Red Leaves

This evening, I am breaking two of the very few rules (I am really not terribly fond of that word but then I wonder, is anyone?) that I have for myself concerning this blog: to not post when I don’t have anything to say and to not repeat myself (tricky, at times with a memory comme une passoire). For you see, while words are still escaping me, as elusive as a Louboutin glass slipper and despite my continuous wondering of whether, why and when, I do have something to share (a far better word if ever there was one, don’t you agree? Would you like a bite of cheese?). And while all of these photos were taken in the inner courtyard of the cabanon rental during our second visit last weekend, they don’t seem to me to be the skip back at the end of the record, save in subject matter.
Red Leaves. As this corner of France is not exactly open to embracing my beloved Halloween, they have become the official symbol of this quickly waning autumn. My friends, to thank you for your utter kindness regarding Lost in Arles’ baby anniversary (as well as my tolerance for the need to celebrate anything, anytime) I would spread a path of rose petals at your feet! In lieu of that, my red leaves will have to do…

Contrary as ever, France will be ‘falling back’ ahead of schedule this Sunday. Is that why I feel so muddle-headed? Perhaps. 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend…are the stars shining brightly were you are? 

48 comments

  1. Love the red of climbing ivy. People are often afraid of it here in the States because of the way it attaches to building, so we don't see it quite as often.

  2. Yay Ella!! I can't believe that you remembered that! Oh my gosh, if you could have seen some of the getups of yesteryear, when I didn't need to be in costume, I would just pull out all the stops of my everyday attire!

  3. That is quite a compliment Sara–but come on–gorgeous red leaves+shining gold light+blue skies? I got lucky!

  4. Not to worry, Elizabeth. Just take care of yourself, that is all that matters!!
    Gros, gros bisous!

  5. These photos make my heart sing.
    I apologise for not being online and missing your blog anniversary. I've had to focus on my health and work issues since returning from France. The physiotherapy is starting to work its magic and hopefully in another 6 weeks, work pressures will have subsided so I should have time on my hands to allow me to be back online regularly. Bisous

  6. They look more like flowers than leaves. I have never seen anything quite so beautiful. They took my breath away. There is nothing quite as spectacular about autumn here. Just various shades of brown.

  7. Isn't that true, Ann? It is like all of that energy is concentrated into certain areas and ker-pow!! 🙂

    My weekend was freezing but lovely…hope yours was good too!

  8. Wow, you get some beautiful foliage down there! Our autumn colors, as I'm sure you know, are poop brown and faded green. None of this crimson magic that seems to be happening down by you.

    I absolutely love your photos, they're on fire! Enjoy your autumn fantasy! Speaking of flames, I can imagine the smoky smell of fireplaces permeating les rues. Am I correct?

    And of course you love Halloween, that's your inner goth chick coming out! ; )

  9. Just wondering if this lovely red vine is the same as what we
    Americans call "Virginia Creeper"? I had some growing on my
    backyard adobe walls when I lived in Albuquerque and loved when
    they turned red like this in the Fall.
    Just divine!

  10. Beautiful, beautiful red leaves and lovely photographs. Thanks for taking the time to share. I am wondering if the plant is Virginia creeper which I believe may be found in France as well as the US.
    Farm Gal in VA, USA

  11. I've always been surprised that it's so rare to find autumn leaves in France, but when you do they are certainly a spectacular blaze. Happy autumn, Heather. I'm glad you broke your rule 🙂 Hope your weekend is lovely and sunny.

