...a chair, light and shadows dancing through your days.
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February 2014
02/28/2014
02/27/2014
In Some Places...
...there are more than angels.
02/26/2014
Dabbling on Cinder Block
Back before the storm, my yard was partially surrounded by cinder block walls that ran their course and then wooden fencing took over, not too far from the back of the house. One spring, I decided that I was going to paint scenes of St. Cirq Lapopie and Tarascon sur Ariege on the back walls. I gave it my best shot. It was fun. The walls are gone now. Stinky cat is too. But, I will always have St. Cirq Lapopie in my heart no matter where I am in the world.
02/25/2014
A Dali...
...who was everywhere!
02/24/2014
Roses for Jean
Growing up, we learn a lot by watching our parents. (Parents take note.) One of the many things I learned from my Mom, was how to be a good friend. Times were different. Our worlds were smaller. Most of Mom's friends were neighbors or the parents of our friends, but mostly my brother Tom's friends. Over 50 years ago, my folks became friends with Jean and Paul Hale. How wonderful to see them at Mom and Dad's 60th Anniversary party in September.
Jean hasn't been doing well for a long time. I watched Mom and Jean sit together, hold hands, and talk quietly. They gazed into each others eyes. You could see how much they loved and missed each other.
In the midst of the busy, I was grateful for that moment. I was able to give Jean and Paul a hug and a kiss goodby. It would be the last time. Jean passed away last Friday.
The layers of loss continue. No one is immune. I know that Mom and Dad's world is smaller losing Jean. But, I know Mom. She'll be on the phone. She'll continue to stay in touch with Paul...loving her friends, eternally.
02/23/2014
Getting Unstuck
Not everyone needs something quite so dramatic as falling into the Lot River in February, shooting up out of the icy water, knee throbbing, Napoleon House cap floating down the river and a puzzled Dali gazing at you from the bank; to recognize that it's time to let go, laugh and move on.
When someone is holding on too tight, very stuck, and goes round and round with the same issue time and again; I generally listen for quite a while, but then recommend action. Having this experience with a loved one recently, I suggested doing something symbolic. It's important that: some action is taken; something changes; you can see the visible difference; and, you can feel what it is like to let go and move on.
So, I'm waiting to hear if the action of burning some symbolic objects has led to letting go, laughing and moving on. Here's to the relief, fun, laughter, letting go and learning how to move on from things and people in our lives that are no longer a positive force. Happy Sunday!
02/22/2014
An Anniversary to Remember
Twelve years ago today, the Chatette and I became a we. We've been apart too long. I expect tears, kisses and caresses upon our May arrival in Cadrieu. This place...is the love affair of my life. Happy Anniversary to my heaven on earth!
02/21/2014
Coffee...
...a chocolatine (or chocolate croissant, as the case may be), and journaling in the shadows of a very early weekend morning waiting for friends.
02/20/2014
A Special Moment of Gratefulness
St. Therese of Lisieux was particularly pretty on the day that I captured her in all her glory at the church in St. Cirq Lapopie. She has become my symbol for gratefulness for lots of reasons. Today she says thank you for me. Thanks to so many of you who have shared your own experiences with your parents with me. Each one is different. Each one has loves and challenges in its own way. But, the common threads are: we love them, they raised us; it's important; and being there when we can is best. That way, we know we did everything we could. And, no one can do more than that! Huge Merci to Everyone-it's always good to know we're not alone.
I leave you with a photo of my own personal St. Therese of Lisieux who lives at the Chatette. I'd travel with her if I could-she too could live the 4-4-4!
02/18/2014
Longing...
...for lazy, lavoir days, with a sweet Dali dog peeking over from the terrace!