Paroles et vie.
English version below the pictures
La semaine dernière , nous n ‘ étions pas chez nous mais dans une petite ville au bord de la 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 . O douce maison.

Last week we were not at home but in a small town by the see 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 ) . The 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 “
- ” 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 de trait pour l ‘ attelage et qu ‘ elle aimait cela . Elle sourit puis s ‘ en allât
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 carriage 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.
Post edited on 2006, January 30 on Xanga Post édité le 3o Janvier 2006 on Xanga
Oh Michel memories of walking lanes in the fresh air! As a child I spent a lot of time in the woods around Grandparents place. Never got lost. Sometimes I was alone, other times with a play mate.
Yes Bonnie we keep in memory the games in full nature when we were children..
The picture of the little house looks lie a beautiful painting. I enjoyed your drawing. I usually start a conversation with strangers too. It connects us all. Great blog !
I see in my mind your painting of the little house, Gail. ❤
A beautiful post Michel! Yes words are life.
Yes,Nico, we feel being living when we can have a conversation in an almost desert place
Yes, very true. Peace my friend.
Words are necessary for love and for life, I think.
That’s a very nice story! It’s always great to get out and talk to people you meet, like when you have to ask for directions instead of using Google Maps. Such small encounters can certainly be very special, as you mention.
Human solidarity creates a special feeling of life ( instead of <google map" !
Little houses like that one in the countryside call me to them as well, Michel. I am not surprised that you had conversations with these people you met along the road because you are a warm and friendly gentleman. I love your story and your drawings!
Love,
Julie
Those conversations, Julie, warmed my heart ,July, and I felt the human solidarity.
I think that is one of the most difficult things about this time of Covid – less chance of uplifting encounters and connections between people.
The little cottage looks like it could be in a Fairytale!
The path certainly beckons…what could be at the end of it, or even just along the way?
The path, Susan, led us to a large space of freedom and human love .
Et oui parfois on fait de bonnes rencontres …des personnes qui aiment la nature les grands espaces….on se sent tellement bien et face à soit même devant Madame Nature ….bon après-midi je t embrasse carole
Tout à fait,Carole.La nature parle à qui sait l’ entendre et l’homme redevient solidaire .
There is no need to describe the feeling of connection you experienced; I felt it myself when you related the casual conversations…especially the one with the girl on the horse, of course! What a blessing to have the good health to be outside sharing the day with strangers and us.
We feel the same, Judy , whe you drive or walk with people in full nature of the mountains ❤
Good morning Michel. I LOVED this post so much. While you said you couldn’t describe the feelings, I felt them anyway. We’ve been isolated so long it sounds like you had a wonderful day.
❤️ Christine
I am glad , Christne, we understand each other . ❤
The photos are poetry in and of themselves! I can just imagine the tree lined lane in summer in full shade with the sun casting dappled shadows along the endless way… The human connection is special and as so many have noted in COVID it is even more valuable. Although this is a repost, it warms my heart to imagine the interactions – like in the pre-COVID times!
This post, Val, is like an anniversary of a communion with nature and humans. ❤
Michel, this is truly beautiful. Down the lane from my Grand parents house was the small and rather weathered home of the lady who worked for my grandmother. She had two children and we would play. This small weathered house is home to someone and I find it beautiful among the trees.
Your opportunities to converse with the varied people who traveled your same route is heartwarming. You are a beautiful soul. ❤️
The little house, the straight road, between the trees and the conversation with various people in a free and immense area changed my spirit and lift my soul . I felt alive, Holly. ❤
3
Sounds like a wonderful memory.
There are moments of life that we don’t forgrt . You have them too. ❤
Yes.
And about them the flight of the drone. The dogs were very interested too .! 🙂
Yes they were.
…like us . A drone is a remarkable tool.
Thank you.
I had wonderful times in the Pfaelzerwald south of Kaiserslautern when I was stationed there in the early 1970s. Sometimes I rode my Peugeot EU08 10-speed bike, others I walked the paths and just enjoyed the fresh air and the forest delights. Being American in a German woods, I sometimes had the awkward moments where I met Germans. We Americans, of course, greet people all the time. Germans are less happy to have you even say “Guten Tag!” or “Gruss Gott!” depending where you are in Germany, but I forced them to reply anyway…because Americans have a hard time not greeting even strangers encountered on walks!
I enjoyed your account, Michel, of your encounters with strangers on the estuary. In my Part of America, the country is divided up by roads that form a gridwork of one mile /1,2km squares. The grid isn’t perfect. There are places where the grid stops, and you end up at some farmer or rancher’s home. Other times, just for fun, one can take a car ride through the countryside, alternating turns in a zig-zag fashion just to see where the roads take you. Theoretically, one could start at the upper Northwest corner of the state and follow these roads all the way to the Southwest corner of the state, travelling hundreds of miles on country (unpaved…) roads! Imagine the people one would meet along the line!
