Soar-Dream-France

Beginning!

 

I have always marveled at the dancing diamonds on the river right in front of the Chatette. Here, it just seems like there is always something moving. Stagnant is rarely felt. As I have been pondering yesterday's quote:

 

"Beginning seemed more possible than continuing..,"

 

I found myself dissecting in my mind the differences between "continuing" and "beginning!" I look at my life during the first twenty years of here, and realize how completely different it is now for lots of reasons. During those first twenty years I was building to here.

 

My sister would often tell people that I had/have built a life for myself in Cadrieu.

As much as that is true and I always knew that this is where I wanted to be; I never committed myself to here completely until now.

Today, except for what's left of my family and friends, very little to nothing is left of that stateside life I lived for all those years.

I know that I, too, am beginning...maybe even beginning again. I have lost so many people I loved during those twenty years that continuing isn't necessary where they're concerned. Actually, we are beginning our connection in many new ways between here and there on the other side.

 

COVID has changed social structure dramatically; so even here, pace, life, people, and connections are different and sometimes very new.

With travel being such a hassle, I see myself staying planted here with maybe more opportunities for travel within Europe. Without regular returns to the states, I feel like I might enjoy short train trips to some places that are calling my name.

And then the biggie:

selling Columbus Street.

 

 

August 1 came and went and I had no monthly stateside bills to pay!

Wow!

 

And, it is the first time in forever that I don't have to worry about the house being damaged during Hurricane season.

 

 

So much freedom! So much relief! I'm not sure if I am going to know how to act.

 

 

I am looking forward to enjoying what I have built for myself here and settling in to a new beginning...a new beginning that would not be possible without the loss and letting go! 

 

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

Never to Have Known This...

 

Journaling on the terrace this morning, my heart and mind drifted to feelings and thoughts of Mike (as they frequently do these days). Sometimes I feel his presence carried in on a breeze or a whisper of the leaves on the trees. Others, it's a butterfly who comes to rest beside me and stays much longer than usual. One morning, it was a big red fox who locked eyes with me until I said hello to him. Maybe I should have said "bonjour!"

 

This morning I was thinking about Mike and (not unlike Mom and Dad) how he was never able to see this place in person while he walked this earth. I have teased, but it's true; many people who I love dearly have never seen this place. At least not until they've crossed over. They do visit me here.

The magic of this place makes it even easier to feel them than usual.

This train took me to, what would it be like in my life, never to have known this place?

 

 

That train had another stop to make. What would my life have been like had I never known Mike?

It reminded me of the early 90's when I began to volunteer with the then NO/AIDS Task Force in New Orleans. There was a particularly difficult stretch where everyone was dying. I wasn't sure if I could take the layers of loss anymore. I thought about quitting. I asked myself if I was willing to not know the people at all?  It was then that I realized, I wouldn't trade knowing all the wonderful people I'd come to know and love for a million dollars. I stayed.

 

 

It's hard for me to answer both questions. First, this place is so much of a part of who I am. I wonder if my friends and family who have been here could answer it any easier for me?

 

 

Secondly, Mike quickly made himself an indispensable part of my life. Although we'd been friends on FB for a while through my friendship with John, I'd never met Mike face to face until the night of our International Overalls Party on Columbus Street that November of 2013. John and Mike brought Glenn and Bill with them.

As everyone was leaving at the end of the evening, Mike said I needed to come over and have dinner at their home "Mahogany Oaks" in Covington.

 

 

 

I explained the no car and Mike didn't miss a beat..."John is here for work every day, he can just pick you up and bring you over with him on his way home."

In no time, I was sleeping over at Mahogany Oaks.

One night with a morning departure turned into two with a full day in between, and sometimes Sammie cat would join us.

Even though there is so much more I could share, let's just say that the invite was the start of something big for all of us!

It still is!

 

With the sale of Columbus and Mike's passing, it's difficult not to feel the holes left behind.

 

 

 

But I can see, those spirits and memories will live on in new and different ways.

 

 

Happy Thursday!

 

The Sunflower Circuit

 

Since I last wrote about the sunflowers and dangling my feet in the Lot, the river has been calling my name. I wanted to see if I could get some newer and better sunflower shots than those I'd first gotten the other day. I also wanted to dangle my feet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I knew if I went down in my hiking boots, the chance of a river dangle was slim.

 

 

 

 

So this morning, while I waited for a delivery and put my own mail out; I decided that I'd still put my overalls on but wear my Sketchers.

Everything worked like a well-oiled machine...delivery arrived and my mail to the states and Cajarc was picked up. I headed down to the far riverside in the direction of Montbrun with a blanket, my journal, and phone for photos.

