Soar-Dream-France: May 2016

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May 2016

May 20, 2016

Walking, Walking, Walking-The First Step

Even though I already have a "good enough" pair of walking shoes in Cadrieu waiting for me...

...they wouldn't be enough for the walking that is on a not too distant horizon. I'd already been researching the "best" walking shoes on-line, when there they were at Dillards in the Galleria during my trip to St.Louis.

Kat was on a hunt for shoes and she encouraged me to try on the Ahnus. I discovered that an 8 was better than a 7 1/2 for me and they were very comfortable, but I wasn't quite ready to buy.

Little did I know that after I returned to New Orleans and mentioned these perfect shoes to a friend of mine, he would offer to order them for me from Amazon. And, now I knew my size! My Ahnu gift arrived earlier this week. I've been living in them. They are perfect. As hard as I am on shoes; I should probably be wearing these all the time!

These little pitiful pebbles in the cement driveway are nothing like the stone paths and boulders we'll be finding along so many of the possible routes between Cadrieu and Montaillou. I am a realist. I know that walking from Cadrieu to Montaillou is probably not going to happen for me. I've begun to look at various routes and km/miles and am beginning to think that I might meet my friends in Toulouse or close by. I've also looked at distances from Carcassonne and those towns that are near Montaillou that I love...Tarascon sur Ariege, Foix, and Montesegur. It's all so much fun to think about and look forward to. I want to be as ready as I can be. I'll be bringing you along each step of the way as this journey unfolds over time.

For now, I'm just excited about my Ahnus! Happy Friday!

Posted at 02:11 PM in Fabulous Friends, France Life, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 19, 2016

From Ferguson

Does this look like "the most dangerous place in the world" to you? In a recent interview with the New York Times, it has been reported that Donald Trump called Ferguson, Missouri "the most dangerous place in the world." You'll note that he did not limit his comparison of Ferguson to the rest of the USA...no, he had to say the world! I try very hard to stay away from these divisive political conversations, but this is personal.

What does this man know about Ferguson? What does this man know about the world? He may think he knows and understands the USA, but I don't think so. Nothing gives him the right to make irresponsible, ludicrous comments, that are not backed up with facts. Sweeping comments and judgments such as these are what cause deep and long lasting divides that impact real people. This man knows nothing of what goes on for "real people" in this world.

Please-we need to make this stop. Get out and vote. It is important for the USA and the rest of the world.

Posted at 01:41 PM in Photography, SOAPBOX | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 18, 2016

Finding Your Way

Most of my friends know me well. Once again, you can see it in the books that have been gifted to me over the years. Anything about Paris is usually a good bet. My friend Ron gave me Adam Gopnik's book: Paris to the Moon many years ago. It was perfect then and is still perfect today. Not long ago, Ron mentioned that he had a "little happy" for me. He's usually full of "happy" surprises when we get together. This time, it was a hard back copy of The Only Street in Paris-Life on the Rue des Martyrs, by Elaine Sciolino.

I love getting books about Paris, but this one was particularly special. I've traveled the Rue des Martyrs many times, although I'd never stopped long enough to explore. I was always "on my way" between Madam Vera's and William's, not unlike I'm always only briefly on my way through Paris these days to get home to the Chatette.

Although I had my "day" in Paris for me for my birthday in 2014, a day is never really enough. It won't be this summer. But, once we're back in 2017; I'm going to find enough time to take Sciolino's book in hand (or at least make some lists) and wander that Rue des Martyrs piece of my route that I have only breezed through all these years.

As I look at what life and living are going to be for me once Sammie Cat and I are back home in 2017, getting back to my writing is already on my list. A pilgrimage to the Rue des Martyrs and some extended time in Paris fit right in. That novel I've started and never finished is set in Paris. It just so happens that "Morgan" is wandering in some of these same neighborhoods and places, as you can see from the excerpt below:

"Morgan wakes on Wednesday with the daylight, which doesn't arrive until 10am. Even though "her" best part of the day has escaped, she starts out on foot in the direction of the Louvre. Even with map in hand, she zigzags around Paris. Streets stop. Streets angle. Streets change names in the middle of the block. Cold and frustrated, she ducks into a cafe on the Boulevard Haussmann for a grand creme. It feels good to sit down, even though she knows she is an obvious outsider. She isn't sure where she is or where she is going and has no idea of how to ask for help. She wants to cry.

Rejuvenated by the sweet warmth of the grand creme and a chance to sit in a dry warm place, she heads outside to try one more time. Heading down the Boulevard des Italiens changing to the Boulevard des Capucines, she finds the Opera and somehow gets turned around on the Rue du Quatre Septembre to the Place de la Bourse to the Rue Reumur and in some unknown configuration meanders her way to Les Halles. Morgan is drawn to the contrast of the gothic grandeur of St. Eustache beside the modern architecture of Les Halles. Both surround the statue of the leaning head with the cupped hand.