  12. WOW ~ WOW ~ WOW………………You were there at just the right moment!Lucky us readers to see your snaps and believe me HEATHER even if you had NOTHING to say we would all eat up your words and photographs!Keep going…………I hope the day never comes where you decide to "Hang It Up " cause that would be terribly disappointing!!!I always save YOU for my last read of the morning e-mail!Tis special!
    XXX

  13. Thanks, Pamela! It's the light. The cabanon is at over 800 meters of altitude and at certain moments, things just seem to glow…

  14. Merci, Vicki…But if only you knew how I am pining for a pumpkin. I couldn't even find one at the Arles market this morning… 🙁

  15. And you are awesome, Amelia! 😉 You always, always know just what to say. And I think that you know how much I agree with you about the beauty of Nature. We are fortunate to feel that way…

    Gros bisous à toi aussi!
    h

  16. Great minds think alike! 😉 And yep, you are only about a six (?) hour drive away!!!!

    As I wrote chez toi, I looked it up and it appears that yes, you both will also fall back–just hopefully not into a canal!! :O

  17. Oh Carolyn, thank you! That is really wonderful of you to say!! And what is so crazy here in Provence that autumn arrives and goes practically at the same time!!! If only it could last a bit longer…

  18. Eeee…as much as I love the word "share" it makes me nervous as far as my photos are concerned. I am very anti-Pinterest and the like and would be happy to explain why…

    But thanks for your kind words, Bon weekend!

  19. I am so glad, Helen. And yes, that was exactly the experience, especially as we had been in September in time to see the first red leaves and to return and see so many already fallen to the ground…

    Wishing you a joyful weekend as well!!
    xo,
    H.

  20. Well, that is you all over. While I focus on one thing and one thing only, you see the Big Picture. Always do, Suze. Hope you found what you were looking for yesterday evening…

  21. Natalie, your responses are always like a poem for me–thank you!

    Et Bon Weekend!

  22. Now, you know that sneaking in an Audrey reference will make me smile every time, Jeanne. 🙂 Ooh, maybe THAT is what I need to do this afternoon! Caaaat! Caaat! Kills me every time.

    As it just so happens, my toes are painted that exact color (Headmistress by Essie).

    Toasting you with a chilly Pinot Gris here in Arles…

  23. Heather, I wouldn't have guessed that beneath the lush green emerald leaves of summer await the most glorious ruby red leaves of autumn. The beauty of nature is a joy to behold. Some things are indescribably glorious, it would have been a sin not to break "the rules". You rule!

    Gros bisous

    Amelia

  24. Heather, What fun! Especially since I am now for a moment anyway in your time zone of life and have been snapping red leaf and golden brown leaf photos in Venice — reminding myself that autumn is leaving us and winter headed our way (as well as the end of this adventure). Oh goodness, and a practical note as well. I am assuming Italy 'falls back' tomorrow as well?

  25. Who cares if you've said it before….these leaves are beautiful and we are all enjoying the "last" of fall! And by the way, what a fun place to be staying in as a rental! I love your posts and love your writing skills! They are incredible!

  26. Heather – I have shared these they are wonderful – thanks for showing us this amazing colour and texture!!

  27. Dear Heather

    You can post every day on the Louboutin area. The images are so beautiful that they have an air of sadness to them. One knows that this beauty is on the verge of disappearing.
    I am scrolling backwards and forwards relishing the beauty.
    To a weekend of joy

    Helen xx

  28. Heather, I adore red and blue and brown together. I used to be an enormous fan of orange, and certainly still am, but those three colors have done something for me and to me and in me this fall.

    Mentioning France falling forward ahead of schedule, lead the way.

  29. Oh my goodness those are some more beautiful red leaves; absolutely gorgeous!! I am so glad you decided to post after all. A lovely weekend to you, Heather!

  30. Incredibly red! Dear Heather, writing is so essential to you and any of your reminiscences are so appreciated by your loyal readers. Anyway you always have a treasure chest of your travels to spare a few adventure pearls.
    Autumn colors are wonderful in France, in our corner everything already is gone with a wind. Brrrr…

  31. Heather, Your red leaves are perfection. Sit back, pour yourself a glass of red wine to match and enjoy the weekend. Also, I agree with Gustia – go buy yourself some lipstick or paint your toes the very same color. The mists will clear. And mean while, the red leaves are in sharp focus. (See, not all reds are mean). I'll toast you with my own glass of red here tonight in cold, wet, Seattle. XO

  32. Agree. This feels completely new. And oh yes Gustia is right. That color would be sublime.

    Bisous from drizzly Portland

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