 

 

 

I had so much fun. Feeling like I need to do this walking circuit every morning. 

 

 

I began by taking a shot from the road by the house, and then headed in the direction of Montbrun and then down the hill.

This is a down and down and down hill that takes you along the edge of the road wall all the way down to the river bank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a little more overgrown than I expected, but I was still able to get down without much trouble.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I crawled over a fallen tree and took a few other shots along the way before I sat down to write and soak up the place.

 

 

The crickets, bells, and bees serenaded me while I wrote, reminding me why I love doing things like this so much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I decided it was feet dangling time so I headed back up. Instead of going all the way to the top, I crawled a bit down a wall that feeds me onto Willie's land.

 

 

It was nicely cut and made walking over to the boat slip much easier than the other route. 

I laid out my blanket on the stone, as close to the water's edge as I could get and took off my shoes. The water and the stone felt good on my bare feet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tiny fish and other creatures came to visit once I settled in.

 

 

I did scrape some mud off of the stone down to the pretty green color, but there wasn't a thick enough layer of algae to draw or write.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was glad I had my overalls on and not a dress, and my easy shoes, not my hiking boots. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even so, when I got home with my almost a hundred photos, I was happy to put my linen dress back on, shoes off, and relax a bit more.

I was grateful I didn't get in my own way today.

 

 

 

No barriers clothes or outlook-wise.

 

 

Tucked in below the wall when I first went down on my sunflower mission, I gloried in the ability in this life of mine to truly do whatever moves me in the moment. You can't put a price on that!

 

 

 

Happy Saturday!

 

Getting Ready for Twenty Years

 

I recently mentioned that coming up on February 22, 2022; the Chatette and I will be a WE for 20 years! It feels like a big deal to me! I wanted to do something to mark the day, or at least near the day. It looks like I have a couple of irons in the fire here. Tomorrow (even though it's a day ahead), an intimate group of long-time friends in the village are going to meet me at Christiane's in the afternoon to raise a champagne toast to our twenty years. 3 of the 4 friends have been friends that long, and the other just a couple years shy. 

I'd already ordered some special sweet treats from Thiriet since I was already expecting a delivery tomorrow morning between 8-9, so all that left was the champagne and chocolate.

 

 

I headed into Cajarc this morning on a mission.

No Veuve Clicquot to be had and nothing else that striked my fancy at the Intermarche. Jackpot at the Petit Casino...Moet et Chandon AND chocolates! Moet et Chandon is usually my first choice, but lots of friends are crazy for Veuve Clicquot.

Having been to the Moet et Chandon vineyards back in '98, I told myself that if I ever bought property in France I would toast it with their Premier Cru Champagne that is only sold in France.

Fortunately, I found it in Cahors in 2002, but haven't seen it around here since. That 20 year old bottle had a candle in it and was used often and displayed prominently here in the Chatette. Hence, it too, went the way of the 2017 fire along with lots of other sentimental items.

 

 

We are ready to launch the next 20 years in a whole new way.

Lots is swirling in my life that is going to make me so much more HERE than ever before. That probably doesn't make sense to anyone except me and a few very close friends, but I will share as it unfolds.

Everything made it into the Chatette safely.

Can you imagine, I was able to carry a bottle of champagne up the back steps in each of the side pockets of my overalls!

They were a little heavier than the milks, but it made me giggle.

What would you rather have in your bike basket or the pockets of your overalls, milk or Moet et Chandon Champagne?

 

 

 

Let the celebrations begin!

Happy Sunday!

 

Love in the Grand Canyon

 

Since I went directly from high school, to college, to graduate school; I had been in school my whole life until I graduated from the Tulane School of Social Work in December of 1977.

I saw an unlimited Greyhound Bus Pass (anywhere in the USA and Canada) for $325 and decided that I needed to take off to travel the states on my own. I had friends from graduate school all over the country.

 

 

 

I thought I would get travel out of my system before I settled down into work and life in general.

My passion for independent travel and meeting new people all over the world was born on this trip. That never really happened!

Of course, there is a much more sweet than bitter story here.

 

 

Ed Simons and I met in the Grand Canyon in January of 1978. He was from Darby, PA and was traveling by car with some buddies. I was on the bus and decided to hike what I could of the Canyon with my limited time with 2 Aussies and 1 Swiss woman. Ed and I met when Barbara and I were renting a shuttle to the mouth of the south rim. Soon, both parties were sharing the shuttle.

 

 

The last time I spoke with Ed was by phone in the early 80's. I was getting divorced and he had married and had 4 boys!

I've tried to find him a few times over the years. I've written about him here before. So, why now? 

This morning I was watching a video of the AMTRAK train that goes from Chicago to the West Coast. I've been thinking about a trip like that in the states. Ed used to work for AMTRAK. He and his part in the story of my life rose to the surface again. I would love to find him. You just never know what might happen when you put it out in the universe one more time.

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

Wood, Roses and Overalls

 

If I do say so myself, I have some very beautiful wood this season. I may have received a different kind than usual. It's definitely a different cut. This cut shows the inside color and texture even more. I haven't gotten it stacked as quickly, so I've covered my pile with tarp to keep it as dry as possible. Even so, there are a few wayward guys and the water seems to make this batch look like it's actually been polished. 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, I believed that we were finally in for colder weather than we've had so far.

I got out to start moving more wood, cut some grass and haul some more wood up to the terrace.

 

 

I realized after cutting some grass the day before too, I wasn't in the best shape for moving, throwing, and heaving logs. I managed. My motto is: No matter how much you've done, CELEBRATE it as progress!

 

 

 

The colors were gorgeous. The roses seem to be "last hurrahing!" My robin pal was back to keep me company while I worked, but teased me mercilessly in the photo department. (Look on the fender of my bike.)

 

 

 

My overalls were perfect again, to the point that my overalls and hiking boots are my every day outfit as I spend more time outside working.

Sometimes a rose or two can even dress them up!

I always feel better when I know I've accomplished something.

 

 

 

Today, I'm waiting to have the poele cleaned for this season. It's important to have your "ramonage" certificate on hand to show it's been cleaned in case there are any chimney fire issues that require insurance contact.

 

 

Happy Monday!

 

Life Just Keeps Rolling Along

 

It's hard to believe that a whole week has gone by since the outside village work day last Saturday.

Since then, my week was stuffed with many musts and barriers to their accomplishment that come with trying to handle disasters of life on another continent from here. So far so good, but I am the worse for wear for it all. Even so, I know that under the circumstances it's still better to do it all from here than to be there in the middle of a certain amount of uncontrolled insanity.

 

To have this place is such a blessing for me.

As much as last Saturday's work made me feel I "belonged" to this village, sitting down with everyone for a meal together provided a whole 'nother layer to the feelings of belonging.

 

I should know from almost twenty years of experience, there will be lots of food and drink.

It's just what we do here. (Many would say it's just what the French do.)

When my friends from here came to the states with me, they regularly commented on how huge the portions of food were.

I just realized that it's probably the same amount.

 

 

It's just all at once on the same plate in the states and smaller portions in courses over a longer period of time in France.

 

 

We began with a country pate, saucisson, and lots of bread. Of course, there was mustard and pickles to garnish if desired. Next up, slices of pork and beef, and potato tomato salad, followed by cheese, and green salad. Interestingly, the green salad was slid in a little earlier than usual with the pork, beef and potato salad.

There was a hefty slice of apple crisp for dessert, and coffee.

Just blend in lots of bread, and red and white wine and you get the picture.

As wonderful as it was to share food and drink, sitting with my friends was best!

 

 

I ended up between Annie and Willie and across the table for Christiane.

 

 

We looked back on the day. Remembered trips, events, and other parties together over all my years of here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So much has gone by the wayside for now. Some, because of my 2017 fire for me, but also because of the pandemic. Being together again was special.

 

The best for me was a "cultural check" I made with Annie. I'd decided to wear Dad's LSU hat to work in. I didn't change so overalls and LSU cap were it. It dawned on me as I saw all the men take their hats/caps off that maybe I should too.

Was I being inappropriate? (My hair is a mess under a cap, but it serves the purpose.)

 

 

Annie explained that I was fine.

Men are supposed to take their hats/caps off inside, but it's fine for women to keep theirs on. 

I'm always seeming to learn something new no matter how long I've been here.

 

 

Soon, it was time for clean up. Those of us who stayed had the luck of doggie bags to go.

 

 

After a restful week, I'm ready for the next event! Who am I kidding? Looking back at some of these photos from past events I've shared here...I'm ready for making more memories!

 

 

Happy Saturday!

 

There's Always More

 

Once we finished up what we could do on the land around the lavoir and the barn, we headed back up to the Mairie to see how everyone else was doing. It was close to noon, but everyone was still working hard. I was impressed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeing everyone: chip in together; work hard; bring interesting and very useful tools; share big trucks, trailers, and tractors; meeting up with old and making new friends; and, seeing just how much dirt washed off the building when it was power-washed...was a treat!

 

 

I expected we'd finish and have dejuener (lunch)!

I should have known better.

Of course, it was aperos for all.

Pastis (Ricard) and Kirs were the order of the day, along with some nibbles: chips, saucissons, crackers, nuts, and on and on.

 

 

 

By the time we sat down to eat, I was starving AND feeling no pain.

 

I might have been high on the kirs, but after so long of a time without seeing so many of my friends and neighbors; I was higher on the people! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Riding up to the Mairie with Andre, it was still foggy along the road and I teased: "Pas de soleil, aujourd'hui?"

 

 

Andre shook his head and pointed finger at me and said: "Ah oui, oui, plus tard, plus tard!" Sure enough, we began aperos in the shade and soon we were able to move across the road to the sunshine...I'd predicted 2pm, but it was 1:30...pretty close.

 

 

As great as the warmth of friends, sunshine and cassis was feeling; I had moments of thinking maybe I should just go home and not have dejeuner with everyone. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I decided to soldier on; achy, drunk and tired.

These are the days when I know that I am really part of the village.

 

It's important to me, and I was really glad I stayed! Are you ready for un repas de midi? 

 

Join me tomorrow!

Happy Monday!

 

A True Village Event!

 

Andre and I headed down to the land and the lavoir to begin our job. It wasn't too long and Gerard arrived to help us too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two men with the proper equipment in overalls and coveralls made pretty quick work of the land, but then the bigger job began...sorting out the wagon.

 

They traded their physical strength for brain strength and were able to do what I don't think I could have ever done on my own: find all the pieces of the wagon that were spread under grass and weeds all over the land AND get the bed of the wagon moved and lifted. 

 

It quickly became apparent that the bed of the wagon was not only heavy, but cumbersome shape-wise.

The heavy iron supports still in place were even heavier than expected.

In no time, Andre had problem-solved the metal piece and he and Gerard were able to lift it and position it against the far stone embankment.

They quickly got that area all cleaned up.

 

 

 

 

Andre headed over to the barn to do a little more over there. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gerard headed over to the inside of the lavoir to get some of the foliage that goes crazy down there!

 

 

 

I did a little pruning and cutting along the tracks. Then Francis appeared and continued on a bit further along the side of the barn with Andre. It seemed he had a different kind of tool that could be directed and not swept.

You can tell, I don't have a clue!

 

 

As we finished up, Chrsitiane came down with a couple other people and looked at what was there that needed to be taken to the dump. I confess, I don't have photos of our finished product yet...the rest of the day got away from me with aperos and lunh so I'll have to share our finished project photos for another time. That may even wait until after other work, apero and lunch photos. It was a busy day!

 

Happy Sunday!

 

Between Walking Out the Door and Home Again

 

When I walked out the back terrace door and locked up this morning, I had two missions: Ibuprophen at the Pharmacie and a few odds and ends at the Petit Casino.

Somewhere along the road between home and Cajarc, I thought about getting some greeting cards at the Presse.

As I got closer, a coffee at La Pause sounded good too. 

 

 

After I beat the crowd at the Pharmacie by going there first, I walked my bike over to the Presse. I only needed an anniversary card for my sister and her husband (Anniversaire de Mariage as they call it here), but I came out with post cards, scotch tape, ink pens, and a greeting card that has a Lola on the front.

 

This intended under 5euro pit-stop quickly surpassed 20. 

 

It's always fun to cross the street from the Presse over to La Pause and have a grand creme while I write my cards. If I plan it right, I can write them AND put them at La Poste before I head home.

Dropping my card at La Poste, I was coming from the opposite direction than usual. The Cajarc Mairie was directly in front of me, as was the road up to the church and my favorite St. Therese.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hadn't been in to see her for a while, so I decided to go. I was saving the Petit Casino for last, so today I wasn't already loaded down with groceries that really get in the way in the church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I lit my candle and sat in my mask with St. Therese.

 

 

 

That was a first for us.

What wasn't a first, was sharing the many years of gratefulness with her by candlelight and being overcome by the joy and wonder of this life and the small things that continue to mean so much.

 

 

I thought I was finished with recapturing things I love to do. Little did I know that there was going to be another opportunity to get some photos that I'd passed up on earlier trips.

 

 

One of the asparagus fields was covered in very special misty morning kisses, the likes of which I'd never seen before. 

 

 

 

 

 

Any guesses what those kisses might be? (Evelyn...guesses from you wouldn't be fair!)

 

Coming around the bend home; everything was redder, the Chatette and the Chateau were golden, Lola was waiting for me, and I was happy to be in my overalls once more that allowed me to carry a litre bottle of milk in each of my front two pockets up the steps.

 

 

I know, I'm easily entertained...me and St. Therese!

 

 

Happy Tuesday!