Winding Down

The trees at Gambetta are putting forth leaves.

I have not blogged in a long time--I have been plagued with computer issues and with Internet connection issues.  I will try to get this posted today, but I am making no promises.  I don't want my last entry to be about the origins of  "bad."  Carcassonne has been so much more than that.  It has changed my life.

Some members of the congregation this morning

Today feels as though spring has really and truly arrived.  I went to church this morning and played the keyboard, actually pretty well, for me.  I love this congregation.  It's small, but oh, I feel such love when I am there.  I am sure it has its problems, like all groups do, but I have not been privy to them and they don't seem to spill over and color the act of worshiping together.  I have grown very attached to them and I think they are also fond of me.  I do know this morning that having the music added to the service and I played some very simple hymn softly before service started and it just set things off on the right foot.  I didn't tell them good-bye, but rather, "See you later."  

Our congregation after services this morning

Place Carnot market yesterday

Yesterday I also tried to enjoy the sun. We had such a difficult week--I have not seen the likes of that kind of rain since I arrived here.  So the sunshine yesterday was welcomed by everyone. The Arab market was packed, and so was Place Carnot.  The French/Spanish strawberry wars are on, and the local asparagus is coming in full and delicious. I try to buy local and organic whenever possible.  After a long winter of leeks and carrots (don't get me wrong, I do love them), I am happy to see spring vegetables and fruits.  I will miss the tomatoes ripened in the heat of the summer, but that's the way it goes.

I think I am departing Carcassonne at about the right time. I have noticed more and more tourists in town, and have actually stopped to help several of them who have gotten turned around.  Lots of people ask me for directions and I can almost always help them.  It's a good feeling.  But I love this city too much to see it clogged with tourists, even though I am one, and even though I know the huge economic impact that they have on the lives of people here.  But some of the behavior--ooh la la....God spare me from school groups!  

Michel this morning, waiting on his customers

I am taking hundreds of photos, even of things that I have photographed before. My rationale is that I have never seen this place or that object in the light of this particular moment.  I am terrified that I will forget. 

Marie's sister at the tabac

I am holding in my heart the things I have learned during this time. I am not quite ready to share them. I may not be the same person who came here, frazzled, in October. I don't know if we really change or if we are so buffeted by the winds of circumstances that we harden our hearts and hide our authentic selves.  I have one or two regrets about this adventure, but every night, and I mean every night, before I close my eyes, I send grateful thoughts to the Divine.

The goofy platane trees are putting forth leaves.