Parole et vie
Word and life.
English version below the pictures
Il y a quelques années nous séjournions fin Janvier dans une petite ville du bord de mer Un jour j ‘ explorais les environs . Je conduisais tranquillement sur une petite route bordée de haies et d ‘ arbres quand je fus frappé par cette humble maison ( 1ère photo ) . Je ne sais pas pourquoi mais ce genre de vieilles maison avec la fumée sortant de la cheminée est inscrite dans ma mémoire ( ceci venant sans doute du type des maisons de mes grands- parents ) . La maison était isolée parmi les arbres . J ‘ étais fasciné par la fumée s ‘ élevant entre les branches . Cette fumée témoignait de la vie dans la maison . La vie a besoin d ‘ énergie . Et dans ce cas j ‘ imaginais le bois brûlant dans le poêle . J ‘ étais réellement sous le charme et je restais là , au calme un certain temps , en paix . Ô douce maison.

The old house by the road
Some years ago we were staying at the end of January in a little town by the sea and once I explored the surrounding . I drove quietly on a small road bordered of hedges and trees when I was struck by this humble house ( first picture ) . I don’ t know why but this kind of modest house with the smoke going out from the chimney is carved in my memories ( probably coming from my grandparents ‘ houses ) . Th e home was alone among the trees . And I was fascinated by the smoke rising between the branches . This smoke skowed life was inside the house . Life needs energy . And in this case I imagined the wood burning in the stove . I was really under the charm and I remained there during a time , very quiet , peaceful . Oh ! sweet home !
Poursuivant mon chemin , je découvrais cette route droite apparemment sans fin ( 2ème photo ) . J ‘ étais ravi de voir cela . C ‘ était une réelle beauté ( pour moi ) . J ‘ étais seul et je me demandais où cette route allait me conduire . Y avait – il une fin ?
Going further on my way I discovered this straight road apparently without end ( second picture ) . I was thrilled to see this . It was a real beauty ( for me ) . I was alone and wondered where this road was leading me ?. Was there an end ?
Cette route permet l ‘ accès à un estuaire où l ‘ eau se dispute la place avec la boue peuplée de plantes de vases salées . En cet endroit sauvage il y avait une sorte de petit parking . Une seule voiture était là et trois personnes tenant des seaux . C ‘ était le matin et la température était basse en dessous de zéro .( voir les dessins )
” Bonjour ” dis – je et je leur demandais ” Où allez – vous avec vos seaux ? ”
-“Nous allons ramasser des coques dans la vase de l ‘ estuaire ” me répondirent – ils amicalement ”
-Vos mains vont être gelées , dis-je
-Non , nous avons l ‘ habitude de faire cela ” me dirent – ils et ils partirent avec un sourire aux lèvres .
A ce moment – là deux chasseurs arrivent de l ‘ estuaire accompagnés de leur chien . J ‘ engage la conversation
-” Ramenez vous des canards ? ” dis – je
-” Non , rien mais nous avons passé un bon moment en respirant le bon air en marchant dans la baie ” .
-“Vous devez être fatigués ” ?
-” Non ! Nous allons manger et revenir cet après – midi . Vous savez nous venons d ‘une ville à 100 km et nous voulons profiter de toute la journée ”
Nous parlâmes du temps , de la chasse et ils s ‘ en allèrent.
Finalement que vois – je arriver ? Un cavalier , plutôt , une jeune cavalière .
” Bonjour ! Vous êtes gracieuse ” lui dis – je
” Merci ” dit – elle .
Et nous parlâmes chevaux . Je lui racontai que ma fille aînée avait des chevaux et qu ‘ elle aimait cela . Elle sourit puis s ‘ en alla
Ainsi en un temps très court , dans ce lieu désert j ‘ avais parlé à trois sortes de personnes et c ‘ était moi qui avait engagé la conversation . Je n ‘ avais pas eu le temps de regarder l ‘ estuaire lui – même . J ‘ avais le sentiment d ‘ un rêve heureux . J ‘ étais incapable d ‘ exprimer ce que je ressentais . Une sorte d ‘intense joie . La joie de parler à des gens que je ne connaissais pas . Et j ‘ avais vu qu ‘ils étaient heureux de trouver quelqu ‘un à qui parler .
Je me sentais comme si j ‘ étais devenu plus vivant , plus humain et je pensais : oui la parole donne vie , et même , la parole est vie .
. This road allows the access to an estuary with mud , salted marsh plants and of couse water ! In this wild place there was a kind of small car park . Only one car was there and 3 people holding buckets . It was in the morning and the température was low under 0°C . ( see the drawing
-” Good morning ” I said . They answered kindly then I asked them : ” where are you going with your buckets ? ”
– We are going to pick up cockles in the mud into the estuary during the low tide .” They said friendly .
-” Your hands will be frozen !! ”
-“No , we use to do that ” they said and left with a smile on their face ..
At this moment two hunters come from the estuary accompagned by a dog . I get into conversation with them
- “Do you bring back some ducks ? ” I said
- ” No , nothing , but we had a great time to breath the good air in walking in the bay .
