It’s hard to find jolly things to write about when so much of our planet is on fire, at war, in famine, our seas polluted so much sadness abounds. And yet, there is so much good, so much kindness, so much beauty and so much love.
We have been close to the huge fires that have destroyed homes and even raveaged into the center of Correns, whipped up by the wind, the fire flamed to Cotignac, Carces, Montfort sur L’Argens destroying all in its wake. The poor animals the poor people, it is so deeply moving and sad. We have though, our extra-ordinary firefighters, they have been battling day and night, bombarding the fire from the air and the ground. They have been napping on the roads to take a short break to fight again. They are my heros today. It makes shed a tear to think of their bravery and their sacrefice. They mostly volonteers. If you by chance are reading this post, please make donations to our fire fighters, the men and women who are keeping us safe. Our local Intermarcher has a big wooden box, place there by the Pompiers (firefighters) specifically for our generosity.
In Lorgues we have had smoke clouds black, grey, red ominously hanging over us and ash snowing down, covering surfaces out side. It is frightening. We have had a few smoke free days around us and David and our friend Katrin went to Frejus to swim in the sea at the Handiplage ( beach for disabled people) and they couldn’t swim because of the pollution levels. The meditteranean is the most polluted sea in the world. War continues, war pollutes and to my mind war has never solved anything.
It is very hard to find a balance of mind and emotions when everything is so upside down. I feel grateful for all the words of wisdom that people have gifted me with over the years. Particularly, the ability to live in the now. To be able to feel joy, greif, sadness, fear, love. To be aware and try and stay calm. To enjoy each moment that I have in the best way possible.
Today I am in the Vaucluse, the drive was beautiful along the motorway, the forest stretching far across the hills in an endless view, it made it hard to think of the massive devastation in the Gironde and all the other fires around the world, when all I saw for two and a half hours was beauty. I am blessed. I am in a lovely bed and breakfast, so charming in a little village called Saint-Hippolyte-le-Graveyron. Its absolutley lovely. I am near Mont Ventoux and Baumes de Venise. I am teaching on Saturday morning and I want to re visit the places I have chosen for out painting morning. I know that there has been a fire at Mont Ventoux and also Baumes-de-Venise. I’ll also go for a swim in Lac Paty, I haven’t been there before so I am very excited.
I’ll be painting and sketching in preperation for the class. Talking of preparation I am also painting a lot for my upcoming exhibition in Italy at Vigneti Repetto. Sarezzano on September 19th this year. If you happen to be around please to come to the opening and see my paintings and sample some of the vienyars excellent wines.
I have just been for a glorious walk in the setting sun , in the vineyards and olive groves on a tiny road winding uphill towards Les Dentelles, with a splendid view of Mont Ventoux glowing orange in the setting sun. Very grateful for all that I have in my life.
Paint Provence and elsewhere with Tess 