I know we have fresh flowers all over the world, but fresh flowers in a backpack or on a bike always scream FRANCE to me. It makes no difference how I'm travelling or where: it isn't unusual to find me with flowers in my bike basket or spilling out of my backpacks. (I'm already on backpack number two.)
Hands free is important to me, so backpacks and overalls are essentials in my life. It's part of that "feeling free" thing that I cherish, as well as living "simply" in an uncomplicated life that has the luxury of paying attention to the natural flow of the universe!
As much as I've strived for that here in New Orleans, living a hands free life has been a challenge.
I have my grape jelly girl and have moved on to my electric blue backpack after my purple baby bit the dust early on in our return to the states. I've stuck to my promises to myself of no car and no television, and have surprisingly been able to continue to make that work.
As much as I love my overalls and do where them, the high heat and humidity of New Orleans does not make them the pleasure to wear that they are in Cadrieu.
And so, as I get ready to head home for my two-month July-August tease that will carry me back permanently in 2017; I celebrate the modicums of success that I have had translating home in Cadrieu to feeling home again in New Orleans.
Just thinking about this is putting lots of excitement into my day. More tomorrow-Love to you and Bodil-Laury and Sam
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | April 27, 2016 at 06:35 PM
Wow, that sounds hugely ambitious but very exciting. I would love to be a part of the last leg if I'm in good enough shape and the timing and finances all add up. How Wonderful! There is a book called The Treasures of Montsegur-the author is Sophie Burnham (that last name might not be exactly correct)-it is excellent and I know you and Bodil would enjoy it. I have it at the Chatette (actually 2 copies) and loved it. At the very least...a respite for you and Bodil with Sammie Cat and I at the Chatette! All I can say it: "What a life!"-But, we make it so. Love to you both-from the both of us-Laury and Sammie Cat
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | April 27, 2016 at 10:19 AM
yes Laury, you are understanding itcompletely correct, we have started to look on maps about trails all the way, with shelters and hostels etc. and yes, it is the old Cathar village, the French historian Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie wrote a book about. He was my teacher when I studied in Paris in 79-80 ! and one of my colleagues/friends live in a nearby village to Montaillou, and yes, it could be really fun to have you "on board" from Cadrieu down to Montaillou, a good plan ! love Niels and Bodil
Posted by: Niels | April 27, 2016 at 09:33 AM
Let me make sure I understand you right, Niels...you and Bodil are going to walk from Denmark to Montaillou in the Pyrenees? Now, that sounds wonderful. Isn't Montaillou the old Cathar village? I would love to see you on way, and there is even a part of me that is wondering if I should join you on the walk when you hit Cadrieu? What a journey and adventure that would be...and I'm only talking about the piece from Cadrieu! Now that school is over and I've made my decisions, I am ready for so much MORE-Love to you and Bodil-Laury and Sam
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | April 26, 2016 at 10:18 PM
lovely post, yes, no car, no television ! and flowers/garden, backpack, overalls, bike and walking, yes, that is "good life" , glad to hear you being more and more confident that in 2017, your full time home will be in Cadrieu, where you really belong ! Bodil saw the other day how we can walk by you when we in the fall walk from here down to Montaillou in the Pyrenees, ! it is at least our plan ! today we have snow !, yes, snow! quite cold, have to had winter coat on when walking, love Bodil and Niels
Posted by: Niels | April 26, 2016 at 03:42 PM