Morgan gives up and sits down on a ledge by the "head" to pull out her map.

"God I look like a tourist, but this is self preservation. I don't have a clue how I got here. Maybe I can just walk around and get a feel for the place," Morgan wonders.

After three turns around Les Halles, Morgan plots the route back to the hotel: the Rue de Louvre to Rue Montmartre to Faubourg du Montmartre to Rue des Martyrs.

The head in the heart of Les Halles becomes a place from which Morgan can always find her way.

Sometimes I feel like I'm still trying to find mine.

Posted at 01:50 PM in Books, Fabulous Friends and Family, France Life, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Paris, Photography, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 17, 2016

Peeking...

...down from the loft in the barn has always been a treat for me. During its early years as part of our "we", these were the first flowers that graced the window box that I was able to rest on the split barn door. Every season was different, and I'm sure it will be different yet again as we ease back in to more full time home.

You'll notice in this shot above, that I had only begun to excavate the barn floor. You can see the beginnings of the beautiful stone that you see uncovered here on the shot on the left, and just how much work this project really can be. There's at least another half of the barn floor left to finish.

I know it won't get done in the two months that I have this summer. I'm already beginning my list that will certainly carry me into 2017 and beyond. There's much to do, but I'm excited. Who knows what treasures, adventures, and surprises are in our future together? I expect many!

I hope you'll join me as this story unfolds.

MORE chapters and tales to tell!

Posted at 12:40 PM in Barn of Our Heart, France Life, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 16, 2016

Loved Ones

Being without my Sam is difficult for me. Actually, it is difficult for us. On this last trip up to Ferguson to have some quality time with Dad, Sam stayed with her Uncles John and Mike at Mahogany Oaks. Upon my return, she: talks to me all the time; stays by my side; and, finds the most interesting ways to snuggle into me while I read and/or sleep. Now, I wonder what it's going to be like to be separated for the two months that I will be in France this summer.

Although "our" Sam looks like a kitten because she is so small; she is about to be 14 years old.

She won't be returning with me this summer for such a short time, but we will both be making our full-time return together in the spring of 2017.

This had me thinking of what I will do if/when I lose Sam in France. I know what to do and expect here. I'm guessing that France will be a whole 'nother story. These concerns were brought home when I discovered that our friend Greg's sweet girl, Meggan passed away this morning. We loved Megs so much. She was very much a part of our lives in Cadrieu.

I know I'll be looking for her and will feel that empty space that now envelopes Greg. I'm grateful I got to spend time with her in 2014. I'm grateful for all those times with all those 2-legged and 4-legged friends who have passed on since that return. Our losses have been many.

I still remember that day in 2012 when Dali and I walked up to the bus stop to see Pauline off. Pauline is more of a cat person than a dog person, but she and Gaston loved our Dals. Pauline reached down and gave her a hug as the bus was coming and said: "This is probably going to be the last time I see you, Dali." And, it was.

Moving about as we do, we aren't always where we want to be when our loved ones pass. Make the most of every moment, and always do your best to get in that hopeful "a bientot" and one last hug and kiss. It's always important.

We miss you Meggan-Love, Laury and Sammie Cat

Posted at 01:18 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, France Life, Just One..., Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 15, 2016

Roses of the Wild

Wild roses have always been a pleasure to me.They are growing out beside the barn and along the train tracks in Cadrieu. I've pruned them over the years and have enjoyed making rose hips tea with the hips in the fall when they've finished their season.

When I arrived home that summer of 2014, they were blooming and beautiful. So beautiful that I pruned some of the long vines to make a dramatic floral arrangement for the Chatette. With monster sized thorns, leather gloves are required, but when you look closely you see each petal is the shape of a heart.

I don't have any wild roses here on Columbus Street, but soon discovered Mike's and John's over at Mahogany Oaks. I teased them that I'd have to come over and gather the hips to make some tea. I don't think that will be in the cards. When I returned from my St.Louis trip, I found Mike out in front of Mahogany Oaks (in his overalls) hard at work on removing most of those vines.

He'd made amazing progress and had a few battle scars to prove it. I immediately changed into my overalls to go out and help, but by then the sun and humidity were settling in to make any more work more than miserable. I admired his handiwork and how well prepared he was for the job...tools, gloves, overalls, and a stick-to-itness that paid off.

Look at the size of that pile,and just how much got cleared!

I enjoyed seeing all of Mike's hard work,even if I was a little sad to see those wild roses go. It's going to make my Cadrieu wild roses all the more special during my return this summer.

