Wined, Dined and Sunshined

I just returned from a marvelous weekend in Arcachon on the sea near Bordeaux. It was filled with good food, good conversation, good wine (bien sur) swims in the sea, picnics at sunset, a climb to the top of the largest dune in France, apertifs on a boat in the middle of the bay, promenades along the beach and through the ville, a short trip to the market y viola 48 hours away from Paris.

I was incredibly cared for by near strangers-patience with my budding french, interest in my opinions, delight in my delight. I felt like a precious flower that was delicately wined, dined and sunshined. When i returned to Paris i was totally high but what really had my juices flowing was how this weekend came about.

Last weekend i locked myself out of my apartment and as my landlord called it a "misadventure" ensued. (See the previous blog for details.) I called my landlord for a key but she was unable to help as she was in Arcachon 700 kilometers away. A few days later she invited me to their home by the sea (because of guilt, feeling sorry for me, who knows?) And i accepted.

As i reflect back on the lockout weekend and the pleasure-in weekend what i notice (again) is that the little mind has absolutely no idea of where Life is flowing. It desperately tries to control the moment by tantalizing us with stories of the past or the future, but truly it is paddling aimlessly while Life whisks us downstream. How many times has something "bad" turned into something great? Or something "good" turned into something okay or worse? The good/bad of the mind is completely irrelevant to Life. By notching up our attention to what Life is providing not the judgment of what is has or has not provided, untold adventures and riches are being offered to us in every moment. This is the only way i can explain the beauty of my life.

There is a magical rhythm of Life gently calling to each of us. While we are free to ignore that rhythm and put our attention all that we don't have (money, friends, family, hot croissants) and diet on the emotions of scarcity, lack, not deserving, anger, Life is ALWAYS offering us another choice. No matter what is happening on the outside world there is an unlimited inner world waiting for our exploration. And in a mixed up sort of way the inner world manifests the outer world. I sit in my French class and listen to my fellow students and sometimes think there must be two different Paris' out there. I am not sure how else to explain the joys and wonders i experience verses the dire experiences of others. (This is no to say that all is happy or beautiful all the time only that i realize the outside circumstances have very little to do with my inside sunshine.)

So I am grateful to have yet another experience not judging Life and trusting it to deliver the adventure of a lifetime called Kelsey.