I thought that it might be time for another Palate Cleanser for those of us that have had our fill of goose and foie gras, whose ears are still ringing with the jangle of tinsel and the whiz of Jingle Bells.
So, let’s close our eyes for a moment and try to conjure a splash of sun on our faces.
It is a warm autumn day in the village of Vachères in the Luberon.
Remi, Ben and I have been determined to discover every single village within a reasonable radius of our cabanon rental and so have found ourselves here after a bit of pointing and tracing on the map.
The authentic calade stone paving, a rarity, pulls us along and eventually, apart.
Vistas beckon and I answer.
Ben is eventually sent down to find me, to pull me out of my reverie…
…and vain efforts of trying to smoosh down the light so that it will fit into my little black box.
When I am lead back to Remi, he is doing what he does best…
…transforming a ruin into an imaginary castle, just for two.
The bees swarm threateningly around us, wishing to guard their treasure trove of fallen prunes…
…so wistfully we move on, continuing to steal glances of inner lives…
…and outward barriers of time’s warriors as we go.
I wish to also extend un grand remerciement to all of you who left such kind Holiday Wishes. Thank you so very, very, very much.
A lovely day was had by all.
Remi, Ben and I are about to head out for a much needed walk in the country.
Hoping that you are able to relax and find a bit of peace, wherever you are…
It was! *see new post if you are not sleeping* It is a little too early yet for new year wishes as I am well in my ruminative state until the very end of 2012!!! 😉
Hooray! And to you and yours too, Ann. I am hoping that in 2013 your book will be a GIGANTIC SUCCESS!!!!
Thank you so much, Judith. You are such an important part of this little community. I am sure others would wish you the same too!
Yes, today is the sad "Oh, it really is over day" isn't it? Well, at least we still have much delicious things to eat and Jan. 18th will be here before you know it!
Gros, gros bisous…
Hope the walk was a good and invigorating one, H. And happy new year!
It looks so golden and warm there! What a beautiful day! I just saw this post and the adorable one with Ben — what a sweet pup! Happy new year to you all — sending you wishes for a golden 2013!
I can just about feel that warm sun on my face and back. Our holiday guests have returned to Brooklyn, leaving behind a refrigerator full of the food we cooked together, and a quiet, empty house. I miss them, yet I treasure this bit of alone time (even Paul is out for the day!).
It is sunny and cold here, with a light layer of snow on the lawn. Karina and I had the woods to ourselves this morning.
Wishing you and your readers peace and health in 2013.
Oooh or three! I am afraid when champagne is involved…
And Deborah, your story regarding the magpies made my day, it really did. Have been feeling a bit blue today, nothing important, just the post-Christmas let-down and imagining you and your friends really cheered me up immensely. It is amazing the kind of contact we can have with our animal friends, isn't it? And yes, Ben's smiley face brings me a lot of joy too.
Cheers to you as well!
Hi Heather, this family of magpies has trained me so well that as soon as they fly down and settle themselves on the garden chairs outside my office, I leave the computer immediately and go to the frig. They watch me expectantly through the glass, his head craning from one side to the other, dodging the window frame so he can be sure that it is the frig that I am going to. They're so smart! He sits on the back of the chair, until I walk quietly out the french doors and sit at the table and that's the sign for him to hop onto the table and walk over right in front of me and looks expectantly at me until I produce the goods. You're right. They have a reputation of sometimes being aggressive, especially in the spring when it is nesting time. They will swoop on people, especially bike riders who come near their nests and they feel threatened. I feel especially privileged that each year they bring their young with them for a free meal! They even allow the baby to come and tentatively sneak some food from me in nervous, but hunger driven bravery! I love their songs, but I also love that there is a trust and a sense of communication between us.
I loved Ben in his Christmas hat! He has such a handsome and smiley face!
Enjoy your New Year's celebrations! Peut etre a glass or two?
Cheers,
Deborah
That is so very true, Loree (not to mention beautifully put, as always). I had a similar experience in Florence on my very first trip to Europe. Maybe it is just the lure of Italy? 🙂 I am actually hoping to make it back to Florence next year to visit friends so I will look forward to seeing if the feeling is the same…I will let you know!
Bisous,
H
Thank you, Clare! You too! And we did! 🙂