Soar-Dream-France

Color Calls Me HOME

Heading off to work in Holland in early December, I'd already been in the states for about 5 weeks and then had only 5 days to come back home and get ready to go again. I sat on the train heading out of Cahors to Paris. As was the case most of the winter, it was unseasonably warm and everything was still very green. I rode facing the direction of home, wondering if when I got back in February my beautiful lavender and burgundy hills and cliffs would be waiting for me. I've often pondered what makes the winter colors so beautiful here. I finally got up close to one of the trees and realized that it must be these seed pods working their magic. I must return to the states. I must work. I found that a three month chunk of time is too long to be away. Now, what am I going to do about that?

Just Out My Window on the Lot-Remerciement

The Man of the Market-Cahors

After yesterday's post, I realized that I have many "Men of the Market" shots. I've always loved this shot of the spice guy in Cahors, looking dapper, charming and having a whole lot of fun...maybe it's because he's warm! I've never asked him for a photo before. This could be getting dangerous. Watch out...there could be a "Men of the Market" calendar in our future!

Man of the Market

So much of the fun of the markets for me, is interacting with the vendors. I'm sure I've already snuck a photo or two of my friend here, who is always at the same corner of the Figeac Market under the pavilion. Yesterday, I actually worked up the nerve to ask if I could have a photo...et voila! I'd already bought a Fouace and a dozen coconut macaroons from him, but I have a feeling he'd have obliged no matter what!

Bagging Bird Balls

Leaving for Holland in early December, I made sure I put out every bird ball that I had left in my stash. I worried a bit about my birds from time to time, but apparently, there was no need. I discovered that they had attacked and eaten out many of my walnuts drying on the terrace. Even so, I decided that I would make sure I had enough bird balls to last me a while and bought 2 buckets at the Cajarc Gamm Vert...30 balls per bucket...60 balls to bag. I discovered last year that part of the reason they are a good price is that they come sans the netting that holds them together and makes them easy to hang around the place. I began saving all my netting as the birds emptied them out and actually have enough saved to bag all my bird balls. I'm starting small-3 of each color for now-and will replenish them as they disappear. Color is new. Evelyn and I were wondering if we'll find colorful droppings as well! Being with my birds is just another wonderful part of being HOME.

St. Etienne High Noon-Cajarc

 

High noon Ash Wednesday, found Evelyn and I in one of our favorite spots doing one of our favorite things...lighting candles. Once again, the light and time of day offered new views and draws to corners of St. Etienne that I had never discovered before. The light came streaming in through this stain glass name sake, painting chairs and stone alike...a special treasure to start the Lenten Season.

Happy Birthday Chatette

Yesterday, February 22, 2012, was the ten year anniversary of the purchase of the Chatette. I sat out on the terrace in the sunshine during the afternoon with the journal I was keeping on February 22, 2002. I looked around me as I read, feeling the wonder and happiness of being in this place, and recognizing all that has come to us here. We've now lived here six of those ten years. Being here full time has made us more. And as long as we're here, with each passing year, even when we've lived here 20 of the 24 years...I will always feel that we belong to this place-it has us. Happy Birthday Chatette!

Danger in Ice

Although all of the snow and ice aregone now, I was able to catch these incredible icicles in one of the tunnels on the way home from Cahors. Glad I wasn't around when they were thawing and dropping! They look like they could be dangerous!

Igniting Past Mardi Gras

Gaze into my fire. It's better than television. I'm present. I ponder. I reflect and seize the moment. And, it keeps me warm. (Who cares if I smell like a pork steak all winter long!) I'm realizing that Mardi Gras is wrapping up in New Orleans at the moment. It won't be midnight for another 20 minutes or so there. How many times did I stand on Bourbon Street and watch them shut it down? You find Police, Sheriffs, walking, on motorcycles, on horseback, in automobiles, all in formation, with flashing lights and loud speakers announcing: "Mardi Gras is over... it's time to go home." My last Mardi Gras was in 2006. Dali, Sam and I moved here in May of that year. I leave you with a shot from my last Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Out of Gratefulness

Finding a home for the newest part of our "WE" was no easy task. She required something special, beautiful and safe, but also a spot from which she could be easily enjoyed. I moved around the Chatette with her, and finally settled on a place of honor in the medieval sink in the living room. Usually, she is set with five yogurt pot votives in front but I quickly discovered that getting a decent shot of her was close to impossible. Et, voila...here she is surrounded by wine bottle candle memories-each commemorating some event or happening here for which I am very grateful. I believe that being grateful for now and what we have in the moment, puts us in a place of abundance. With our beautiful St. Therese of Lisieux and her spirit living in our heart, who could want for more?