This time of year is always challenging for me. I am never too welcoming of the end of summer on any given year. And I am never ready to leave Provence or France. It comes so quickly each year, and I literally feel as though my heart is breaking.
At first it’s almost a complete depression, I am counting how few days I have left and am trying desperately to make time magically stretch. Then, I get myself out on my bike, look at the blue sky and the beautiful views, and my heart feels lighter. At the very end it’s a mad dash to get out the door, pack up and say my good byes.
When I reflect on this year I feel this was perhaps one of my most favourite seasons in Provence. I am not sure if it was the perfect weather, the endless blue skies, the company or a combination of things. I also rode my bike more than ever, the only time I wasn’t out were on the odd bad weather days. Otherwise it was almost a daily occurrence and I came to realize riding my bike always clears my head and heart, no matter what. The sun and the beautiful routes just can’t help but put a smile on my face. This year started off hectic, but ended very calmly and that gave me time to soak up the beauty and really take pause to appreciate it.
So as I spend my last morning in France and write this, I am grateful for so very much: for all my friends in Provence who have made my little life there so special; for all my friends that make the journey across the ocean to share their time with me; for the glorious summer weather; for the food and the wine; and most importantly, for the joy that Provence brings me and makes my heart swell. I am so lucky to have found a corner of the world that really sinks into my soul like nothing else. I think few people are lucky enough to know this place. So while I always wish I had more time in Provence, I never take for granted one minute of the time I have had the privilege of spending there. Merci, merci.
