So where were we, oh yes, in the val d’amour, nestled up against the jura mountains in the east of France. It’s a beautiful area, no doubt. And on the last morning there I managed to sneak out of the house alone in the early-ish hours and take a walk through the fields and along la loue. I imagined French Boy as a boy (even though I call him French Boy he is now, I assure you, a man), running through the fields and throwing pebbles into the bubbling river. Oh to be a child growing up in this magical place! No wonder he is always smiling from the inside out, the nature of this land must dwell deep.
Walking through nature seems like such a gift. It is forever changing, forever evolving – to be a part of it in each precise moment feels sacred and inspiring. I crave it daily and when I do get the chance to be part of it wholly I am quiet. Just listening, just being, and soaking it all in. On this particular morning walking by la loue, the sun was shining bright and even though the air was crisp the sun warmed my face quickly. I could see glimpses of the river through the shoreline trees and I could hear it loud and clear but I couldn’t quite see any way of getting down to it’s pebbly shore.
Until finally I saw a gap in the rocky hill and a slightly precarious but not too difficult makeshift pathway. With lenses and camera hanging lose around my neck I didn’t even hesitate. Down I went, making my way to the clearing and sat myself on the pebbles, the water lapping only centimeters away from me. Bliss.
I sat there for as long as I could, which was only about 10 minutes unfortunately, but oh, those 10 minutes were so lovely. I lay in the sun, feeling the river breeze on my skin and the cold hard pebbles underneath my body. The water was absolutely beautiful. I dipped my hands in and brushed some of the icy water against my eyelids and cheeks. I wanted to stay down there all day.
But it was time to go. So I packed up my gear, said à bientot mon amie! and went on my way. While I was walking past the farms I saw a few friendly characters that I just had to photograph…
This guy on the left stood like that the whole time I went by him, and only moved his head so that his eyes were always in line with mine. His pose was so funny I couldn’t help but giggle…
Beautiful. After a few deep breaths I felt a little more replenished and ready to get back to our life in Amsterdam. It was a long drive home (about 10 hours) but with my traveling companion by my side, it was alot of fun. Au revoir jura, see you again sometime…
Location: Jura, France
On the menu: crêpe with reblochon, sauteed potatoes, and salad served with Brittany cider in bowls. Followed by a sweet crêpe with chocolate spread. Miam.
xx
Beautiful post, I feel as if I were there with you.
October 27th, 2009 | #
we need a holiday and this has made us want one even more … your trip sounded wonderful.
October 27th, 2009 | #
Ah les ricochets sur la Loue!
October 27th, 2009 | #
lovely faded light… these photos are perfect, pia.
October 27th, 2009 | #
I love the photos that you took, and the river.. so peaceful~
October 27th, 2009 | #
Oh the sheep…the sheep! I love those French sheep. Lovely shots, so peaceful.
October 27th, 2009 | #
such beautiful pictures and wonderful words. i feel i need a vacation!
October 28th, 2009 | #
So much loveliness, I have missed your place. I am back and thrilled to be here.
October 28th, 2009 | #
cute headband…. can’t help but wonder how it would look on the sheep. be still my silly mind.
anthea.
x
October 28th, 2009 | #
beautiful! and i love your sweet photo!
October 29th, 2009 | #
[…] from A Cup Of Jo & credits to Alice Beasley, Pia Jane Bijkerk and […]
October 31st, 2009 | #
Delightful images! Looks and sounds like the perfect holiday! xo
November 2nd, 2009 | #
[…] by Alice Beasley, Pia Jane Bijkerk and […]
December 4th, 2014 | #