I was just writing out a list of suggestions about where and what to visit for a friend’s upcoming trip to la Belle Provence when I stopped still, fingers paused over the keyboard. Up at the top of the email, I added what is my most important advice: DON’T PLAN TOO MUCH.
That is a little bijou of wisdom that I often offer up to vacationers and yet fear that it is seldom heeded. And I understand, I do. You have saved your pennies and planned for months. It is normal to want to “take it all in” and to “make the most of it” but alas, I am here to say, that is an attitude that is appropriate for discovering Manhattan. But for Provence?
Why I so treasure our time at La Buissonade, our cottage rental in the Luberon, is that it is where we settle into the Good Life. We go there to seek it out. Now, I understand that is a relative concept. Very, very relative. But for me, the essence of living in Provence is to take time and be appreciative. To feel the sun on my upturned face. Have some wine at lunch, take a nap. Listen to the birds and watch the flowers bend and sway. Read. Get Lost in the Looking.
And while all of those moments can be achieved nearly everywhere in the world, there is something about this particuliar environment that just makes it magic to me, that makes my heart sing. Do you remember playing with your hands when you were little: “Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and see all the people”? There is joy in the moments when it all comes together.
Despite home hunting, like you and quite busy I MUST tell you what a highly gifted author you are. You have so
many abilities (acting, photography…) Heather and espec. this story was wonderful. You really understand what
life is about and you are talented to make the best of it…what a gift.( Listen to the song "Good life" , one Republic) .
Judith, you're so close! Where and for how long? Leslie in Portland P.S. I knew you had some Santa Cruz in you, Heather!!!
“the essence of living in Provence is to take time”. Yes.
Don’t hurry, Mrs. Abstract and I tell each other when we visit special destinations like Provence or Amalfi Coast. And after the “must see” we leave 1 or 2 days for ourselves to find our own discoveries, the “magic”, joy of the moments, the serendipities of travel.
Provence is where one finds the “Good Life”. I’m certain, with your help, they will find Provence.
Very nice photos, food and all.
Heather .. my apologies if you, or anyone else for that matter, clicked on my name and expected an active URL. I have not yet developed a site on Blogger. I do have an active blog @ http://www.kauai-to-paris.com if anyone is interested. Aloha!
Heather .. this post conveyed the "feeling" .. we "felt" it .. one cannot do better than that with the written word. Thank You et Merci
What a wonderful retreat you and the family have Heather. The late autumn sun looked so inviting in these photos. I'm sure you are looking forward to your next visit in this beautiful region!
Heather, your blog posts are like a big yoga or meditation session, but with gorgeous colour! the image of the berries (what are they?) on the red branches with the grey-blue door or shutter behind – beautiful! And the photo of Ben relaxing and thinking about his day – very calming!
Cheers,
Deborah from Melbourne.
So nicely and wisely said Heather! There is a certain clarity to those photos… Due incredible light of autumn? The images are breathing catharis. And the puppers too!
I look forward to that post. I am most interested.
Best. Advice. Ever.