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.
I am so thrilled for you Lisa!!! Onwards and upwards and I will be with you as you go!
Gros bisous,
Heather
Dear D–you put it far better than I ever could have!
I love seeing the detail through your eyes, I am finding my senses overloaded here in Italy and love the texture of the mountains and the people who live this wild life. We bought the house in the old borgata and go today to walk the boundaries with the last owner. Exciting, ciao lisa x
Heather, Your words are gorgeous as are your images. The textures! Worn wood, old stone, the tranquility that comes from what has always been and always will be – contrasted with our momentary worries and skirmishes.
How many of us could use a small dose now and then, to remind us what really matters, and to appreciate it when we have it?
Bok! Bok! (Specifically the sound of the old M&Ms commercial "Thank you Easter Bunny, bok bok!") I am a chicken. I believe. But if I can do it without being a chicken, I will. And thank you so much, Susan for what you had to say.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Oooh, methinks you would rather like the chateau. There has to be at least ONE chandelier in there I would think.
Stay warm and travel safely home to LA!!!
There is beauty in your photographs, and poetry in your prose. Your awareness and appreciation of the world around you, plus your way with words, would make you a natural for writing haiku. You should join Suze's challenge next week. It isn't something I'd ever done before, but I'm having fun with it. I think you would, too.
ah! those trees standing like a sentry on watch at the gates of a glorious long drive to the chateau.
quelle belle.
*wavingfromFREEZINGbrooklyn*
_tg xx
these images are stunning. thank you.