I mean as in they are truly, utterly, I could skip down them naked while playing a ukelele and no one would notice empty. Not that I plan on doing that mind you, it is simply far too hot and I would be afraid to sizzle the pads of my already blackened feet.
It is a time for not too demanding manual tasks as the most basic intellectual pursuits escape me. Books tumble into my lap as I turn on my belly to nap. Ideas and words have locked themselves into the drawers of my desk, refusing to come out until the temps have cooled, making it impossible to write. Photos for posts have piled up, knocking at the computer screen for attention but I just stare at them, blinking.
I am not complaining, of course. Remi has been in the midst of photographing a really interesting project that I will share with you later on under blazing studio lights for the past two weeks, the dogs are forced to wear their fur coats which droop heavily after I hose them down and renovation work continues with the heave of new roof tiles and the churn of cement just down the street.
Perhaps this is more of a billet-doux in an apology form for not being more active here. I usually go quiet in the winter months; this is unexpected. But I find my brain as vide as the streets and there is a form of texture hunt going on inside – both within the walls of this closed up house and inside my rather empty noggin’. But I keep thinking back to my friend J recently admitting that she likes jet-lag as it takes her to this kind of dreamy place. And so it is all a question of perspective then, as it always is.
For I do find Provence incredibly beautiful even while she is sporting her most dashing summer clichés, presenting her best angles to the visitors who have come from the world over to admire her…I just feel not entirely a part of all the buzz but rather am floating along beside it. Perhaps that is not a bad thing after all…
Good evening dear Heather,
I thought to be the only one to love cool weather …. well I am not alone ! I totally agree with you : everything is impossible with this hot temperatures. I don't want to spend all my holidays this way…. I completely feel without energy..
I love your photos and words as usual my dear they bring me some fresh air .
P.S.
My husband and his orchestra are performing in Frontignan next 23rd July for the Sete Sòis Sete luas festival but unfortunately I will not be there . I am so so sorry about this.
Good night my dear. Bisous
Hi Heather, having recently spent three weeks in Provence, this post evokes memories of how special it was. So well written accompanied by beautiful photos. Thank you!
And thank you for this really fine compliment, Susan. It made me happy to hear! I hope that you enjoyed your time in Arles and in Provence!
Yes. However this being week Four of the time out, I am realizing that I need to buck up and get things done!
You are lovely, friend, thank you.
Marsha, I have to say that I am SO grateful that our heat is dry – I don't know how you do it! On my trips to NOLA I would just be reduced to a mint julep swilling mess! 😉 And it does make me mad because usually I look forward to my garden time so much and right now I am kind of dreading it…
Maybe Lee but I have to say that I kind of love it! And no, this is no soft hazy heat but a razor sharp one…
Our zucchini's are really suffering badly and the beets and leeks that we planted just didn't sprout at all. 🙁 We are doing our best though to keep it going.
And yes, the ground floor stays cool pretty much all day as we close up the shutters. So we are hanging out in the dark but it is totally worth it for the doggies!
Me too. I am on strike. 🙂
Thank you, Laura! It was crazy hot and busy but fun! I think it is interesting how the traditional architecture in our two environments were so much more condusive to living well with the weather. Yes, the thick stone walls, shuttered windows and cool floors are a boon…