Soar-Dream-France: November 2016

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November 2016

November 05, 2016

The Calm of Cadrieu

At the moment, the calm of Cadrieu is calling me.

Even without a television; immersion in an insane political season here in the states is crazymaking, depressing and disorienting.

And so today, I look out the window on Columbus Street and I visualize THIS view that I would be seeing if I were looking out my window in Cadrieu.

The calm helps some.

The concentric circles are reaching out for me.

The light is hypnotic. It sucks me in and reminds me that I have choices.

For that, I am most grateful.

Posted at 11:22 AM in France Life, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 04, 2016

A Walk in the Clouds With a TWIST

Every morning walk in Cadrieu is different. I confess, that the only morning walking I did during this past summer I did with the TWIST!

One of our last mornings together was beautiful, cloud-filled, and believe it or not the boy was photo patient for me.

We were good for each other.

Ah, the beauty missed when you don't get out and soak in the morning magic that surrounds you.

The golden light that particular morning was stunning. I expected to see golden coins fall from the trees and stone outcrops.

TWIST and I walked our very own yellow brick road together.

Treasures were everywhere.

Even the Mairie was golden.

Not only were the clouds spectacular on their own, but they made a stunning back drop for other vistas and treasures along the way.

We were in heaven!

As my tarot card reader, Otis Biggs told me:

"You've found your heaven on earth!"

Oui, Otis...c'est vrai!

Posted at 01:17 PM in Fabulous Friends and Family, France Life, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 03, 2016

One of the nice things about not teaching after my return from France this summer, has been having more time to spend with friends. I've discovered that I have many friends on Facebook that I have never met in person. I have also discovered that many people who I have known forever here in New Orleans, I still don't see in person even though we're friends on Facebook and I'm actually here. It is a very strange phenomena.

Recently, I've reached out to some of these "new" not in-person friends and met somewhere for a coffee or lunch. I enjoy getting to know people and hearing their stories. My life is richer.

One such friend is Hubie Vigreux. Hubie and I had actually met iin passing at Cafe Rose Nicaud ages ago with some mutual friends. He popped up on my Facebook page and we began trading notes. We met at the Morning Call in City Park one morning for a coffee and stories.

One of the many things Hubie shared with me was his love for the statues of the Virgin Mary. He'd taken a number of shots of those that he'd found on his way over on his bike, and I promised to send him some photos of my "Marys" that were gifted to me by Jane and Yves Jolly during the summer of 2014.

Even though I've been sending photos over to him from time to time, this one caught my eye this morning and I wanted to share it here...and with Hubie.

Happy Thursday!

Posted at 11:18 AM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Just One..., Mélange-ing Magic, New Orleans NOW, Photography | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 02, 2016

Found for All Souls

I was looking for this photo yesterday. I'd planned to use it as my center for the post, but I couldn't find it. Now of course, today it was right where I was looking all along but I just couldn't see it! Now that I'd surrendered, it appeared!

Kat took this amazing shot at the Florist at the entrance to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. I love this shot! Thanks, Kat and Happy All Souls Day to All!

Posted at 11:27 AM in Fabulous Friends and Family, Paris, Photography, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 01, 2016

The ALLs of November

During this season of All Saints and All Souls, there is another big event that almost slipped by me this year. My brother-in-law Tom Merello, sent me a thank you for the Jacquie Lawson Halloween card I'd sent and then threw in a "Happy All Saints and All Souls". I didn't realize until just that moment that I needed a reminder.

Fifteen years ago at this time, Kat and Tom and I were heading to Paris and then on to Cahors and Cadrieu where I was to sign the promis de vente on the Chatette. Fifteen years! Mon Dieu! Where has the time gone?

It was quite a trip for us that November of 2001. Even with lots of change on the heels of 9/11 and conversion from the franc to the euro, we were undaunted. You can't stop living your life or following your dreams. If you do, then the crazies have won!

We had so much fun together on that trip. It was only the beginning of many more to come and wonderful times together at the Chatette. Come that following February, the Chatette and I became a we. Mon Dieu-Fifteen Years...fifteen years of heaven, of home!