Let it begin, then, in light with creativity shining through, percolating hope for this new year.
We took to the beach where the waves know no time but their own to give us room to find our way.
For who isn’t content to feel the sand’s support, even in the winter cold? Ben has been exploring the beaches of the Mediterranean since he was a wee pup.
And as for our rascal, Kipling? He is still uncertain of the waves and too tempted by the presence of other dogs to chase. So best then for him to remain attached to an old tripod, where he could calmly do what he loves best…to guard…
…both his loved ones and our equipment. Yes, for you see we came on a mission.
There is a photo that Remi has been wanting to shoot for ever so long. Just as I hear my stories, he often sees his photography before he picks up his camera. Yesterday, was the chosen day. Especially. And so we brought with us the broken top of a Roman amphora that had been borrowed for the occasion, along with the bells and whistles needed to make his imagined image into reality.
But that didn’t mean that there was no time for frivolity…
…or gentle contemplation of what has passed and questions of where it might be wise to point towards next…
…as aren’t we are all searching for just the right angle, the good direction?
The waves advanced, the sun dipped down and still Remi did not have his photo. He put his tripod aside and took his camera in-hand, first sitting on his knees and then eventually lowering himself belly down into the surf until he was level with his subject. Soon, I was asked to join his side, where I stood above him holding a portable flash to add a slight push of suggestion as the light faded into night.
Finally, drenched and cold, he was satisfied, elated even. And so was I, having been stripped clean by the wind and sea, washing me down to ready. Because, without our even knowing it, we had already begun and the song was sung in beauty.
Happy New Year everyone!
It was interesting that the word that came to me this morning on my walk with the dogs was: “Freedom.” And so I wish you Freedom and Health (as they always say in France, “If you begin with Health the rest will follow”) but also Contentment and Adventure too.
With all of my Very best from Provence,
Heather
PS. This post was partially inspired by a few previous New Year’s themed posts, such as my very first at Lost in Arles here, a tale from my New York City days here and another January 1st beach visit here. Voila! And as always, thank you so much for being here. I hope that we will discover 2015 together…
Bingo! Remi will be so pleased that you understood that. I have learned and am learning so much from him. I feel very grateful.
And wishing you a fantastic New Year as well!
Bonne Année à toi, Lorrie et merci beaucoup! I hope that your New Year is filled with a lot of Discovery too – since you enjoy even the littlest ones so much it seems.
And the light really was that gorgeous…
Happy New Year to you too WQC! 🙂
Sending my Very Best to you Down Under, Deb. Bisous!
Wonderful! So grateful to the lovely Jeanne H for making the introduction, Edgar.
Stephen, I have been struggling with that exact same issue for the past year or so and it was exactly the kind of freedom that I was thinking of (for me, because of course I don't take for granted having freedom in the more literal sense either!)…so I am right there with you in this for 2015. Deal? 😉
It was hard work, R! But it felt wonderful to be a part of doing something creative, which means the world to us both.
And you, lovely Emilia! So happy to think that we are joined by the Beautiful Mediterranean. May your joie de vivre keep shining through 2015…
Merci and Mahalo, Bill. I know for sure that you have already begun in beauty!
And what about Adventure, Judith? I am hoping that you have some of that this year too…non? 😉
Gros Bisous!