Today I want to share a post with you that I first wrote on February 25, 2009. After so many of you commented on the bike in the photo at the left, I thought you might enjoy a little trip down memory lane from when Dali, Sammie Cat and I were full time French Girls. One of my goals in my return to the states in 2012, was to be able to continue to live parts of my life here the way I did in Cadrieu. The two that I've been successful with are living with NO car and NO television. If I do say so myself, I'm proud that I've succeeded so far.
Enjoy!
At some time or another, all of my visitors to the Chatette notice that there are many ways to get here. Of course, car is the easy one...but there is also on foot, by bike, by boat, by bus, and I'm guessing that the hang-gliders on the other side of the river could get here if they tried. Living my life in the Lot without a car can have challenges, but it brings many gifts as well. All of my friends (especially Jean) are very generous "lifting" me when necessary. Then there are those others who say: "You're going to get tired of not having a car. It's just a matter of time till you get one!"
To which my response is: "Maybe, but I'm not ready yet!" I then visualize myself giving them the raspberries and finish the rest of that sentence in my mind... "and I don't know if I ever will be! So there!" All I can assume about those others is that they just don't understand.
I'm not sure I would have understood either, if my time in the Lot hadn't started without a car. The only life I knew here was life walking, biking, and busing wherever I needed to go. It keeps me in shape physically and mentally, and prevents any huge bouts of "retail therapy" that tend to run in my family! If it can't come home on the bus or the bike and fit in my backpack...it generally doesn't make it back to the Chatette.
All that said, I must confess that it is easier to just take a ride than it is to make a point of walking into town or taking the bus. With Jean gone these last two weeks, I found myself reverting back to my more normal routine. One morning I was looking for an escape, plus I needed to move some money around at the bank. I decided to walk the 4km into Cajarc along the river with my camera in my pocket. It was beautiful, clear, and sunny, but cold. I didn't have to rush. I wasn't on a schedule. No one was waiting for me. I took this shot on the right (cabbage or lettuce?-I really couldn't say) loving the effect of the frost!
Went to the President and had a cappuccino while I wrote a bit in my journal, before heading over to the bank and the eco-marche for a few staples! I walked back home along the main road, enjoying the sunshine and a much warmer afternoon than morning. About 2/3 of the way home, one of Jean's neighbors who I didn't know offered me a lift the rest of the way home. I got to practice my improving, but still pretty pitiful French, and met Michel. Opening the door to the Chatette, I remembered that I came to France because of these kinds of days...the days that give me the gift of some familiar yet uncertain vegetables covered in frosty diamonds, hot President capuccinos that leave whipped cream and cinnamon all over my face, a fresh place to write and a chance to meet someone new!
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