Soar-Dream-France

Shuttered Light and Magic

 

 

Generally, the shutters are open on the front of the Chatette, unless I am going to be gone for a long while. There are times I close the when I'm here, during periods of extreme cold or extreme heat. At the moment, it's the extreme heat.

An interesting tidbit about closed shutters, is that often communicate all on there own. I don't know how many times I've heard people say: "Their shutters are closed so they must not be home!" I confess, there have been times when I've closed them because I wanted to hide out!

 

 

 

 

This morning I had the shutters closed from the night before on the window and on the back terrace door.

Interestingly, it allows me to get air and keep Lola inside, since neither have any screens.

The light was so pretty this morning.

Capturing batons of light and rainbows made for a very special morning this morning. And,...

 

...we're even a bit cooler!

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Friday!

 

Many Moods

 

 

I must be needing to feel cooler today.

Photos are pulling me that remind me of cooler times...flowers in spring, mists on the river, picnics on the covered terrace, a shaded bench in Paris, and...

 

...Paris Stravinsky Fountain mist!

Happy Thursday!

 

Critters Everywhere

 

Spending time Chez Jolly always means that I get to enjoy the 4-legged children too. They are all very photogenic, even if at times a bit shy.

This last visit, Jip and I spent a lot of time playing stick and ball in the house...some of it during movie time set up. He is such a sweetheart and so photogenic. He definitely gives me my canine fix. I would so love to have a dog, but the reality is cats are best for me these days, and my Lola is THE best.

 

 

 

It had been a sad time in the cat department.

Picasso-left, (the almost Lola look alike-below) had already passed before one of my returns. Recently, both Dolly and Felix too.

For a spell, the Jolly's were "catless," until the arrival of what I heard to be Jesse James and Winston.

My "American" self was showing.

 

 

 

 

 

I thought Jesse James was an interesting choice and then there was Winston Churchill.

Turns out, it was Jesse (the Mom), James who is now "Jimmy" and Winston is Winston.

I was way off!

This trip I met Jimmy and Winston.

Jimmy approached, but always ran away... so much so that I was unable to get a photo of him.

 

 

 

Now Winston, he was happy to get closer and even gaze at me for a pose or two.

 

 

I'm sure over time, Jimmy will come around and Jip and Winston will continue to be their usual charming selves. I'm looking forward to more time with the Jolly Critters!

 

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

 

Sunset to Sunrise in Seuzac

 

 

Heading up to bed at Jane's last night, I knew I'd have a very different kind of view from my bedroom window in Seuzac than I'm used to i Cadrieu.

Their place rests more in the hills, so you get more wide-sweeping panoramic views of the valley.

I was correct.

Last night we began with pastel and ended in fire.

 

 

 

 

This morning was pastel all the way. What I loved most about this morning was that you could see the pockets of morning mist resting in the valleys. I am often in the mist in the mornings myself. 

 

 

As usual, the 4-legged children joined us at different times. It was also the first night I've been away from Lola since we've been together, but she did well on her own and was happy to see me this morning. You just never know!

 

 

Happy Tuesday!

 

Making New Memories Again

 

 

Off later this afternoon to enjoy "movie time" Chez Jolly in Seuzac with Jane.

I haven't been over to their place since the beginning of this return, but Jane and I have been shopping and lunching together as confinement here as allowed.

 

 

Of course, those options have been limited until now as things are opening up more in France. "Our Idiot Brother" is on the agenda, and more as we go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The photos I am sharing with you here today are photos I took of Jane's barn, angel critters, and grounds back in 2011. They stir memories and surprises. It will be fun to make new memories today. Missing making new memories, so today will be even more special.

 

Happy Monday!

 

Patisserie Pleasures

 

This post is for all my friends and family in the states who are absolutely wild for French pastries and bread.

My sister is often wistful when she talks about warm French Baguettes. We even found a candle aroma at Bath and Body Works called French Baguette.

 

 

 

That aroma carried me to just where I wanted to be at the time...in France, with my baguette under my arm or in my bike basket, later to be slathered in butter, jam, or goat's cheese. And no, that candle fragrance is no longer offered. Now that I'm' here, that's okay.

I've written before about the three patisseries in Cajarc. I'm even luckier in the bread department now that Jane has her Epicerie.

 

She has an arrangement with Besse's in Cajarc, so she sells their product in her shop. I am often the beneficiary of this arrangement. At the end of the week, I sometimes get the left overs if Jane is coming my way.

 

 

Yesterday was a banner day for me ad Jane's visit with Besse's: thin baguettes, a larger thicker one; square rolls; rounder, flatter rolls; croissants; pain au chocolats; and even, some cookies. What a sack of delights! Of course, some will be frozen. I am spoiled for sure!

