Project Paradis: Entry 001

When our grandfather built the house on the hill, I don't know if he was thinking about shape and form or the perfect proximity of the persimmon tree to the chicken coop. It certainly seems like he was. Well laid plans perfect for a child’s adventurous imagination. We do know, however, that he was intentional about the breathtaking view of the lake that the house would have, and how the expansive garden below would also benefit from this placement. Over time, he carved out a cozy corner of the village to share with his family and friends, with the dreams of continuing to share it as part of his legacy. He worked hard all of his life and came back to his home village to put down roots- something our family will always be grateful for.

Over the last few months I got to spend time working in the garden and on the house. There is always something to do and/or fix- It's enjoyable work and a welcome physical activity after sitting at a desk for most of the day. There’s a lot I don’t know how to do yet, but it’s a labor of love and a learning experience (like almost everything.) Being there for several months means you get to see some of the seasonal transitions. Late summer to fall and fall to early winter. Days passed as they do and the sun began to transit lower and lower across the sky along the horizon. You often find yourself snapping out of a comfortable daze after having been mesmerized by the landscape; bathed in the warm winter light. Most of the day feels like a dream. That feeling you get that time is suspended and you might be able to explore indefinitely.

Safely enclosed between a lake in front and mountains behind, you feel the crisp quiet in the breeze rolling down from the forests around the house. It caresses your face gently after just dancing through the oak, elm, and chestnut trees. The winter lake is a mirror for the sun illuminating the landscape, almost blinding if you stare directly at it for too long. A bloomy boundary in this dream. Another surreal element of this very real place.

The garden is terraced as it climbs up the hill. Looking up through the fruit trees and railings you can see soft smoke billowing, maybe from a chimney. Is there someone else up there? Were you cooking something?

Let's start our journey here. It seems the only way to go is along this path…

Chasing that ethereal glow...