The rose hips tea will have to wait until 2017, but I think I can manage till then! Thanks to Mike for making mine even more special to me this season.

Posted at 12:03 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, France Life, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Overalls and More, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 14, 2016

411 Speaks

Each return trip to Ferguson finds the family home at 411 at yet another stage. Sitting with Theresa and John after Mom's services in February, Theresa asked me if I thought I'd ever return to the house? I had to say that I didn't know, but here I was again at 411 during this most recent May trip back.

It's been a long haul with estate sale, auction, appraisals, options, and the smack of the reality of the housing market. And, not just the housing market, but the housing market in Ferguson.

When I saw the suggested as is asking price for the house, I cringed.

Frankly, it is heartbreaking.

As Kat and Tom work hard to get the house ready to put on the market by the end of this month; I offered to help again while I was there. I was able to do a little on my own and then on Saturday, Kat and I spent a couple of hours at the house together.

I went to work on the bookshelves in the living room one week day on my own. It is amazing how a place can sparkle and shine with just a wipe or two. I've often thought about what I'd do with these bookshelves if they were mine!

On Saturday, Kat attacked the first floor bathroom while I worked on the basement bathroom and the butler pantry. We wrapped up our time together wiping down the paneling that takes you from the kitchen down the steps into the basement.

There's something about touching a house for me. It happens at the Chatette all the time. It happens in the barn. They speak.

Before Kat arrived at the basement steps,I was sitting alone and polishing at the landing corner right before you turn to make the rest of the steps down.

The paneling was beginning to shine. The wood edging looked brand new. As they both came together at the corner, there it was: "You know, Laury...you could find a way to keep me." The message was there. The feelings were strong. It could have been easy to be swept along, but I found myself actually saying outloud: "Be quiet, house!"

A friend of mine once said: "Just because you can do something, doesn't mean that you should." I remember her remark often. It spoke to me louder than 411 spoke on those basement steps that Saturday. Yes, I probably could find a way to keep 411. But, why would I? I already have two places in two different countries that need special attention of their own. 411 needs someone to live in it, love it, and give it all of the love, attention and special touching that will bring out its specialness and make the whole place shine and smile.

I'm focusing my energy to divine the universe to send us just that kind of person or family. I believe that they will come.

Posted at 12:55 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 13, 2016

Madison Moments and More

Making it to Madison, MS to see Glenn and Bill is getting easier and easier. Looking back at earlier posts, the richness of our friendship and this place are astounding. It's wonderful to feel so spoiled and pampered. And, we always try to sort out when the next visit might be.

That said, it's hard do believe that there could be more reasons than Glenn and Bill to stop in Madison during my comings and goings to St.Louis. Of course, there's Kelly Jones...Bill's Dad. We've become fond of each other on these stops along my road.

The scenery, the creatures and the natural flow in this place of peace make me want to be able to explore and then sit and look at that view of the lake forever. Just being there makes me feel spoiled.

We're working on a long weekend visit for sometime this fall...another season in Madison and more quality time with wonderful friends and very much family. All blessings in my life for sure!

HUGE MERCI-Glenn and Bill!

Posted at 01:33 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 09, 2016

Iris...

...and the angels!

Posted at 04:36 PM in Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 08, 2016

Mom's Flowers for Mom and More

Being that today is Mother's Day, and the first Mother's Day without our Mom; I knew that I'd be doing something to take to Mom for my Mother's Day visit to Valhalla. I've had a whole week to think about it. "It" hit me when I was wandering around in the yard at 411...Mom should have her flowers from her garden for Mother's Day.

I was out wandering again this morning to scoop up some peonies, iris, columbines, and a range of greenery. Theresa had already told me to take as many roses from her shrubs as I'd like...and I did. They were spectacular. I'd intended to just do a big bouquet from Dad and I, with a cute card that had a baby "Dali" on the front of it, but it became clear that some flowers just needed to be in a bouquet all their own. Ours ended up being peonies and columbines. I made two small rose bouquets that I wanted to be from Jim and Tom who weren't able to be here. And, I made a bouquet of iris that screamed Mike and John.They made a beautiful Mom celebration.

The flowers were gorgeous and looked so pretty against the stone at the base of the crypts. The problem is that Mom is up so high that there's no way to even have a vase or container that could be reached. So, we decorate below. I had my time with Mom. She knows how much we all love her and miss her.

I dug around in the rocks a bit and had to rest a special stone on the ledge below Mom, but above our flowers. Kat and Tom had been earlier in the week. I made a little nosegay of some of the flowers for Dad so he could have something to hold on to too.

I'd give a million dollars to have been able to capture the aroma of those peonies! But you know, Mom's enjoying every moment of that aroma that carries her our love!