Thursday, May 1, 2008

la fête du muguet


In France, as in many other countries, the first of May is Labor Day, which means that no-one works and all the stores are closed. But it's also la fête du muguet, and on every street corner, people are selling lilies-of-the valley, for good luck and to celebrate the coming of spring.

I bought a bouquet from a little boy, but, somehow, I don't think it's going to be bringing me much good luck. The beta is tomorrow, when I'll be traveling most of the day, but the signs don't look promising. If I get the expected bad news, I'll certainly let you know, but, after that, I'll be offline for at least few days. I guess I hadn't truly realized how hopeful I was or how hard this was going to hit me.

48 comments:

luna said...

that bitch hope will get you every time. but it is so inescapable, even if you fight it. take whatever time you need to take care of you. ~luna

Virginia said...

I'd say good luck, but those words ring hollow. I'll think of you.

thailandchani said...

.... sending you peace ....

Aurelia said...

"signs don't look promising" - I'm sorry, but what signs? Reality is that the only sign that matters this early is a beta result.

So I'm reserving judgement, and holding onto that hope for you. Let us know when you know....meantime, assume I'm hugging you long distance, for as long as you need it.

k@lakly said...

I hope you are wrong and that the news you get is 'positive'...I'l be thinking of you wishing you safe travels and a happy ending.

Christine said...

just sending you hugs, and i know it is hard to hope. . .i'll hope for you.

Anonymous said...

I'll hope for you, too... thinking of you...

Unknown said...

Niobe, I will be thinking of you.

DD said...

I just said a little prayer/made a little wish....something to let Hope know that we all want this for you.

Anonymous said...

I have never commented before but your post was really really sad. Best wishes for a fantastic beta. You absolutely deserve it--although we know that and a dollar won't get you a cup of coffee...

-Erica

Tash said...

Oh this would figure -- I transplanted a bunch of stuff from my aunt's last year (which she had transplanted from my grandmother's) and the ONLY thing that didn't take in my garden were the lilies of the valley. I'm sure this means I've killed luck for good and shoveled some dirt on top of it just to make sure.

sigh. hoping we hear from you one way or another, soon.

Bon said...

i hate the just before i know i will know, one way or the other. my hope is always quivering away, awful and exposing, and i am always equally certain that i am about to be crushed.

you will be on my mind, Niobe.

Kami said...

I will be thinking about you. I hope the signs are wrong.

Betty M said...

I'm hoping that signs don't mean squat and things are far far better than you think.

Aurelia said...

I just remembered that Lily of the Valley flowers are poisonous if eaten....and yet it's good luck in France? Weird....

Ms. Planner said...

Sending a little extra strength your way...no matter what the results.

c. said...

Thinking of you with fingers crossed.

christina(apronstrings) said...

oh sweet pea, i am so hoping for this for you. xooxo

Coggy said...

I hope all the signs are wrong x x

S said...

they are beautiful flowers, aren't they...

safe travels.

i will be thinking about you and hoping for you.

Antropóloga said...

Best wishes, as always.

Clementine said...

Tonight I'll be transplanting some lily of the valley from my neighbor's garden to my own. I'll be thinking of you then, too.

Unknown said...

I really hope the signs are all wrong and that you get good news. I can't believe the signs, not yet.

And thank you for explaining the lilies-of-the-valley! I was looking at them and thinking, "WHAT is that all about?"

Not buying any good luck charms at the moment. Trying to lay low.

Aunt Becky said...

Being in limbo is worse than either of the outcomes.

I'm thinking of you, niobe.

cinnamon gurl said...

Thinking of you and hoping...

Waiting Amy said...

The time just before knowing is always the toughest. I'm thinking of you Niobe, and hoping for you too. No matter what, we will be here when you need us. Sending you peace.

Sara said...

I hope you're surprised by the news tomorrow.

And: that photo is lovely.

Maggie said...

My fingers are crossed and I'm going to keep hoping...a little extra hope never hurt...

missing_one said...

Niobe, I am so glad you are hopeful. My fingers are crossed and I'm hoping that even if the signs aren't promising, it'll beat the odds somehow. Someone has too, right?

Julia said...

Oh, crap... and the time difference is going to screw with you too.
Ok, I will be waiting for the news with you.
Gorgeous photo, as usual.

Anonymous said...

It's not over yet.

Rachel said...

I'm holding my breath.

Lori said...

Oh, Niobe. Isn't that the truth? We think we can shelter ourselves, we think we can operate on a functional level of denial- and then it turns out we were really holding onto hope all along.

I'm still holding on...

LadyofAvalon56 said...

I will be thinking of you tomorrow and hoping for the best, my friend.

Anonymous said...

Oh, that is a gorgeous photograph. I particularly like the reflected blossoms.

Anonymous said...

Oops. Not reflected, after all, but seen through the clear plastic...beautiful.

painted maypole said...

wish you much luck, and your buying the bouquet from the little boy surely brought him luck. ;)

sweetsalty kate said...

I thought of you all afternoon, and wasn't surprised somehow to see this post and have a glimpse into a heavy heart.

I would feel exactly the same way if I were you, steeling myself. I'm waiting with you.. we all are, hoping.
xo

Which Box said...

Hope is a bitch.

Thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

Thinking good thoughts for you. And, you know, keeping stuff crossed.

m said...

Please, please let there be some good to come....

Amelie said...

sending many good thoughts your way.

Magpie said...

Thinking of you. And hoping for good news.

LIW (Lady In Waiting) said...

All possible body parts are crossed for you.

Sending you loving and healing energy.....and please travel safely!

XOXO

Furrow said...

Wow, niobe. What can I say? You know what's in all of our hearts.

Anonymous said...

In our thoughts! Have a safe trip home!

Beruriah said...

Damn. I hope the signs are wrong.

stat763 said...

thinking of you...