Gascony is never more beautiful than in October. The grapes have been harvested. Corn and sunflower stubble fill vast fields, and winter wheat has been planted in deep-brown ochre soil, ted to perfection like enormous Zen gardens that stretch to the horizon. Life in the Gers is simple, profound and real, linked to the seasons of the year and bounty of the earth.
When the world seems lacking in comfort or joy I head for the garden. But it’s been so rainy and windy this last week, devastatingly so in southern France, I found it impossible to go outside. So this morning I decided to share some photographs from the past few weeks. Each contains a moment in time, ephemeral and shimmering with beauty, something we all need right now.
“The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words.” Elliott Erwitt –
Salles d’Armagnac
Nogaro
Mauvezin
Mézin
Chateau de Ravignan, Perquie
Dému
Éauze
Le Fréchou
Chateau d’Abbadia, Pays Basque
Beaumarchés
Église Nore Dame de l”assomption, Labastide dArmagnac
Estang
Chateau d’Roquetaillade, Mazères,
Poudenas
Ayzieu
How grounding yet uplifting at the same time. Missing all…
I’m so looking forward to your next trip to France.
Your photos always bring such pleasure. Not being able to travel is becoming physically painful, so I’ll just bookmark this post to gaze upon when the melancholy is upon me. Peace, Amy
Thank you for your kind note. It’s good to know that the post does indeed, lift spirits.
Dear Sue, thank you so much for those lovely pictures. I am missing my yearly cycling adventures in France so much, and this has helped a bit to nourish my longing.
Ms. Derin Gemignani
I’m delighted I was able to life your spirits a bit. I know the longing…
Thanks Sue, the photos are divine! (and listening to Chopin’s piece I could see the rain drops running down the window pane, the condensation smudges around the edges of the glass and the bushes and trees swaying outside ????) We can’t wait until we can return to beautiful France, especially Gascony. Cheers and best wishes from Australia
Thank you Deb. I found Chopin’s piece while it was raining, so perfectly apt. I hope you’ll be able to travel to France soon.
The pictures bring back memories of our rambles in your corner of the world. I look forward to being able to visit soon. Sending much love.
Oh what rambles we will go on!
Sue, these photos are like paintings–muted with a special focus. They bring your area of France to me in such a visual way. As this year plays out, the realization that home will be the travel experience for now, it’s wonderful to have you bring us these exquisite moments. Thank you.
You’re welcome Robyn. Your art brightens my life and I’m delighted I can return the gift.
These are simply beautiful Sue … living in farm country is glorious isn’t it. I marvel at the artistry of the farmers’ tractor work each season. it is impeccable. I miss the “old” … these estates, castles, churches, small vignettes, most of which are shown in moody lighting … I’m looking for a word … melancholy. Beautiful, deeply moving melancholy. Perhaps that is where we find ourselves these days. Thank you for your eye and your art Sue.
Thank you Lisa. I know you understand how connected to the land we are. I feel truly blessed to live here. It’s easy to make art when the scenery around me is so beautiful. I was feeling quite melancholy and looked for scenes to capture my mood. A picture’s worth a thousand words is sometimes true.
Your pics are gorgeous, Sue––today’s balm for the world’s ills.
Thank you Jere. One day you and Janna will see this beautiful country in person!
I was in this part of France now over 50 years ago. I have not lost the taste for it. And we go to Cornwall in England every year for 200 mile walks, that will of course not happen. And Brittany is on my list. What is sweet is that I know people in these areas that grace us with how it is. These places are there and the nature surrounding them get richer and more settled with us not there because of Covid. They are left somewhat undisturbed by all our feet. Lovely photos.
Thank you dear Claudia. Maybe one day you’ll visit me here. Another trip is called for after 50 years!
Thank you for this, your photos always transport me to a beautiful space!! Very therapeutic my friend
You are very welcome!
Beautiful Sue. It seems like a lifetime ago that we spent time together in person. I hope all those you love and support are finding their path through our shared trauma with grace and ease.
Thank you for sharing these.
With love from my kitchen to yours
Hello stranger! Thank you so much for reaching out. I hope you are well and surviving the craziness in the States. All of my family is well, and I hope yours is too. Our paths must cross again, xo