Soar-Dream-France

On Being Irrigated

 

One of my most favorite discoveries during my early days in the Lot was the rainbows that pop up in the irrigators.

Coming home from the bus last Thursday, I had my groceries and some goodies from Weldom for the bathrooms that I was hauling.

That didn't stop me from trying to capture these gorgeous rainbows in the irrigators.

 

 

As you can see, it was a special walk home.

 

I took enough shots in succession that I was able to put together a little animation that captures the event much better than just a static photo. I've placed it at the end of this post. If you click on the last photo the animation will appear!

 

 

 

I could see by the wet spot on the road that I would be "irrigated" too.

I just kept walking.

It was hot so that cool rainbow water felt good.

I'm sure you know...rainbow water is magic.

You just have to get close enough to let it touch you and do its thing...and, believe!

 

 

Happy Tuesday!

 

The Day of Mom's Birth

 

Today, July 30 is the day of our Mom's birth. Mom would have been 87 today, but instead she departed in early 2016. This shot above is one of my most favorite of Mom and I together. My friend Regina, gifted me with this shot in this frame in St. Louis on the day of Mom's services. I cherish it. It survived the fire here at the Chatette.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So today, I know Mom will be here with me MORE!

 

 

 

 

You see, I carry her with me every day.

 

She is always just right here. She is always close. With just a little Moon River or a little Nat King Cole...et voila-Mom is MORE here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's difficult for me to say I miss my Mom. The fact is that her spirit is always here.

 

 

 

She has integrated into my life now. In some ways, she's more in my life now post- departure than when we were both of this earth.

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Mom! Lots of Love from the Lot, Laury...and of course our little foster guys, Ollie and Opie...we love you!

 

 

Office Assistant Ready

 

It has begun...the slowly mounting Ollie take over.

Yes it's cute. From time to time when you work so hard, you need a little break and a snooze!

This morning, we jumped in with both feet...or maybe I should say all four paws, a behind and a superman crooked tail.

 

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Who'd have thunk there'd be all this productivity in such a little package? He's even practicing how to spell "cat!" If you look at the left hand corner just below the photo above...absolutely amazing for just a pass over effort!

 

We may have a second Office Assistant in training here if anyone is interested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only thing is, I think that Opie is less interested in keyboard work and much happier just sitting close by and looking tres beau! But then, that might be just enough for some of you!

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

Rare and Wonderful

 

 

Yesterday, I posted my moon photos from Thurday night in a photo collage with comments on Facebook, but not here on the blog. The series was spectacular, as was the sweet little story that went along with it.

 

 

I knew that last night was supposed to be a blood moon and an eclipse, but I also knew that I'd be at the Chateau de Larnagol for a concert organized by my friends Philippe and Catherine Jolly.

It appeared that everything could work timing-wise, but I wasn't sure about the location of the Chateau and the weather.

 

 

We were in luck. 

After the concert, everyone retired to the terrace after a run at the drinks and buffet table in the kitchen. I wasn't the only one wandering around to see if we could see the moon event.

Little did I know, no one had to go far.

There it was.

Above the causse and pretty much where I thought it would have been if I were to guess.

 

What a treat!

 

Some were more interested than others, but it was fun to see groups together at various locations talking about the event in many languages!

What was even better for me, was that I actually ended up being able to come home and catch the later configurations of the event from my upstairs bedroom windows. 

They were different, but pretty spectacular too.

 

 

These are the times when I know I'm leading a charmed life in the Lot...

 

magical places,

wonderful friends,

natural events, and,

natural highs!

 

 

Happy Saturday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radiator-less

 

I've droaned on a bit about how the radiators disturbed the natural beauty of the Chatette.

 

 

 

 

 

 

They were installed in 2003 so that we would have central gas heat. The system: cost a fortune; was not easy for me to use; was extremely expensive with the price of gas and the dollar/euro exchange rate; and, the Chatette was NOT even close to warm and toasty.

In 2008, I moved to meter long logs in the fireplace and rolling gas or electric heaters as needed. You don't want to know what a season of gas cost.

 

The opening photo had three radiators in it: by the buffet in the lower left corner; below the window on the left, and behind the book case at the far right

 

 

I knew the removal of the radiators would make a huge difference for us. What I didn't realize was that if the radiators were still there, none of what you see would have been possible.

Back in 2003, I allowed myself to be persuaded by others that this was the best and cleanest way to heat the Chatette. It wasn't my choice. It wasn't best for me. 

Now, I have what works best for us...on all fronts.

 

 

 

 

 

Each photo that I'm sharing today is only possible because the radiators are gone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think you get my point.

 

 

 

Happy Friday!

 

 

Tomato Season

 

After Tuesday's monster furniture delivery, I had lots of work to do. I'd hardly even started, and it was time to head into Cajarc. I was on a dress buying/kittie litter mission. Jane didn't join us, so it was just Yves and I.

