Photography: Le Chateau Labastide Paumes

So Summer is approaching slowly. (A little too slowly at times if you ask me). But I've looking through old photos from previous summer's reminiscing and laughing at the memories. I think one of my favourite summer memories have to be when I spent some time in a Castle in the South of France... Yes, a Castle! I was pretty shocked too when she said! But yes, her family own a 12th Century chateau just outside of Toulouse. It was an amazing week spent in the French countryside without civilisation or any traces of tourist attractions... although I guess we were the tourist attraction as we did get a few travellers come up to the castle on a few occasions for a quick tour. These are just a few pictures that I took whilst I was there. I'm not the best at photography so my pictures don't do the castle any justice! It was incredibly beautiful! Wish I could go back... maybe someday!

What are your favourite Summer memories?


XOXO


Alex

In Loving Memory

I still remember the morning when everything changed. I remember the hurt look on my mother's face as she answered the telephone. I remember the sickening feeling in my stomach as we drove to the house. I remember the song that played on the radio that morning. I remember hearing the cries of my family in the other room. I remember the last time I saw him. That day was 5 years ago today and I still remember every little detail. It plays over and over in my head as I relive those final moments, before everything changed. It's been 5 years and it doesn't get any easier. 


This day is much harder now than it ever has been. As I grow older I am more aware of things and how they affect me. I realise now, more than ever, how much he influenced the person I am today.


I know everyone says that their Grandfather was the greatest. My Dado certainly was. A man who always put his family first. Who would never let one of his girls go without a seat if the house was packed (which it usually was on the weekend!). A man who's charm and kindness was so overwhelming, that you just couldn't not smile when you saw him. 


I remember his smooth voice, the sparkle of his blue eyes and the warmth in his laugh. I can still even hear him singing "Oh Aggie, Aggie May... someone's taken her away" (he had nicknames for all us kids ha!). I can still remember how frustrated I used to get when he would always ask me how my boyfriend was doing, when I didn't even have one! I remember how I could never get angry at him and no matter how upset I was, he would always make me smile. 


10 years ago, I wrote that my Dado was my Hero. And he really was. I think he was the hero of my whole family. He had 3 generations of girls who only admired him, and grandsons who idolised him. 


My Dado was a great man. I miss him more and more everyday. But I feel comfort in knowing that he is always with me and looking after my family, keeping us out of trouble and helping to make our dreams come true. I think he would be really proud if he could have seen us today; seeing the adults we've all blossomed in to. 


It was 5 years today that he went from us. From his chair, but never from our hearts.

Miss you, John Boy.

xxxxxx