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And So It Begins
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[Began - July 3rd]
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Yes I am late.. Late for the start of Le Tour de France.. Late for my annual late night vigil, curled up on the sofa, dreaming of far away places.. Warm sunny places.. Quaint french villages, chateaux and miles and miles of sunflowers, green fields, rolling hills and majestic alps.
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Late for the hypnotic flickering tv screen blurring my eyes, wheels spinning in tandem ... darting ahead.. dropping back and keeping rhythm with the pelaton... Late for my yearly ritual.. my nightcap into slumber... my non medicating sedative and happy pill .. my annual escape for a few hours each evening. Le tour takes me away from the cold wintry days of Sydney. Takes me on an adventure where life's worries fall by the roadside and sleep becomes a journey into rural france.
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Le Tour - A metaphor for life
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Sometimes a grueling marathon, sometimes a sprint. Sometimes a stop watch ticking frantically as we race towards our deadlines. We have mishaps, spills and delays, and some days we just spin our wheels... but we get back on our bikes and continue our journey, ours eyes ever fixed on the finish line
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There are moment of bliss, sun shiny days, open roads and endless fields. The joy of reaching the crest of a hill.. the top of the mountain, then adrenalin filled free falls as we let go of the brakes and return to the valleys.
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BUT I AM LATE
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I'm on my own marathon at present. The moving house marathon. Open fields are replaced by box laden floors, mountain climbs - the stairs of my apartment, all the while waiting for the free fall when I can flop on the sofa and watch Le Tour.
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Those of you with me last year will remember my Le Tour series. Well I had every intention of repeating the same this year... However, I need to postpone.. I need to complete this move, climb the mountain.. and reach the top before I can spend time blogging.. so ..
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Sorry for postponing Le Tour
Sorry for lack of blog visits and posts
And sorry for the re-run I am about to give you..
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Of course.. in typical Julie fashion other issues got into the mix..
I only managed my Le Tour Banner before photoshop went belly up..
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So to keep you amused, here are some postcards from last year's 'Le Grand Depart' post
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2009: Stage 1: Monaco
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THANK YOU EVERYONE
for your patience
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Hopefully I will see in you on the flip side.. posting Le Tour 2010 from Villa Ruby
Last year's Le Tour Series can be viewed [here]
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Happy Belated 4th July to all my friends in the USA
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IMAGE SOURCE:
Images: Le Tour Banner created by me - [Being Ruby©]
Other Images: Google image search and LIFE Magazine Archives
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74 comments:
Let the racing begin. xoJoan@anythinggoeshere
Vive le tour de France ! Kiss ...:)
Oh Julie I forgive you the postponement. Get the move done. Then we can have some Tour fun together.
Did I mention my husband is a fanatic cyclist. We watch all of the tour each year. And that is not an exaggeration. We tape each night on the hard drive and then watch is ALL the next night.
I couldn't agree more that Le Tour and in fact cycling generally is a metaphor for life. You must read The Escape Artist by Matt Seaton. It is all about that.
You have inspired me to do a tour post. Must get act together. xoxo
Hi Julie, I am so excited the tour has begun! As I was reading, I realised that we feel exactly the same about Le Tour... It is such a fabulous escape for me as well, the scenery just sets me off! I love the sound of the bikes, and the commentators have the sweetest accents! I really hope the move goes fast and well, so you can relax and enjoy... If I lived over your side of Oz, I would totally bring the Ute around and give you a hand!!
Flick :)
Hang in there Julie, you're nearly there! Let us ride into the headwind on your behalf and festoon "Being Ruby" bunting through every town as you complete your very own Tour! Just like those brave cyclists, don't forget to look after yourself during the journey:) Meredy xo.
Sorry?
Julie - you amaze me! While in the process of moving to Villa Ruby, you still manage to post a very fun and insightful blog post. Take time for you, do the sofa flop & enjoy Le Tour!
Hugs,
Zuzu
Hi Julie - All your great photos of Monaco are so worthy of seeing over & over. I think I found your blog about a year ago this month when I read one of your great Le Tour posts. I was drawn by our love for the tour & have been so blessed to have you has a friend ever since. I in fact thought of you yesterday as we were watching. How about that dog off the leash?!!
Climb that mountain my friend but pace yourself. Must get in that tellie time!! Thinking of you and be well Julie. xoxo deb
Hi Julie
Don't you just hate when life gets in the way of enjoying life? I hope your mountains are not too high and you make the top easily and effortlessly. We will all be here, awaiting your summit and your finally being able to relax. Since I do not have a TV, the only way I can enjoy Le Tour is through you. Last years' was so fun and once you get settled, I'm sure you'll be back in the saddle (so to speak.)
