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.
It is really rare–I think that maybe we have had only four "real" snowfall in the eight years that we have lived here…? You might be thinking of the Cote d'Azur–not far away but a much warmer climate. And yep, snow, especially the first one, makes everything magical.
Ooh, that is an interesting thing to say. Hmmm, maybe because of the flatness of the light?
Since we don't really know how old Kipling is and it snows so rarely here, I didn't know if it would be his first snow or not. He seemed fine with it so I imagine it wasn't but I still remember the wonder/confusion on Ben's face the first time it snowed when he was a puppy!
Happy belated Thanksgiving to you too, Richard. I would love to get to Austin one day…
That is a lovely thing to say, Cheri. I see that you are in Cali…so I am guessing no snow for you this year? 😉
PS. I graduated high school in Santa Cruz and my folks lived in San Diego for nearly 25 years so I spent many summers there–how I miss California!
Silke, I am absolutely speechless. Sans mots et franchement, ça c'est rare! I read your incredibly gracious and generous note last night just before falling to sleep with a massive smile on my face. Because you understand everything that I am trying to do–although I think that you might give me more credit than I deserve for the result! I especially appreciated the idea of "tissé un tapis" as my favorite posts are when I can meld the photos and words together. But again, I still have a lot of work to do! Yes, I would like to try and find an editor for a book but I am still working on the photography aspect. With time…
And we will have to see about a walk–because of the possibility of moving as you mentioned. My email is on my profile so feel free to contact me privately for more info.
That Ben brought you here, well that says everything for any friend of Bens is a friend of mine. 🙂 And not to worry about writing long comments, we are a chatty group here–ni d'écrire en français, j'adore. Bienvenue Silke!
Beautiful post, thank you.
Dear Heather,
well, to say it with Gil Scott Herons words: "I'm new here" and since I did not find any other way to contact you this will be quite a long post. (which will be in the future much shorter and more appropriate) I blame it on you for creating such an inspiring blogue. (:
I must admit, I am secretly following your blog since I found the image of Ben at the Cap Bénat when I was working under a lot of pressure this summer trying to find some relief in searching the web for pictures of my favorite area in France at the time.
Somehow Ben led me to your Blog et peu à peu j'ai fait connaissance avec toutes les histoires y offert. Pas encore toutes les posts mais ceux que j'ai lu m'ont touché profondément.
Dès lors, je passe les soirées libres avant l'écran pour regarder les nouveaux posts avec grand plaisir …
And I am still trying to describe, to put in words why I find your blog so intriguing. Here is my explanation to myself and my compliments for you:
First, of course your landscape and architectural photography is gorgeous. – Beauty in simplicity – Sometimes like a painting – Sometimes sculptural – then again narrative. Coming along with the freedom of the snapshot yet creating a persistent impression and becoming sublime.
Then again, it is your writing that captures and makes us dream and wanting to explore. Tellement légère autant que profond.
Finalement c'est la façon dans laquelle les histoires sont attachés aux images. En allemand on dirait "tissé" comme un tapis. Quel beau tapis. A rag rug to grow.
And, as it seems, just like you said about Mr. Reed – authentic. Or is it that you create an authentic atmosphere? Je serais d'accord pour les deux.
Merci pour partager tant d'images et d'histoires pour nourrir nos fantasmes et faire bouger nos pensées.
Thank you for all those inspiring links like the one of food, Martin Luther King, Laurie Anderson, cabanons and so on and so on…
Even winter is miraculous on your blogue.
A thought that you might have already had: trouver un editeur pour lancer un beau livre!
I wonder if you will be in Arles next February/March to give me and my dear companion your tour through le centre historique. I may be in the area. Is it anyway possible in winter? Though you may be very busy, finding a new home…( Your present one is so masterly renovated. )
Now, there is one last, but v e r y important thing to mention:
I LOVE BEN AND KIPLING!!! The sweetest kings of the mountains!
Best wishes et bon courage,
Silke
Oh c'est beau Arles avec la neige…
Envie d'un petit repas chez Rabanel…
bonne soirée
Manon
Beautiful!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!! What a beautiful snow/post/sister – I loved seeing the pups in the snow and would give anything to have seen pics of zoomies! We miss you so much – thinking about you all day and we'll talk later! I love you!!!
Of course, beautiful photos – I have such serious dog envy of you and Miss Sara Louise! WHY CAN'T I HAVE A DOG??!?! Because we travel too much. yeah yeah yeah. I loved the sentiment of this – it is always hard to be away during the holidays but you are right to remind us to be thankful for our exceptional lives. 🙂