Friday, June 18, 2010

Roger and I are based for three weeks in the French Alps just below Mont Blanc. The towering peaks of the alps are visible from the house and the family's many gardens. Their home is in a classic little village. consisting of barn type houses closely sitauted to each other. Pascal, Cecile and their 18 year old daughter, Cloe, have opened their hearts, homes and gardens to us as part of a WWOOFing exchange - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.

We got very excited a year ago when we thought about spending some time in France so I could learn the language and, what better way than to live with a family. We subscribed to the French WWOOF website and started our search for the host properties. Cheese farms, orchards, vegetable growers… all in amazing areas that appealed to us (the mountains)

I was a little bit nervous before I arrived as I have limited French (I bought a‘Learn French in three months’ course which has been fantastic) and am a newbie at WWOOFing. However' I had no need to be concerned. I love it.

I love being in the garden and we have a large bedroom area which gives us our own space when we need it. The family speak French most of the time which is great for me to listen to (I do not profess to understand all of it however Roger speaks fluent French so he translates bits and pieces here and there) and I am slowly picking up the language. And Cloe is sitting her English exam on Friday so it is great for her to ask questions about our language.

Our view from the house!

We have the afternoons and all day Sunday to relax and do what we want and the work we do do is not too difficult…. Especially when you look up from weeding and see Mont Blanc rising majestically in front of you. Pascal has five gardens located around the valley all with postcard views. He grows organic vegetables to sell commercially and for preserving and storing for their long, cold winters. He also makes tasty bread in a wood fired oven once a fortnight for the local community.

Another view from the house!

There is something delightful about sharing the tasks, rituals and fun of family life in this way - tasting the local foods and lifestyle in a relaxed and easy way. We have another farm stay organized near Annecy next month and just searching for something in August. I will let you know how they all go!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

We headed across the valley up the other side of the mountain to Plateau D’Assy. Our hosts, Pascal and Cecile were going out to a ‘libre’ feast and concert while Roger and I headed up to the local church for an a capella concert ‘La Musique Vocale A Travers Les Siecles’ performed  by a double choir from Annecy. We had by chance seen the notice when visiting the church the day before.

The concert was stunning. The voices of the singers resonating in the beautiful stone building, rich and melodious. The conductor, Gonzalo Martinez, was inspirational. He used his whole body, gyrating and twisting his body, arms and face to invite and enthuse the singer’s harmonies. We were mesmerized, delighted and enriched by the experience.

After the concert we headed down the street to meet with our hosts and were greeted by the sound of grunge punk, such a contrast from where we had just been transported. However I was intrigued by the set up of the event. The local community holds these events twice a year. The notice (from what I could glean with my limited French) invited people to come in and enjoy a meal, drink and concert for free however they were asking for donations. It was up to people’s conscience to give what they could afford to assist with the cost of running the function.

They must make some money as the events have been running for some years and have spread to other communities. Not long after we arrived the grunge punk music abated and we were treated to some great rhythmic drumming and carnival music with fabulous African dancers.  A short conga line was formed which added to the fun. We headed home happy to have been treated to some great entertainment.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Roger and I had a quiet day together walking up the mountain behind our house. There is a heartfelt joy that we share this love of walking (up steep terrain) and do so quietly and with great enjoyment. We stop for short breaks to rest and to soak up the quietness and beauty of the forest.  We had a picnic in the little village of Montford overlooking the valley and mountains around us.

This ritual of walking for no reason other than to enjoy and be in nature is great for our souls and our relationship.

A young teenager once said to me that he could not understand why you would walk all that way just to turn around and come back again.(We were trying to entice him to join us on one of these ‘adventures’.) I laughed because really there is no sane reason as to why you would climb 1100 metres up and yes, turn around and come back down again. I just know it makes me feel great… and I love the vista from the top!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

A dear Dru yoga teacher has been managing cancer for the last few years with great success however more recently she has had to make some really big decisions regarding her treatment. This beautiful, wise and courageous woman is going in for major surgery in July with a question as to whether she will come through the operation.

