Images of here and there
August 31, 2017
July and August went by very quickly and were quite busy, it seems. Nicely though. When in the morning I opened the shutters and saw the top of a mountain under a blue sky, I knew the clouds would eventually disappear and leave room for another sunny and hot day.
One day, as I went to a small town down in the valley, I had the surprise of finding some marmots (groundhogs) very far away from their alpine territories. Mom and her girls. Those were local marble sculptures made by a great uncle of mine who passed away a long time ago. He had sculpted many animals (foxes, squirrels, weasels, cats, owls, eagles and more) that were exhibited here and there in our area. Often in parks, on fountains or bridges, in front of some schools too. What a happy and touching discovery!
Up in the mountains wild flowers cover our pastures with varied and beautiful shades. This is just one of the many bouquets I picked during Summertime. Not two were alike and I just loved their delicate simplicity.
A few minutes before a loud Summer storm, I spotted a complex agricultural machinery, a kind of rural art, don’t you think ? And a lovely splash of vibrant colors when the sky got real dark.
Shopping one day in a dairy shop, I smiled as I read the wooden sign : “”Eggs from happy hens”. They must have tasted good because there were none left for sale. Too bad.
At a multicultural family reunion around a little baby, Mady, his Senegalese Dad had invited several members of his African family and friends and before long an exotic music was in the air for everyone’s pleasure.
Ninio loved our sunny Summer but sometimes he enjoyed some shade too…going zebra- like !
I did not quilt much during these past months but just started an experiment with two or three plain materials that I cut and assembled randomly. An improvisation without too much thinking or planning. The very hot days seemed to have slowed down my imagination… Let’s see where this will lead me to !
I hope you will enjoy these few images taken during the last months. There was more to be thankful for or to feel sad about but we have to take days as they come and make the best of them, don’t we ?
Before long those little birds will stop their “chat on line” and leave for another Summer somewhere else while we will stay here with the happy memory of their cheerful singing.
Lately….
September 29, 2016
…our weather has obviously been changing. Although we still get to see a bright blue sky during the day, temperatures have dropped. Evenings and nights are cooler, quilts are welcome ! Mountains are often hidden behind a morning mist and parasols stay closed, a colorful reminder of our sunny Summer.
Rain has fallen. Humidity was so much needed and no one is complaining.
There are still some flamboyant colors left in the garden, like this red/orange gorse or broom ? that are brightening up any day.
On a clear day at the lakeside, you could even meet The Lady of The Lake (not even feeling cold 😉 enjoying the late Summer sunshine.
In town, Fall and Winter clothes are blooming in the shop-windows. A little dog is sitting outside; he looks at the passersby as if saying : “Here is the new Fall fashion for you, ladies”. A nice encounter with this irrresistible and patient doggie waiting for her owner who went inside the boutique. For how long ? Who knows ? He will wait for sure.
On the way to the forest, I made another encounter that attracted my attention. A small yellow leaf was caught in a late afternoon sunray and shone in all its glory. Could this be another sign of Autumn settling down around here ?
Ninio has felt something too and is trying to blend in. Hunting season has started, his instinct for camouflage is awoken but I keep him on a leash…so as to be sure we walk back home together ! And avoid trouble with the hunters.
Feeling like more color ? Then I am happy to share with you my latest quilt. One I started sewing when I received the bad news of my cancer. It has been a great help all along this past year. Sewing by hand, having it close by wherever I went and whenever I felt like adding a piece of material carefully chosen for all it inspired me. I loved searching in my baskets of scraps for the right material or pattern. There are circles, many circles, more or less round – you could say like cells, breasts, life circles. Some are looking healthy but in others you can see wounds, pain, you can imagine hope too and whatever you feel like. (if you click on the picture, you may be able to see the details).
I called this piece :
“Quilting for healing”
Circles … each one a precious life
Circles of all kinds
Circles of pain
Circles of fear
Circles of hope
Circles on the mend
Circles of gratefulness
Circles for Life
Quilting for Life
Wishing you all a happy, healthy and colorful Autumn.
