Can you feel how the energy changes depending on your location? Which places on Earth stir your soul, pull on your heartstrings, and make you whole?
Vermont is a state that settles many minds, lowers blood pressure, and inspires through nature. Vermont is a state that stands for freedom where people come to flee oppression. Vermont is a state where neighbors help neighbors and regardless of differences, respect one another. Vermont welcomes artists, writers, and creators, unique thinkers, and the eco-minded. The Green Mountain State is a powerful place for self-expression and independence.
I love living in the state with our nation’s second lowest population (only after Wyoming). Paleo-Indians (early Native Americans) lived in the region as far back as 12,900 years ago. Abenaki, Iroquois and Mohawk were here when British and French settlers first arrived in the 1700s.
Expanses of mountains fill the horizon. Dairy farm red barns and contented cows dot Vermont’s valleys and hills. Their creamy rich milk makes fabulous cheeses (some developed by French cheesemakers). Mixed with syrup, maple creemees delight on hot summer days. I’m thrilled to behold the bright cobalt sky, spectacular sunsets and shooting stars. I adore having black bear families as neighbors and glimpsing shy groundhogs in our back yard when the coyote and fox are far. What a magical state this is. Vermont is the epitome of a powerful place.
The other location that truly enchants me is Provence in the South of France. Wherever I am, Provence calls to me. Little wonder it’s been a magnet for artists throughout the centuries. Colors pulsate, drenched in sunlight—vermillion, red ochre, a misty green and the shimmering turquoise sea. With every turn, aesthetics abound. Not only is the beauty intoxicating, but layers of history lay under one’s feet.
360° of the ages form the foundation for a plethora of classic architecture. Occasionally, ancient ruins pop up out of the ground as a bridge or aqueduct, mosaic wall or pile of rubble only archaeologists, historians or locals recognize. Provence has been inhabited since Neolithic times, from Ligures, to Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, to Europeans and global jet setters. Rich russet mountains crumble, tumble into the azure Mediterranean. Back up in the hills, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram grow wild, their scents transported on gusts of wind. When blowing relentlessly, the fierce Mistral wind from Siberia blows in and howls so powerfully it can lead to insanity (like falling air pressure in the Alps and winter darkness in Scandinavia). The Mistral can demolish all in its path: house, tree, garden, man. Once the wind ceases, there is dead heat. Nothing stirs but heat wave wisps rising gently towards Heaven. What is this mysterious untamed elusive land? Intriguing, intoxicating passionate Provence.
Where in this marvelous world that we live in is your special place of power?
Marguerite Jill Dye is an artist and writer who divides her time between Killington and Bradenton, Florida. She loves to hear from her readers at jilldyestudio@aol.com. Please spread the word—her column is online. Her updates from France begin next week!
