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Some mornings, the magic finds me. Yesterday was one of those days. Out and about later than usual, it was meant to be just a quick bike ride before I got down to some work I had to do. I was really grateful I brought my camera along for the ride at the last minute.
I sparkled for the rest of the day.
When I opened Jean-Luc's email yesterday, wonderful memories poured forth. My love for the Lot Valley was born in just this spot in Tour de Faure. I made my first trip to see Wendy in '96. By fall '97 she'd made me an offer. The following year, I was spending 5 weeks at her home from August into September and then a few weeks in a Paris apartment. Seeing it in print, feels like a whirlwind.
All it took was a few mornings on Wendy's terrace, watching the morning mist unveil St. Cirq Lapopie across the valley; for me to know I had to try to find a way to come. Wendy's offer changed my life. Special thanks to Jean-Luc for shaking the memories loose again. I have to remind myself, step by step, Laury. It seems the closer I get to departure the more I miss the Lot, St. Cirq Lapopie, and home in Cadrieu. And, it's still a few months away.
(The first and third photos are Jean-Luc's. The middle one is a favorite of mine.)
When I heard that the Circle Food Store was re-opening on Friday morning, I knew I had to go. I needed a few things for a supper with a former student, it's only about a half mile from my house, and...I'd never been there before.
During my life before the storm, I had a car and numerous grocery store options to choose from. As I've written before, our choices have slimmed as much as the prices have risen. Factor in that I'm on my bike or on the bus these days; I often felt that my only real option for a big shop was getting on the bus to Walmart.
Yesterday, all that changed. What a treat and surprise! Even though I had my list, I found other great deals or just treats that I really thought Sammie cat and I should have. There were the four green bell peppers for a dollar, 2 jars of Blue Plate Mayonnaise for $5, and then 12 ounces of Circle Foods flavored coffee for $3.99...shocking! I splurged on a half pound of peeled, boiled, shrimp to bring home to share with Sam. (She gets the tiny tail pieces after I've dipped the top in my favorite sauce.)
The store was clean, fresh, brightly lit and crowded; but, it was clear that everyone was excited and having a good time. Everything was laid out nicely. I noticed a great selection of cheeses at reasonable prices and a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables. All of the meat and seafood was in the back of the store through beautiful arches at the end of each aisle. Lines were long, but it gave you a chance to visit. The only real hassle for people was when the card machines went down, and for me...no place to easily park my bike.
All that said...is wonderful. But, the bigger story here is of the love and persistence of owner Dwayne Boudreaux. He came back to the flooded store after the storm, listened to neighbors and customers, heard offers from outside interests; but was able to persevere and get the needed funds to re-open and keep a local, thriving, essential business run by New Orleanians in the neighborhood. And yes, it is nine years later. I will be doing my grocery shopping at Circle Food Store...all those fixings made a very beautiful, healthy dinner!
Our sun and moon have been particularly spectacular in my orbit these last few days.
Looking from the backyard to Broad Street in the evenings, across Columbus Street early morning, or crossing the Jefferson Davis Overpass at sunrise; I'm never sure exactly what I will find. But, I can be certain that it will be an ooh-aah moment.
It makes no difference where you are when you visit the summer Chatette, our butterflies surround us. They love the lavender in the front beside the road. Look for the hundred or so that are often joined by a hummingbird moth or two that cover the budlhea on the lower side terrace. An then there are those by the back terrace and around the barn. If you plant yourself nearby, sit quietly, practice patience and being in the moment; one may come to rest on you and share their special magic.
Nothing like sitting on the terrace in the sunshine, enjoying a nice Cahors, cheese, crispy french bread, and the company of good friends. It makes no difference if: we're out in the open or under cover; we're sitting on the stone wall or the porch swing; we're drinking a nice Cahors wine or Ricard; we're having one on one quality time or a party; it is heaven!
...a soft, sweet January morning in Cadrieu.
Some days home on the streeetcar, I've noticed that people like to sit in the conductors chair at the back of the streetcar. Last Thursday, it was empty. Big kid that I am, I couldn't resist. I don't generally enjoy riding backwards on trains and streetcars, but this was fun.
Not only did you get a whole new view, but there was the illusion of being in charge...not in control now, in charge. I didn't touch a thing, and was really grateful that the professionals were driving the car!
The views along St. Charles are spectacular no matter where you sit, the equipment was intriguing and beautiful, and there were lots of messages to pay attention to. Once may be enough for this experience, but you never know.
It wasn't till I was driving home down I-55 at the end of the holidays, that it hit me. I'd actually done Christmas in reverse this year.
Oh, I had my lights in every room to dude up Columbus Street and my decorative gold Christmas tree from Stew and Eric, but all of my Christmas music was still in France and very few cards had arrived before I left.
I discovered something magical about driving down I-55 with instrumental Christmas tunes playing in the background all the way home. (I love piano, and scooped Jim Brickman's "The Magic of Christmas", along with double sets of piano instrumentals and harp/flute instrumentals for very good prices at Target.) These instrumental arrangements have a different flow and flourish than the traditionally sung hymms and tunes. Coupled with the rhythm of the road, they were hypnotic. They became the soundtrack to 2013 and a powerful, surging hope for 2014.
Back in New Orleans, I'm still listening to these tunes. Holidays cards have arrived from all over the world and I've been able to find sweet homes for most of my family and friend holiday treasures. We've transitioned well. Welcome, 2014...the year of the Wood Horse I might add.
It's Saturday. It's raining, lightening and thundering too. It's a good morning to have a little chuckle. You see, it didn't take long for my answer to arrive.
I should have known I wasn't keen to rent when it took me this long to get my act together to work up an ad. So many of you helped with the first photo...something to write and explain it a little more and looking at black and white vs. color. Then, there were those of you who emailed, commented, chatted with me on the phone, or even had me over for a glass of wine and soup.My friends know me well, sometimes better than I know myself.
With all my talk of no time for me, I really need the summer to enjoy this year. It's time to go, feel, be, and see where the summer takes me. And so, I won't be renting the Chatette this summer.
WE need to be together.