Today’s post is a simple one and if the environment looks familiar, well, it is because I wrote about it only one week ago. And while I often struggle and then make peace with my memory problems, this is not the case here. If anything I felt hyper aware when thinking about sharing this with you all, my senses on alert.
Admittedly, we had experienced a rough week, capped off by the out-of-nowhere announcement that our wonderful Range Rover, who had carried us along on adventures too numerous to count, had bit the dust. Finito. Just like that. Fortunately, we have a positively ancient Saab 900 turbo (yes, the car from “Sideways”) that has been patiently waiting on stand by at the public parking lot. A new battery was plopped in, she was ready to roar and so a much needed picnic was prepared.
As it was a day not to take risks but rather solely reap rewards, we both knew to head back to the land outside of Uzes that comforts us so. We stayed for hours, to the point where the dogs were getting restless, uncertain what to make of Remi’s sleeping form on the blanket. I started walking and they bounded after me eagerly.
I traced the perimeter of the upper terrace of vines as if I owned it, so sure were my feet slapping on the ground, crunching through the soil. And then I stopped in my tracks and slowly turned in a circle, gazing. “Of course, this isn’t mine but I am so lucky that I can be here and feel this…that is enough.” The birds sang and I sighed with contentment. Sometimes, it can be that easy.
I bounded back to fetch my iphone from the car and took the above video to pass along. I know that it is tiny and the sound is bad but hopefully in watching it you will catch a whiff of the sweet perfume of le bonheur. For that too is not solely mine but maybe it can be ours…
After hitting “publish” I can’t shake the sentiment that I didn’t quite express what I had hoped to in this post but I will make a wish…and let it go…
Have a lovely week ahead everyone and hold on tight to those dear to you…
Yes, it IS officially spring! (Although Paris did not get much of a winter, so I shouldn't be so dramatic in my declaration.) I see an ice patch in one of your shots, so maybe it was frostier down by you?
Happy spring bopping around in your Giamatti-mobile through the vineyards. ; )
Thank you SO much! I will try this when I get back as I couldn't figure it out on my own… :0
You can remove that feature in Blog Layout > Click on the lower right corner of the Blog Post box in the center > in the pop up box, Unclick "Show Share Buttons."
I think you can then add a gadget for any sharing you might want.
I also believe there is a way to label your photographs and/or add a no click feature to them. The Unclick feature (methinks) prevents right click and save, copy, set as background.
We got it! Sorry about the Range Rover – that truly is sad news; were the pups confused to be riding in the Saab? But glad that a picnic helped to soothe the soul a bit! Loved the video with Ben ahead, waiting patiently, and Kipling behind! Hope this week is going better; thank you for yet another lovely post!!
I am having a mini meltdown because the dishwasher is misbehaving. I can't imagine what I would do if my car ceased to be. Bawl, probably. I think your seeking solace in a picnic was an excellent strategy. Hugs and best wishes.
So lovely and peaceful, I wish that we were able to get into the country more. At least Spring has arrived and hopefully we soon will!
Somethings happen at the wrong time, balanced by beautiful surprises. Ben and Kipling seem to enjoy the interlude.Nice short video.
The vines there are similar to the vines here in the valley. In the midst of beauty, one can’t ask for more.
Lovely post and inspiring photos.
You captured a wonderful Spring day Heather. Sorry to hear about the Range Rover. However, as a long time Saab owner, I know an old, reliable 900 turbo will get you where you need to go. With the backseat pulled down, the puppers can have plenty of room! Enjoy your week and thanks for sharing the video and photos.
I would ideally like to always resond to everyone but there are moments when life interferes. I do love the exchange though. And thank you for your ever positive energy sent our way!
Merci, Juliet! I see from my statistics page that I do have Russian readers and yet you are one of the first to say hello. I have only been to St. Petersbourg in your country but oh, what an amazing experience it was and the Russian people that I met were some of the most generous of any that I have met anywhere…
Wow. Thanks for letting me know – I had no idea and this upsets me quite a bit as I am anti-Pinterest. I would strongly prefer that you do not Pin, as is stated on the blog but for now, there is nothing that I can do to stop you from doing so.
great spring pictures!
very nice blog by the way 🙂
kisses from Russia,
Juliet
RUSSIAN DOLL
Uh. I see a Pinterest button on the share below the post (Blogger added it weeks ago). Does this mean you allow your photos with the credit to be posted on Pinterest? I see that is possible on some of the pins there, but I don't know how to do that.
