Chrysanthhemums and Color

Yellow blooms catch an afternoon ray of sun

I missed the Toussaints' Day ceremony at St. Michel's cemetery this year, and I was a little sad about that.  It's a lovely, simple ceremony and I have managed to attend for 3 out of 4 years I've been here.  The military and the dignitaries are in their full regalia with medals and sashes, and flags and sprays of flowers lend additional color to that provided by the rows of chrysanthemums throughout the lanes of the cemetery.

Colors on a tidied grave

Couldn't really capture the rich wine color of the center basket

Love the multicolor baskets

Looking toward the Pyrenees

Thus, after church yesterday, on a spectacularly crisp autumn day, my camera and I took a walk to Saint Michel's.  I knew the place would still be decorated for last Wednesday's holiday.   We had enjoyed???? a heavy downpour Saturday night and I wondered if the baskets of blooms would be worse for the wear, but chrysanthemums are sturdy little flowers, (especially the ceramic ones) and with the exception of a few toppled baskets,  the flowers didn't disappoint.  

Flag shadow over the Mjslim soldiers' graves

The tri-couleur

I called my friend and neighbor from up the street to see if she'd like to join me and  bring along her sketchbook.  I operate often on the spur of the moment, and so, it would seem, does she.  We set off through the deserted streets of the Bastide and made our way out the Portail de Jacobins, past the Caserne and up the hill to the main entrance of Saint Michel's.  

A new monument to unknown patriots

I was surprised by a new monument.  It was not there the last time I paid a visit to Saint Michel's, which, I admit was perhaps last Toussaints' Day.  It was installed to commemorate the unknown patriots who lost their lives during the Nazi occupation.  It's simple, and moving.

The angel in the military looks pensive

We were the only ones there, at least for a short time.  We made our way to the military section, where I was able to occupy myself with some attempts at art while Shelley busied herself with her sketching.  I love wandering through most of the \cemeteries here, but Saint Michel's remains my favorite.

White for children

The blue watering cans

Cite and our fall colors

There were colors everywhere--in the baskets of chrysanthemums, in the flags, in the blooms of the cyclamen, in the surrounding countryside. We don't have the brilliance of a New England deciduous countryside--our fall colors are more muted and reflective of the stones and soil around us.  Most of our autumn color comes from the changing leaves of the vineyards.  

Blue white red from the Prefecture

Looking down the alleyway

Ivy on the corner house

One of the things that strikes me is that the story of Carcassonne is revealed there. Not all, but most of the graves are tidy and cared for and at this time of year, if at no other, they are visited and bedecked with plaques and flowers. The families of these residents are still here--doing what families have done for centuries--caring for the places where their dead relatives repose.  It testifies to the stability of the population here.  Families have been able to stay in the area, raising families who in their turn have been able to stay and raise their own children.  I don't know how much longer this will last--but it's one of the things that makes this place so special to me.  It's solid....stable. 

Plaque of bakers on a home in the neighborhood

Little dancing flowers

Ageless street