Hugs,
Tamerie
Oh Julie, you know it was only a few months ago that I made my BIG move, so you know you have empathy for me. Good luck with the packing, the move and the unpacking. On a good note, I'm settling in and getting used to my new surroundings. I now believe this was a good thing and I'm sure you'll soon be saying the same. Once the boxes disappear and you can sit in your little yard, the sun will shine again…or in your case, the moon with rise again!
Your Le Tour banner is gorgeous! Dn't know what happened to your Photoshop, so let me know if I can help with that in any way.
XOXOXOXOXO
Hehehehe from rolling fields of sunflowers, wheat and FINALLY, some summer heat I am hiding away FROM the Tour and all the publicity that goes with it here at La Rivière. Not going anywhere near the Alpes either until they've passed by ;-) Nah - I shall do my own tour through the French countryside, past chateaux on my own bike and feel my knees wobble and think of you instead. Wish I could come and help you move so you could spend a bit of time watching your TV.
Hope your new balcony will be just as good for giving us cockatoo shots too.
Lotsa love
all the best sweet Julie on your next adventure. I hope the new digs are all they can be and aspire you onward and upward in your journey. Cynthia
I spent little time watching Le Tour...we were doing the big USA birthday party on our block-- one day ahead of the Fourth. On the Fourth our Iowa fireworks were postponed, thanks to a long downpour of rain so we comforted ourselves by watching the birthday parties at the Capitol and on the NY Hudson river...thanks to television.
Now we'll get back to the Tour...I wonder how Armstrong will hold up this year...
Julie,
last night I was thinking of you. I was watching Le Tour de France with my fanatic husband of course :)And I am so excited the tour has begun!I just adore this event. What can I say about your art!! You are brilliant ! I really mean it. I just adore your art work.. beautiful XXX
(and one more thing next week I am beginning level 1 for beginners learning FRENCH!! this will be funny, that's for sure)
...wow can't wait till you are all moved and posting begins of your "trip"
Thanks for the wonderful images!
Julie, I'm sure if you had asked they would have been happy to postpone until you were settled and could watch comfortably!
The pictures are great, what a photogenic family in such a wonderful setting.
Sharon
Hang in there darling! at the end of all those boxes lies a fresh start. I love that! And your posts always make me want to dash off to somewhere gorgeous!
You're a woman of diverse and commendable enthusiasms, Julie! Good luck with the packing and I hope you get to your peaceful flop into the sofa and the imagination soon.
Julie,
For those of us who enjoyed the photos before, a great re-visit and now such a pleasure for those who missed it to see them here today!
As for your move, use your knees, not your back...that's what everyone always says to me as I perpetually do it incorrectly..so, use your knees kiddo.
z
Hi Julie! I hope you get to relax soon and watch Le Tour. I love your photos you've posted here! Beautiful!!! I need to go there! I don't know if I get it on tv but I'll check it out! Take care! Jennifer:)
Julie I wish you the best in your moving and so sorry that you aren't able to enjoy Le Tour the way you would like. My husband is glued to it and will be to the end.
I hope that you get to spend plenty of sofa time, watching in between all the other you are going through right now. I certainly don't mind re-runs if they are yours.
hugs
AWESOME! I SO enjoyed this little "trip".
Happy moving!
The fact that you even have time to put a post together astounds me.....and in the Julie fashion of transporting me to another world so beautifully.
I'm dying to see the new digs!
and the grass of course!
xxx
Carole
I hope I'll be moving soon too!! To me the worst thing is not the packing..., that's kind of a good process -cleaning out, getting rid of stuff, etc., but changing addresses, bank accounts and so fort is what I dislike. So, all the best!!! Hope that you show us your new villa!!!!
no apologies needed!! moving is such a big job, but i just know you will love your new place and after you have climbed the mountain, and settled in, you will see why this all happened...something will reveal itself to you...it may not be obvious at first...but it will be there.........in your new home.
I want to be there too. wow! those brollies, gorgeous!! Goodluck with the move. xo
Hello Julie....I have a confession, I am not a tour girl....will you still love me?? haha. Perhaps you will convert me. I do love your tour banner and monaco well what can one say, the Romance, the beauty it is all too much really, like a rich chocolate cake...yummy but causes pains from greed and longing...hope you are finding new spots for Audrey and your lovely silver things, au revoir mon amie, katherine xx
wonderful photos, wonderful era. thanks. got back from vacation and glad to be home. How is the move going? Thinking of yuo.
