Went by Annie's to say goodbye as I leave soon for California. She doesn't like when I leave, but she understands.
I realized yesterday that before Annie was six years old she had traveled the world... She was born in the USA. When she was two years old her family moved back to Greece. Shortly there after Turkey invaded Greece- Annie's family fled to France. Annie arrived in Marseille when she was five years old. She remembers women carrying large flat baskets with fish on their head.
That reminded me of a post I wrote nearly seven years ago:
The fish monger sat waiting for the next customer in her black plastic apron and worn true rubber boots.
The port where she worked could not anchor her, casting a weak smile as if her thoughts swam in waters far from Marseille.
Rhythmic like the coming and going of the waves were her actions...weighing, scaling and chopping fish.
Her voice tender like a siren, seemed misplaced when she called out, "C'est à vous!?"
....Though in her eyes I saw the depth of the ocean breaking before my feet,
tangled seaweed made smooth by a gentle hand.
I asked her if I could take her photo...
We never know where we might find a pearl.
Notes:
Photo: A Fishmonger in Marseille playing a role in a Marcel Pagnol's "Maurice" . Have you ever seen someone and felt like you knew them before?
Le Diable Meridien (a favorite shop in Marseille.
Eating Picnic en Ville, 40 rue Montgrand, Marseille.
Where to go, what to see in Marseille.
What to fit in with the Locals and go on a picnic?
C, have a safe trip; I will be thinking of you. I just returned from my long awaited 1st trip to France. It was everything you said and I was completely mesmerized, now with a incredibly strong desire to some how get back.
Posted by: Debra | 24 October 2012 at 03:35 PM
She looks so chic...I never would have guessed she is selling fish. I hope you have a nice flight Corey.
Posted by: Diogenes | 24 October 2012 at 04:34 PM
I can see you being drawn to this fish monger. What a lovely photo. Safe and happy travels!
Posted by: Marilyn | 24 October 2012 at 06:26 PM
Too bad you are not coming to South Carolina!
Greetings,
Merisi
Posted by: Merisi in Vienna | 24 October 2012 at 07:14 PM
Boa viagem! Have you finished preparing your presentation for Spellbound yet? You know we're all looking forward to hearing about it.
Posted by: Kathie B | 24 October 2012 at 07:43 PM
Safe travels
Posted by: Jenna | 24 October 2012 at 08:14 PM
You are right Corey - a beautiful mermaid!
Posted by: Helen | 24 October 2012 at 10:18 PM
I am so excited to see you Aunt Coco!
Posted by: Marie | 25 October 2012 at 12:40 AM
Travel safe and love any Annie story, no matter what.
Posted by: Rhonda | 25 October 2012 at 02:26 AM
Jeez, even French fish peddlers look like they stepped out of a fashion shoot. Happy travels.
Posted by: Violet Cadburry | 25 October 2012 at 02:47 AM
May the angels be sitting on the wings as it carries you safely from shore to shore,
You find pearls, because you are a pearl stringing ever so gently all those you encounter on your journey through life.
joanny
Posted by: joanny | 25 October 2012 at 06:41 AM
Excellent portrait !!!
Far from our traditional cliché photos of fishmongers !!!
Yes, all i can say is : EXCELLENT !!
Posted by: Marie-Noëlle | 25 October 2012 at 04:54 PM
Great photo + safe landings. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy braswell | 25 October 2012 at 05:28 PM
Such a lovely poem. You see the world through divine eyes, Corey.
Posted by: Shelley Noble | 25 October 2012 at 05:51 PM
Say hello to Annie.......I love to hear her stories.
Time to post a picture of her again......
Tell her I said hello
Posted by: Jeanne | 28 October 2012 at 09:55 AM