There are two houses in this village that fascinate me in their state of disuse.
One, my favorite, is definitely abandoned and I find it baffling as it exudes a distinctly happy air.
I can clearly see the laundry being put out to dry on the window’s line, I can smell something sweet baking in the oven…even if they are just phantom memories, not my own.
And the other? Well, I am not so certain. While the many scales of paint date to a more recent era, it somehow seems far less lively than its counterpart. I have never heard the front door slam nor seen a light left burning to brighten up the night. But perhaps it is inhabited, only very quietly so. The oldest resident in the village is 105 years old and his home also seems quite subdued despite the thin trail of smoke rising from the chimney. Regardless, I always want to sling my arm around the proverbial shoulders of these houses if only I could.
For I find them quite beautiful, ragged tooth gaps and all.
I can feel the stares on my back from my fellow villagers as I lean in close to put their details into my lens. Their confusion as to why I would choose such forlorn ministers to study amidst other proud ambassadors is practically noisy. “Why isn’t she photographing ‘Le Chateau’?” I lean in closer and keep coming back.
***
The sun is setting and I have just brought the dogs back in from their walk. But I head back out towards the closest house, the abandoned one, to try and answer that question. A window on the top floor is open to all seasons and the iron horseshoe above the door is hanging the wrong way down. And yet…there are possibilities within this house and the other as well. I think that is as good of an answer as I can define. For me, there is more of the essence of this heart-achingly beautiful region amidst their histories than what any self-conscious mansion could provide. With its rough-shod and yet enduring charm, how I love the possibilities of Provence.
***
And we all need possibilities, yes? I have mentioned the amazing Ellie from Have Some Decorum before and it delights me that so many of you now read her regularly. Ellie has ALS and recently asked if we would be willing to sign a petition asking the FDA in the States to approve a new treatment for the disease on an accelerated basis. If you would care to sign the petition, you may do so: here.
Have a wonderful weekend…
Love this post even more than I thought it would. I really believe that some homes have souls. It breaks my heart to see so many of the older cottages in our neighborhood being ribbed down to replaced by giant monstrosities to maximize the lot and to satiate the current popular desire to have more room for "stuff". I have to avert my eyes when the bulldozers come it, digging their teeth into the wood and plaster, as if they are gobbling flesh and bones. All the memories and happenings – a child's first steps, a birthday party at the dining room table, Christmas morning – gone into the air a day… I am glad at least that your abandoned souls still have hope. That someone may reclaim them and bring them back. I absolutely understand your fascination… and just love your photos. Like portraits of a lonely, elderly person who just needs some love.
Hope you are having a lovely week, Heather! XOXO
It isn't a stupid question at all because it is absolutely true! And while I have no idea as to how the various shades are selected, I do know why it is blue as that is believed to be a color that keeps mosquitos (which can be brutal here) and other insects away here in Provence. In our current house, there is a very faint limewash of blue around the ground floor windows and my friend that I mentioned in the email has blue ceilings in both of his houses.
Bah, you mean just like Iove how you see and share YOUR corner of the world? Oh, ok. 🙂
Loree, I am so very sorry to hear that your uncle has ALS. I really do hope they find a real treatment soon…through reading Ellie's blog I have come to understand what a horrible disease it is…
And yes! Most certainly I would have been exploring and how fun would it be for us to be doing so together? The cameras would be snapping away, I know that much…
Do different areas of Provence have different blues? As in different shades that are indicative of that town? Maybe that is a stupid question but I feel like ive noticed towns tend to pick a shade of blue and stick to it. I love the color in the shot. It's almost like an emerald and turquoise blue.
This is SO the style I love. There is something so much more beautiful about the layers. I love how you see (and share your corner of the world)
Heather, I thought of you yesterday. We drove to a part of the island we do not visit very often and came upon some houses … some were abandoned; others were being restored and, I couldn't help peeking in and imaging the people that used to live there. And as I pressed my nose to a particular window, i thought to myself, Heather would be doing this too. On a different note, I will definitely sign that petition. My uncle is also afflicted with ALS.
A very good point you have there, Virginia! I do worry about the first house though. I wish that I could go in and shut that open window at the very least…