I’m fascinated with old doors. This door - picture taken at the Abbey St. Hilaire in France - hides a cave. I know this not because I looked inside but because ancient people on this site were troglodyte, or cave-living.
Then sometime in the 13th century, Carmelite monks returned from Crusade in Palestine, founded the abbey, and used the caves for storage.
The original building has had additions but was never altered. The church, below left, is the oldest part. After the monks left, the area became a farm, then in 1961 a heroic family bought and restored it. It was designated an historical monument, and the family opened it to the public. They still live upstairs; below right, the private entrance.
The abbey has several ancient murals, unrestored and dimly lit. The face on the left is easy to spot, but can you find the face on the right?
I think about those painters, their paint-spotted hands, their joking and beliefs. I suppose that’s why I write historic fiction - I want the unknown artists and servants and messengers and farmers and seamstresses and weavers, all those who supported the world of men of power, to have a moment of remembrance and appreciation.
Next week I’m going to write about the process of getting a book cover (don’t miss it - subscribe below) but for now, I leave you with a glimpse of the farm and a local cat.
Terri, I love your photos and am intrigued by your teaser for the next post!
The church is so serene--beautiful in its simplicity. And what a nice looking cat!