Bonjour, mes chers amis! (Hello, my dear friends!)
My apologies for such a long absence. I needed to wander without purpose to grieve the loss of my writing partner - my husband. I kept saying I was okay. Yeah. I wasn't. And I'm not, but I'm working on it. Every time I tried to continue with this blog, I fell at the first hurdle. I would open the photo file and it overwhelmed me. Photography was such a part of the marriage and so was writing.
It took two years to finish my latest novel and then only because of the kind encouragement from readers and friends. Thank you! But I know my husband would want me to get on with new endeavors and I have continued to take photos during these two years of darkness in my soul. And you know what? It has helped light the way. So, new camera in hand, I finally am ready. It's time to share the beauty that surrounds me in the south of France.
Instead of trying to understand French logic, come with me and share a sunny day some weeks ago when it was still warm and thoughts of winter had not even entered our reality. Listen! The south of France is calling you to one of the prettiest places near me: Collioure.
I am not the only one to feel this way - so have all the artists who have come here to paint. It is filled with small galleries and shops. You will see the easels set up in the cobbled streets and just to name drop, a few of the famous visitors include Matisse, Dufy, Picasso, Derain, Guaguin, and Dali.
This French fishing village is a renowned magnet for artists, writers, and visitors both now and in the past. It is sometimes called "La Cité des Peintres" though there is no way this lovely little place could conceivably be thought of as a city! At a stretch it is a town though most locals still refer to it as a village.
Once, its main income came from the anchovies. Stroll along the promenade and you will see them darting about in the clear waters of the port. What makes it such an amazing place to paint or photograph? I believe it is partly due to that special Mediterranean light playing on the sea. The colors are vibrant; the reflections so deep. The other part is the simple and bold architecture that is both practical and often accented with bright Catalan colors. I promise I will bring you more of this special place later in the year. For now, I will stop tapping the keyboard and let pictures be my words.
Thank you again. You give me the strength and love to wish you the best for every day in the months that are left in this year. Let's keep in touch. This time I promise not to wander off! And now, with you, I will meditate on the peace and sense of timelessness to be found here in this jewel on the Côte Rocheuse (the rocky coast). Next time, I'm taking you with me to Zermatt, just Click Here.
