Surprises

Would you believe me if I told you that I am living less than 2km from Picasso's home? Fear not, it's totally true. I will detail the Chateau once I've actually visited.

What a strange day today. Laetitia returned from "en ville" (city center), only to expose the news that there is an apparent city-wide sale in all stores today. So, as any proper woman would do, I dressed myself in my cutest sundress, buckled my oh-so-Euro sandals (yes, they are so totally me), saddled my very chic purse on my forearm, put on the shades, hopped in the Benz, and headed to town. Laetitia was right; the world went on sale today. I spent the afternoon window shopping and enjoying "les gens" (the crowds) scuffling back-and-forth across the streets, trying to avoid the next Puegeot (popular car in Europe) headed to the Rotunde (massive fountain in the city center). While I walked away empty-handed, I was soon to find out why I really came to town.

I stamped my parking ticket, paid, and strolled out of the parking garage just up to the light (of course it was red...every light is red when they know I'm coming), when a terribly frail woman with polyester pants, a wide brimmed, worn-out straw sun bonnet, two shopping bags in hand, and small satchel, circa 1946, draped across her left shoulder, Jesus-style, approached my car on the passenger side. With terribly mumbled words she spouted: "s'il te plait, mademoiselle, mademoiselle, s'il te plait, je ne peut pas marche...juste à...gauche...ne marche..." Literally dumbfounded, I watched this lady of at least 87 years crumble before me. She needed a lift to her home, less than 500m away, for she couldn't walk. She showed me her legs tightly wrapped in bandages, and handed me her enormous straw handbag. She spoke with marbled words for the next 3 minutes, until we reached the Total gas station across from her flat building. As she finally stood firm outside the car, enormous straw handbag at her side, she turned and asked me (in marbled, broken French again) if I was a Christian, and said "il vaut mieux, il vaut mieux," which means (it's better to be one, it's better to be one). So that's why I went to town today. He was there and needed me to see Him, because He knew that I felt a bit disheartened.

I have to laugh at myself so often lately because I can just be so dense! I am ridiculously intent on being the best at anything and everything I put my mind to, and I forget that my life is not meant to be lived in competition with anyone or anything else! I was feeling a bit disappointed in myself today because I didn't have lunch ready on time, Milan was frustrated with English and with me today, Domino cried when I tried to get her dressed this morning, and I just felt gross. Typical woman, I know. Again, a series of little things that attempted to destroy my confidence today, but He knew that I would wind up wandering the city, and He was intent on reminding me that He is here.

A drive through the countryside followed my excursions in the city, and that's where I lost my breath when I discovered the land of Picasso in Vauvenargues, less than 2km from my little bungalow.

Altogether, another good day.

PS. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad.