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.
Hi Heather – Took 4 years of French in High School and another 4 years through college. Half my notes from college are in French because my brain was starting to think in French, but it has been a while!
Since reptiles and birds are related, wonder if Chicken drumettes prepared in the same way as frogs legs would be a good substitute?
Now "Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong" by Jean-Benoît Nadeau and Julie Barlow is helping me to wrap my mind around not just the language but the "French Way". And, I want to say "Bonjour" whenever I walk into a shop in America. It has already happened a few times and people look at me cross-eyed.
C'est dommage!
Smiles from Charlotte
And thanks for your wonderful reply, Charlotte! I am still thinking about your idea. 🙂
If it is of any consolation, even after 15 years of living in France I still can't handle frogs legs or a bidet (!) and escargot only if copious amounts of white wine have been consumed!
I love your dream of getting a house in the Midi-Pyrenees – there is everything there from the mountains to the beaches of Spain. Good Luck with that!
And yes, it really changes everything to speak even a little of French if you are thinking of living here even part time.
Not sure where I am headed but I know it will be interesting because it always is! One thing I know for sure is that I have determined to live the French life here in America. Hubby and I have been scouring the internet looking to buy a small stone house in a village in the Midi Pyrenees. However, every time we plan a trip we have to cancel – knee surgery, job loss, fence blew down in a wind storm, etc.
So rather than wait for the future, I am living for now. Brushing up on my French, attending more of Andrea's French Food Camps, buying fresh bread, growing French Breakfast Radishes grapevines, drinking just 8 oz of soda in a French Bistro glass with just 2 ice cubes (working my way down to NO ice cubes).
I know French living is more than food but those are just some things I think most people can relate to. Not ready for frog's legs, escargot or a bidet but peut-être?
Still hoping you will put together a "screen saver" CD with your photos. Would love to put it on my TV just to have the scenes to watch during my day.
Thank you for sharing YOUR world with us.
Smiles from Charlotte Des Fleurs
Thank you Judi, your perspective is always very much appreciated…xoxo
Bisous right back…
I loved the photos! I am always partial to the interaction of light on the various things it touches. The pattern and the flooring really touched me for some reason. I know that pattern on the floor probably moved as the day moved on – I guess a bit like life, just when we think we are in a pattern, on a path, things change. All the best to wherever you are headed, wherever the light takes you. I must admit, I sometimes truly wish I knew just where I was headed, with no surprises to monkey with 'the path' – but, alas, not sure life works that way! So, although not always easy, just 'showing up' is so important. I'm glad you took some time for yourself, you give us all so much! Thank you!
I'm so happy you mentioned the exhibit in Amsterdam. I'm going to be there in April and definitely will want to see it! Thank you!
Xxx
Thank you for your kindness and for this spot-on inspiration, Edgar.
I will, Ali and treasure them. I do. Merci.