The Cathedral of Saint Cecilia in Albi is a massive, simple
structure of brick. The multiple small towers and long, narrow windows add to the look, which is more like a fortress than a church. Stepping inside, every surface
is painted with brilliant colors and design. Fine limestone carving like lace separates the choir from where the
common folk stood. Such emotion and devotion in each figure with a story told in each scene.
In the Bishop’s Palace next door is one of the largest
collections of works by the painter and printmaker, Toulouse-Lautrec, one of the town’s sons. He is most well-known for his lithograph posters created at the turn of the 20th century. His preparatory sketches are displayed next
to the final design, showing how he pared down the picture story to just a few lines and blocks of color for quite an impact.
At dinner, more tomato soup (made from fresh tomatoes and fromage blanc), more fish stew (made with cod, mushrooms, cream, and white wine), more cheese (Roquefort was included, of course), and more plum tart are offered to all. With a non, merci, there is a moment of pause. Non, as in “I shouldn’t but maybe I will,” or non, as in “I really mean no.” Here at Le Mas de Salel, non, non, non signals “absolutely no more”. Sometimes it can take a moment’s self-exam before knowing what kind of non is to
be said.
Meanings can be hidden, even from oneself. A church that looks like a fortress may open,
like a geode, into an explosion of devotional art. A non may mean “maybe” or “definitely not.” And it might take several preliminary looks before the simple, unadorned meaning comes through. This finding of meaning can take time and a willingness to question and explore. But it seems to make life richer and help you get what you want.