Hey Julie,
Don't apologize for living your life! Your move is important and exciting! I did enjoy your recap and the pics are fab as always!
:}
Awesome crash last night!
Just popped back in to say it is Tuesday night and I am watching it Julie, I must say there is some fine looking chaps, xx Katherine
hello there! Don't worry about anything! Gotta finish that move of yours and get your life back together.. Moving is hard.
Hope you have a lovely day,
beautiful post - as usual.
Gintare
xo
Please dont apologise to us dear friend! Monaco looks amazing. Purely amazing.
ha, i think im in the mishap, spill and delay section of the ride. looking forward to the other side :)
have fun packing
~pooch x
Relax....take your time....get to it when you get to it....smiles.
once you have decided to make the move............
the rest is an adventure.
and i can't wait to see the brilliant photo story you will tell.
love x
I do think Julie that this might be one of the first posts (2009) that I commented on?? so i don't mind reminiscing at all!!!
Hope to see picts. of your new apartment...take it easy on those stairs and see you soon.......no worries.
xo+blessings,
Anne Marie
Hi Julie
Sorry,I'm late.....I hope that you are already installed in your new house and that in her you can enjoy of very good moments.
Your photos are fabulous ..... as always,
Have a lovely day,
Hugs,
Cecilia
you just moved, no apologies needed...the photos are dreamy if not altogether fabulous...thanks for the post
Was there ever a face more lovely than Grace? Not a cycle fan, so I'll just hope YOUR favorite rider wins.
Julia~
You funny, sweet friend! Let's get you into your new house - and after that we can talk... (: Actually I will let you talk to my husband, an avid cyklist. I will serve drinks and make sure that your TV flickers are working properly!
oxox, Mon
hi julie..
when did you come in Italy?
Rita
I love the Tour and all it evokes, the race of one's passion, the beauty, the eye on the talent, the prize, the completion of something unique and all the celebrations thorough the event at each level! Amazing~
I loved how you wove your story thorough out...I might post something similar, since I'm a Tour girl, too!
Who cares if it is a repost? Your posts are beautiful and enchanting. Best wishes with the move.
No apologies necessary! What a wonderful post... sometimes, I just want to print them out, so that I have them -- this one included. Such great photos, and I love what you wrote...
I hope you're having a great weekend, and enjoy your new home :)
xoxo
Your post brings me back down memory lane. The Tour....my kids and i watched it every year from my parents'ski place on the Pla d'Adet in Saint Lary. We saw bikers collapsing in exhaustion upon their arrival and Lance, first of course, continuing on leisurely after reaching the Pla as if he had been on a casual sunday ride. My kids would collect all sorts of backpacks, Tshirts, souvenirs along the way... MonteCarlo. I grew spending my summers in Eze Village above Monaco, and as a young girl had dreams of marrying a prince....
Hello! Been thinking of you and hope all is going well!
Hosting an Australians-only give-away over in my corner. Hope you have time to pop in and drop your name in the hat.
Hang on in there.
xx C
Hi Julie! You must be busy with moving and unpacking. Just checking in to say hi.Jennifer:)
You collect the best pictures Julie! I hope moving is going smoothly for you. Relax, take a deep breath...it will all come together before you know it!
Jeanne :)
Hi my friend, need a drink or some snacks yet?? (: My husband is watching over here as well. I could care less about the Tour...
But I care about you! And I finally got my act together and wrote something about some photo art in my Monday post...
Happy week to you my friend!
ox, Mon
Hi Julie, I hope the moving is coming together for you. We moved house in December and I'm still tripping over boxes and looking for lost stuff (rolls eyes). I'm enjoying the images, and I'll be watching for a postponed Le Tour when you're back into blogging. It's all good :)
Hi, I've just popped over from Splendid Willow after reading Monika's post.
You truly have a lovely blog.
The photo's of venice are my favourite's. So hauntingly beautiful, I cannot believe you do not do this professionally!
Thought I already commented but guess not. Monaco, aw, definitely on my to do list. Just gorgeous!
Hope your move is going well. I hate it when you're in the new place and you can't find anything. I hope you had some time to relax and enjoy the Tour.
Hey ruby....what's Julie been up to? Hope the move is going well, thinking of you, Katherine xx
Hi!!! Are you well???
