Soar-Dream-France

Pride of Place

 

When I first bought the Chatette back in 2002, I was only able to come from time to time throughout those early years when my stays ranged from one to three months at a time. From 2006 to 2012, I was here all the time. As I wrote yesterday, it's important to be here full time.

 

You see and notice so many more things. Just this spot speaks to me. We got to know each other.

Last night, one of my living here full-time lessons kicked in. Heading up to bed at sunset, I told myself that the valley looked really green...a condition that I know is ripe for rainbows! Et, voila.

Before I went upstairs, I grabbed a few shots. I thought there might be some to be had upstairs, but no go.

So many gifts in this place of my heart!

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

Little Did I Know

 

 

Looking back to 2012, coming up on 10 years next year...I had no idea when Dali, Sammie Cat and I returned to the states during that October so much would change here in Cadrieu.

I knew I needed to work and that Dali and I needed to be together as she was aging.

Then, Dad fell before we even got on the plane to the states and all bets for a easy return sooner than later were off.

 

 

I knew I needed to be stateside to be more easily available to Mom and Dad and the rest of the family. It was the hardest but only decision I could make.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I look around these days, I am reminded once more that being in a place full time is important.

 

When I was here full time from 2006 to 2012, I was able to take care of things and pay attention to all that was going on with the property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some things get away from you and you never seem to be able to get back to where you were. 

 

 

 

I look at these photos from 10 years ago and reflect on the differences of the property from then to now, and the natural evolution of friends and social networks that happen when you're gone.

Life goes on.

I'm feeling on the cusp of understanding and accepting the evolution of place and people here. Factor in the pandemic, and the whole world has changed.

I have moments of feeling like I have a whole new world here now.

 

I realize that I'm building a new and different life for myself here and in the world.

 

 

I'll be seeing where this journey takes me!

 

 

Happy and Reflective Tuesday!

 

Double-Take and Jamie

 

This shot from 2018 took my breath away this morning.

No, that's NOT Lola in the bottom right hand corner.

It's Jane's "Picasso," and "Dolly" up top.

While Picasso is truly a beauty, it was Dolly who wanted to pose for me that day. 

These Dolly shots were also favorites of my friend Jamie Temple. He loved them and often said they looked more like paintings.

We lost Jamie last year.

 

 

Jamie...this one's for you!

 

 

A little study of Dolly from Jane's kitchen in Seuzac!

 

 

Happy Monday!

 

Comfort of Cajarc-2017 to 2018

 

 

As difficult as it was for me to live in an efficiency apartment after the fire at the Chatette in November of 2017, was as fun as it was to get to know the town better and try to find new joys and routines.

As I wrote that sentence, I was smacked in the face.

One-room living now, would have been crazy-making for me during these pandemic times. 

 

 

I guess timing really is everythjing!

 

I always work hard to make lemonade out of lemons!

 

I enjoyed a morning coffee at La Pause from time to time.

Sometimes I'd have a picnic lunch on the river.

Riding my bike around town was a pleasure, because I didn't have far to go to do my errands or drop off the trash in a bin.

There were so many wonderful things.

 

 

My lemonade was overflowing!

 

 

I hope you enjoyed a llittle "lemonade" from those days. 

 

 

Happy Sunday!

 

From Calls to Screams and Whispers

 

For some reason, St. Cirq Lapopie is on my mind today! Wendy introduced me to so much on my first visit to the Lot during 1996. I was back in '97 for a week and again in '98 for five on my own.

It holds a very special place in my heart and soul. I'd often sit on that Tour de Faure terrace and watch it rise out of the morning mist. Years later, catching the bus from Cadrieu to Cahors to catch the train and then plane back to the states for a visit; there it was taking my breath away again from its perch atop a valley covering cloud! 

 

 

This place is etched on my heart and soul with indelible ink...always present and never erasable!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you'll enjoy a whispered trip down memory lane with me and a few photos of mine from those early years of St. Cirq Lapopie and Tour de Faure.

 

 

They do my heart good!

 

 

 

Happy Saturday!

 

Ice Cream for Breakfast!

 

 

Sometimes you just have to splurge and treat yourself when things have been a little stressful. That's what I did yesterday morning, after fighting the Ami application on line for almost a week.

Once I discovered on Tuesday that the best way for me to finance this was NOT going to be an option for me, I was back to re-thinking the money piece.

 

I've come to the conclusion that dealing with real people may be best. Fortunately, I may have an option.

 

 

By yesterday morning, my Thiriet delivery had arrived. When one of these wonderful ice cream bars wouldn't fit in the freezer, I decided it was meant for breakfast!

 

What a treat!

Happy Friday!

 

A Chair's Journey

 

Months ago, maybe even back in 2019...Jane and I were at Deco Troc exploring all their second hand goodies. I sat in this chair that was very comfortable. I showed it to Jane and she was interested as well, because it was also a single bed. At the time, I didn't really need it but Jane ended up buying it. Since I returned last year, I've really been wanting a comfortable chair to read in upstairs. Et voila, Jane had taken it back to Deco Troc to have them resell it for her. Seeing it there again recently, got my wheels turning. 

I told Jane I'd pay her what they were selling it for if she could bring it to me and get it upstairs. We agreed that it would be great for both of us (she doesn't get the full amount) if it were still there, and it was.

 

 

Et voila, yesterday Yves and Sidney came over with the chair/bed and took it upstairs for me. It couldn't have been more perfect and fits in the port-fenetre. Lola has an even larger and more comfortable throne than the rocking chair now. She has claimed it as hers...my Queen!

 

HUGE MERCI to Jane, Yves and Sidney!

Happy Thursday!

 

Almost Summer Solstice Moon

 

With summer here, I find myself staying downstairs longer in the evenings because the living room is MUCH cooler than my bedroom upstairs.

Finishing up a movie on my notebook, I noticed a tiny wisp of light on the sofa. That means the moon is shining its beams into the living room, as it rises on the garden side of the house.

Those little moon whispers carried me upstairs when the movie was over to grab a few shots from there.

Last night's beams didn't form the cross that it sometimes does, but the up and down, vertical baton could be clearly seen.

 

 

I distracted Lola with some treats, and grabbed a few shots undisturbed.

 

 

Happy Monday!

 

A Foot in the Door...

 

 

...maybe a leg! As much as I wish I was screaming success here this morning after yesterday afternoon's telephone meeting, there is still a bit more to do.

The Ami Ami has been ordered. The financing has been approved...pending downloading documents and sending them on-line. I already have my plan in place for how I want to handle this financially and had all my ducks in a row ready to go. Just another wrinkle here, but we made major progress. It was easier to apply for my Titre de Sejour!

So, some scanning and loading events. I shall keep y'all posted. It looks like it can't be delivered until the first week of September. I can't wait.

 

HUGE MERCI to Jane!

Happy Sunday!

 

Another Door Will Open

 

I'm hoping that this afternoon a door will open on a new way of life for me here in Cadrieu. For years, I have lived without a car and traveled by bike, bus, foot or friends! Jane arrives shortly for a 2pm rendezvous par telephone to complete my application and order for an Ami Ami by Citroen. It's considered a quadricycle and is fully electric and perfect for what I need.

More soon, but wish me well and send lots of positive energy to us to get this show on the road. Happy Saturday to All!