She has a large network of colleagues, family and friends who surround her and her family (a husband and two beautiful teenage daughters) with love and support. I received an email from one of her friends last week inviting people to an evening of prayer and meditation for our friend (and also others in need) on Sunday 20^th June from 6-8pm (AEST) in Canberra. They asked people to bring a bead so they could create a necklace for her to wear to the hospital and also set up a fund for people to make donations towards her care.

There are no bead shops in the Alps so I pulled out my embroidery threads and created a special forest green bead hand woven and blessed with love and care.

My friend has been the focus of a few gatherings over the years and each time she has felt deeply moved and uplifted during some pretty challenging times. Holding prayer or healing circles where we can come together, light a candle and sit in silence offering prayers and blessings is a powerful gift to those in need.  This simple ritual has been used in many religious and secular communities around the world.

I will sit quietly here in the Alps at the same time as my friends will be in Australia and offer my focus and stillness to my friend and others in need. You may wish to do the same.

Take the phone of the hook, turn off the mobile and just find a place where you can sit comfortably undisturbed. You may wish to place a photograph in front of you of the person in need that you wish to offer blessings to or you can visualize them in your mind.

Then as you sit, relax your whole body while keeping your spine upright. Become aware of your physical body and the space that it occupies, become aware of your breath and allow a stillness to permeate your whole being (let the inevitable thoughts come and go and bring your awareness back to this moment.) Then sense a kindness or gentleness infuse your body, mind and heart. Rest in this feeling for as long as you can hold your attention there. Then you may wish to offer a prayer or a silent blessing to your friend or family member.

I do this short meditation every morning and evening (I use a clock to time 30 minutes) and at the close offer love and kindness to my family and friends and the wider community. This ritual quietens me, uplifts me and holds my dear ones close to my heart.

I received the following prayer from the Buddhist retreat centre that I attended in February. Once you have done the short relaxation above you offer the prayer to yourself, then those that are closest to you, then to someone you may feel some animosity towards or difficulty with, then offer it to someone you may not know directly (ie. The taxi driver, the lady from the corner store, your child’s teacher, people in need etc)

(Name of the person) may you be happy. May you be safe and free from harm. May you know kindness and peace.

You can use the above prayer or create one for your own use. Keep the prayer short and simple so you can remember it easily and use the same one for at least a week if you are doing it every day.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Roger and I will often visit the local church in the small villages we walk through. In the little village of Plateau D’Passy the church was built in the late 40’s using modern architecture and designs. Walking down to the church in the midday sun meant that as we entered the building our eyes saw only the dark inky blackness inside the stone building. There was very little light entering through the heavily coloured stain glass windows. We both found a pew and sat down. I closed my eyes and listened to the depth of silence in the building. The noise of the passing traffic and the busy 'goings on' of daily life outside quietened in this sacred space.

After about fifteen minutes of quiet contemplation I opened my eyes to a wondrous sight. The huge tapestry that lined the bell shaped church chapel at the front was rich with colour and imagery. Cattle with three cow heads coming out of their backs and tails. A radiant sun with images of people lit up by its presence. The artistic design was indeed quite pagan. Yet underneath this piece of work were sculptures of Christ and the crucifix. The coloured light streamed in through the stained glass windows framed by the stone archways and lit up the mosaic floor.

There is a silence in old stone buildings especially sacred places of worship that allows my mind to rest. I know this silence to be everpresent however it is definitely easier to rest in the stillness in quiet places. I soak up the peace and quiet and then leave with a deep gratitude for the presence of this sanctuary in this little village.

Back out into the craziness of the world... this sculpture in the main street of Plateau D'Passy captures it well!

 

Sunday, June 13, 2010

There are many ways to relate to each other - verbally and non verbally, both very powerful in their own right. I was deeply touched when I read about my dear friend, Margot's daughter, Emma and what she has achieved.

This information was sent to the local Rural Newspaper, Border Mail. Albury NSW (written by Margot Smith)

Local girl Emma Smith awarded Natural Horsemanship Scholarship.

