I know that many of you are in the midst of preparing for Thanksgiving in the States right now but this morning I awoke with an entirely different holiday in mind.
(To listen: http://www.stereomood.com/song/52738)
When I opened the shutters, I cried out with a childlike delight “It’s snowing!”–one that for me is whisperingly linked with the spirit of Christmas.
Yes, a surprise gift had been left overnight on my doorstep. So, I bundled up in my finest, leashed up the puppers and headed out to explore.
It is the first time that I have walked Kipling in the snow and I was curious to see what his reaction would be.
He loved every minute of it, eating the snow and daring Ben to rounds of mad zoomies that I couldn’t photograph as I was gripping his leash with both hands!
But there was also stillness curled up within the movement.
I would look up to find Ben quietly watching the flakes fall. As intelligent as he is (and he truly is), he never knows what to make of snow.
Nor do I really. I never take it for granted in Provence…
…its comings and goings…
…the ephemeral draped over the historical so casually…
…like time’s open palm, hesitating before pushing open the front door…
…of what feels like Home.
And since I am not with my extended family for tomorrow’s feast, I will be grateful for my own little one.
Because every day is worth that. Everyday has exceptional in it.
So, for those of you to whom it applies, please try not to worry about the turkey any more than necessary nor the fanciness of this years particular blend of cranberry sauce. It isn’t really what matters. Just enjoy the act of giving thanks. And for the rest of us, well, why not too? Simply for breathing in and out or the quiet thought that while we may be far from certain ones, we most certainly are not alone.
Put that thought under your tree and skip towards Christmas with me…
And oh! I just realized that today is the beginning of Hanukkah so my very Best all who are celebrating that as well. My goodness, it is Holiday Central here at Lost in Arles, isn’t it? Well, we are a festive bunch.
Fifty LOVES snow! He and I are both very thankful we get snow every winter in The LPV 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving my friend xo
Gustia, I also left my country to get away from cold and snow but I have to confess I really miss it now especially when I looked at this pictures.
The music matched to the snow flakes so beautiful that I can see dancing them in the air. Everybody was happy
and savoured the silence on this morning. What more can we desire? …and I always love how you combine text and pictures
Ah, how beautiful is the first snowfall of the season! Your photos capture the beauty and magic of it (and the silence). My Jack loves snow, but barks furiously at hail. And, yes, best of all is the seat on the sofa or a warm spot on the rug. I am happy to join you in giving thanks.
Happy Expat Thanksgiving to you too!!
I loved the quietness of your surprise morning walk. Did you know that I left Canada to get away from the cold and snow? But when it snows here I confess that it makes me a bit homesick. Mind you, not enough to make be go back! Happy Thanksgiving Miss!
Too wonderful for words….
Well, we never get snow, here in Melbourne. The closest ski-fields are a 3 or 5 hour drive, depending which one you go to. I remember driving around England and seeing the snow silently fall, while we were in Cambridge. So pretty, so magical, especially if it is a new experience! I can understand Ben's wonder at seeing snow fall! I'm with Kipling. I think mad zoomies are absolutely the best sport to play in snow!
Love your photography as usual, Heather. Especially the first and second last photos are so romantic! wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Cheers,
Deborah from Melb
Your photos express beauty, gratitude, and impermanence that seem paradoxically together.
Thank you touching the significance of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah's celebration, a celebration of freedom and gratitude.
How much snow falls in Arles a year? Ours in Lake Tahoe is gone.
We get so little snow here in this part of Canada that I'm always happy to see it come. It is a gift. Every day is a gift. It behooves us well to remember that.
Your photos of Arles in the snow remind me of how I saw the city – on an extremely hot June day – how different how ephemeral it looks. Lovely, lovely.