When you least expect it, gifts appear. While learning about blogs and wanting to see what others write while thinking of France, I came across two lovely sites. They have quickly become part of my daily smile factor. Julian Merrow-Smith, a wonderful painter, living in Provence with his equally talented cellist/writer wife Ruth, were, I thought, my very own little cyber space secret. That is, until last Thursday, when Julian had his 15 minutes of fame, in time zones, too many to conjure, all across the US and on line.

A lovely little piece in the New York Times, featuring his work and its means of distribution via cyber space, put the Phillips/Merrow-Smith household a bit on its ear. New found clamor from a larger adoring cyber space audience found its way to their in boxes, hourly, in mind boggling numbers.

It was interesting for me to observe this instant fame unfold. Prior to Thursday, one could look at Julian’s paintings at a dreamy pace. Now, within seconds of receiving Postcards From Provence in my in box, the daily said object of my affection is quickly sold. And sadly, those whose fingers are not as quick, seem to be more disgruntled with the idea that they can not possess, than with the joy, that they can delight.

Finally, after reading enough of these, my meditative ephiphanies from France, practicing yoga and sitting on the hillside in stillness, floated to the surface. I put in a blog comment about attachment as a cause of suffering- a basic Buddhist tenet. Whereas it’s probably 5:1 disgruntled would-be patron to the “oh, I get it” viewer, I hope more people will understand the nature of the “you’ve got mail”serendipity, and just enjoy. And let the man create!

Lucky me, with many serendipities. Were it not for the calmness I gain from yoga and meditation practice, I could not see the difference. Were it not for my passion for France and the above, I would not I have thought to create metavacances. And were it not for my toe in the water of blogdom, I would not have found the Phillips/Merrow- Smith’s wonderful offerings.

Serendipity indeed.

And have a look for yourself. Just take a deep breath and enjoy!

meanwhilehereinfrance.com and shiftinglight.com