I can’t believe it’s October already. Normally in September I start to feel the passage of time, dreading the end of summer and the start of cooler, darker days. Normally in September, I feel each passing warm day profoundly. This year, I almost can’t remember what happened.
Well, not exactly, but it was the blur of all blurs. The first few weeks, Jason was still here. But shortly after he left, the days were filled with visiting friends, bike rides with friends, dinners with friends and a lot of work in between. It’s almost shocking I didn’t soak it up a bit more, but it was a heck of a lot of fun.
Shortly after Jason left, I drove up to the Savoie to spend a long weekend with my good friend Didi. It was lovely but cooler and cloudier than normal, but the most important part was simply having time to spend together. It was an emotional lift for both of us and I was so happy to spend time with her. We ate, drank, and got caught up.
Chartreuse Mountains in the Savoie.
After I returned there were several more bike rides with friends, taking advantage of the last beautiful days with beers on terraces afterward. Lots of impromptu dinners chez Henri with all kinds of delicious treats and newfound friends. Then I threw in a nasty climb up the Ventoux for good measure because why not?
My friend from Canada arrived this past week for a few insane whirlwind days. More cycling, laughing, endless wine and Champagne, fabulous meals both in and out, and before you knew it, it was time for her to head back and it was October first. Yikes.
So now as my days here wind down, my biggest priority is to just slow it down a bit. I want to soak up every sight and smell, every moment of just being here. I will appreciate every pedal stroke through stunning scenery. I will smell the wines, taste the terroir and be in the moment as best I can. As I rode yesterday in beautiful sunny, warm weather, I heard my mom’s voice. She always asked me if I was frightened cycling here all alone. “Aren’t you afraid?” she’d ask. Yesterday I answered her by saying, “How could you be afraid when you are surrounded by all this beauty?”. It’s true; there is nothing but love, joy, and immense gratitude. I wish you could have seen it, Mom.