Happiness is…
June 22, 2016
… GETTING unexpected news from friends you thought had all forgotten about you. But they did not ! An SMS on your cellphone, a letter with lots of pictures, a telephone call, all of it on your birthday.
… LISTENING to a song from years ago by a lady who was famous as an actress, a singer, an activist and a politician (Minister for Culture in her country). A beautiful unforgettable human being, MELINA MERCOURI, from Greece.
<a href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSz4heSSNYM” rel=”nofollow”>www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSz4heSSNYM</a
… WALKING to the woods just after the rain has fallen, droplets of water still trembling on the branches and leaves.
I am listening to the rain whose drops are falling one by one.
I am listening to the rain whose noise is calming my heart.
Lys Gauty
… HEARING the birds sing in the morning as you wake up
… EXPLORING the countryside with a determined buddy as a guide
… BEING MOVED by the tenderness and protection shown to a child
… LOOKING FORWARD to the Season of strawberries
… IMAGINING things in the sky, like a large lost feather… or an angel’s wing ?
… PLAYING SCRABBLE just for the pleasure of finding words and not for counting points
… And last but not least ENJOYING POSTING AGAIN, reading you, finding inspiration, energy and time to write to you !
I feel sure there are many other reasons to define what HAPPINESS is. Those are just the thoughts that came to mind as I started writing about it.
Easter light
March 26, 2016
May the sun rays over the Alps bring you light and warmth in your heart.
I hope you will rejoice and smile at the brightness of these fresh Spring flowers. A true renewal of Season.
Peace and love to all in those troubled times and let us not forget to stay strong and keep Hope alive.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter !
Isabelle
Summer gifts
August 25, 2015
Summer is not over yet but the extreme heat we had just a few weeks ago is gone. We are left with memories of hot, very hot days. Like during a late afternoon when the sun shone brightly through the window and reflected its rays in a mirror. How grateful I was to dear Dena who had sent me a beautiful and exotic fan for my birthday which, of course, was a delight to use !
Lawns were rather neglected this year but not all flowers. Here in front of our hospital a flowerbed was being watered. I was surprised to spot two unexpected plants… Will you find the odd ones out ? Fresh looking “intruders” indeed.
In the blue Summer sky, silent visitors flew along with a light wind they only seemed to feel and breathe. Underneath the heat was sometimes unbearable but what a lovely sight !
The pleasure of reading Amanda Enayati’s book in the shade : “Seeking Serenity”.
“In your world, mind and body,
Be present.
Use mindfulness to heal and transform the brain, and its ability to cope in stressful situations.”
One of the ten rules on your road map for health and happiness in the age of anxiety. A much-needed guide to these difficult times. I really enjoyed this book as well as the beautifully embroidered bookmark made with care by my friend, Janice. http://janiceheppenstall.com/blog
Barriers, fences, walls and other man-made obstacles are bound to be crossed, aren’t they ? Those were my thoughts as I looked at the clematis flowers meant to grow along the green metal fence. And yet, quite naturally, they went over… A Summer of crossing borders, deserts and seas for so many people.
Even my energetic Nino was affected by this particularly hot Season. He squatted my couch in the shade. We finally came to an agreement and each of us found its place.
Maybe you can feel the heat that had accumulated on the stones of this old house. It could be quite cool inside though because of the narrow windows and the width of the walls. I liked the plant and colored scarf that added a hint of freshness.
Summer, terraces, parasols, cool drinks and sometimes music in the streets, another pleasure of the Season.
My favorite time of the day was at sunset. The air was still warm from all the sun, even in the mountains but there was a touch of coolness and of course the brilliant light behind the Alps, the sun rays on the old wooden shutters made it a special moment. Every evening.
Senses of Spring
April 20, 2015
Over two months have passed since I wrote last. As I explained in a comment on my previous post, https://isathreadsoflife.wordpress.com/2015/02/09/of-colors-and-winter/, I will not be able to visit you and write as much as I would wish. Therapies are going on, tiredness is still overwhelming but there are days when I feel stronger; the urge to go out and see nature and Spring brings me outside. Luckily so ! I always enjoy it, no matter the temperature, sun, wind or rain. It feels real good.
