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.
Oooh, quelle bonne idée Manon!! Ok, maintenant j'ai faim… 😉
I love you too!
It is called…a dogsitter! True, we have the best on the PLANET (a couple who met while volunteering at the ASPCA, she works as a vets assistant, he is home a good bit, they have a nice garden and two awesome doggies)–I think that our puppers, especially Kipling, is happier there than with us! But you CAN find someone awesome and then you can leave your furry friend worry free. Look at the sites Cardicanin and Holidog. T'ink abouddit.
And to you–especially for your Thanksgiving Weekend! And Fifty is a lucky duck, everyone knows that! :à
Thank you Mumbai and I am glad that you liked the music! I took time to find something that I thought would fit. 🙂 And it was just a really happy moment.
I think that you give thanks everyday! 🙂
And to you, Elizabeth!
Thank you so much for the wishes, Deborah–they are much appreciated!
Most years we don't get any at all! But that doesn't mean that it isn't cold. Our Mistral winds make things feel chillier than Tahoe!
Lorrie, I think that Arles is meant to be seen under a bright white sun. But I do appreciate the quiet beauty of winter too…not to mention the emptiness in the streets! 😉