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…
Happy, happy New Year to you, my friend. Looks like you and your boys started things off beautifully. Love your photos, they are full of magic and wonder as usual. Freedom is a lovely word to chew on as we start the year. Mine is "believe."
Here's to freedom to explore all the beauty the world has to offer, Heather! XOXO
Oh that petrolblue of the sea! My favorite kind of blue. Glazing blue. Fits so nicely with the dark warm grey of the sand and beige of your bright doggies. And the "work in progress- photo " you took of Remi is soaked with colour – so nice and blue! ( And thanks to him that he lets you take and publish it! I love this kind of "work of the work")
I nearly forgot that you live so close to the sea. I am a secret lover of the sea. Thank you for the reminder.
Those two closing shots are awesome and soooo quiet. Great post Heather!
!While you strolled a peaceful beach we had a windstorm that rivaled a hurricane (or so it felt in this stone house on the hill) and certainly would be like a Mistral in your area to welcome us to this new adventure and new year. Wishing you happiness, health, laughter and freedom in 2015. Hugs, Jackie
Thank you for bringing so much beauty to the start of the New Year. And to be wished Freedom and Health is wonderful.
LAUGHTER……….that is my word for the NEW YEAR!I need MORE Of it in my LIFE!
I adore that POT REMI scored to photograph at the waters edge…………….I do hope HE got the SHOT without catching a COLD!
HAPPY NEW YEAR…………..it's gonna be a GOOD ONE!I can feel it already!
XO
Beautiful Heather, the simple joys and yes freedom and how fortunate we are to have it!
All the Best to you, Remi, Ben and Kipling in 2015!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
I totally understand your passion Heather… to find a great motive and to picture it ,iis one of the most
exciting things for me as a hobby photograph too. I like it so much. Today I was in Ronda the xxx…time
and I always find a new motive…isn't that wonderful to have such an open eye for the beauty of our world?
A magical welcome for 2015…you, Remi and the pups…creating moments to share and treasure…just as you have for the past year..so much to be thankful for…and to wish for. Your continued health and freedom..sprinkled with daily love and licks.
Happy Happy New Year!
I loved your beautiful images and words. After reading your lines, I always long for Provence.I just returned from spending time with the Bedus of the empty quarter in the Emirates and trying to adjust back to reality.
Thank you for your beautiful post. Bonne annee…
I love this post – puppies waiting/watching, sea calm, sky so colorful – what a great way to start the year!! When you said, "freedom", I thought of freedom from suffering – the suffering that we cause ourselves, mostly, from worrying, fretting, etc. And freedom from the tyranny of my moods, etc. Yes, hear hear to freedom, and, most certainly, good health!!! Happy New Year, Beautiful Sister!!!!!