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.
Not too hard on myself….I only try "perfection" (see yr comment to Silke) Heather, which I try to achieve. Thank you for your always kind replies. I really appreciate it.
Gorgeous, fabulous post, Heather! I always like to save your blog for the last in my readings so I might savor what you are sharling. Thanks everso!
Oh no, it wasn't a mistake on your part at all, actually match is a perfect word choice. You are too hard on yourself, Mumbai!!!
Oh I had forgot that my email is no longer there now that I am linked up with Google! Oops. My address is robinsonheather (at) yahoo.com.
And in noooo waaaay am I interested in perfection! I am really happy with the messy and the imperfect (see my current post). My friend Judith did an interview with me that talks about how I see that–the link is on the post called 401k:
http://lostinarles.blogspot.fr/2013/10/401k.html
But I am trying to…be more specific, I guess. The words and the photos are not always melding together the way I hope the will. And yes, I do understand that tension that you are talking about. Art is one thing, delivering for a client is another.
Bon Weekend à vous aussi,
H
oh , wasn't sure "match " or "fit" … Terry would certainly have a funny story for that mistake.
How lovely. Et je te souhate une merveilleuse saison.
xo
D. A.
" but I am still working on the photography aspect. With time…"
To my mind, art is not always about perfection it may be more the tension between the perfect and the imperfect that stirs us. Certain perfection can also wipe the art and the spirit away.
C'est qu'il faut trouver la balance. Pour montrer quelque chose d'imparfait mais vivant il faut être très courageux. Je sais un peu ce problème puisque j'ai étudié l'art et maintenant je travail comme graphiste. Les graphistes aime la ligne et les artistes le détour.
It is exactly this mixture of "photography" and "non-photography" that I appreciate so much about your blog.
I am still a bit unexperienced with the gmail account. But I guess you need to add me to your circles and only then I can see your email-address. I have added you to mine so you can see also my profile (which is not much yet)
Bonne soirée et bon weekend á tous!