 

Emma Smith, 18 years old, has been offered an opportunity to study with Pat Parelli, the World leader of Natural Horsemanship. There are currently 22,000 savvy club members World Wide, studying the Parelli methods as a foundation for natural horsemanship and Equine specialist goals.

 

Emma and her 8 year old Arab, cross Quarter horse, Banjo were one of 8 savvy members selected to represent the Savvy team for the first ever Share Parelli Event, held recently in Sydney. (May 8^th) with 1,700 spectators.

 

For Emma and Banjo, and most of the team, it was the first time in front of an audience or in an indoor arena.

 

That morning, Pat Parelli explained the format of the day, so there was no time for rehearsals or specific preparations. Pat and Linda Parelli had a vision to demonstrate how these young progressive students are currently managing individual horse behaviour under the Parelli Homestudy Program and the level of horsemanship that can be obtained through a relationship based on willingness instead of intimidation and harmony instead of coercion. Being prepared to “play with the horse that shows up on the day” was something the students had to be prepared for and to utilise their knowledge and leadership skills to put the relationship first.

 

Emma, Benn and Julie elected to do a solo demo with their horse. Each student was allowed  4 songs with which to play with their horse in any format - online, liberty or freestyle riding. They had the choice of including one, two or all three savvy’s. It was not a competition but a demonstration of a partnership between horse and human based on love, language and leadership.

Emma entered the arena with Banjo on a 45 foot line and took her time as he showed signs of being  a little right brain introverted. She used various on line patterns to increase his confidence in the new environment and establish a connection with relaxation as a priority. Gradually, Emma was able to further her distance from Banjo and guide from behind to move around obstacles at different gaits with the slightest suggestion and Banjo remained calm and responsive throughout.

The 45 foot line and halter were removed so Banjo was at liberty which meant he could leave her if he chose. The truth of the strong bond was very moving and a relationship between human and horse without tools or force was evident. Banjo maintained a willingness to stay connected, especially cantering at liberty around Emma, with softness and lightness.

 
Emma then rode Banjo without a bridle or halter and he followed her strong focus. They were like ballroom dancers, in harmony as they cantered and the duo finished with Banjo's feet on a pedestal. Both were calm and relaxed and showed a true partnership based on each knowing their responsibilities.

The audience responded with a standing ovation. There are occasions when Pat Parelli can be so moved by the relationship between horse and human, especially when the horse’s needs and dignity are foremost. His vision is about making the world a better place for horses and humans.

 

After thanking Emma for “showing the Parelli way” he asked Emma if she would like to come to the USA on a 3 month scholarship and attend the university for the Professional Instructor and Mastery Program. The only location in the world you can become an endorsed Parelli Proffessional. The comments on Parelli facebook and web site were all testimony to the inspiration Emma and Banjo invoked and how being totally present for the horse is so important.
 

The audience did not know at the time what a challenging and dominant horse Banjo once was. He had the nickname as “the punk” and his dominant behaviour concerned many. He would charge at people and his striking and defensive behaviour was common when he first came to Emma 3 years ago. It was the only way Banjo knew how to behave in the world of humans and his behaviours were managed in ways that made him even more defensive and dominant.

He looked like an angel at the seminar and the bond between Emma and Banjo were what many horse owners dream of.

The chance to go to Colorado is Emma's dream come true, one that she has had since she was 12. The fairytale story is not just about dreams coming true but also about overcoming adversity. Emma has had her fair share of challenges since she was 8 years old, after being in an accident with her family and witnessing the traumatic death of her younger sister, Georgia. Her happy family life was in an instant, changed forever. Coming to terms with death at a young age has been gradual.  Parelli has offered a way for Emma to heal and create something positive in her life. Her passion is horses and Emma shares Pat’s vision about making the world a better place for horses and humans.

Emma has been fortunate to have her family also involved in the program and Kaye Thomas, Emma’s mentor and local Parelli Professional Instructor has helped her on the horsemanship journey. The support and Homestudy educational information have been the major keys for progress.



