This has been a tough week for me. World events and the death of a dear friend have had me anxious and weepy. It’s hard to be far away from family and friends at times like this and I’m grateful for technology that allows me to stay connected.
The writings of Irish poet and author, John O’Donohue, are often exactly what I need. This piece from his book, To Bless the Space Between Us, reminds me to slow down and take the time to rest and grieve.
This is the time to be slow,
Lie low to the wall
Until the bitter weather passes.
Try, as best you can, not to let
The wire brush of doubt
Scrape from your heart
All sense of yourself
And your hesitant light.
If you remain generous,
Time will come good;
And you will find your feet
Again on fresh pastures of promise,
Where the air will be kind
And blushed with beginning.
There’s always something going on here!
Pézenas held its 4th annual Temps D’Expo photo festival over the past several weeks. Exhibits were spread throughout the town to showcase the works of 34 French photographers. Some of the displays were as beautiful as the photos were evocative.
Le Poulain, the Foal, made an appearance as the photo festival drew to a close. Le Poulain is the totemic animal of Pézenas and was honoured with the title, Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage, by Unesco in 2005.
Le Poulain honours a foal born to the favourite mare of King Louis VIII and dates back in various forms to 1226. On occasion, it’s carried through the old streets of Pézenas, usually by the local rugby team, and accompanied by a local flute and drum band.
In spite of my heavy mood, I completed some significant admin tasks this week. I opened a French bank account, applied for my social security number (once I get my SSN, I can apply for my health card) and applied to exchange my driver’s licence. It was great to check these items off my list!
This coming week I’m off on a little adventure which will involve some sightseeing, dinner with one Canadian friend and a couple of days in a small French village to visit another Canadian friend. It’s exactly what I need.
À bientôt .
My sincere sympathies on the passing of your friend, Sue
Thank you, Rae.
Sue, I’m very sorry for your loss of your dear friend .
The poem is beautiful .
Thank you for sharing it.
We do need the comfort of hopeful messages as we struggle with incredulity and uncertainty.
Enjoy the coming week’s connections💕
Thank you, Susan.
Sorry Sue I forgot to add my name to my comment
Sending hugs
Thanks, Adrienne.
Sue, I’m sorry for your loss. John O’Donohue is one of my favorite authors. Here is a verse I had printed on the back of Prayer cards for Carver’s funeral. « May you continue to inspire us: To enter each day with a generous heart. To serve the call of courage and love Until we see your beautiful face again In that land where there is no more separation, Where all tears will be wiped from our mind, And where we will never lose you again. ». Love and Blessings on your week, Marianne
Thanks, Marianne.
I understand your feeling of loss and send hugs across the ocean.
The poem your chose is lovely and thoughtful.
OMG your favourite photo — I just want to get into that house and restore it! And those poor books – so sad. A great shot though.
Have fun with Mary and I trust you will raise a glass (or 2 or 3 or…) to those of us this side of the pond.
Thanks, Carol!
So sorry for your loss, Sue.
I’m sorry for your loss, Sue.
Thinking of you and all of us as the world adjusts for the next few years.
Thanks, Sam.