Sabine’s Father was waiting for us at the turn-off to our cabanon rental, as he was afraid that we would miss it. He shook our hands with a dry, firm grasp and showed us the way. Down the path, up and over to arrive at the domaine that had been passed down to Sabine. For both her Mother and Father had farmed the land for lavandin, a variety of lavender, since generations.
“There is still some left in the upper field, feel free to pick as much as you like.” And so we did. Bees buzzed and the warm earth released scent with every footstep. But nothing could compare to the perfume of the buds broken in the palm of our hands. Like a clean, soapy smoke if such a thing were possible. And as if all of the landscape and all of time past had dripped down into the roots, distilled.
Ben and I took off exploring while Remi patiently sorted and snipped, gathering lavender leaves to use in his fine cooking. Of course, I would call him to come see the abandoned cabanon with its well so that we could imagine what we would do with it, if it were ours. A bedroom here, the kitchen there. Plenty of shadow in the shade of the trees, an afternoon dream.
Remi presented me with a bouquet of blooms and Sabine’s Mother surprised us with a vial of lavender essence, one that had been created in the traditional way. “Well, if you like that sort of thing,” she added politely. I smiled widely in return and asked, “Who does not?”
Both are on my desk as I type. Later on, Sabine would tell me, “Sometimes in the heart of winter, I close my eyes and inhale a bit of essence and it is as if I am transported right back to summer and can feel the sun on my face.” Today is the first sweater day of autumn here and I know these small treasures will keep me warm in the months to come.
WONDERFUL!SAVOUR the smell………………..LOVE THE BEN CALANDER IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!RUN WITH THAT!
xxx
Lavender essence…a wonderful gift! What is the old-fashioned way to create it, Heather?
Ben seems very comfortable in the lavender field. Was his nose twitching?
What is the ground cover used in the field you showed? It looks almost like large wood chips.
I'd be the first to buy a calendar of Ben photographs. Our statewide rescue organization for Goldens puts together an annual calendar of photographs of dogs for whom it has found forever homes, and it is irresistible.
Thank you for another beautiful post! Happily, Leslie in Portland.
Hi Heather, I read Maywyn comment and agree with her on doing a Ben calendar. He has the same effect on me that he has on her…:)
As always the pictures are awesome! It's hard to think of anyone turning down a gift of lavender essence made the old fashion way. I have an affinity for everything lavender. My mother loved that scent so much, if it was possible to OD from it, my siblings and I wouldn't have been here today…:)
Remi is very talented. He also can cook besides working his magic with a camera. You are a lucky gal!
Bon weekend.
Two cherished gifts. Petits cadeaux from the heart. Beautiful photos you shared.
V
I can only imagine the wonderful smell of the lavender essence. I love the smell of lavender. I have some growing in a pot but when I try to dry it, it seems to lose its scent. Perhaps it's the wrong variety?
Now the seasons have obviously crossed, because just yesterday I was admiring how many bees were buzzing, then looked in search of the sound to discover our lavender in full bloom. Must have happened overnight! And these photographs were a month ago? So then, at any time, it appears, this wonderfully scented plant must wave its little purple flowers somewhere in the globe.
Does Remi use the leaves, rather than the flowers, in his cooking?
Big hugs from Spring World to Autumn World. xx
…Ah but the scent is the same, Francine!
Lavender martinis!! I had never heard of that. Oooh, I guess I just might have to try one of those…Remi uses lavender in his cooking to a wonderful effect. On lamb especially, it's delish!
And yep, Ben is a fantastic companion.
Thank YOU for posting about your excellent article in the NY Times travel section! Go, Ann!!!
Debra, you would love that land, I can tell you!