After a stand in line for Jackie's gorgeous tomatoes and salad, we headed over to La Pause for a St. Stefanos while we waited for the Intermarche to clear a bit for the noon hour. 

 

A Larnagol friend stopped by and shared a bock with us before we all went off to continue with our chores.

 

 

 

I'd gotten a kilo of some standard sized tomatoes from Jackie, but threw caution to the wind on some of these "monster" guys. Lots of "monsters" these days.

 

 

This guy was so big that he was lunch AND supper. What a treat!

Happy Thursday!

 

Brotherly Love...

 

...upon patchwork

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with rose

 

 

 

and chicken!

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

A Not So Hostile Takeover

 

With all the bits and pieces coming together, I'm exploring new and different.

Interestingly, with each new spot Ollie and Opie first take it as there own. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It happened with the cabinet behind the piano, and again as I got the cabinet with my office supplies settled into the window beside the door.

 

 

 

 

 

This is another spot that has always had a very unattractive radiator under the window.

 

 

I have plans for many of these former radiator spots for which I'm enjoying creating whole new views and functions.

I want pretty and functional, but not cluttered. Since it's also important for the windows to open, there really isn't a lot of space to clutter anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then add two kittens to the mix who have chosen this as their new favorite spot, and it becomes even MORE minimalist!

I began with flowers, Chatette Journals, and a bluebird circular cover; and, ended with sometimes flowers, a beautiful square patchwork potholder from the Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, and Ollie and Opie.

I must confess, they are now my "00 Interior Decorators."

Monster furniture arrives this afternoon. Some of the smaller window pieces will be included in this delivery-we can't wait!

 

Happy Tuesday!

 

 

Double OO Kitties

 

 

These deux freres are the cutest little guys. Tomorrow they will have been with me for a week. I can already see how fast they are growing and changing.

I'd been pondering names and had come up with two I liked,  but then I discovered that these two boys needed "O" names. A couple came to mind, but I went to work with my consultants and Google.

The first thing out of Dad's mouth when we talked about it on Saturday was "Opelousas," a Louisiana city in Cajun Country. He promised to think about it a little more.

 

                                                                                                                       

                                                                  "Opie and Ollie"     

                  

 So yesterday we considered "Orgeron" who is the head football coach for LSU. I'd thought about "Orion," but both of these are difficult to say and shorten.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, I present Olivier and Opelousas to you.

 

 

Certainly mouthfuls, but Ollie and Opie are perfect for these guys. Ollie also makes me think of Laurel and Hardy, and Opie makes me think of Ron Howard on the Andy Griffith show. We have French of two varieties and some fun to boot!

Ollie is the bigger brother who has more white on his face and 4 white boots...or as Evelyn put it: "Socks!" He is a little more adventurous and more of a people guy.

 

 

                                                                                           "Ollie"

 

I'm realizing that's why I have more Ollie photos. He's such a poser and a photogenic little chap.Opie is more delicate and has less white. He has a sweet face and more tiger markings that blend to golden brown.

Both boys are explorers, players, snoozers and singers.

 "Opie"

 

 

 

                                                                                   "Ollie and Opie"

 

They've found places to call their own all over the Chatette, some I didn't even know. They love to play together and on their own too. We go like crazy and then curl up together and snooze. Ollie has a very deep and distnctive meow. Opie's is softer and shorter. Put the two of them together and you have quite the duet.

 

 

This is the place where I must say that I hope for an adoption of the two of them together. They are such a sweet pair and clearly find joy and comfort in each others presence and lives. I hope it's not just wishful thinking on my part.

Sweet brotherly love!

 

 

Last night was a milestone.

I woke up to see that they had joined me at the foot of my bed.

Little by little they are both coming to me on their own. We'll get there. I'm looking forward to having one on each shoulder or on my chest as I sleep. We shall see!

 

 

Both of these sweeties will be available for adoption through the refuge in Figeac. I'll be writing something about them on Facebook everyday to facilitate the adoption process for them. 

Off to a new fresh week with Ollie and Opie!

Happy Monday!

 

Touched by the Light

 

Because we are in the Lot Valley...because we are on the Lot River...because we are surrounded by cliffs...because we are here-WE are touched by light and the magic it makes in the universe.

I began to write this morning that my goal for the Chatette and our new life is to capture the light and make it work its magic here in the Chatette.

What I realized, is that I'm not capturing the light. The light is touching us, and touching us in very special ways.

 

 

The light has always done that here. I love it. I photograph it. It is a part of the flow of our lives in this place. We have 24 hour light magic. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've decided that I'm not into capturing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm into allowing the light to come to us in its own way.

 

If I pay attention to our light, the Chatette will rise again in beauty, strength and power in a natural and soothing way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's a gift to us.

 

 

There is nothing to be done.

 

 

Join me at my table.

 

 

Just, sit back and enjoy.

 

 

Why is that often the most difficult part?

 

Happy Sunday!