Sight. One of the first senses of Spring one feels over here is certainly the view of the shy and fragile snowdrops emerging from a cold soil and opening to the morning sun. A familiar and yet always enchanting view.
Smell. A visit to the nearby farmers’ market brings many delicious surprises these days. Amongst them, a bunch of tarragon, a sweet scented herb that I like adding to fish or some vegetables like green beans. 
Taste. And what about the fresh and appealing leeks ? I like them stewed and served with a vinaigrette or as a “gratin” with potatoes and a light béchamel sauce. 
Hearing. Can you actually hear them ? Your may not see them though, those lively and noisy birds celebrating Spring in a joyful concerto “con molto brio”. They are back from wherever they went to, jumping in and out of their little wooden house in the garden. Delightful Spring sounds. 
Touch. A gift I brought back home as I came out of hospital. A special heart sewed by women for other women. A heart-shaped cushion, so soft and light, that is meant to nest gently under your arm, ease the pain and warm your heart and soul. It was so touching and appreciated ! Much gratefulness to you, ladies of the “Cushions of the heart” group.
Wishing you all a Happy Spring ! Moments of joy when the birds sing “good morning” to you, wonder and peace as the tender green shades of the Season tell you about renewal and a real delight to taste the great variety of fresh salads and veges.
in peace
September 7, 2014
Jaun, a small village in the Gruyère area of the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. Its cemetery, known for the beautiful woodcarvings built on each grave, depicting the life of the deceased, adds to the charm of this mountain village. I believe, these sculptures may be unique in Europe. They were created on the initiative of Walter Cottier, a self taught resident who passed in 1995. Other village artists have continued creating this most unusual artwork. I was there last week with friends and took some pictures to share with you
Jaun’s church is surrounded by many wooden tombs, each as different as the villagers were.
According to the old table and sewing machine sculpted on the wooden grave, this lady was a dressmaker. How many pieces of clothing had she sewn in her life ?
Another person who was remembered in the cemetery was a hunter. Between other words on his tomb I read : “Arbeit war Dein ganze Leben/Work was your whole life”.
How could one forget the grocer ? The lady who sold all that was needed, as well as daily bread ?
Another sculpture was dedicated to a lorry driver, an important person in this mountain village. He would have transported wood beams, all kinds of goods, stones, and any heavy materials people needed.
Marie; a church and a bouquet of flowers have been sculpted on her wooden grave. Would she have been the faithful person who, week after week, decorated the altar of the church years ago ?
Family members, friends who are still missed, who added their share to the life and history of the village and who now rest in peace in this lovely alpine setting. They are certainly honored in a beautiful way.
Inside the church, the late afternoon sun was shining softly on a stained glass window.
One can learn so much about the life of a village – or any place – while visiting such a cemetery. Like a book whose pages you would slowly turn with wonder and respect. My gratitude goes to the village artists who keep memory alive.
Hints of Spring
April 15, 2014
Did you think Spring had come ? I did too last March. Then one morning I felt everything looked too white, too cold. Different. A patch of Winter had covered the landscape. Again. Just to give us a fright. It did not last long though. 
When snow melted, the soil got warmer by the day and little by little tiny flowers, daisies, appeared in the grass. Some were quicker to open to the sun, others more shy, stayed asleep. 
Dialogue between two cotton sheets in the open. “What is Isa thinking to hang us outside today ? Early March is too cold and what a Siberian wind this morning !!”. “I know, I am freezing. Let’s huddle up together, get warm and dry. Isa will come over, bring us down into her basket and put us back nicely onto our beds”. 
Hiding in the grass ? I saw you, pretty white primrose. You made my day. Thank you. 
