This has been a tough week for me. World events and the death of a dear friend have had me anxious and weepy. It's hard to be far away from family and friends at times like this and I'm grateful for technology that allows me to stay connected. The writings of Irish poet and author, … Continue reading Week 14
This week saw an annoying hiccup with an appointment, a funny social challenge, an unexpected gift of music and more. I also tried, with varying success, to solidify some routines. I restarted an online French grammar course that I set aside when I was packing up my life. I've committed to 1 hour every morning … Continue reading Week 13
I've started to write this post several times this week and find myself without much to say. I knew this was likely to happen as I settle into a routine. I've had another wonderful week with visiting friends. I was happy to hear their impressions of Pézenas and even happier to have them cook for … Continue reading Week 12
It's been a nice week with my guest. As I sit down to write this blog post, I can't think of anything specific that I've learned. That's a good thing! And I can only think of one challenge and it's a fun one. I've included a lot of joyful photos this week. A word about … Continue reading Week 11
The weather has started to get cooler and I've turned the heat on several times. When I first arrived, only 10 weeks ago, I couldn't imagine ever feeling chilly again. Now my linen dresses are tucked away and I've started to wear the wool sweater I bought in Ireland when I sit out for my … Continue reading Week 10
We've reached October! A year ago, I had just returned to work from a visit to Pézenas and wondered how I'd find a way to make it to retirement. It seemed like summer would take forever to arrive. Yet here I am, into my third month in France, and all that waiting feels like the … Continue reading Week 9
It seems my blogs are getting longer every week. There's just so much to say! I've broken up the text with more photos to make it easier to read. Overall, I find myself happy and relaxed. This week I noticed some very small internal shifts. I'm not even sure how to describe them. Just very … Continue reading Week 8
It was such a joy to host my first guest and so wonderful to spend quality time with a friend. As I saw her off on the day she left, she commented on how strange it is to think that I live here now. I agree! I woke up one morning after she left wondering … Continue reading Week 7
My first guest arrived this week. I usually compose the blog throughout the week, but we're having a wonderful time and I find myself scrambling to write it at the last minute. I'm glad I committed to posting once a week! There was a lot of joy this week, so I'm changing up the order … Continue reading Week 6
I've had a quiet week, swimming, reading and enjoying video chats with friends in Canada. Joys Strange timing, I suppose, but two joys this week are related to Christmas. When I was deciding what to bring to France, a few sentimental things were at the top of my list, including my Christmas ornaments. They fit … Continue reading Week 5
I've been here for a month! Most days it feels so much longer and I'm surprised at how settled I feel. Routines are starting to creep in, I'm managing some simple but full conversations in French, and my circle of aquaintences is expanding. I'm starting my blog this week with words from John O'Donohue - … Continue reading Week 4
I added another song to my playlist this week. I've always loved the opening to the Mary Tyler Moore show as she smiles and greets people on her way to work. The song popped into my head this week. Who can turn the world on with her smile?Who can take a nothing dayAnd suddenly make … Continue reading Week 3
Week 2 started with many new subscribers to my blog. In an act that could be considered a joy, a challenge and a learning, I put myself out there this week. When I first created this website, it took a long time for me to feel comfortable sharing it, even with my friends. I'm confident … Continue reading Week 2
It's been just over a week since I left Toronto. As I settle in to my new home in the Languedoc region of France, I find myself wondering what brought me here. I don't feel regret or even stress. I'm happily going with the flow in a way I didn't know I had in me. … Continue reading Week 1
"I am a happy wanderer, along the mountain track. And as I go, I love to sing, a knapsack on my back." Music has always played a huge part in my life. The first song I performed - I was 5 or 6 at the time - was The Happy Wanderer. Through my youth, I … Continue reading The Playlist
I got my first job when I was 15 and retired last week after 46 years of working. Looking back, rather than seeing a progressive career, I see a meandering path and a fervent push to be productive and independent. I did clerical work, sold vacuum cleaners door-to-door, worked in a hospital kitchen and in … Continue reading A retirement lesson: It was never about the work
'Little Boy Blue', now confirmed to be Henry, Duke of Gloucester by artist, Adriaen Hanneman. ____ When I was in grade 3, we bought an old house that had an attic. I discovered treasures. I took ownership of a metal bread box where I stored pens, notes and other valuables. I found a margarine container … Continue reading Storing Treasures
Photo credit - Eye Immo Agency These days, I'm often asked if I'm excited about wrapping up my career and moving to France. Yes, of course. Sure! I'm also nervous, amused, anxious, curious, surprised, relieved, sad, thrilled, angry ... you get it. My mind is a churning sea. It's exhausting and I'm finding ways to … Continue reading All the feels and an exciting update
It's been a while since I've posted. Three months, actually! I don't like to post just for the sake of posting and appreciate those who are still reading. In the last few months, I've continued to plan for my future in France. It's amazing to look back at the long list of to-do items in … Continue reading Time marches on
Lists, lists and more lists! My mind is full of everything I need to do over the next few months, so I thought I'd give you a glimpse into the chaos. It breaks down as follows: Visa (Titre de Séjour or VLS-TS) - I can only apply for the visa less than 3 months before … Continue reading To do