For more info about Parelli or Endorsed Parelli Professional Instructors visit www.parellinaturalhorsetraining.com

Wendy: Congratulations Emma!

 

 

 

Saturday, June 12, 2010

The trip from the north of France (Dunkirk) across the northern borders through Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Germany was scenic around every corner with shimmering fields of grass and flowers, fairy castle buildings with turrets, large gates, barns and high walls, hedge flowers, narrow roads, busy freeways, trucks and more trucks, rivers and mountains, flat farming plains, roads lined with deciduous trees creating a canopy of filtered green and yellow light, cattle with charming, clanging bells around their necks, classic country cottages with wooden shutters and flower boxes trailing petunias and geranium… all seen from the right hand side of the road.

We brought our right hand drive van over from the UK which I am very comfortable in (more so than driving a European vehicle) and the mirrors give me great vision all round. Our little home on wheels means we can drive with no agenda of arriving anywhere and we have been most fortunate in finding the perfect spot to camp at night tucked in off the road. Although one night a guy walked up to the van in khaki green armed with a gun… I was a bit surprised needless to say however he was just a friendly hunter making sure we were ok. He was off to hunt wild pig!

We meandered our way down the eastern border arriving into the hills of the French Alps, lush green valleys and winding roads. We stayed the night at Lake Corbeaux (lake of the crows of which there were a few), a beautiful tarn (lake)high up in the hills. Roger became really sick with a virus and took to bed literally for 24 hours a day (for the next 7 days!). We thought it would pass quickly so we stayed at the lake where I took long walks to the lookouts and down into the local village (armed with minimal French) however being the off season at the moment and it was also the usual siesta time when I arrived (12.30 to 2.15pm everything closes) there were very few things open.

After two days Roger wanted to move so I drove to the alpine village of Vallorcine (think white tipped awesome peaks that tower way, way above the forests and valleys) just before Chamonix. While Roger rested some more I took glorious walks surrounded by the sharp and jagged peaks of Mont Blanc and other great mountains. It is rock climbers paradise now it is summer!

We arrived at our WWOOFing host farm on Saturday and Pascal, Cecile and their daughter, Cloe, were very welcoming. We are in a classic village on the hillside with houses all around. The chickens live in the underground level which is next to the cellar where they store and sell their produce. Bottles of preserves, dried zucchini’s, jams and other goodies… the living areas are on the second and third floor and the loft where the hay was traditionally stored over winter is a massive bedroom area which is now for the WWoofers who stay. A large spacious loft that overlooks… yes, more mountain ranges! We settled Rog into the upstairs room that is to be our bedroom for the next three weeks.

There are gardens everywhere and also lots of cats. On our first day I explored the area and walked up the mountain behind their home to a beautiful little chalet village, Montford, that sits amongst the meadows above the tree line. This landscape lifts my spirit with extraordinary ease.

The following day I was out into the garden.  (One of six large veggie patches) The first day I planted over 100 celeriac plants and 100 cauliflower seedlings. The second day I was out in the carrot patch weeding… it certainly makes me appreciate what goes into growing a carrot. Today I was raking the hay for mulch and weeding the bean patch… pretty hard yakka for the morning however when you look up and see the awesome Mont Blanc looking down over your shoulder it is pretty amazing. The sharp peaks are striking in their glory and I am in absolute awe living here in this valley. The view from the bedroom window, the kitchen, the driveway and the gardens are divine! Pascal has another big garden on the other side of the valley which I worked in today and that looks directly at Mont Blanc!

The weather has been warm and dark storm clouds build up in the afternoon. When I walked up to Montford I was about 200 metres before arriving back to their home and the heavens opened. I laughed and ran through the pouring rain which had the same force as having a bucket of water tipped over my head. Water squelched in my boots as I ran and I peeled my sopping clothes off before hopping into the shower.

Pascal, the father, works very hard, long hours in his gardens. In this area they have such a short growing season so the time pressure is huge.  He is out at 7.30 and often doesn’t get in til 9pm.

