a snapshot of french life...

'insurance, accidents, fire, life, theft....'

"Madame, Madame.... Madame" came the words out of nowhere.

I had driven into St Rémy early this morning to take a few snaps and do some shopping at the market. The day was blue as blue can be and as flawless as you imagine. I parked the car and remembered that there was a rather worn painted sign nearby that I wanted to photograph.

"Madam, Madam" the voice cried again. I looked up, beyond the advertisement and saw a tiny white head peering down from the first floor balcony of the building.

"What are you doing? What is it that you are doing?" she repeated several times with a serious frown and the slightest of scowls.

"Bonjour Madame" I replied, remembering my manners in the face of her rather officious tone. "I am taking a photograph of this insurance advertisement."

"Why are you doing that? Why would you want to do that?" she replied in as firm a tone as I have heard from one so petite.

"Madame, these signs are unique and so rare to see. I admire the craftsmanship and love the worn patina and the beauty of the colours."

She stood as tall as she could and with an imperious wave beckoned me over to stand below her. I couldn't think of anything that I had done wrong but nevertheless I braced myself for a good telling off.

"You like this sign" she said.

"Yes of course, I think it is a glimpse into the past." I replied, standing my ground.

She motioned me to come closer.  I stood gazing up and listened as she related the history of the building. She had lived there for most of her life and the building had been the first insurance business in St Rémy de Provence. Originally there were more painted advertisements inside but now that was the only one remaining. She too loved the sign from a sentimental point of view and was surprised that someone would deem it worthy to photograph.

I clicked off a few more photographs and watched her serious face brighten up. She smiled warmly as she waved me goodbye. I thought to myself  that beauty is not always behind the lens but more often in the chance encounters we stumble upon in our search for the shot.

I think we made each other's day. xv

my daily click HERE

image - vicki archer