THE OLIVE HARVEST

"The stars shimmer like spilled handfuls of glitter. The day is beginningto rise with a faint mist. As I turn my head, ghostly halos, auras oflight, appear and disappear ... The silence is truly awesome. Not a bird,not a whisper of wind, not a breath of life. Only the two of us, a mostimplausible pair, standing shoulder to shoulder gazing upon an awakeningheaven" Returning to their home after an extended absence Carol and herhusband Michel are looking forward to summer together on the farm. Ashocking blow leaves Carol alone and the future is uncertain. Feelingisolated and with no olives to harvest, Carol ventures beyond the farm toexplore other aspects of Provencal life - from hunting to bee-keeping, theancient language to the ever-present demands of family and friends. Andultimately, Provence's generous diversity - and Carol's own persistence insharing it with those she loves - paves a path to joy.