Shadows

Lots going on with 'shadows' this week. I'm participating in an online photography class called "Eyes of the Heart" that has a contemplative and spiritual theme to it. I've been 'receiving' photos of shadows all week and sharing them with other class members along with my thoughts on my shadow side. I posted one photo over Dona Nobis Pacem. All this shadow talk reminded me of some photos I took during my month in France last year. I decided to record my presence by catching my shadow image at various places I visited. So, that's me standing on the seawall in Collioure with the beautiful azure Mediterranean lapping at the rocks below. This idea of recording my presence was inspired by a conversation I had with another photographer who told me that she always takes a photo of her own feet at her travel destinations. Feet would work, but I think a shadow is so much more mysterious, don't you?

Sun??

I'm searching for the sun again today; it's certainly not to be found in Iowa right now! What better place to look than the sunny Mediterranean coast at Collioure? I had to dig out the photos from last September to find these memories of the two days I spent at the sea. The days were warm, hot even, and I had to buy some shorts and a top to be comfortable. Okay, I had shorts with me, but the heat and slightly sultry air were good excuses to do a bit of shopping in the town's cute boutiques. Besides you really can't wear the basic black knit shorts in a beach town. I bought white cotton shorts and a turquoise sleeveless tee; I sort of matched the boat you see in the foreground. I spent two and a half days exploring the town's historical sights, strolling along the beach, lounging in the beach-side cafes, and looking at some incredible art, both in Collioure and a nearby town, Ceret. How I'd love to sit on the sand and warm my bones in the bright Mediterranean sunshine right now! I'm sure I'll have to re-visit Collioure again soon...it's supposed to snow here tomorrow.

Colors of Collioure

It's lightly snowing this morning in Iowa. Oh no, it can't be winter already! How's this for denial...I'll just re-visit the Mediterranean coast instead of looking out the window. Collioure...sea village of stunning color and beautiful flowers! Collioure...sea village full of history and Catalonian culture.

The tiny ruelles that snake up the hill from the busy beach are quiet and full of flowers. Some of the colors are creamy and subtle; others burst with brilliance and the energy of the sea. It's hard to not find something to love as you stroll past beautiful doors, shutters and balconies.


Reality check...it's still snowing, but it feels like summer in my heart!

Back in Cadrieu

As I suspected, I didn't have internet access the past three days while I was exploring southwest France. I have lots of stories to share with you in blog entries to come, but right now I'm just glad to be back in Cadrieu where life is very peaceful. This is a photo of the main beach in Collioure. I took it early in the moring before each and every chair was filled with sun worshippers watching the sea and other sun worshippers lying in the sand. Collioure gets mixed reviews...it's a busy beach town jam-packed with tourists, and parking is a nightmare! Other the other hand, the coastline is stunningly beautiful, and the art and history here made my heart sing. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. But two days of non-stop people, noise, and sun was very wearing. After an easy 4 hour drive north on the autoroute (French for freeway...and a wonderful way to move from point A to point B quickly and easily), I was thrilled to drive into Cajarc and stop for lunch at Le President. It was almost 1pm, and the village was in lunch mode...everything was closed and quiet for two hours so folks could eat. As I sat and listened to conversations around me in murmured French, English, maybe Dutch, I could feel myself relax. I was sitting in the shade, a soft breeze fluttered the flags at the Office of Tourism across the street. With my last sip of Cahors, the village began to come to life. The green cross marking the pharmacy was suddenly lit and flashing, the lady at the Citroen dealership slid the "Ferme" off the door, and traffic picked up.

The President might not be flashy or filled with tanned, bikini-clad folks, but it's peaceful and that's what I was in need of this afternoon! It's good to be back at the Chatette. Tomorrow and Saturday I'll help Laury in whatever way I can as she finishes up preparations for Saturday night's vernissage. There are several pieces of art waiting to be hung, olives to buy at market in Figeac on Saturday and I've offered to find some big bunches of flowers to brighten up the cave. I'll be sharing stories of the gallery and much more later.

More Matisse

Just because I need more Matisse in my life! This one's called 'Through the Open Window.' Do you think I might see a similiar scene when I visit Collioure?

And just because life isn't always full of vibrant color, I've included this one that I also love....

It's called 'A Window Swung Open at Collioure' and can be seen at the Pompidou Center in Paris.

Henri Matisse in Collioure

Who doesn't love a painter who splashes such vivid color on the canvas? Although Matisse spent several summers in Collioure, the summer of 1905 was his most productive. That summer he invited his friend, Andre Derain, to join him. Both artists were inspired by Collioure's beauty. Both artists were part of a group of loosely-organized painters known as the "Fauves" or wild beasts. This school of art was short-lived existing between 1904-1907 giving way to the Cubists who followed them. The Fauves used pure primary colors to convey their view of the world and were considered the first to paint "Modern" art.

Here's a Derain painting of Collioure. I love the contrast between the sapphire blue sea and the ochre-colored roofs of the village. I'm excited to see these same scenes in person this September!

Where to Stay...

Help me choose! As I look through lodging possibilities in Collioure, I've narrowed my choices down to two. The first is this lovely old 'hermitage' set in the hills above Collioure, Ermitage de Consolation. The dictionary defines an hermitage as an abbey or monastery. When I google this one, the only information I can find about its history is in French and since my French is so rudimentary, I can't comprehend what it says...darn! This was surely a religious retreat of some kind since it boasts a chapel and religious artifacts. Its setting looks very peaceful, doesn't it?

This is a photo of the other place I'm considering, Les Templiers. It's a hotel and restaurant located right in the village and close to the sea. The draw to stay here is the hotel's collection of art. Apparently in the early days, the proprietor accepted works of art from his patrons in payment for their bar bills. The hotel is hung with paintings and drawings by such famous artists as Dufy, Matisse and Picasso. I suppose I could stay at the more reasonably priced Ermitage and have dinner here at Les Templiers and enjoy the best of both worlds, eh?