It is funny the frustrating things that slow-motion blur into helpful, then hop into good in the long run.
I don’t tend to expound too much on Kipling’s rougher nature but it is something that we live with everyday. Our adopted dog was definitely beaten in his previous life and bitten too. So let’s just say that he tends to strike first when in doubt. I have learned to be as careful as a CIA agent when out on our walks for good reason, certainly as many folks tend to just open up their doors and let their dogs roam unaccompanied in the South of France. I tighten my grip on his leash and scan the horizon; I pay attention to the snap of each twig breaking, ready for what might come up at the next turn in the bend. Frankly, it can be a little exhausting but it is just a part of love. And over months – certainly since we have moved out to this village – I have come to rely heavily on my instinct. I listen hard to that inner voice far more than I used to. It can be uncanny how a “Wait. No, stop here,” has continuously averted potential dangers.
I trust my instinct.
And it serves me for light-hearted pursuits as well.
It was already late yesterday evening when I decided to ride my bike out to the garden. A big storm had been announced for today – yes, one that hit hard and had both dogs, including Kipling, hiding under my desk – and I wanted to make sure if there was anything that needed to come in. Remi had given me the black vintage bicycle for my birthday present. It needs huile somewhere up front – I am the veritable squeaky wheel – and so call my ride The Cricket. It was already wheezing heavily when I made a last minute right turn after la pharmacie to take the back road out. It is much longer, so much so that I had never ridden that path before but something had tugged me, go.
I weaved around speed bumps and passed houses spinning chimney smoke before bumping down a dirt path next to an apple orchard. Yes, it was good that I had come as there were several newly tumbled tomatoes to rescue. I didn’t linger, the light was blooming. I pushed the pedals, rose up in my seat and caught my breath as I pulled up alongside the apple trees once more. Their perfume was calling me in a way that I had been too rushed to feel upon arriving. A smell that was far more complex than the rubber band word apple can convey, it was a song that ran from blossom to fruition. I stopped, awkwardly as I am still not confident on my bike and fished in my pocket for my camera, any modern testimony to something so time-worn and true.
Breathing in, breathing out fast, I cut across the pétanque court, wheels wobbling, light fading, straight to home, grateful for hearing and believing what I do.
Wonderful. all of it.
Pedaling against the storm, riding the fragrance of apples and catching the veil of sunset, camera balance on the wobbly wheel, you accomplish the pride of persistence. Wonderful.
Please know this is a deep complement. I long reflected on today's essay, photos, mood, and memories. I wrote a poetic comment and thought more.
Just woke up now, next to lap top, the first deep sleep in days hard news. Thank you for the gift of peace and a small time in another time and place.
What a particularly beautiful image, with the orange and blues and pinks! It glows!
How far is it to your little cottage garden? Sometimes you need the alone time without men or dogs, to see and absorb and think.
Your post was lovely. Quite calming and zen-like.
Here in Melbourne, spring arrived with a slow start, but suddenly yesterday was full on summer, with 31.5C (about 88.7 degrees). My Labrador goes outside to "sunbake" and then bangs on the frenchdoors with his nose, desperate to seek shelter in the airconditioning for a while, sitting there panting. Only to start the cycle all over again shortly afterwards. He's a funny boy!
I hope you put those fresh tomatoes to good use!
Cheers,
Deb Carter
HE GAVE YOU A BICYCLE…………I LOVE THAT!
I got a BICYCLE for giving BIRTH the FIRST time!Lets just say I was not SO happy………….but I am THRILLeD for YOU!Thats perfect!Home to GARDEN on the BICI!!!!!
BEAUtiful thoughts that accompany your Beautiful photos!NEVER BORE ME!!!
XOXO
Lovely images, I can smell and feel the crisp air. Your shots of the moon are beyond splendid! Well done.
Thanks, as always, for taking me along for the ride. And, yes, let's hear it for paying attention to that often way too teensy inner voice — sometimes we shrug it off at our peril.
The light is exquisite in your photos – I love that red glow at the end of the road, along with the cabanon, or some structure – wonderful! I had you pictured all the way, past the apples, wobbling, wobbling, and your bike singing. You bring light to me! Thank you!
Beautifully written post, I was on that bike! And the photo is so atmospheric. Who knew over-ripe apples could be so beautiful?
bonnie
Ahhh – why WOULDN'T you write a post on a Saturday night?? If only computers had a smell option (though I'm sure that will be on ios10)! I love that your intuition led you to a new path; a beautiful, fragrant option at sunset. I'm a big believer in listening to my instinct as well, and it is almost always rewarding. Thank you for reminding us, as always, that simple pleasures are well worth stopping for and writing about.