Sometimes we need a bit of time in the shadows in order to better see the light all around us.
I’ll admit to being a bit in the doldrums since my Sister left. I always am when family leaves after a visit. Not only that ease of connection that I have already waxed rhapsodically about but also the promise of unforgotten memory (certainly for me who struggles with memory problems) that is luxury and love and home all rolled into one. Fortunately, I have a wonderful family here in Remi and Ben to understand such sadness, such missing without mistaking it for anything else.
And so I had my blinders on for a few days. Those of thought that cover all else. A moment of me not me. And yet, you guessed it, me nonetheless.
Swinging on a cello song for too long until…
…with a blink, a subtle shift from an outline to taking it all in again, like a big breath.
And how fortunate I am to live in Provence where the light will chase after you relentlessly until you love it back, like you should!
But it is not the only source. Sometimes even little gestures work wonders. My honey buying me flowers today. Not to mention such lovely folks on the internet that know how to do a person good.
My friend Natalie gave me a little surprise yesterday, yet another blog award! Natalie always inspires me with the precision of her eye on Jewel yet to find. Isn’t that the best name for a blog? And yes, she is very talented for searching out the beauty in both surprising places (as in her recent series on glass) and illuminating aspects of the well-known (such as her exceptional series on Guadi’s Barcelona architecture). She is also incredibly generous in all of her well-thought out comments here, as many of you already know. Merci, Natalie!
And so on to the glamour of the day, Natalie awarded Lost in Arles the Sunshine Blog Award, one for bloggers “who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.” Now, that made me smile for I get so much that is positive from all of you!
Having excellent taste (ah-hem), Natalie chose so many of my fellow blog friends that I would have passed this award on to that I will need a moment to make my list. And so next week! We have good friends on the way to spend the afternoon with us followed by a yummy dinner and a movie party on the Rhone tomorrow. Looks like the sun is shining brightly again on this part of the world!
Wishing you all a wonderful, wonderful weekend…
You so well deserved some sunshine. I can relate to your feeling of loss. It is not easy saying goodbye. My life is filled with goodbyes, always between two continents. Mat the sunshine warm up your heart.
We all adore your blog. You deserve that award! You are so lucky to have a sister you are so close to! (as well as your immediate Remi and Ben)!
Those colors send me right around the bend! Patina at its finest!
Your photos have touched a particular spot in my soul, filled with aged paint and plaster, portals and walls, in the shadows and in the light, very much like all of us as we age, touched by those memories and yearnings.
You always touch my soul as you sure your travails…
Thank you and congratulations.
xoxo, Chris
Heather, my dear friend, thank you for the kindest words and for your detailed e-mail with hands on ideas for my upcoming trip. The "to do list" is overflowing as it should be.
I'll catch up with your blog as soon as I'm back, as I found myself unable to miss virtual conversations with you and this post yet another prove.
Have a wonderful time with your friends.
Natalie
Well said! Completely understandable that you miss your family, but what a wonderful adventure you are on! We are coming to Provence in September and looking forward to seeing some of the places that you so beautifully describe. Enjoy each moment!
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I, too, live far away from family and am also familiar with that push/pull of expat emotions. Thank you for expressing so beautifully (in words and photos) the bittersweet feeling of reunion and separation.
Dear Heather,
This post is but one of many examples of why your blog was chosen for yet another award. Congratulations!
Your text and photos capture exactly the mood when a loved one we see all too rarely departs or an incredible experience ends. I often feel this way after a visit or even a video chat with one of my sons.
Thank you so much for bringing these intense thoughts and tiny details to life!
"Time in the shadows to see the light" that phrase is a keeper Heather. Too often I think we fight the shadows or disavow them in hopes of being in the sunlight, when maybe we should just experience them for what they are. . .and then emerge. Beautiful photos as always. And I can't think of a blog more deserving of The Sunshine Blog Award. Congrats to you!
"The light chasing you…"
How gorgeous, Heather.
Your words and images are so evocative. (That first photograph is stunning – the colors and textures.
So many metaphors around us. Et bon weekend à toi aussi.