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.
Yes, we are very lucky to live in this, one of the most beautiful places in the world, but as I remind people, life isn't a holiday, it's still life. And even if the view outside our windows are what dreams are made of, life inside those windows is still life and comes with all of the same stresses and worries as everyplace else x
So perfectly said, Vicki. I know that more and more I need these little "time outs" (like for a child!!!) to get me out of my head and into the present…
Oooh Pam, you will love it!! My email is on my profile…write me if you need any suggestions of where to go! 🙂
We both held their collars as we walked past the big puddles, D–you know they wanted to get in there and roll around!! And here in our current apartment it is SO hard to wash them off. But I love imagining DD doing the job! 🙂
Luck… is often a lot of hard, had work… and knowing when you are 'lucky'… well, sometimes that is even harder. 🙂 xv
i get this a lot lately…how lucky we are. and yes. we are lucky. but it wasn't luck that brought us here. it was a lot of hard work on both my husbands' and my part. and yes…although we live in this amazing city called paris..we still have to live our lives. i have 4 children..i'm dealing with curfews, and illnesses, and potty training! but, i do get to do it all in paris. 🙂
i am a very lucky girl indeed.
and i can't wait to visit provence this summer!! xo
We all need a quiet place where we can let things go and I'm lucky enough to have one too that I don't share. Otherwise it's stops being a quiet place. I had to smile at your furry friends wanting to roll in mud. Dylan had a bubble bath Thursday morning, Thursday afternoon I found him upside down in mud trying to get the fresh stink off him…..lol. Ya gotta love them!
XXX
Debra~