At the garden on the other side of the valley Pascal and I stopped to have lunch at his mum’s place who lives nearby and she prepared a four course feast… it was all I could do to keep awake after the meal… so while Pascal had to go to a meeting I climbed another mountain instead! It was a steep ascent through fir and beech forest, slowly plodding up and up and up…. And then, voila… a view that took my breath away… Mont Blanc surrounded by an horizon of mountain ranges… I sat for a while before heading down a steep descent through another valley and back to Jardin de Cimes.

A week later and Rog is feeling much better today and the colour has returned to his cheeks so it will be good company to have him in the garden and up the mountain peaks with me. The quiet has been lovely though!

In five days of being with this family my French has improved tremendously. While in the garden I listen to my French course that I have recorded on my iPod and when I get a moment I then read through the notes that accompany it. It really is a fabulous way to learn a language. It is around me all the time. They speak mostly to me in French and translate what I don’t understand (which is getting less and less) Rog already speaks fluent French so I can ask him for help when necessary. ‘How do you say….?’

We are in contact with a few other farms that we hope to stay on while we are in France (for three months)… one is a cheese farm up in the high mountains (yes, just a bit higher than here!) which would be awesome… even though I don’t each much cheese I would love to work with the cows and learn to make cheese.

All in all life is interesting and I love working in the garden and being in the mountains. We are both much more settled than we have been in the last few weeks. I had not considered how difficult it would be to be ‘on the road’ for so long and there has been some deep soul searching about many things which has at times taken me to dark places in my mind and heart. This trip is ‘like having an elephant in the tent’. I will not be the same again. Neither of us really know why we are doing this and not staying at home by the beach. It does feel right though to be here and facing the challenges.

As of today, I am not sure how this is shaping me I just know it is. And it took coming away on an epic journey like this to explore many of the habitual patterns and stories that I have running. Time for a change – I like to think that I am a rough gemstone being polished!

I am also enjoying doing regular relaxations and nurturing my body (when I am not digging in the gardens now!) and that feels healthy. To be honest, working in the gardens is great for my health as well.

Dinner is ready so enough of our tales for today.

Friday, June 11, 2010 Bonjour

Ten days into our French adventure and it has been full of surprises… but first a funny story about our trip down through the middle of England to the white cliffs of Dover.

We camped by the side of a small road near the Canterbury Downs when two local dogs decided to bark near the van yapping us to distraction …so we decided to move even though it was quite late.

Driving around we saw the perfect paddock to camp in and knocked on the nearest door to ask if it would be ok for us to sleep there. The lady of the house and her husband were extremely friendly and said that no, we couldn’t camp there but we were welcome to camp on their ‘island’, a small area of grass in front of their country house.  So deeply grateful to be able to stop we pulled onto the nature reserve and settled in for the night.  An hour or so later the very English genteel man insisted, in his inebriated state, that we must absolutely come in and join them for a drink. They had had guests for lunch and now his wife had retired for the evening, so we were entertained by his son and himself.

The table was littered with 20 or so wine bottles and ashtrays overflowing, glasses everywhere and the remnants of cheese platters in place. The air was thick with stale cigarette smoke yet somehow they created a friendly and inviting environment to stay in, which we did while the father managed to find another bottle of wine which took him a while to open in the state he was in. I managed to refuse his generous offer of wine, much to his amusement that I didn't drink alcohol, and found myself a Perrier water.

He had an innate sense of hospitality yet there was also an air of being invited in as a means of entertainment for them. Two travelers from Down Under come to the real world, the centre of the universe (only 40 minutes from London and not far from Brighton – said in the upper class Brit accent!).

At one point he tried to put forward the argument that England had only become a colonialist power by default, a natural growth because of England’s prowess in the industrial and business worlds which had led to their success all over the world. When questioned on this, like the incidents of the opium wars and slavery, he did admit that a little coercion may have been used here and there.

It didn't take him long to let us know he didn't really like his work and all he wanted to do was sit in his garden, drink wine, read a good book and smoke cigarettes. When questioned as to what he did, there was a pause and he launched into his title and power position with aplomb… I won't reveal it here to protect this 'important man's' reputation... he assured us in no uncertain terms that he was the top and best in his field in this part of the world. I had to laugh! How did we end up in his house!

