The Power of Place

This old road side shrine to Our Lady has become a landmark of reaching home. We are all deeply relieved to see her. She tells us, "Never mind the narrow roads and speeding drivers. You have arrived home safe. I've been looking for you." St. Mary, after all, is first of all a mother. Like all good mothers she always waits for our safe arrival home.
Provence is unlike anyplace I've ever been. I'm not sure I can adequately describe how. Mark and I live in a beautiful old neighborhood of Los Angeles. My morning walks take me by stately homes built almost a hundred years ago. The gardens, lawns and trees I pass by never cease to refresh me. Even the apartment we've lived in for eighteen years is surrounded by lots of trees and running water. We are blessed.
But Provence is different. The surrounding vineyards, olive orchards, wheat fields, stretches of lavender and sunflowers are teaming with life and sounds. The cicadas never stop their loud, insistent song. Cars wiz by our old house and certainly don't seem to mind the narrow country road. It appears some people are in a hurry. We however are not. We have taken a deliberate month long retreat to just be. There have been enough wonderful explorations into the endlessly charming hilltop villages and towns. When we rest for a day we rest deep. When we listened to the rain and thunder this morning it was like a benediction. There have been countless dinnertime conversations around the table. I am so thankful Michele has such different views about world events. She not only keeps us on our toes, but adds much wit and laughter.
This very house has blessed us. The cool tile floors, the small but efficient kitchen, the lovely upstairs bedrooms with views to the distant hills. At night we can see the lights of Roussillion and sometimes the light of the full moon.
It has not all been smooth. Michele continues to battle her weeks long chest cold. My throat has been sore for the last week. Mark hates driving here. Marketing is a challenge as is communication. But gathered up all together there has also been an incredible sense of well being.
The French countryside in the south is a kind of "rest cure" for weary big city dwellers. Being able to take time to draw, paint, pray, write, reflect, discuss, rest and even hang clothes on the line has made this time less like a vacation and more like a gift.