 

Eat your heart out!

 

 

Happy Sunday!

 

That Dali

 

Looking through the files for barn and lavoir photos, Dali and Sammie Cat were everywhere. This top photo of Dali quickly brought her to me.

Her presence is a present.

I can feel what it was like to hold her in my arms. She taught me how to learn to love bigger dogs. She was a big dog for me. And so today, just a little homage of love to Dali! These two photos of her at the entrance to the barn went with me when I was working two month contracts. 

 

 

She had a way of looking right at you and through you.

I never doubted that she understood everything I said and knew exactly how I felt.

I miss her everyday, especially here.

But, as you can see...

...she is always by my side and in my heart.

 

Happy Friday!

 

 

 

10 Years Gone-Cadrieu

 

I often seem to be sitting at some outside location and asking myself, where did those ten years g? I found myself pondering that question during 2015 from my back yard in New Orleans, when we were "10 years gone" from Hurricane Katrina.

 

 

Today, I'm pondering our "ten years gone" from Cadrieu. Those were ten hard years for me for lots of reasons.

I was back and forth between here and the states much less often and for much shorter periods of time than I'd planned when I left in 2012.

 

Being here is important. I miss too much when I'm gone.

 

I'm pleased that I'm back in time to see, and maybe be more involved, in the changes and projects of our village. I wrote earlier about the new walking path along the river and other projects being undertaken along the route.

Ten years ago, the reservoir behind the lavoir had been cleared, weeded and cleaned. I was back there regularly taking photos. Throughout those ten years gone, it took no time at all to be covered up again. 

I went back this morning and pulled up my photos of that spot from 2011. From what I saw then, when the source was at full strength, we would be moated around the chateau.

 

 

"Almost moated," happened once that I could see.

 

 

Now, we are on our way to being "seen" again. This is such a beautiful spot, but as with my own cliff, land and gardens; it needs ongoing (if not constant) attention.

I thought it might be fun to share some of my 2011 photos with you today:

Opening shot-the Chatette and roof of the lavoir through one of the lavoir/reservoir openings

Afternoon sunshine sneaking into the reservoir/lavoir opening.

Left, the lavoir.

Reservoir cleared from the inside out.

 

 

Water rushing through the reservoir door and settling there, from base of the Chateau opening.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed them. Soon, I'll share some comparisons of 2011 to 2021...another door will open!

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

Days as I Go...

 

When I look at this shot I feel like I did NOTHING! I know that's not true, but once the grass and weeds become a jungle it's impossible to do anything quickly and it often means many runs over the same patches again. I know this. I have surrendered 

 

 

Actually, I have surrendered to all of the things around here that I can't control. That's probably a good thing. I no longer try to plan my days. I know what has to be done, but only seem to do what I'm in the mood to do and what the weather allows. Sometimes it seems like projects languish, but I am taking each day as it comes and have my "done" list that helps me feel my successes.

 

Yesterday, I knew the grass over by the barn was a nightmare. I told myself, I'd get over there and cut what I could, if any. While cutting I did some exploring up the hill and over to the reservoir below the Chateau. Now, that was a treat that kept me going a little longer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So much so exciting is happening all around us.

I'm not the only one who is "sculpting" on the beautiful stone walls and cliffs.

Off to Cajarc this morning, and an afternoon of inside paperwork. 

 

 

Who knows, maybe the grass cutting mood will strike and conditions will be right?

 

Happy Tuesday!

 

Hanging from the Cliff

 

This view of the cliff from the terrace, gives you an idea of where I began my work yesterday! I began at the first sign of ivy on the cleared stone, moved up to the corner and all the way across the central totally mossed view to the huge moss covered tree trunk!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I realized as I worked yesterday, that I had never touched that central mossed section before. I'd started at the back of the barn and worked my way from there to the big tree trunk and stopped.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I felt like an ancient explorer.

 

 

Here I was, wondering once more what I might find beneath that thick, lush, carpet of moss. 

 

I'd considered leaving it, but once I pulled up a little by accident, I've decided that I'll explore a little more and maybe clear this section too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standing on the little staircase and gazing up can be overwhelming when I look at what is between the steps and the cliff, but when I see the progress from there and compare the befores and afters, I know that we are on our way. 

 

 

Returning to the Chatette as I finish, the emerging new views take my breath away and just make me want to work more.

I'm also discovering that the views from inside the Chatette are spectacular too. I can see the cliff from: where I'm writing; where I'm reading; and even from where I'm doing the dishes. 

 

 

 

So many special spots in this place of my heart! There's magic in every corner!

 

Happy Sunday!