“It looks like it is still night out!” Remi exclaimed with unbridled surprise as he stumbled into the living room, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He found me sitting on the couch with my laptop balanced on my knees, clutching my mug of coffee and wedged in between two furry friends. The darkness of the morning had left me feeling cold and pressed flat. Winter is in like Flynn.
Well, what finer cure could there be than to remember the vibrancy of our visit to Menton? For it had taken place on a similarly cloud-covered day, one that had miraculously let the colors glow brighter and the texture of time’s patina stand out in greater relief.
I grabbed photographs quickly on that walk, furtive glances shooting off the stones. For I am realizing now that in order to see specifically, I cannot be good company. I am either with my eyes or with those around me, rarely both. And frankly, I was having too fine a time to sacrifice more than a few seconds here or there. Laughter is contagious and I love it when it peals like bells. My friends – not to mention the puppers pulling at their leashes at all the new around them – had my full attention.
But these few stolen mementos did their job and warmed my heart a little this morning. Appreciating imperfection is endlessly cheering, isn’t it? So it is with these quiet months, for without them there would be no spring.
Beautiful still lifes, colours and patina. Edgar has expressed it perfectly: It is the "gift to see the unseen" you have!
I like a lot the green window frame in the red passepartout!
Besides, it came to my mind, that by now the city of Arles, the Côte Azur and the whole Provence should be thankful for the work and heartful advertising you do for them!
Hi Heather,
I admire your “appreciating” eyes seeing beauty behind the “imperfections”. I love the photos. Your eyes can see the unseen like the prince, from an ancient parable, hearing the unheard. The prince, returning from the forest the second time, described what he heard to his master, “when I listened most closely, I could hear the unheard—the sound of flowers opening, the sound of the sun warming the earth, and the sound of the grass drinking the morning dew.” “To hear the unheard,” said the prince’s master, “is a necessary discipline to be a good ruler.” from:Parables of Leadership by W. Chan Kim and Renée A. Mauborgne ( Harvard Business Review) (http://hbr.org/1992/07/parables-of-leadership/ar/1)
The master explained, “For only when a ruler has learned to listen closely to the people’s hearts, hearing their feelings uncommunicated, pains unexpressed, and complaints not spoken of, can he hope to inspire confidence in his people…”
You have the gift to see the unseen.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Edgar
Quiet months indeed. I kind of like this lull as we all quietly get our year started. I do however, look forward to the sun waking up a little earlier!
As usual, what lovely photos! I particularly like the turquoise wooden door with the gold hardware. Great shot.
Happy new year, Heather!
Two hearts!!! Oh of course you would see that beautiful Sister. 🙂 And noone encourages me more than Remi…except for maybe you!
I love you and thank you so much for being such a great Sister!
Heeheehee. I loved that sign on the door! And yes, Christchurch has every reason to be proud. Talk about a comeback!!!
As you know, Menton photographs itself! 🙂
I am a new follower of your Riviera Dogs blog.
Bon Weekend,
H
Oh this made me laugh with delight!!! Just the thought of you and I together behind the wheel…And I know that you could do it too! There is no way I would be scared with La Contessa at my side!
No new houses to visit yet though…