Travel: Medoc, remembered

I haven't stopped thinking about our trip to France trip since October. And while I think a lot about what we did and saw and ate (and drank!), I mostly remember what it taught me. I keep turning those thoughts over and over again in my mind, reconciling the ways it changed me with the way I live now. And since the New Year is often a great time for reflection, it seemed a good time to share as well.

When we booked it forever ago, I was just hoping for a fun and romantic diversion with interesting people, great food, and less hot weather (we were still in Dubai). I had no idea Steven and I would be living a world apart, that I would be back to the grind at work, and that it would be quite so deafening. How could I have possibly known, over a year in advance, how much I would need this trip and what it would do to me when it was finally experienced?

There are so many things I learned and saw for the first time, and so many moments where the quiet appreciation left me speechless. Maybe that's why it's been so hard to blog about - I don't have the words to do it justice. But really, the power of this trip was how much (and how beautifully) it reminded me of wisdom temporarily forgotten - the joys of simplicity, the love in everyday things and people, and that it's a damn shame if we never get to live the life we want.

I found this in a blog draft I wrote shortly afterwards, but never posted:

This trip was so grounding, fulfilling, and clarifying. I came back feeling at peace with myself and our life, and my heart is fuller and gentler than it's been all year (and probably longer). It's been a while since I've been able to clear my head and see through all my distractions. It given me the pause to re-align my life priorities (my whole life, not just today or next year), and remind myself of who I am and who I still want to be. It's intensely private, or at least personal, but I'm putting these fragments here because I also recognize how easily lost this kind of clarity is. I know I'll need the reminder.

Thanks self. Reminder appreciated.

Fishing the traditional French way, near St. Christoly

Sisters. Meeting these two made me love mine harder and appreciate the reasons people have babies to begin with.

In the center of St. Christoly with a wonderful group of people. (Not pictured - a baguette vending machine!)

*sigh*