- ” Are not you tired ?
- -No ! We are going to eat and we come back on this afternoon . We have to understand we come from a town located to 100 km especially so we will enjoy all day ! “
- We talked about the weather , the hunting etc …and they left …
Finally what do I see coming ? A rider along the estuary . It was a young horsewoman !
- ” Good morning ! You are gracious ” I tell her
- ” Thank you ” she answers .
- And we talked about horses . I told her my oldest daughter owned horses and she liked that . She smiled and left .
So in a short time in an lonely place , I had talked to three sorts of people and it was me who got into conversation with them . I had had no time to look at the estuary itself . But I had a strange feeling as in a happy dream. I am unable to explain what I felt . A kind of intense joy . The joy to talk to unknown persons . And I had seen they were happy to find someone to speak .with .
I felt as if I was more living , more human and I thought : yes word gives life ., and even word is life.
Belle expérience de vie, Michel !
Les espaces déserts incitent à se rapprocher de ses semblables quand on rencontre .
It seems as if I have seen those very same places…A dream maybe? Or a description in a book ? Very nice. I can only imagine that very kind and happy people lived in that lovely modest cottage with smoke coming from the chimney…Warmth and love. Also loved walking down that tree lined road with you.
Thanks for sharing all of this.
Love,
votre amie
Francoise
I have been charmed by this old house and fascinated by the desert where I thought not to find anyone and I met 6 people to dialogue with.
I enjoy talking to people, maybe sometimes too much but I have had this habit a long time. My mom used to chastise me for talking with the man collecting our trash. She said he was “beneath me”. I couldn’t believe that from the woman that took us to church. I also used to enjoy long walks through the woods near our home.
I enjoy to talk to people and especially in deserted places .
Lovely story. It amazed me people’s perspective can be so different than our own
Yes, I met three groups of peope who had different activities and probably life very different.
Yes I have also
That is certain ! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, pictures and drawings. This reminds me that Jesus is the Word of God and He gives eternal life.
It was in my thoughts too, Gracia.
A beautiful post, Michel! The little town by the sea seems like a magical place. The joy of connection with others and finding the commonality is a wonderful thing. 🙂
That morning I was like in a dreamland, Lavinia and felt a kind of happiness.
What a wonderful experience! I am charmed by that cottage, too! ❤️
It was really a humble abode such we can see on the ancient paintings , Caroline ..
What a nice story Michel. I can almost imagine being there too. 🙂 Blessings.
I’m sure this place would have pleased you, Miriam.
I always love your drawings. I am sure the other people enjoyed the conversations as much as you did. Blessings to you!
I think you are right,TiM.The others too loved certainly to have an encounter in this lonely place
wow Michel! that is a beautiful house! So nice to talk to strangers and enjoy it. I never thought of feeling alive when I am alone and meet people Thank you for that thought! Now that I’m getting older….it’s great to feel alive!! God bless you and Janine ❤
I think Gayle when we are alone meeting people re-launches us. .
I love this; it is living fully! The cottage has a lovely charm to it. To live in a cottage in the middle of a wood could be quite soothing to the soul.
… and also by the estuary and the sea.
I love your story, Michel! The serendipitous encounters and human connections give meaning. So glad that your exchanges gave you an intense sense of joy! xoxo
You sum very well the entry, Louisa. There was also the backgound : a immensity like a desert that gives more savor to the meet of those different people
I love this post, Michel! 🙂 Your photos (what a beautiful cottage!), your drawings (I love your drawings!), and your conversations (What fun!)! 🙂
I LOVE to talk to people and I often start the conversations! 🙂 The people start out as “strangers” and sometimes become friends. 🙂
You had some wonderful encounters! and I KNOW you brightened their day AND they remember you! 🙂
Have you ever framed any of your drawings and given them as gifts, or hung them on the walls in your home? If not, you should! 🙂
HUGS and ❤ and prayers for you and Janine!!! 🙂
I am glad Carolyn you enjoyed this entry .
About the little sketches I made them in a little time. ❤
Beautiful pictures and writing.
Thank you, Carol. ❤
Always love your sketches and the stories behind it, Uncle Michel.❤
I am glad Isabel, you enjoyed this entry.
I love the photo of the old house! How charming, and I’m sure that that house has so many stories.
It is interesting to see through time and space that house always launches its charms, Marica.
What a beautiful post.
This is rooted in my memories, Nico.
Thank you for sharing them. 🙂
Sharing such uplifting memories is a pleasure , Nico.
What a wonderful adventure! And beautiful photos!
I am glad you like this post ,Pam
I enjoyed your walk! Yes, talking with strangers opens new doors, and adds a lot to our visits to new places. I especially enjoyed reading about the old house with smoke coming from the chimney!
During your stay in a stranger country or travels you had to talk to strangers and I remember you keep good memories, Doug.
I enjoyed my time abroad and met lots of interesting, fine people!
Such a lovely memoir of a special time. The little house and road are so attractive. I am pleased with myself that I was able to read this entirely in French (it would be even better if I was able to comment in French).
