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Friday, October 7, 2011

Vacation-Staycation Memories!

Gorgeous Florida weather this week, but because of prior commitments, I did work Thursday. For the most part humidity and I have been on vacation for a good part of the week. Although "I am on vacation", no time for brain drain.

This actually has been a stay-cation with painting having top priority this week.  But my mind has been wondering back to the narrow streets of Paris, wondering if the staircase of flowers still adorns the front steps of the Church of La Madeleine, creating  a vibrant sea of color, the delicate hues of the petunias and dusty miller dancing ever so lightly and carefree, their soft fragrances drifting aloft much like the vapors in the wind, beckoning me to come and sit for just awhile.  Back in my little home the only fragrance awakening my senses is the fresh coat of paint brightening my dining room walls.

As strange as it may sound, my mind had settled on a color long before the process of actually collecting those little color samples began.  Something easy on the mind and spirit, yet able to showcase the colorful collections of glass and paintings. My thoughts again drifting to the free spirited movement of gently swaying branches in the afternoon and early evening breezes.  As I walked along the river Seine, admiring the canopy of trees, the freshness of the evening air invigorating, house boats and barges moored along the stones walls of the river, I imagined that way of life to be so fulfilling and relaxing.  Perhaps this softness and stillness could be brought to me.

Another day, quickly drawing to a close, it has been quite productive,  The majority of what I had hoped to accomplish this week is complete. There is a certain satisfaction in knowing you have reached your goal even if it is only a plateau.  Of course there is much more that need to be done, but realistically I would like to return to work at least feeling somewhat relaxed.  With thoughts of France still frequently drifting through my mind, I wonder: The magnificent murals, delicate paintings, perfectly sculpted statues, ornately painted ceilings and yes my beloved and adored Mona Lisa, all painted or sculpted by the masters, "Did they ever have sore bones and muscles after a day of painting or chiseling away at stone?" Hmmmm, no Alleve, Advil, Bayer Back and Body tablets for them, they just sucked it up!  So as my inner most voice has repeated calmly and at least a gazillion times over the course of this stay-cation week."stop ya belly aching and just do it!"

Right now as I sit quietly on my comfy love seat, little laptop perched on crossed knees, the vision of the most gorgeous cosmopolitan people, Parisians, once again begin their evening stroll through my thoughts. Are they out and about in this European hub viewing the Eiffel Tower, spectacularly lighting up the darkness of the evening sky.  Perhaps it is the Arc d'Triomphe, a monument to what was, what has happened and the guardian of the Champs-Elysees, Paris' most prestigious avenue, a place where cafes adorn every inch of the overly wide sidewalks, completely lined with the beautiful horse chestnut trees, high end shops, cinemas and fashion houses.  There is a dampness in the air but still the beautiful people mingle!

As I sit here, the subdued colors of the walls create an air of leisure and balance. If paint were not the predominant odor teasing my senses, I might be able to close my eyes, imaging myself back in France, on a cool autumn evening, perhaps engaging in lively conversation while enjoying a glass of wine from the Beaujelais region of France.  If I linger long enough, perhaps the November arrival of Beaujelais Nouveau will tingle my palette.  Just a passing thought!

For now, I will snuggle down on my love seat, enjoying the cool evening breeze drifting though the dining room window.  The weeping willow walls seem to dance with the evening shadows, the sounds of the preserve and the children of Mother Nature ready to emerge for their evening stroll under the starlit tropical Florida sky.  As I emerge from my stay-cation cocoon, the blood returning to the legs which have been tucked neatly beneath me,  I drift in an out of reality, I wonder: Did Leonardo DaVinci ever feel the muscle aches that are now riddling my aching body? Just a thought!




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