Bonsoir, mes amis.
I thought it was high time that I check in with you all, especially as some of you have been preparing to send out the search dogs.
While I have been slowing down the pace of posting, I do have plenty of material prepared to share with you, including more from
the Fondation Van Gogh in Arles where these photos were taken.
the Fondation Van Gogh in Arles where these photos were taken.
The play of light and shadows caressed the timeworn surfaces as I skated across the well-oiled parqueterie. Until finally, I stopped moving and just stood in the center of the room, surprised to find myself alone. It is amazing how in such moments one can feel lifted by something so far beyond the here and now as to seem eternal. Or maybe it doesn’t just seem but it is. How lucky then to breathe a bit of forever amidst our ever-changing lives.
I traced the shadows repeatedly, following the directions they were whispering that I should follow, then lifted my chin. That light, so bright that not even the blinds could tame it…it made me want to wrap it around me like a cape, open the windows and fly.
Tell me, where are you headed? Dites-moi tout.
Isn't it true? Even after having been in Provence for ten years, there is still so very much to learn…
Sending very, very good energy for your exploring! Fingers crossed that there is a little bit of luck under your sails…
Thank goodness you can't help yourself, Rebecca. 😉 This is pure magic.
Gros Bisous et un grand merci!
H
After almost a year of turmoil, I have been resting. As we have more and more sunny days, and so more light, I am just beginning to awaken and, in real life, venture out once again beyond my nearby world. And you, you somehow beautifully meld being a poet and a flyer. With every best wish, Leslie in Oregon
Perfect photo for the thoughts. It reminds me of the time I was in the Musee d'Orsay right after it opened and I found myself alone in a room full of Van Goghs ….. Unexpected, unusual ……
Headed towards what I hope is comfort in my new life in France. Harder this week than others, as the ones I love are in a crisis and I'm not there. Helpless feeling but we all just move on and do our best, n'est ce pas? I hope you are well and feeling loved:)
TO MEET YOU!!!!!!!!!!
XO
Well I am headed to France! I am having so much fun reading about Paris and Provence. Although I have been many times to both….there is always something new to learn.
Your post is wonderful. Seems the sun is talking to you through the shadows.
Wow. I know that feeling and your words captured it perfectly! And the sun on the floor. I am quite enjoying our winter sun this year. We are so very lucky in the way it enters our house during the cold months leaving squares of much-needed warmth and light on our bed and on our living room floor. Karina is not the only one who chases it from room to room.
I am headed to the Hudson Valley tomorrow. We are taking the pup and doing a bit of our own exploring.
Of course this post reminds me of one of my favorite Hector Berlioz songs, L'île inconnue, with words by Théophile Gautier. And because I can't help myself, here's the whole poem and a rendition by the incomparable Kiri Te Kanewa.
Dites, la jeune belle, Où voulez-vous aller?
La voile enfle son aile, La brise va souffler.
Le pavillon de moire, Le gouvernail d'or fin;
J'ai pour lest une orange, Pour voile une aile d'ange,
Pour mousse un séraphin.
Dites, la jeune belle, Où voulez-vous aller?
La voile enfle son aile, La brise va souffler.
Est-ce dans la Baltique? Dans la mer Pacifique?
Dans l'île de Java?
Ou bien est-ce en Norvège, Cueillir la fleur de neige, Ou la fleur d'Angsoka?
Dites, la jeune belle, Où voulez-vous aller?
Menez-moi, dit la belle, À la rive fidèle
Où l'on aime toujours!
Cette rive, ma chère, On ne la connaît guère
Au pays des amours.
Où voulez-vous aller?
La brise va souffler.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AbUOYC5F78 (and if you continue listening, you will hear the entire song cycle…"Les Nuits d'été" I LOVE these)