Spring can affect some animals, apparently not these quiet cows grazing along the railway road. As I and other passengers were waiting for the train back in Fribourg, we were told that the train would have an indeterminate delay. We waited as the same message was repeated again and again. Finally we knew what it was all about : heifers were on the tracks and all trains from Zurich to Geneva (half of Switzerland, North-South) were delayed. Maybe it was the cows’ first day out in the pastures after a long stay in the barn ? Such an excitement and joy ! There must have been some serious gap in a fence somewhere too. Fortunately nothing wrong happened to anybody, the cheerful cattle was driven back home and the train moved on. Missed connections but more time to admire the scenery.
Spring can also make you feel more tired. This is my case. I do not seem to be the only one… I was looking for Nino at home, no sign of him. I found him upstairs, dozing lazily on a comfy quilt, eyeing gently at an exotic parrot. Oh well, change of Season, you know.
Since we are in a patchwork mood, let me show you my new Spring project. Something I have been planing to sew for a long time : a picnic blanket for Summertime. All different scrappy squares, economy blocks or diamond in diamond. I really enjoy going through my leftovers boxes. The quilt is far from being finished; I plan to separate each square with a plain fabric, white or green. Spring has just started and I hope to sit in the open on this blanket next Sumer. How I love picnics ! 
Just a few touches of my Spring that I felt like sharing with you, hoping yours is pleasant too. Any project on the way ?
Altitudes and contrasts
March 19, 2014
Over the past weeks it seems like I did nothing much but come and go between the mountains (4429ft) and the plains (1480ft) and yet I can assure you a lot happened in-between ! The seasonal flu’ hit several family members I looked after; Spring cleaning fever hit me too, as well as clearing out. I also took time to visit with friends here and there. During these constant trips up and down the valley, I became interested in comparing the changes of Season according to the different altitudes.
The tall and almost bare larch trees in the Alps; snow melted in places but no green buds yet.
A forest of slender masts in the town of Morat, at the edge of a lake. The boats are stlll protected from the cold and the frost that can cause so much damage in Winter. Soon they will sail on the lake though.
Under an unusual mountain fog, the slate roofs of the chalets are still covered with a thick layer of snow.
whereas the old red tiled roofs of the ancient houses shine under the sun near Morat.
Snow flowers over 4000ft
and Spring first pink blossoms at the lakeside. So welcome !
Someone you know, my Nino, is almost taking off a steep slope in the mountains, a simple joy he never gets tired of,
and a thirsty dog (20°C on that particular day) taking a bath and drinking water at the edge of the lake, after playing with his master on the grass.
Typical Winter activity…
and early Spring relaxing moments at the lake.
Such are my landscapes at the moment. Winter is not yet over (far from it) and Spring is starting to shine down in the valley. I even saw apricot trees in bloom, a rare sight at the end of March. I wish you happy moments, joyful colors and a warmer sunshine in a blue sky.
En route for Spring !
Greenness in the city
August 14, 2013
Another day in Portugal. After the city of Porto, its harbour and the Douro river, how about spending some time in a luxuriant park of Porto and in Coimbra’s Botanical Garden ? It was founded in 1772 and is part of its very ancient University. More about the beautiful city of Coimbra later on.
Won’t you come into the garden, I would like my roses to see you.” Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816) said to his future wife Elizabeth inferring that she was more beautiful.
I sit in my garden, gazing upon a beauty that cannot gaze upon itself. And I find sufficient purpose for my day. ~Robert Brault.
In the garden I tend to drop my thoughts here and there. To the flowers I whisper the secrets I keep and the hopes I breathe. I know they are there to eavesdrop for the angels. ~Dodinsky
The temple bell stops but I still hear the sound coming out of the flowers. ~Basho
The mystery of a glasshouse… What kind of world is growing under its roof, brilliant patchwork of glass tiles ? What universe shall we discover as we open the door ?
Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed. ~Walt Whitman
Gardening is civil and social, but it wants the vigor and freedom of the forest and the outlaw. ~Henry David Thoreau
Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul. ~The Koran
A hue of far away. Perhaps for this
The dove brought olive back, a tree which grows
Unearthly pale, which ever dims and dries,
And whose great thirst, exceeding all excess,
Teaches the South it is not paradise.
My garden is my favorite teacher. ~Betsy Cañas Garmon,www.wildthymecreative.com
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