They were here, in the middle of nowhere, at best two to three cars ambling down the lane past the beautiful french farmhouse throughout the day. It’s hot. There is a warm breeze with the smell of tonight’s meal slowly cooking, gently wafting through the farmhouse as she sought refuge from the heat. The pool is a welcome respite but only briefly, as once dry the need to dive back in again is overwhelming.
Her early morning walk through the country lanes around the farmhouse that morning had soothed her soul, exploring the country lanes … the quiet was all encompassing, occasionally interrupted only by the odd bird or the distant hum of a tractor. It felt so remote and this she relished. A couple of neighbours and distant houses scattered across the rolling hills – covered in sunflowers, their heads now turned and facing down, awaiting harvesting. She could imagine the farmhouse surrounded by a sea of stunning yellow when they were in full bloom.
They were here for a family wedding and she was excited for the upcoming nuptials. The farmhouse was being primped and preened ready for the big day, the barn a no-go secret zone until then. The trip into the village (quaint and so very French) for all things wedding had not taken as long as she had anticipated. She had been sidetracked by the little vintage clothing shop – it had beckoned her and presented a treasure trove of French goodness … gloves, hats galore, tulle and fur, the latter never to be required in her hometown.
But the hat! The hat seduced her with the dusky pink marabou feathers against the black straw mesh, hand made by the owner of the vintage boutique, one of a kind. She simply must have it, umming and ahhing to herself about the price before eventually caving in and deciding to treat herself for the wedding, even though it meant a change in her planned outfit. She had received assurance from the bride that a black dress was no problem and the hat must be bought. It looks fantastic, the bride said, you absolutely must wear it.
With the hat firmly secured, the next stop was the flowers for the wedding and the car was soon full to the brim for the return journey back to the farmhouse, the warm heady smell of lilies permeating through the air. A swim beckoning again and maybe even an afternoon siesta.
The pool however was full of teenage boys on their return, and the many inflatables, packed and bought over with them for this very purpose. Ready now for the children, both young and old.
It was a lazy day. In and out of the pool and a wander with the camera, inspiration for future paintings everywhere she looked. Big blue skies and wide open spaces, the views in every direction were stunning and at times too surreal, the farmhouse windows the framing view and the few fluffy clouds.
The solitude, the peace, the fresh country air, her soul was soothed. They were here and it was perfect.
The She Diaries 
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