I am very glad you can read the French version, Hilary.
If we are going for a walk we will always greet those who we pass , its one of the great pleasures in life to be able to chat to other people. You have really painted us a wonderful picture of your walk
I agree with you Julie / And yes i took pleasure to make this post ❤
Dear Michel
You always write such humane posts. The house with the smoke from the chimney is beyond words. Its beauty and humble make, shows such purity. The road, ahh the road, it speaks to me. Doors and roads are spiritual for me. Leading me into the unknown and hopefully finding things/people/ and nature that please my heart, just like you did by meeting those good people.
Thank you always for touching my soul with the beauty of your words.
Love,
Zakiah.
I am happy, Zakiah, to see that we share the same feelings.
I just LOVE this entry! It’s hard to put into words why I love this so much. But I find myself smiling as I read this.
you are right Suzy it is sometimes difficult to translate in words what we feel ❤
This blog gives your readers a window on your soul. How you view the world, and how generously you share that view, tells volumes about who you are…a very likable fellow in my opinion!
Thank you Judy for this comment : you are kind ❤
Quite an adventure! Thanks for sharing. I always enjoy your writing.
Yes Cheri it was an inside adventure !
One of my favorite posts you’ve done. Left me with a sense of peace.
The house is lovely and for some reason I love solitary roads and paths. 😉
All those you spoke to were just enjoying life..how awesome.
Hugs.
you understood well what I wanted to communicate, Elizabeth.
How wonderful. Sometimes following a road we do not know where we will end up or who we may meet. How wonderful to see a lovely little cottage and to meet some very friendly people. Sometimes just the adventure is the joy. A good memory is made.
peace & love ❤
Yes, Jane, sometimes unexpected little things give us great joy..
Comme toi cher Michel, j’aime imaginer la vie dans les chaumières isolées et parler avec les gens rencontrés. La parole et l’imagination et la contemplation sont le sel de la vie …
Amitiés, AM
Je suis tout à fait d ‘accord Anne-Marie
They say that all roads lead to Rome, but that saying might be a bit outdated!
You could write up your experience of the day and publish it in the newspaper. It’s very nice and uplifting.
Thanks Dian for your compliments.
Bonjour ou bonsoir mon ami MICHEL tu as été par cette belle nature et tu en as gardé une immense beauté de cette maison
Je viens te faire le cadeau des plus précieux
Celui du temps
De rêver à de nouvelles idées
De réfléchir aux anciennes
Peu importe le temps que nous passons ensemble sur nos blogs
Tu découvriras toujours de nouvelles dimensions
Au travers du miroir et de ce lien celui de notre l’amitié
L’amitié c’est aimer pour ce qu’elle est moi je le pense
Non pour ce qu’elle fait
En se sentant aimé
On est capable de grandes choses, de s’accrocher , de réussir
Belle journée ou soirée et belle semaine
Bisous Bernard
Merci Bernard . Oui l’ amitié est source d’inspiration
What a lovely walk you had, Michel. How wonderful to meet new people and see new places.
Yes it was a little walk but so rich in sensations, Linda.
Thank you for sharing this lovely post, Michel! Your words share with me your joy at having experienced meeting with these people. As you know, I have a love for old homes – especially cozy ones as you’ve described. 🙂
My oldest daughter who owns two Goldens take them from time to time for a walk on the beach. Sometimes she goes with her horse / But not at this place : further towads Noth near Calais
By talking to strangers they are no longer strangers but part of your history! ❤ such joys can come from these encounters! Love to you and Janine and the whole family
I agree with Nancy .anf this is what you do in your activities with young people in distress
Mornin Glorie…How many times have your writings reminded me of lovely poems and quotes, here is another that goes perfectly with this posting. ILYM
“Still round the corner there may wait
A new road or a secret gate
And though I oft have passed them by
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun.”
J.R.R. Tolkien
I am glad Marsha my entry and especially the bordered of trees path find apoetic echo in you
Hello, Michel!
I’m just stopping by with some HUGS and to ask, “How are you doing?”
You and Janine are in my thoughts and prayers.
May you have a blessed weekend.
HUGS!!! and ❤ 🙂
Greetings Michel,
What beautiful photo’s and what a fantastic post! I don’t know how I have missed until now.
I hope you are doing well. I think of you and pray often.
Lynn
I am glad you enjoyed this post, Lynn.
What a wonderful day! A blessed opportunity to share time with your fellow human beings! I am drawn to that humble house, too. Some of the happiest people I have known are people who live in humble houses and have very little.
We share the same feelings, Nancy.
What a beautiful morning – thank you for sharing your wonderful experience.
What a lovely day and such special memories, sometimes a brief friendly chat with a stranger leaves a deep impression and I’m sure they enjoyed their interaction with you!
bonjour Paul,
la fumée sortant de la cheminée de cette humble maison me fait penser aux dessins des enfants qui se plaisent chez eux , qui ajoutent toujours la fumée sur les toits.
bises !
je ne sais pas pourquoi j’ai écrit Paul au lieu de Michel, excuse moi Michel !