He certainly had an eclectic view on society and assured us that no job he ever worked with was ever black or white however his priority was straightforward to win! Each situation was like an 18thcentury naval battle.

When we asked his son if he was going to follow in his father's footsteps he replied Absolutely (pause) not! (Also in a upper class Brit accent) He declared his passion to be a children's writer, even if it meant becoming an alcoholic or a heroin addict. I was not quite sure of the link with his thinking.

Any subject relating to feminine prowess were treated with disdain and his declaration that he loved to impregnate women (stated at least five times) brought another smile of disbelief to my face. I wonder what his son thought of this drunken statement.

The father and son had an interesting relationship. On one level the son was an absolute chip off the old block quaffing wine all day, smoking endlessly, effusing similar opinions about life, still living at home under his father's benevolent eye. Yet, there was a rebel in him, declaring his laziness and choice of study. Both held the view that the English culture was by God given right and there was nowhere else in the world they could imagine living or why anyone else would want to do so! The son's favourite exclamation was "it is searingly good!"

After two hours of incredible live theatre which we were ;all players, we were able to bid them both a fond farewell and took our smoky bodies back to our little van on the island chuckling at our good fortune in having spent the evening with them. In the morning we left via the other side road which revealed that the country house was in fact a 17th century double gabled mansion whose driveway we would not have even considered going in to. It was a fabulous evening and a great piece of British theatre where we all had a part to play. We couldn't have asked for better.

My favourite quote from The Incredible String Band....

All of life is but a stage, be thou a joyful player!

Wednesday, June 09, 2010 this is a thankyou note to the Nairns oatmeal sweet ginger biscuit
the one that made me stop to eat you right under that beech tree
and left all kinds of sticky, oaty, sugary,crunchy bits in my teeth
which made me reach for the last mouthful of water in my bottle
which made me tilt my head right back to get those last dribbles
which caused my eyes to be looking right up into the tree
which made them open so wide with amazement, to discover that all the time i had been yummily munching you, i was sitting under this magnificent, mighty, humongously gorgeous forest giant, made even more splendid by the dappled pellucid light in its freshly replendant foliage, simply bubbling with new vigour at the very idea of a whole summer ahead of alchemical photosynthesis.
There, right above my head, and under which i nearly walked past without so much as a gday,was a whole world......nay a universe, or did i mean a university, or was it universe-tree, or perhaps universe-city, of the genus ¨FAGUS   the mighty beech, in its prime of life.
So that i could not be accused of my standard exaggerative prowess, i even paced out the width of ground cover over which its limbs extended......35 metres
and even accepting my imaginative talents, it had to be 50 metres high
And so dearest and most tasty Nairns Oatmeal Ginger  

thankyou so much for seducing me into such an auspicious meeting

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Leaving the UK on the Dover to Dunkirk ferry on the 1^st June, six months to the day we left Australia, felt like we were embarking on the next stage of our journey.  A new chapter… for the most part of our time away in NZ, Canada and the UK, we have had a fair idea of the country, the schedule, the accommodation and so on. Now, we step into more unknown territory. Neither of us knows the landscape of France very well so we are guiding our way by the colours on the map (since we always head for the forests and mountain green areas) and we have struck lucky so far. On our first night, after arriving late into Dunkirk , we headed away from the Port and found ourselves 40 km down the motorway turning off into the country. We found a beautiful little grass road we could tuck ourselves away in for the night. The following day we covered a bit more territory heading across the top of France, through Belgium and Luxembourg to find ourselves in the mountain area of ‘Regional des Ballons’ near a beautiful mountain lake. (Three countries in one day – hard to imagine when it takes me two days to drive to my son’s place from my home in Australia!)

Roger has not been too well so he took the day off from walking and I headed into the small village, armed with a few French phrases and plenty of enthusiasm to try them out. Not surprisingly, in this alpine village and being off season, there were not many people about or many shops open however I had a scenic walk back up through the valley to our little camper on the mountain.