Your story, Doug, recalls me a time where I drove my motorbike on little roads that I did not know really; One day the path led us in a farm yard , directly. I did not stop
but I made the tour of the amount of manure at the middle of the yard and goes away!!
LOL! A wise move!
Yes , the farmers did not like I”played” 🙂 with my motorbike in his yard!
LOL!
The mind brings the pictures forward. Very calming.
The sun shines today, but it is very cold. The best part is knowing that the days are longer and we will soon be enjoying spring breezes.
My best to you, Michel. 🌹
Rachel
Yes the days are a bit longer now, Rachel, and as you say it is cold and humid with wind
I am glad this post brings you the peace I felt at this time . <3.
I enjoyed the story and he drawings, Michel! Yes, connection with others keeps us whole! We re a social species.
Yes, Lavinia, with these conditions we breathe the scent of human solidarity..
It gives us joy to communicate with our fellow beings. It makes us as one ❤
Love, Nancy
Yes Nancy: unity and solidarity. ❤
What delightful memories of a lovely holiday, thanks for sharing Michel! Often that spontaneous connection with complete strangers warms our heart like nothing else. To know they enjoyed the interaction too leaves us feeling content.
Sorry you don’t get to do this now, treatment takes so much time and energy … take care kind gent and please keep sharing this lovely times!
It’s true the dialysis is tiring, Kate, but I try to do for the best .
Memories like the one I remember are warming the heart . .
Love ❤
Michel
exactly Michel, keeps you smiling and ready for the next session … take care kind gent 🙂
Good advice , Kate; that I will follow
a big hug for you and Janine!
Thanks, Kate . The same for you. ❤
Oh, la liberté de sortir, parler avec des gens qu’on rencontre sur le chemin…..
Aujourd’hui je me suis promené une balade courte mais il fallait tester voir si mes jambes fonctionnent toujours. J’ai pris mon chemin d’habitude, à travers le lotissement de maisons plan pied, puis la route qui mène à la stade hippodrome course de chevaux et jusqu’ au club de golf (il y a de tout dans cette petite ville).
J’ai vu une autre dame de mon âge que j’ai déjà vu en me promenant sur cette itinéraire. Elle marché lentement comme mois, espérant que ses jambes continueront à la supporter quelques années. On se reconnaît maintenant et elle m’a fait un petit ‘cou cou’ avec sa main, tout en gardant sa distance social à l’autre côté de la route.
Peut être un jour, si je la revois, on s’arrêtera parler, une sur le trottoir , une à l’autre côté de la route. J’irai tester mes jambes encore demain, faire cou cou avec cette dame du je peux la retrouver…
Ce confinement …..
Je vois que tu fais comme il est dit dans ce post, Stéphanie . Cela ne me surprend pas .:)
Je ne me rappelais pas que tu avais des problèmes de jambes .
Amitié
Michel
Mes de jambes très peu utilisées depuis mars 2019 quand nous étions en confinement de 3 mois pour la première fois. Nous ne bougeons plus beaucoup.
Plus de piscine en été à Remuzat. Plus d’activités de rénovations, de déménagement, de visites touristiques dans la Drôme. Nous sommes effectivement restés à la maison depuis mars 2020.
Nos petites balades autour de chez nous dont permis pendant le confinement, pour raisons de santé, pas pour socialiser…
je connais ce problème, Stéphanie . Tu as cent fois raison de marcher un peu chaque jour. Peut-être aussi un petit jardin, pour le printemps ?
Oui, heureusement nous avons un jardin avec cette maison ou nous sommes déménagé en 2018, un an avant de quitter notre appartement à Remuzat. C’est comme si c’était prévu pour nous, avoir besoin de la place en Angleterre pour l’année 2020 (confinement, plus de voyages). Notre instinct nous a amené ici. J’attacherais un photo du jardin du je pourrais trouver comment le faire!
C’est un petit jardin de pelouse et fleurs. Pas de potager. Parfait pour nous.
Amitiés
* si je peux la retrouver
Je n’ avais même pas vu ce lapsus . Je fais pour ma part beaucoup de fautes de frappe .
You have taken us on a delightful winter journey , the house is lovely with the smoke coming out of the chimmeys , I love the smell of a fire. You enjoyed meeting people on your journey , at the moment due to lockdown the only thing here that we can do is walk , so we go walking most days , so John and I met many people when we go for our walk
I see you, Julie, walking with John and having a talking with encounters, here and then . It is another world to discover .
