There is a blue fog in our vineyards, a soft yet heavy halo that I was never able to find nor feel anywhere else. And when I walk from the vineyard to the river on cold Winter dawns, the fog brings me peace. I know then that I am home. I know that all is well. I am finally able to process joy… This will certainly sound like a very self centered post, hedonistic surely; but I so wish that all of us could visit that place (or sacred space) more often. You know that place where you know you are in the presence of (no, not God) yourself. Actually yes! God! Your divine self… So think of your special place in the vineyard, by the river at dawn. Walk there, stay there and BE there for a moment. Completely awake yet in a dream (thanks Edgar). Maybe you can’t take your body there right now; but you can close your office door and take your mind and your spirit there. Is it at the end of your yard by the chicken coop? Or under a special tree in the park? Is it on the beach by the marina (Elizabeth)…
As I parked Hubert by château Petit Village in Pomerol (as a starting point for my walk), I met two lovely ladies trimming and burning the dead vines (sarments). The blue smoke of they portable fire pit added to the atmosphere. Then, as the sun rose higher, the fog disappeared and big white clouds formed in the crystal clear sky. The blue halo remained by the river…
The next day, Hubert and I went to St Georges and the village of Montagne for our morning walk on the hills. I took a few pictures of the sun rising by the windmills of Calon by my B&B. Oh yes, by the way, we call my car Hubert, because he is so old and we like his personality so much. If he (OK it) were a man, he would wear a thick mustache, smoke cigars and enjoy long walks in the fields with Lord Grantham and a golden lab… I love my old Hubert!
So please go take that walk now; for real or in your head. Bon voyage my friend!
MY FRENCH HEAVEN 
how divine!
Two Texas landowners meet at the fence between their properties.
– “How much land you got” one asks the other:
– “200 acres” the other replies, how about you?
– “Why boy, I’ve got so much land that if I got in my car and drove from sunrise to sunset, I still wouldn’t be off my land!”.
– “I had a car like that myself once” the other replies.
Hubert made me think of that joke. Best.
This is a really good one Steve 🙂 🙂
I actually had been planning a walk for this morning…although it is almost noon. Thank you for the inspiring post, as maybe I’ll look at our landscape through different lenses.
Mayle has nothing on you and Hubert!
Oh my, I’m so glad you stopped by this week so I could come here to be “transported” to this lovely French vineyard. Reading your post is a bright spot in my morning. I’ll be back for more!
I enjoyed reading your post. Home is where your heart is.
Lovely post, wonderfully shots of some really simple daily moments. Precious.
Thank you so much!!
Beautiful photos and beautiful surroundings. Wow.
Thank you Roberta!
This is such a charming post. I would have to say, a perfect post. So well written and thoughtful. And your photo”s are divine. Love the fabrics and your layout really draws you in. Nice.
I am so happy that you and several others readers are giving such great feedback on the new layout. Thank you so much!! I really wanted something cleaner that draws attention to the content. Mission acomplished it seems… I am trying your chard salad next week. I hope I’ll find what I need at the market on Sunday…
Great images.
What a glorious post, I felt as if I were with you, and Hubert, I adore the name. I name certain objects also, this read like a short story, beautifully written!
Oh thanks you so much! It means a lot!! 😉
I can see it perfectly in my minds eye! Oh my god what wonderful photos! My soul is yearning for the fall! And yes my place is a desolate beach in the offseason. I love the thought of being surrounded by such beauty, alone and so fortunate to be able to partake of it at any time. You too are live in heaven on earth!
I love that your car is named Hubert and has a mustache and smokes cigars! Such personality!
See, the beach, I knew it… 😉
My walk was along the river bank today and in the woods. Nothing better in my mind 🙂
This is why you live in France. It’s heavenly.
OH MON DIEU we have a vineyard here in the Gers… but I have yet to take photo’s like these… breathtaking! Wonderful, thank you! xxxxx
I am so glad you liked them! I LOVE the Gers!! One of the few authentic French regions left…
Another beautiful post. The photos are gorgeous! The vineyard is just amazing and moody in the morning.
It really is! My favorite time of the day…
I can absolutely see why!
Ah, just love the way you’ve formatted this post. Might have to steal/borrow!
Please do my friend. Please do! 😊😉
I am so excited I’ve found your blog… your words and images are so beautiful and captivating. Lovely!
I am so glad Caitlin! Welcome to My French Heaven! 🙂
Lovely post Stephane. My eldest daughter took to naming all her devices (computer, ipad, bicycle, and even a stuffed pillow of which her dog is quite jealous) and continues to this day. Her car is called Eileen, after my mother. Lucy thinks that “it is such a Gran car.” Looking forward to seeing you when we get over.
Best,
Conor
I am way too attached to certain objects. I feel safe in their presence… See you soon Conor!
My dear friend stephane, so eloquent, so romantic are you! I can see it, feel it and breathe it, although it kind of helps to have seen it for real too. Had one of my magnificent birthday lunches at petit village…. And as for Hubert, I understand completely, in fact just this afternoon I decided as I was out and about that my Hubert is in fact just an extension of me, I love him! have ha xx
Thank you my darling! Now you need to buy the new 2013 Hubert so I finally get to drive one 🙂 😉 When are you next in Bordeaux by the way? Easter?
Will defo be over around Easter as have sold house and will hopefully be doing final signing by then, so will contact you when there for sure xx
Hubert is a cutie 🙂 Lovely thoughts expressed beautifully, Stephane. Thank you for more brights spots in my day.
You are most welcome my dear friend 🙂
Oh la la….j’aime tous! ….les photos sont magnifiques! Les mots sont la verité. Sheila
Merci! Quel bon Français Sheila!
J’enseigne le francais a l’universite. (pas d’accents parce que mon laptop ne peut pas les faire.) C’est bizare je sais.
sheila
Le bruit des vagues de l’Atlantique (le seul, le vrai, l’unique Atlantique). Je l’entends maintenant. Merci pour ce billet.
Avec plaisir chère Louise!
BEautiful early morning impressions – wonderfully calm. One thinks to actually breathe the cold crispy air….
A beautiful post!
Beautiful post! It’s so nice to find a peaceful spiritual place just to BE. I know when I’m out biking with my girls – it’s so fun to stop, breathe and take in the beauty that surrounds us. (We often ride through the woods or in parcs). So important to do this for ourselves. I LOVE your photos, they serve as a way to remind you of the beauty and a quick easy way to take you back there. Thanks for the inspiration and reminder!! Have a great rest of the week!
You too! See you soon!!
Lovely post. It’s so important to take time out for a quiet walk … but what beautiful surroundings you have for yours.
I really do Kay! I hope you come visit one day 🙂
Thank you so much! I hope you come visit one day! 🙂
I hope to one day. It’s years since I’ve visited your area of France and it’s so lovely.