But as I have mentioned in the past, just because I hang my hat in this lauded region doesn’t mean that the everyday stress of life magically disappears. So while all is relatively well, health intact etc., Remi and I found ourselves in strong need of a soupape, a breather to let off the steam fogging up our vision.
We have discovered something of a spot of the “c’est réellement un spot ici” kind. It isn’t terribly well known, even amongst the Provençaux. A Secret Provence? Yes, it does exist but if you think I am going to tell you where it is, you overestimate my otherwise generous nature…at least for now.
Perhaps I am simply being my superstitious self. For every time we visit, no matter what worries pre-occupy our busy minds, they disappear like dandelion fluff. I am holding tight to my little talisman.
Yesterday the rain threatened, bullyishly, despite having already trapped us inside all weekend. But it passed. The path was still wet and we had to keep a strict eye on the furry ones who longed to roll in the mud.
For the first time, I had taken my camera with me, certain that the act of choosing to look would bring about something positive as it always does. And although I am not as thrilled with the photos as I was in taking them, I am content in the memory of that two hour stroll.
For as that golden light, the one that side-swipes the dark broke through, I stopped walking for a moment and a thought without thinking misted over me: “It really is beautiful, Provence.” Vision cleared.
Lucky me.
David, I just read my response again and immediately thought the same thing!! That's what typing through misty eyes will get you… 🙂
Visiting a place is so different from living there. Daily life is full of ups and downs anywhere in the world. Beauty abounds in Provence – I'm glad you've found a place to escape from everyday life.
yes, but I rather suspect you would find beauty wherever you are….she says laughing…because my dear friend, it's not the beauty of provence that you find…it's the beauty of beauty which your thoughtful eyes see wherever you go, I do believe.
having said that, of course it helps that provence IS so incredibly beautiful….
Nature like love seems to solve everything.
The rich colors of the place and the clear sky express the abundant gratitude you felt.
"It really is beautiful, Provence."
Oh, Heather…..not to go entirely all skool-marmy on you, but?….
I read that and thought "Why in the world would she think I 'resented' the poem????"…..
….and then I realized that you'd simply omitted the dash.
Next time round, type "re-sent"; otherwise, you'll keep scaring me.
—-david
Yes, Provence really is beautiful, and your photographs show us that so vividly. They reveal to us so much that we would miss if we were there. And I suspect you have found beauty everywhere you have been.
I am glad you, Remi and the puppers got the soupape that you needed. Thank you for showing us your secret place and telling us about it. That's all we need to know!
Your admiring friend, Leslie in Portland
P.S. Do you know what the plant in the second photograph is? It almost looks like a variety of borage.
Hi Heather
Incredible pictures from your secret place. Thanks for sharing.Helenxx
So lovely…thank you for this!
This made me smile.
I always enjoy reading your posts. I understand just how you feel when someone says'your so lucky living where you are' when we moved to France 23yrs ago so many people said the same thing to us & still do. as you so rightly said we all have are daily toils & ups & downs wherever we live. As always your photos are wonderful, but where are your beautiful furry friends ?