Take care of you about this darn virus !
I got the vaccine yesterday during the dialysis at the hospital;
Love ❤
Michel
A day to remember. Communicating is a basic human need that is often overlooked. Covid has made it extra hard. I was blessed today. A friend who has recuperated from Covid came over so we could catch up and pray together. Also my oldest girl stopped by for a visit. I’m glad you got the vaccine. I had my first dose, and will have the 2nd one on the 10 of Feb.
So for the vaccine we are on the same line, Gracia . For me the second dose is on February too..
I agree with you about the communication.
Love ❤
Michel
Dear Michel,
What a heart warming post. Full of life and simplicity. places like these are filled with charm. Thank you for taking me along to enjoy your visit in this beautiful place.
Love,
Zakiah.
I am sure, Zakiah you would have loved this area where nature joins human simplicity. ❤
That’s beautiful. There are still so many places to explore and people to talk to.
Yes we have to be open to the people , I think, Matt..
Such a beautiful place and such beautiful memories, Michel! This post touches my heart. 🙂
Words DO bring life! That human connection is so important and lovely. As you might guess, I was always one who engaged in conversations with people everywhere I went. Yes, talking to “strangers”. I didn’t see anyone as a stranger. 🙂
I miss these interactions during the past year. 😦
Your words bring life and joy to so many of us! Thank you!
How are you feeling today?
(((HUGS))) ❤
I was sure you would love this little story, Carolyn.
This night I am somewhat tired because on this Saturday afternoon I was dialysed during 4h30! I am dialysed Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in the afternoon. ❤
I continue to pray for you with your dialysis…and for good health and safety for you and Janine.
I hope you can get some rest before Tuesday comes again. You are brave and you encourage me.
Prayers, and (((HUGS)))
I remember you are well now,Carolyn . This has been confirmed by your latest visit to the doctor
I hope your new week and new month…. February already! 😮 …is going well, Michel!!!
🙂
I had very low blood pressure yesterday and the dialysis had to be slowed down. Thanks for your prayers , Carolyn. ❤
More prayers and More (((HUGS)))
Hello Michel.
What a lovely post. Memories mixing with today. They arise feelings in man’s mind! Your text was like a tension story – what next. I also loved your photos and drawings. Thank you. Happy weekend.
Amitiés, Matti
J ‘ ai pensé à toi ce soir, Matti . Il y avait une émission à la télévision montrant des troupeaux de rennes au cercle artique . Mais des problèmes commencent à se poser pour leur nourriture à cause du réchauffement climatique
Amtiés
Bonjour Michel.
Je te crois. Je pense que le problème, c’est Lichen de rennes. L’été dernier, nous avons vu que le lichen de rennes n’est pas le seul aliment que les rennes mangent. Peut-être verriez-vous mon ancien blog:
Lichen du renne
Matti
J ‘ ai vu ton ancien blog à propos du lichen de rennes ; J ‘ ai l’impression qu’on élève de grands troupeaux de rennes et que leur nourriture naturelle ne suffit pas mais le fourrage artificiel a ses limites ( production et coût)
Bonjour Michel.
J’ai oublié de dire que jeudi prochain, je publierai un nouveau blog qui montre des photos de roches et raconte un peu la géologie. À très bientôt. Matti
I enjoyed reading this post very much. You’re a good storyteller, Michel!
Glad you enjoyed this post Suzy . Is there such landscape in Singapore ? and people scattered in a large estuary ? ❤
Michel, life and humans are drawn to you right out of a quiet estuary. Your most made me smile, breathe deep and consider. Thank you my friend xxoo Cassi
Yes it was almost magical , Cassi: People showed up at different times..
I am glad to read you. ❤
Michel, I grew up in a series of small towns and love the countryside. Your photos have a warm and charming vibe, and I enjoyed your narration. I am prone to strike up conversations with strangers too. It enriches your life. Thank you for a heartwarming post! ❤ have a great week!
Love ❤
Cheryl
It is impressing to talking people having a different life than us . By this way , Cheryl,
we discover life in different ways .
I am glad this post recalls you good memories ❤
That house does look fabulous.
A warm feeling comes over me, when they speak about the breath of fresh air.
Yes , Angy, the landscape : house, wood, estuary, people and fresh air were really inspiring ❤
bonjour Michel,
Personne n’est fait pour vivre seul, isolé, nous avons besoin de parler aux autres, voilà pourquoi cette pandémie est très difficile pour certain. Tu as passé un bon moment et c’est cela l’essentiel.
Cette petite maison me plairait aussi, elle fait penser aux dessins des enfants qui ajoutent toujours une fumée sur le toit , il parait que c’est la preuve, que c’est la preuve qu’ils se sentent bien chez eux.
bises et bon dimanche !
