If you’ve read any books about the south of France and the vibrant Provencal region, you probably know about the fields of lavender that dot the countryside in the Luberon just east of Avignon. If your timing is just right, the weather cooperates, and you find yourself here in mid-June, you are rewarded with heavenly scents from miles and miles of lavender fields in valleys across Provence.
Shopping alongside locals in their weekly market is another quintessential Provencal pastime. Tasting homemade sheep’s cheese, olive tapenade and freshly-picked cherries as you stroll through picturesque lanes buying your picnic lunch is something that never happens in our life at home. I want to transplant the Sunday market in Isle sur la Sorgue to replace my local Kroger in a bad way.
It was one of my mom’s dreams to see the lavender and experience the magic of Provence. When Mitch and I were here a decade ago, I walked through markets and strolled through quaint villages thinking how much she would love it. So, it was sweet serendipity to invite her on our journey and experience this wonderful place with her for the first time. As mom filled her suitcase with scenic artwork, jacquard linens and lavender soaps, I collected memories that will last a lifetime.
Out of our Comfort Zone to Explore the World 
What a wonderful week spending time with my precious Rutledge family who we all have missed so much! And, my senses are on overload from the beauty, smells, tastes, and memories of Provence! Smelling the lavender and hearing the bees, tasting the amazing food, loving all the little bistros, the azure color of the Med, and having hosts who stop on a dime to drive down a little road to get to the lavender field that only God could have made! Thank you-thank you!! If I “go missing” one day…look for me in Provence!
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Su, what a special treat to see these precious moments captured in photo and one can almost smell the lavender through the screen. Indelible memories for sure. Xoxo
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