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!
What a fabulous wish to send along and such kind words too! Merci…!
I do too. So, at one hour away from the results time – I am going to try and stay positive!! I have to.
Thank you for the compliment about the photos. 🙂
Teddy was adopted but the SPA took him back as the new owner was not taking care of him. He has had a few close calls since then but as he is such a huge and untrained dog (although he was great with Ellie, he did nearly knock me down!), it is complicated for him. The staff love him dearly and I am friends with one of the volunteers who gives me updates.
Oh my, how perfect is that sign! Although in these parts, I would not dare put it up…
We need to look for beauty everywhere. Sometimes we need to look deeper. I'm so glad you are hitting your stride again. All we can do is one breath in…one breath out…..repeat.
Ali x
Little things do make a difference.
I am following the French election as closely as I can, and I particularly appreciate your comments regarding it. This election is critically important for France, for Europe, for the United States and for all of the world's democracies, and I hope that its results give us reason for hope. Thinking of you, Leslie in Oregon
Loved the story of the little girl! We must always remember our "enfance". Your latest posts are full of joy and hope. They give me joy and hope too!
Not surprised to hear President Obama has endorsed the French voice of reason and compassion. He always knows and does what's right. Oh how we all miss him!
Oh, your beautiful photos are drawing me in. I need to revisit beautiful Venice. Maybe I'll get really lucky and see that little girl! It made me smile and think of my grandson and how fearless he walks and how much he adores the outside. At 16 months he is showing me all kinds of wonderful things!