It was the smallest of moments.
Yesterday morning.
The rain had stopped – it was only pattering anyway – and the sun was reaching through like a loud yawn, the kind that makes your head snap around with surprise. Especially when it belongs to you.
Up ahead a bob of movement, a daughter and mother turning the corner. I followed, drawn.
For the girl was so tiny that I wasn’t sure how she could keep herself upright. And yet, she did and was walking. Balanced on her toes, heels aloft, arms raised like wings for balance and head towards the sky, she propelled herself forward. And forward. As if she were flying, barely touching the ground.
And because she was so surprised to have actually not fallen, that she was arriving with each step in this new movement, she laughed.
Delighted.
With life.
Such a small creature can shine such great joy. An everyday miracle.
“To love. To be loved. To never forget your own
insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the
vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places.
To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or
complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all,
to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never to
forget.”
— Arundhati Roy
I am listening to this today after watching the blazing courage of Emmanuel Macron last night in the final French presidential debate before the elections. It gives me great Hope to have seen him call out so fearlessly someone whose only wish is to separate and destroy. And I was especially delighted that former President Barack Obama gave his unequivocal support today.. “L’espoir est en marche…”
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This post is the fourth in the series of “Little and Big.” It is a subject that I love to return to – the importance that the smallest of things can provide in our daily lives.
I think that some of you are missing Provence, so if you would like to visit or revisit the rest of the series, please click the following links:
And have a wonderful weekend!
ahh, Trattoria Dona Onesta…favorite, favorite place to eat. Will visit it next October staying in an apartment near Frari Church. Your pictures make it so hard to wait. We will be there for two weeks for the third time. What is with the people who say to me how can you find anything to do for more than a day and a half? Just look, just see…it is so compelling…
Ah, the lessons of children … before they discover politics. Mahalo et Merci, Heather.
Was so pleased to see Obama's video on the important of this election to France, EU and beyond and his support of Macron. Hope French voters are smarter than US voters were.
Could almost feel the sunshine and hear the child's laughter. What a great moment to share with your readers.
The photos have such clarity with light and shadow.
Hope to see a Macron victory on Sunday!
Heather, so good to see you back in my email. Love these Venice photos. Very Wabi Sabi. Looking forward to next posting. Be well.
I agree with everything you said about Macron and En Marche! As you can imagine I have seen "le débat" yesterday and was shocked about MLP agressive attacks. Where has the cultural discours gone to?
As I am European with all my heart, brain and body I hope so much that more french people are going to vote for Europe. It is the only solution to avoid hate and war.
I have also seen Barack Obamas support today of course since I am following the french press every minute.
And I hope so much that when I will be in France in July, it will be a France of the future, the one that I can come back to.
Fingers crossed my friend, stay strong, keep on hoping. Wonderful images!
Love, Silke
Heather, your photos are wonderful, special, and inspiring. Loved your description of the litle girl walking and laughing. We could all benefit from doing that. Have a wildly creative week!
Shockingly beautiful images, you go from strength to strength, you see what we are all looking for. Le Pen is unimaginable, like Trump. If she is elected I fear for civility, compassion and reason.
Bon
I keep hoping to see a report on Teddy. Have you visited him? Has he been adopted? I still think of that sweet dog and the terrible misfortune in his life. I would so much appreciate an update.
What a joyful image, of the little girl. And your other images, of Venice, are each more breathtaking than the next.
I saw a sign today that said "FHaine." Accurate.