2021 Spring Collection

Some things might have slowed down a bit during the pandemic, but everything did not come to a complete standstill. And interestingly enough, it seems that the interest in pétanque (especially among women) has increased significantly since the covert invasion of Covid-19.

In the pétanque sphere, even though we have not had any tournaments for a while, the beat still goes on. Games are played everywhere, and attendance has not wavered. Some people, I have been told, are so addicted to the game that they keep playing (with the help of flashlights) even after the sun has had the impertinence to disappear.

I have been playing fairly regularly, even though a stubborn backache has prevented me lately from any energetic participation. But fortunately, I have a second passion to fall back on, and my “lumbago” has not stopped me from (figuratively speaking) shooting targets of opportunity.

When I am not playing, I am likely to roam the field with “Sneaky Pete” my very versatile little Canon camera, and catch players in the act of being themselves.  They are never more natural than when totally absorbed by the game.

When taking pictures, I also look for flair and unusual situations or expressions. Form, even though it is not indicative of superior performance, is esthetically more pleasing to watch than some unstylish execution. But in general, a fluid delivery is generally more effective (and attractive) than a clumsy one.

Since one picture is thought to be worth a thousand words, I will stop talking and offer instead a little collection of pictures recently taken in the San Rafael pétanque field. If you don’t like your form, it probably means that you need to improve your game and generally speaking throw your boule higher in the air. Boules are like geese; they like to fly high and fast.

Since Easter is around the corner, I cannot leave you without making a corny joke about it. So here goes:

Q: What did the Easter Bunny say to the carrot?
A: It’s been nice gnawing you!

Happy Easter and Passover everybody!

Alain

PS: to watch the photo album, click on “My photos

If you liked this piece, reserve your seat for the next show. Become a regular and Subscribe for more. Merci for your attention.