Sunday morning. Saying it is like singing or ringing the bells that call the parishioners to Saint-Trophime. I am not one of them but treat that particular moment of the week as sacred. Most especially when, after pulling myself from the crunched linen sheets and shadows of the bedroom, I brace myself for a weighty smack of air only to be kissed by coolness for the first time in…months? Months.
A shift, a sift. And most certainly a gift. It is the beginning of the end of Summer, le grand départ from the long lazy and towards the bitter beats of la rentrée. Many a car will snake its way back to bigger towns today, its passengers uneasy in the stop and start of traffic jams that stretch to the horizon. Already I can feel their absence as I step out into the sun with my faithful friend Ben, his tail wagging, his gait light and refreshed.
I take him for a longer loop than we have been able to attempt in weeks, the heat having disappeared with a finger snap. He sniffs at the newness as I get caught up in the act of looking. For it is as if that blinding white also went on its way and ‘everything is illuminated’.
Details, textures, time and tow. It is le grand départ and I let them go.
What a beautifully written post, although I NEVER want summer to end!!
xx
SP
Hello Heather
You describe Sunday morning so perfectly and what a lovely surprise that the weather is more comfortable. Your images are beautiful and I know exactly what you mean about the white light that extracts and soaks up all tones and shades.
Have a week of joy
Helenxx
You are so amazing, Judith. A big hug to you.
How interesting that your lovely town is filling up just as ours is starting to empty. Karina must have her stomping ground though!
Thank you Jeanne! Everyone has been so cranky–the tension builds up in August from the fatigue of the heat and the crowds. It is so wonderful when it starts to break…
bisous…
You inspire me oodles, Suze. So happy that I finally found your incredible writing. Better late than never!
That is a mighty compliment, merci my lovely Texan friend.
The air and atmosphere are changing here too. But for us, one of our favorite haunts —Harvard Square — is becoming crowded again. The students are returning.
But your post encapsulates both the refreshment and melancholy brought on as late summer turns into early fall.
Thank you, my friend, you teach me something new with every post.
I can almost feel the weight of the heat lifting and the change that comes with cooler air as the seasons begin to shift. The details that are revealed with crisper air and less crowded streets are lovely and I hope just the first heralds of a beautiful week for you! XO
I feel my heart all twisty at your words and then feel at a loss for my own.
Beautifully done.
The beginning of the end of summer. We feel it here too. I think this is the most perfect description of the change of seasons I've ever heard. Big Texas hug, mon amour…