Hugs
Hi there Julie,
I am now back from a week at my sisters whilst our husbands were at LeMans ! We are now following Le Tour, so it's all things French for us at the moment. I remember following Le Tour from your perspective, last year and loved it. I look forward to your posts on it when you are ready and finally ensconced on your squashy sofa in your new home. I hope that you are taking it easy and not doing too much. Those boxes aren't going anywhere and there's no great rush to get them all unpacked so try not to do too much at once. Am looking forward to seeing Chez Julie soon. Lots of love and wish that I was there to help you. XXXX
Dear Ruby
I'm watching the tour on TV and I have thought about your post...I didn´t send a coment then as I have had problems to send coments with some blogs,I don´t know why...I lost the conexion when I tried to send it
How are you? I hope fine!
I would like know about you soon
Love
Hope the move has gone smoothly Julie.
Millie ^_^
Hi...just stopping in to see what is happening with you. I'm thinking about you and hope you are getting things settled and feeling well.
Hi Julie, thought I would let you know I did a new post and mentioned you as my inspiration. Hope your move went well and that you have settled in. Shaz x
Ciao Julie! I can't wait to see your tour, but we all understand how busy you are in these days!!!
So...don't worry...we'll be here waiting your belated tour!!!
Take care and thanks for these faboulous images!
Vale
Oops...just tried to leave a comment and lost internet connection (shucks!).
Thanks for Le Tour. Thanks for stopping by my blog, too.
Hope you settle in from your move soon. Moving is the WORST.
Hi Julie!
I am pleased to read!
I hope you're well.
see you soon...:)
Hi Julie I am soooo sorry I havent been to see you for ages mum came to stay then school hols it was just busy times. I was only thinking gosh its a year since you did the Tour de France post gosh it only seemed like a couple of months ago the time just fly's by hey!!!
The move yes of course hope it goes well for you Julie speak soon xxxx
Hey Julie...kick back...relax and enjoy Le Tour!!! How fun to await this every year...the boxes will wait for you...Enjoy, Dzintra♥x
Hi Julie! Well the orientation went well! She's really excited now! I hope everything is going good for you with your new place. Hopefully you'll get a good internet service soon! Take care and have a great weekend! Jennifer:)
What a great blog you have, Julie! I've loved looking at all your pictures.
Hope the move is going smoothly. I'll see you on Project Genesis in August. Happy travels...
Lynette
Well, the tour is over and Mr. Contador won again! Personally I think it is more fun to watch (and load) moving boxes!
Love, Mon
Julie, whereeeeee areeeeee youuuuu? Hope all is going according to plan and youre feeling fine.
Miss you and your posts. Take care ,and hear from you soon! ......... the other Julie in Holland xo
Love these!
Thank you for sharing, always enjoy your images.
Awesome images.. Is there a place called the Palm Beach club there?
Grace Kelly was so beautiful. Thanks for a great post.
yvonne
Hello! How could I miss this!?!
Have also missed 'Le Tour'.. but mostly I have missed you.
How is everything? Email update please!
Or catch up for that matter. Am just two weeks away from ending a gruesome detox (seeing naturapath on the 4th).. after that I will hopefully be fit for social interaction again. Perhaps even allowed to sneak in a chai latte!! Oh the thrilling thought of that!!
Lovely. When you have a moe, please drop me an email. Want to hear how you are and if you have heard back.
Hugs from a rain drenched Sydney..
xx Charlotta
My husband grew up in Monaco and I love seeing all those photos.
Prince Albert will be getting married next Summer!
pve
Hi Julie/Ruby - lovely blog, found my way here via Jeanne @ Finding my way - hope you get over to visit my blog, maybe even follow it - as for Le Tour - hubby always loves it - he's Dutch and they are practically born on a bicycle - and this year's Tour's first stage was Holland - Belgium through his home island in Zeeland and we loved seeing all the familiar places from our hols there. For the rest I looked at the late night replays as I was at work by day, and I love the Eurosport commentary as Seán Kelly the Irish former champ cyclist provides the background commentary chat with his fellow-presenters. And serendipitously hubby and me are doing the Seán Kelly Charity Cycle (with the man himself participating) end of August. I'm doing 50km and hubby's doing 90km. Nice to see you in Blogland - Catherine.
this os so fun..the girl in the can can picture..I have here on my wall here in my home :)..I love france Í´ll been there a severel of times..like this tour..it reminds me of the amazing french riviera
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