleya? One of these days…
Thank you for the compliment!
Hello James and oops! I forgot to tell Anne (the first comment) that she is right! It is indeed Aix. And yes, that golden stone is the give away. Bon fin de weekend,
Heather
I think these photos are familiar to me. Perchance they were taken in Cours Saleya, Nice?? Your blog is delightful!! Thank you for sharing!
Warm regards, Laura
I'm guessing this is Aix-en-Provence although the last picture didn't look much like it to me. However, that golden stone of Aix makes me think that yes, I believe it is Aix. Wish I were there! james
Aidan, when are we going to meet up? With the puppers???
'I relax because she is relaxed and there is that electric wire of family between us.' I love this, it's so perfect. I have a sister but it's nothing like that. We can barely speak one word without that electric wire catching fire and burning us both. I will live vicariously through your sister love. Thanks Heather.
You're so good at putting feelings to words, I love you for that.
aidan xo
I don't have much family with which to make memories, but I've enjoyed the company of wonderful friends over the years and they've been like family to me. I hope my sons, who get along very well, will be true friends to each other as they grow into manhood and beyond.
(They're sharing a rather "out there" experience in Europe together at the moment… be still my mother's heart…)
As always, such thoughtful words. (And the images remind me of a very happy time one summer in Aix!)
Happy days make very happy memories, Heather… We shall meet for a cheer up lunch once Robin has gone?? xv
Oh my goodness! Hello everyone and thank you so very much for all of these lovely comments. Most of you know how I prefer to respond to each of you but I also imagine that you will understand that I am spending the time to do so with my Sister! We just her very charming boyfriend off this morning–yes, he noticed so many similar verbal quirks that we have!–and will be spending the day just us two as Remi is on a shoot!
I will reread these comments when I am feeling low after Robin goes–thank you again everyone for your thoughtful and generous support!
Heather you're marvelous! I admire your talent to embrace and capture the tiniest nuances of the moment and make them echoing in so many hearts. Thank you.
You are right Heather re the ease to slip back into the comfort of so many memories!! These sisters are to be cherished!!
I don't know where this is but it sure is incredible!! Loved reading this post! I have a sister and would love to get to spend quality time with her! She lives right down the street from me and we hardly get to see each other because of our businesses, etc… That should not be an excuse! thanks for reminding me of the importance of laughter, and giggles, and time spent enjoying each others company simply because we are siblings! This was beautiful!
P.S. reading that previous comment over again, I see how it could be misleading. I should clarify that not "ALL" of us are twins….just three generations of one particular line.
My mother once wondered out-loud if "maybe it's genetic", and my father (yet another franteral twin) told her "No…not unless the men in this family have a genetic predisposition for marrying women with sloppy fallopian tubes".
—-david
It's just an easy bond, with family, isn't it? Even if there are fallings out over the years, as there are in most families, there is still a link that binds, the familiarity of a shared history perhaps. Or of recognisable gestures, linked through genetics or mimicry, which brings a certain comfort and ease. It's wonderful that you are getting to spend this time together – forming new memories to treasure and protect. xx
Hi Heather,
I am one of five girls and I dearly love being with my sisters. This Spring, one of my sisters came along on a seven day Rhine river cruise.. Her very first trip to Europe…I know the joy of seeing the delight in ones eyes! Your pictures are beautiful!
Janey
I am not sure where you took the photos but wherever it is is very beautiful. Maybe I'll hazard a guess and say somewhere in France 😉
Sounds wonderful! I'll be there next week! Glad you are enjoying your time with your sister.
Well, I don't happen to have any sisters. My grandfather is one of four boys who had 2-5 sons apiece. Each of those had 2-4 sons. My father had 3 sons. Each of my brothers has 2-3 sons. I should emphasize that, in three succeeding generations, we were all twin (fraternal) boys.
One of my brothers managed to have a girl sometime during the Clinton admistration. She's now 17, and the only female (human or dog, and we raised dogs) in The Family that we haven't bought/imported/or otherwise brought-in.
Bascially?…since 1911 (the year my grandmother was born), we haven't had a single female born into the family (except for the newly-eyebrow-pierced niece).
Henry VII would have loved to have had my father's genetics….
Sisters do, however, sound sort of nice. Everyone seems fond of theirs.
Level Best as Ever,
David Terry
Hi Heather
Continue to relish every single moment with you dear sister. Time does fly by when we are having fun. You capture the mood of your time together so beautifully with these images.
Helenxx
I don't know what town you're in but I wish I was there! I can just picture you and your sister head to head reminiscing about the past. You're a true poet with words Heather and what's not to love about Ben?
XX
Debra~
Oh, I miss the French Cigales! The Cicadas here make a noise like one long buzzing hum. In France they sort of quack. I miss that summer sound track.
Hello Heather,
This is a beautiful post in tribute to your sister and her visit. The electric wire of family–I love that. Continued giggles and shared memories during the remainder of her visit!
P.S. I have been keeping up with your blog, although I don't always have, or take the time, for comment!
Sanda
This post is most poetic Heather, how lovely for you two sisters to enjoy each others company so much. My girls just spent two weeks together and it's a joy to see their shared pleasure.
And I would say you were in A en P!
xx
So lovely, Heather – truth in morning coffee and answers amidst croissant crumbs – your words paint a picture as beautifully as your photos do. I'm not sure where they were taken, but I'm quite curious. Hope you enjoy every drop of espresso, every crumb of croissant and every moment with your lovely sister! XO
Wonderfully written, Heather, (that should not surprise anyone,) and I also love these beautiful pics – I would agree with Anne, above, and guess Aix en Provence. So happy for you, for these special times sharing memories and your corner of the Old World with your sister. Profitez-en bien! Le temps passe vite… Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
It is so refreshing to read of family visits that are a joy – not the norm. I can almost visualize your explorations and discoveries – both in place and personalities.
I think you were in Aix-en-Provence. I was visiting there about a month ago and absolutely loved it. Nothing in Australia quite like that.
Anne xx