Tie my dreams upon a string, lift my arms high in hopes that they will sing…
All right, down to the brass and tacks for those who have been asking: Kipling is doing just fine. The massive smile on Claire’s face on Monday night at the check-up said it all but she exclaimed, “Bravo!” Even though the drain had popped out on Sunday (!), it had done its job. So with a snip came the end of the stitches and the cone was banished to the back of the closet. None to soon for Mr. Ben who was getting mighty tired of being chased around with it, I can tell you. So see that leftover Valentine above that seems to thump in the twilight? It is. Good news is good news.
And yet I am seeking patience. It is dead quiet in these parts. Just take a look at the neighbourhood kids who have set up in the middle of the Place du Forum. Might as well. Nearly all of the cafés are closed with the owners sunning themselves in the Seychelles. With Kipling recovering, we have not been able to dive into our normal discoveries and are quite Arles-bound for the moment.
In the meantime, I hope that you will be patient with me. And I will try to not overwhelm those of you that are not as animal-oriented while we welcome a new member to our family, an understandably important event.
I am asking patience of me too. That me sitting worrying in the near dark in the photo above. How I want all to be running so smoothly but what an unrealistic wish. There are too many variables up in the air.
It will all happen with time, that same that builds and tears down and puts up again.
Patience. It is required in negotiating and there is a lot of that going on right now in this household that even with a joyous addition feels topsy-turvy like the sea.
I need to be more quiet and just see and breathe. I am trying.
And doing…
…but what a masculine household this has suddenly become!
Well, I have my flowers and multi-fold sweetness just not when expected, not to mention the joy of discovering a new being. That too requires patience, especially in this delicate circumstance but it will be rewarded ten-fold.
Wishing you all well. So grateful you are here.
You are doing the most healthy thing imaginable; to me! You are a visual person; and an animal-passionate-lover! (I am a kindred soul) you are doing what you know is right nurturing; and also finding (and most importantly SHARING) the incredibly beautiful details and finishes in your gorgeous town!
We are the lucky ones!
Bravo!
What a wonderful example you are to all of us all over the world!
It is all so personal. I was reading the "hell" (and I am sure it was!) that the cruise ship passengers were suffering on the stranded "cruise boat"!
the next thing was the Syrian refugees! They have lost their homes, their families, their animals…….everything!
Brings it all right into perspective!
My heart is so with you! (I am almost 66 years old; and my dogs I have nursed back to life are all vivid in my memory! they need us! And I wish you so much luck with that darling Kipling!
This is one reader who will never tire of the dog stories; nor the door knobs, nor the peeling paint! All of it!
Penelope
dearest Heather
*lookingquestioninglythroughtheinterweb*
patience for progress? a letter? an offer? kipling to be better? ben and kipling to bond more closely?
or all or none of the above just Patience.
ah yes.
that we understand.
we meditated today before heading out into the bright sunshine after the rains and it made all the difference.
we pretend we do it everyday.
but we don't.
that's acceptance 😉
sending patience and caring vibes from Los Angeles.
_tg xx
Those boys playing in the Place du Forum are right in front of Van Gogh's inspiration for the Cafe de Nuit. Amazing how history swirls through real life. Perhaps, as you wait, and oh how difficult waiting is, you will come to see these moments as snippets in a larger history.
I love the photo of the shadow of ironwork on the orange wall.
In my Buddhist classes we've been talking about patience as the antidote to anger, but they don't mean it as "be patient with some jerk". They mean patience with oneself, and I think you are doing that! Winter is so hard – ugh, you should see it in central Ohio – but a dose of patience and enjoying the small sights and sounds (and cuddling on the couch with TWO puppies) will help! I love the picture of the dark top of a building with the sunset sky – so Magritte!! Lots 'o sisterly love being sent to you!
I've just read the story of how you came to adopt Kipling. I had a lump in my throat when I came to the part, saying he was tied up outside of a store waiting for his owners to return for him. He is a very lucky dog to have been adopted by such a loving couple as you & Remi. I'm glad that Ben has taken to him & doesn't feel he's having his nose pushed out. Enjoy your lovely dogs.
Walking with the dogs on our street this afternoon was almost eerie. It was so still that Bob and I frequently turned around to see what was coming…but nothing came. With the sky heavy with clouds we wondered if it was the quiet before a storm…but no storm has come. No birdsong, no gardeners, none of the noise of the joyous activities of recent sunny days. We are reminded to be patient in our craving for spring and in the evolving of our human endeavors. To breathe, and to breathe deeply. Once again, you have it just right, in words and photographs. With every good wish, Leslie
Change is awful scary, isn't it, Heather? I'm sending you lots of warm wishes as you navigate the transition. The boys surely do outnumber you in your corner of Arles, you lucky female! 🙂
This time of year is also quiet in Santa Fe. Your photos really capture the stillness of late winter, reflective images of gray. Spring will bring some great moments for you and Remi when the dogs can move outside to play!
Happy to read Kipling is doing well.
I'm a nervous wreck when my pooch, Pastis, is ill
As always, Heather, your words and images inspire both thought and feeling.
Patience has never been among my virtues; less so in certain circumstances in which patience isn't an option.
But breathing deeply is. Sometimes, it's such a challenge.
(Hugs to the household… from one who knows what it is to be surrounded by males!)