It was a hazy morning and the heat took us by surprise. And yet the ground had not yet dried. An oily mud clung to our boots and the brambles of barren blackberry bushes pulled at our jacket sleeves. It wasn’t magic, it was slightly oppressive. But it was where we needed to be.
As the extremely dangerous chenille processionnaire are out, we can’t take risks with the dogs and so brought them to the path behind the Chateau de Barbegal as it is a relatively pine-tree free one, which means less potential for trouble. Remi and I both love to let them run ahead, to forget their small town limitations for a bit. It does us the same good.
That change of view, that infusion of emerald rice stalks cut through an inner and outer fog. At last the path widened and the remains of the Roman aqueduct rose up to our left. Shaking stones of nothing than nothing of the all importance it once was. But more of that another time.
I struggled to keep my footing in the uneven terrain and looked down to do so. And there I found, as I always do, the Alpilles that fascinates me the most. The texture and just so juxtapositions that draw me in until I forget about my buzzing numbness, tired cobwebs or questions.
These messages. My messages. I remember them and count them off like beads on a rosary or a mala.
These old stones underfoot, they have been here so much longer than I have. So keep following the path…
…keep following a path.
Chere Jeanne, your response was the first thing that I saw this morning in my inbox and to say that it made my day, my week, wouldn't even begin to cover the happiness that you gave me in your kindness. I know that I will come back to this when I need encouragement to keep going. With much love and gratitude,
Namaste.
Merci dear Suze, that was the key to me, that phrase. I need to tell myself it is ok to repeat these reminders because I need them!
Ooh, it is blowing here too Loree! It is dangerously strong along the Rhone–up to 130 km/hr!!!! Stay warm ma belle…
Sigh…this is why I love your blog Heather. You take a day out and make it magical. I am taking a little blog course, to revive the blogging senses…I have to consider my favourite blogs and why. Yours came to mind right away. I love the homespun nature of your stories, the depth and focus of your lens and most of all the endearing person behind the blog. You can put all the latest and greatest blogs aside..that is not why I read or write..it is because of this. Thank you, I think I just answered the question in this comment..I just love it when that happens! You are a star! xx
Absolutely gorgeous imagery, Heather. It's like you walk through the world with your entire heart an open eye. In particular, I truly love this:
'My messages. I remember them and count them off like beads on a rosary'
How lovely Heather. I love your little discoveries, the Roman stones, the empty path. It feels good to run free sometimes. The wind is roaring over here tonight. Winter is having one final fling. And I shall sleep so tight hearing the voice of the mighty mistral 🙂
I'll take that compliment from you and put it in my inside pocket. Thank you…
Tant mieux! 🙂 And I have to try and make the most of all of this color before summer comes and burns everything white. Travel safely pretty one…
Oh my gosh, you are right, Angela! That photo completely looks like a simplified version of one of your Husband's paintings!!
Thanks so much Debra. They really are crazy dangerous–be so glad that you don't have them!!! You wouldn't want DD to go looking for a snack…!!!!!
Bisous!