When is it ever?…Bear up!..your time will come. I wish you lots of luck Heather and what I like ….you answer every comment ..this is so encouraging to comment your blogging again.
Oh that made me smile because Remi started wearing this radical pair of raybans from the 80s when he started driving the Saab again!!! They are really big with a silver stripe across the top. It must just work for the car. And it is a great car. We have left some new fancy cars in the dust, I can tell you. But oh, she is oooold. We really have no idea how much longer we will have her. Fingers crossed…
Hello my little Wise Owl friend saying, "Who? Who?" – this is my favorite Suzeagram yet. 🙂
And really? Well then three cheers for my scrappy old iphone! Hooray! And if the photo made you happy then the wish def-in-itely worked.
You do? I am holding you to that!! 🙂 And it was fun to see them trying to figure out how to sit comfortably. We bought a safety net to protect them a bit – and to keep Kipling from coming up front because I know that he would!
Thank you so much Judith, I will definitely take those well wishes to heart…
It really is. The land in that area is just so beautiful – and I have been loving all of your instagram photos!!! Malte is insanely gorgeous!!
Oh, I know that your imagination will excede what my tiny video could do! And yes, the boys snuggling is a VERY big deal.
I didn't quite capture it – it was such a lovely moment – but I wanted to try. 🙂
I am glad that you enjoyed it Teresa Maria. I hope that you are seeing signs of spring…?
Thank you. Now, of course, I wish that I had made a longer one – but it seemed like it was going on for forever when I filmed it. Time is so bendy. And yes, it makes me happy that Kipling is starting to run back towards me when we go for our walks in the country.
It really isn't the right time! But when is it ever? 😉
A wonderful affair Heather…I loved your video clip. When we travel with you vicariously, it is the little things that bring it all home. For me..it was your dog bounding up to you. So sweet. What a drama with your cars, sorry to hear that one is destined for land of lost cars. The first car I ever bought for myself, when I was just a wee corporate high flyer in the burbs of Connecticut, was a black Saab 900. I loved that car and the 90's ray bans that I wore when I drove it..major cool..or a least I thought so. I hope your car gives you a few more years. Thank you again for taking us along.. xx
That may be the most perfect capture of a dandelion I have ever seen in my entire life. I think your wish worked.
The SAAB will bring new adventure.The Boys will be a tad crowded perhaps in the backseat,but that might be a good thing!Lovely place to picnic!
This week will be BETTER!I PROMISE!
XOXOOX
Heather, I hope the 'rough'-ness of last week was of the passing kind. You have captured some luscious details and the final photo of those two light-dappled coats, their wavy fur going in opposite directions is, indeed, priceless. I hope this week is a better one.
You shared the sound of silence and serenity perfectly. Hope your week is wonderful and sorry to hear about your car. Uzes is magical.
Sadly, your videos never appear on my iPad. But I imagine. Glad to see two boys snuggling.
Love the photo of the two dogs together – very sweet. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us.
You've captured it again and made it ours. Thank you!
Thank you for posting the real life video.
Sorry to hear the Rover is no more.
When I first saw Ben, the Ohs and giggles begin. Kipling :). Hearing your footsteps makes the video even more special.
sorry that your Ranger bit the dust…sure not the right time now…. but you got recouped by the wonderful walk with your dogs.
Jeanne, it was a really big deal that Kipling snuggled up to Ben and Ben let him! I was so excited to see it. It takes time between them but it is slowly happening…and wishing you a beautiful week too! Thank you so much as always for being such a kind and supportive friend. 🙂
That last photo of Ben and Kipling makes my heart just melt! Heather, so sorry you had a bumpy week and to hear about the passing of your Range Rover. Glad you were able to escape to such a magical spot to be soothed by beauty, thanks for taking us along. Have a wonderful, beautiful week, my friend! XOXO