We all like to have our wonder worlds to dip our toes into now again, more refreshing than any summer slip of a pool. Just as the emptier the belly, the bigger the imagined feast, so it is perfect timing to get lost in a dream.
Utterly hidden in the elbow of a hill is a chapel built one thousand years ago. It is on a true no where land, far from the glamourous corners of Provence, up a track so difficult to trace that each time we visit, we drive past it blindly a few times before saying with a sigh “there.”
We climb up slowly, stepping over spent bullets on this terrain de chasse or hunting grounds. As it is not the season, Ben can bounce ahead doing his bunny best to beat us, with his nose low and sniffing.
So would you like to hear our little bit of wishing? Of the drop a coin in the fountain kind?
We love the idea of reclaiming the chapel and making it into a home. We would clear the blocked out arches and replace the random rocks with steel-framed glass doors or add an extension, une véranda in which the modern conveniences could be housed.
There is plenty of room inside to build a sleeping loft above the nave, to lay out carpets and stack up books.
It would be a wonderful place to be quiet, to be forgotten.
And so we did our best to make it ours, just for an hour or so.
Ever the explorer, Remi can run on the fumes of discovery. I need more substantial fare and happily we had stopped off at a roadside bakery for our improvised picnic.
Backs resting against the solid stone, we let our minds stop doing the talking and walking.
Quiet and happiness amidst the cigales singing.
It is one of those places that puts me at ease. Maybe those prayers of so long, long ago are still hovering, protecting. But I look forward to going back. It is our little secret.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Oooh wishing you the same! Will you be watching the opening ceremonies tonight? I am so excited. I am the least sporty person on the planet but it is sooo beautiful to watch those that are.
Yes, can you see what the house would be like? I can, clear as day. I think that we could really make something simple and nice in that lovely space.
And yes, Ben is truly one happy boy, through and through. My, he would love you both to pieces…
Bon weekend à vous deux aussi mes amis!
As long as he gets his dinner on time, he is up for ANYTHING. He has become such a pro at "surfing"–holding on for dear life in the back of the Range Rover when go off road. He loves to travel!
Hope you are staying cool there Debra.
xo…
Well Linda, I think I remember some mention of being a "muse" a while back so I am taking that rather seriously. You'll get my bill in a few months. 😉
You're welcome Flower Lady! Bon weekend…
Such a lovely dream and gorgeous secret spot. I would love to see that dream home come to life, Heather. Wouldn't that be something! Enjoy the Opening Ceremonies, Heather! Lucky you to be in the correct time zone. Bon Weekend to you, Remi, and Ben! XO
I love this! Both the place and your writing have swept me away from Friday doldrums. If anyone could make that dream of a home reality I am certain the three of you could. . .
Hello Heather:
Oh your hidden chapel is an absolute delight. It exudes peace and tranquility, the perfect spot for escaping the modern world and going back, at least in the mind, to times of a slower pace. And yes, the idea of creating a home amongst these ancient stones is beguiling and Ben seems entirely happy with the idea too. Well, come to think of it,Ben seems entirely happy doing almost anything as long as the two of you are close by!!
Enjoy a dreamy weekend!
That chapel is amazing and would make a wonderful home. Ben always looks so happy doing whatever you guys might be doing. Don't you just love how dogs are up for anything?
XX
Debra~
Thank you, Heather. I needed that.
Thank you for sharing your 'secret place'. It is lovely and oh so peaceful.
FlowerLady