Unfinished business would not generally be considered to be a good thing. Sometime during our last few weeks in France, however, I latched onto the idea that perhaps it was ok.
During our six days south, the leaves in Burgundy seemed to burst with color. The first day back, I unpacked instead of capturing the beauty in photos. The very next day, the cold rain pounded and the north winds blew. I missed my chance.
I had planned to take pictures in each neighboring village. Didn't get it done. I wanted to stock up on my favorite French products. Got a few, but not all.
We had places to go and people to see. Invitations given that were left unfulfilled.
The "girls" and I had spent so much time in the pasture behind the chateau that it was as familiar as our own backyard. Throughout the fall, the extra apples went to the horses who lived in back. Once wild and stand-offish, they now ate from my hand and allowed me to comb burrs from their manes. It was silly to think they'd miss me as much as I'd miss them.
When Nicole asked if we would mind a little going-away luncheon, given by our new friends, I was honored. I made a special request ...not too much wine (We had to drive to Paris that afternoon) and no tears.
Everything pointed to the same thing...we were not done here. We DO have unfinished business. I couldn't imagine never seeing our friends again. I couldn't allow myself to think that I wouldn't be back. It wasn't good-bye, just farewell for now.
I folded my everyday shirts, shorts, a few odds and ends and placed them on the top shelf of the armoire, next to our room. I combed the pony, one last time and then put Mark's old brush right next to the fence post. It will be covered with grass, but I'll find it.
None of our good-byes were the long-teary sort. It just wasn't needed because we'll be back...we have things to do and people to see.
If we'd done it all or not met these friends, it would all be different. So, as strange as it sounds, I am truly grateful for the unfinished business and for those heartstrings that will keep tugging until we return to this other place that we call home.
See the people that we miss...photo album: Saying Farewell
Oh Belinda, this made me cry! How sweet and how beautifully written. we're so happy you've got unfinished business---we want to see you again! (y'all are a long way from retirement, but we recommend our neighborhood when you do).
Beautiful photo, too, in the mist, so pretty!
Posted by: Lynn at Southern Fried French | 12/02/2011 at 05:31 PM
Hi,
Found the brush while mowing and left it there - for your future use!
We wish you and Mark well and look forward to seeing you on your return.
Posted by: Ron Norton | 12/02/2011 at 07:28 PM
Belinda, how lovely to read your blog. I am sorry we couldn't be there when you left, but now we have unfinished business as well. We will have to save our goodbyes and good wishes until you come to Burgundy next time. Lovely to read and such pretty photos.
Posted by: Dee | 12/02/2011 at 10:17 PM
AAHHWWWW! How sweet. I totally understand how you feel. We do live in a magical place...besides having so many wonderful and diverse friends. We certainly DO expect you all to come back for more of a good thing! We're ready to plan another lunch/dinner/outing whenever. Bises, Ali & Monty
Posted by: Allison Herron | 12/03/2011 at 01:30 AM
We miss you Belinda, Mark and the girls, it's much too quite upstairs.
Pierre has looked for the brush and put it in a safe place for you when you come back. I've done the same for the girls' bowls and cushions.
Be back soon, we love you you're soooooooo cute.
Posted by: Nicole BALVAY | 12/03/2011 at 07:56 AM
Wow ! You guys are so great...I miss you even more! We feel so, so lucky to have met you all. Thanks for the good times, laughs and memories that we'll treasure forever (and loving our little dogs!) Can't wait to see you again !
Belinda
Posted by: Belinda Stuetelberg | 12/03/2011 at 03:42 PM
What a lovely blog. You and Mark will surely be back Belinda and I want to say thanks again for the delightful party you threw for us! So beautifully presented.
So don't leave it too long before we can greet you with a welcome bon jour ou bon soir. You've left a little of your heart behind you for sure.
Posted by: Narissa | 12/03/2011 at 03:59 PM
Beliinda,now we truly believe that you miss us as much as we miss you; Just one thing not seen, a few words for Pema from her friends - she does miss them!!!!
Posted by: Wendy HERICOURT | 12/04/2011 at 10:52 AM
Bonjour, Dear Wendy,
The girls do miss Pema and all of their special friends (especially Nicole, of course.) I asked them where Pema was, just yesterday, and they both perked up their ears and looked around, so I know they are still thinking of her. Did you see the adorable picture of her with her "napkin hat?"
Posted by: belinda stuetelberg | 12/04/2011 at 03:18 PM
Bonjour Belinda , comment ça va ?
Par ce petit message nous continuons nos rencontres du matin ,sans oublier de dire ,bonjour aux petits chiens
Aujourd'hui je ne trouve pas mon repas venant du 3em étage mais il est dans mon esprit.
A travers l'espace nous sommes réunis
A bientôt Bisous Pierre
Posted by: Pierre BALVAY | 12/05/2011 at 09:11 AM
Belinda,I loved your "Beauty of Unfinished Business". It was so expressive and poignant. I went from there through all your posts and pictures. A lovely way to spend a Sunday morning. I too miss being in Burgundy. I will always leave part of my heart in France and always return to find it. I know you will too.You have been smitten and it will never change. Next time we have a moules-frites party I hope you will be there and not in the States!
Ellen and Rudy
Posted by: Ellen van Thiel | 12/05/2011 at 03:29 PM
Hi Belinda,
It was lovely to read your blog and very touching. Life seems so often to be as you describe. We were so sorry to miss your leaving party, but we certainly enjoyed meeting you and exchanging ideas and experiences. I still have a vision of your 'help' kissing your baby feet! We are looking forward to chatting again.
Love,
Chris
Posted by: Chris Wager | 12/06/2011 at 11:27 AM
Dear Belinda,
Thank you so much for your beautiful blog. I t made me realize that Gerard and myself are happily taking care of unfinished business on a daily bases since we moved to France. While doing so we are creating, with great pleasure, even more unfinished business by the end of the day.
We were very happy to learn to know you and Mark ,please come back soon , attending and creating” unfinished business” together is even more fun!
Amitiés,
Marja & Gerard
Posted by: Marja & Gerard Noteboom | 12/07/2011 at 07:23 PM
Dear Belinda........
I already knew that you are a great photographer, I know find that you are an equally great writer..... Moved by your words and feelings, we hope to be part of your future adventures asap........
greetings and love,
Posted by: Frank & Marjo | 12/09/2011 at 12:45 AM