Eyes open, I could not leave the bed for a long time this morning, sheets tossed aside, legs heavy but restless. Hungover from the news of Trump pulling the US out of the Paris Agreement, I just couldn’t move because I could not understand.
“Look, look!” I wanted to scream out into the air. “This is all so precious!” This life, this breath, this earth.
But I didn’t. I was silent and sinking. So I switched to automatic pilot, like we all can do at times, and I reached for my iphone. Good morning, Instagram.
And there, I found my French friends quoting the new president, Emmanuel Macron.
“Make our planet great again.”
“There is no plan B because there is no planet B.”
I listened to his speech and cried.
And then I got out of bed.
My camera is my witness, my words are my ally. I walked into the sun with both and this is what I am finding found. It is not anything revolutionary. Just some photographs taken by a lost girl on a bright provençal morning and phrases scribbled as the day goes to bed.
But I share them just in case you are lying down defeated too. Rise up.
We know the truth. And we can keep fighting to keep it.
(Look really closely. Can you see the tiny red spider in the crook of the “arm” hanging down?)
I love you, Mamma Earth. Be patient with us, please. We are young, and at times, still so foolish.
Here is a part of the speech that moved me so deeply.
For my friends in the States, if you would like, there is a petition to sign in protest: here.
It is up to us, friends. It is up to us.
With much Love and Gratitude,
Heather
It has been nearly two days since the announcement and I am still reeling but President Macron's words are like nectar for this bruised and battered American. I will look to him for leadership and hope from now on. Please continue to share your moving pictures and words from the country of sanity and beauty. Merci to all of France.
!!!!!!!!!!!!
These floating flowers belong to my favorites of your photography. Beauty is simple! And our earth provides so much beauty!
This post is an ode to our earth, an ode to our living environment and the love for it. I just simply don't understand how hate came into the comment section above?
Of course I saw Macrons speech yesterday too. And it is good that he has set that mark. But our planet is severely hurt. It is our duty to fight for its rescue. At least for our children and grandchildren. We destroy our own habitat. Is Homo Sapiens not so sapient? Not when it comes to sustainability, obviously. (And other things too of course) Its all about money and consumption. Isn't it?
Thank you Heather for posting these wonderful images and brave words. Though it seems hard these days to make yourself understood. And some topics evoke controversies that you never intended, that you never started. Merci de faire face au défi!
Talking about authors… I am reading right now Eribons "Retour à Reims". It tells a lot about how and why the far right is so successful in France. Very interesting.
So, we all hope that La République en Marche will be successful aux législatives that are about to come! Because only then Macron will be able to make a difference. (together with Germany and Europe hopefully)
Namaste! (from a newly formed yoga follower 😉
Love, Silke
Love you too, Patricia!! Even if I am a bad friend and completely forgot to write about your reading today!!!!
Friends, it is last minute to say the least but for those of you near Nice. There is a great reading featuring two of my favorite local authors!
Today from 3-5:30pm. I so wish I could be there!
You can find more info about it here: http://adrianleeds.com/events/conferences/meet-the-authors-in-nice
Love you Heather!!
You have already done so much good for so long, Joan. I will keep saying it: you inspire me!
No, I have quite a lot of courage actually.
There is no hate speech tolerated at Lost in Arles.
You are not welcome here.
Coward.
Me too. And I don't usually write so frankly. I'm all Peace Corps forward for decades! So I'm taking the night off, watch a BBC mystery, and start all over to be good and work for good in the morning.
Namaste! (this time with correct spelling)
Thank you, Gillian. 🙂