I Am Grateful

I am grateful for all that I have and all that I am and all who love me and all whom I love. I am grateful for my fine mind and strong, resilient body, and for the capability to take this trip, physically, emotionally, and financially. I would never have dreamed even 20 years ago that I would be able to do something like this. I am grateful for all the kind people I have met — for the server today who tried to express with her hands just what a certain dish was, and for the French customer nearby who got up from her seat and brought her plate to show me and explain to me just what was in the dish I had asked about. I am grateful for artists and painters and musicians and coffee, and trains and suitcases, and the pretty new red blouse I bought yesterday, and for my sweet house and little Mini Cooper, sitting and waiting patiently for me to come home.

Now, here's the deal: I don't know what's up with me — the bed is super comfortable, and the house has been very quiet, but last night awakened at 1:10 am (just like two nights ago) and was awake the entire night (just like two nights ago). UGH. This morning I just simply cried and the only thing I wanted to do was to come home; however, after a nice bath and breakfast things looked better, and today I'm soldiering on, working to be grateful and to express gratitude for all I have (hence my opening list). There's no way to get through this but to get through this. I'm just going to say that this 1600's house is haunted, but tomorrow I am going to Paris and and am intending that, when I'm in my new digs, I'm going to sleep like a baby!!!

So here's my place in Aix.

Down rue Roux Alpheron — far down on the left

The entryway (and stairs leading to a chamber)

This is inside my own chamber, and these are the stairs to my bed — one of the most comfortable beds I've slept in.
I also have my own W.C. and my own bathroom — you can see the light is on.
It is very modern, with a lovely big bathtub and plenty of hot water. 

The view out of my window

The parlour, where we are served breakfast and where we can relax

This is their enclosed garden — quite lovely.
Unfortunately I only got to sit out here for about 10 minutes.
They also have an outdoor kitchen which they use in the summer.