Quand on vit la solitude dans un endroit désert on se sent vivre en dialoguant avec quelques vivants
Oui, Maidy, la petite maison a un charme tout simple mais romantique ❤
oui c’est exactement cela Michel !
Oui , j’ ai bien conservé la mémoire de ce jour là, Maidy.
Peggy Flora said : such a scene of contentment ~
Annick Quennehent dit:
Quoi de meilleur que la nature, les rencontres, des souvenirs d’enfance pour se ressourcer et passer une journée magnifique😉Amitiés
Oh Michel this is just so beautiful to read. As I read, I felt like I was transported there too. Basking in the lovely weather, imagination running freely as I see my surroundings and talking to kind friendly strangers. Beautiful!!
I am glad , Tima , you share with me the up lifting feeling I got on the day in the vast estuary!; a great time we don’t forget.
Love ❤
Michel
Carol McKay Harper said : Loved this post.
I used to love to walk around quiet out of the way places and wonder what it looked like 200 years ago and the people who lived then!
I love to take to people I just met…everyone’s life is different but connected!
Take care Michel… God bless!
Me too , Gayle , I often think of ancient ways of life and lost civilisation inspired by a place .<3
Hi Dear Michel,
Your adventure discovering other places and people reminded me of Robert Frost’s poem-
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Your day was unique, just like you! 🤎
Hoping you are all well during these days…
Love, Lowie
I very honored, Lowie, to be a reminder for you of Robert Frost. You are so kind
I am also happy to read you
Love ❤
Michel
It seemed that you were not alone in that beautiful place. It seems like a dream. Your description took me right there with you. I am enchanted by roads that lead to mystery places…Certainly what must be a lovely destination. I have a favorite picture of my children going down a road. I hope I can find it and share it on Face Book.
I am sure ou would have loved to be there , Françoise. The same for me : I am so glad to read you here .
Love ❤
Michel
The house looks charming. Uncle Michel. Always delighted by your short stories❤️,
I am charmed too, Isabel, to know you for so long. ❤
I thought this was familiar! We miss so much by keeping to ourselves. No w, with the Covid, we are even more isolated from one another. We need each other. Love to you and Janine. You have an anniversary coming up soon! ❤
Yes Caroline , we need each other and. yes, soon we should have a big anniversary 🙂 You have a good memory. :
Well, it is easy to remember, because it is my wedding anniversary, too.😄❤️
Grand minds looks alike !!! 🙂 ❤
A lovely recollection, Michael.
find your last words to be very profound. Thank you! Resa ❤
I think sincerely communication is factor of peace and life , Resa. ❤
Agree!
Love this post. I enjoy getting to know others and hearing their stories. How wonderful to see such lovely sites and meet such interesting and diverse people. Love the house. Charming.
Hope you and yours are doing well. Hugs
I am glad Elizabeth this post inspired you . Yes the house is charming.
About us we try to be well ! 🙂
Michel, thanks for taking us on this trip with you! I love the warm and cosy house with smoke coming out of the chimney. 🙂 You met and spoke with complete strangers but you all had one thing in common – being outside and enjoying the countryside! ❤
y0u are right, Marion . and thanks ❤
The house was attractive to me as well, Michel. I enjoy looking at different houses– how they are built, and I especially enjoy stone houses. That road was intriguing to me also, and I would enjoy driving down it! I enjoyed the conversations that you had with each of the people that you saw. You had an enjoyable day! And I always appreciate your pictures – both the photos & your artwork!
Love ❤
Carolyn
I am glad , Carolyn, you got the same feeling as I had at this time . ❤
What a lovely post. I love the photo of the house and the lonely lane you drove down. It looked so peaceful. That is the type of day I would enjoy, out with nature and yes conversing with people I don’t know. It feels the heart and soul. Being in fresh air and cozy lane refreshes our thinking. Love Marilyn ❤
I like this comment because you say much better than me, Marilyn, what I feel on that day . ❤
“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 ”
J’aime ça beaucoup ❤
t moi je suis content de te retrouver, Alex! ❤
To explore a place sometimes does not really mean to see the place. It can mean to meet and enjoy the people there. We were in Paris a couple of years ago. We saw many of the sites that tourists see, but the thing I think I enjoyed the most was sitting in a sidewalk cafe enjoying the food, watching the people, and visiting with the waiter. To me, that was my best experience of Paris!
I often think of Xanga and I miss it. Many of my Xanga friends are no longer living. I wonder if anyone writes there anymore?
Super post, absolutely loved this/ Thanks for brightening my day.
Steve
Thank you.