French la Vie

When I first started following Corey, I was deeply entrenched in Silicon Valley working in Tech,

a newly remarried mom of a tween (God Bless my husband),

and running as fast as I could on the proverbial hamster wheel. 

As a full-blown Francophile, Corey’s photos and writing piqued my interest

and provided a nice diversion from my then overly stressed out life. 

 

 

Fast forward to now…

We are retired and live in Carmel Valley, Californi,

 we are empty-nesters with three rescues dogs @DogsofCarmelValley. 

(Lucky Dogs Gala Fundraiser)

 

 

 

We are up on a hill in Carmel Valley which has inspiring and ever-changing views. 

We, like many Californians (and other western states), have been affected by the fire. 

We evacuated in August with the #CarmelFire getting about a mile away from our home. 

 

One of those reminders to cherish every day.

 

 

 

Even before the pandemic hit,

I have been experiencing a bit of an existential wake-up call.

I had assumed being a retired, empty nester would be a natural,

even euphoric transition. 

Well, it wasn’t…

I realized that much (too much) of my identity was tied up with my work and motherhood. 

Without sounding too cliché, I had definitely lost my mojo. 

My husband and I dealt with retirement differently. 

He retired years before me and never looked back. 

I needed to redefine my sense of purpose –

I took on some local marketing gigs and actually really enjoyed it. 

I built a website and put out my “Shingle”: Wendy Steel Marketing. 

 

 

It was so gratifying to do work, not for the money or accolades

but just make a very direct impact. 

I got involved in non-profits and the local chamber of commerce. 

Being engaged in the local community afforded me with new meaning and precious friendships. 

My latest love project is doing social media for

Peace of Mind Dog Rescue .

All of my dogs are rescue dogs and it has been so gratifying to help

raise awareness and find homes for senior dogs, hey I’m a senior too, so I get it!

 

 

When the lockdown went into effect here, I took on gardening projects which were so cathartic. 

I spent weeks pulling out an invasive genista around our property. 

It was dirty, sweaty, exhausting – just what I needed.

Blood, sweat, and tears.

And, inspired by Corey, I took in the beauty around me –

I continued to spruce up my beautiful garden and even do some upcycling.

 

 

This was a project inspired by tree trunks,

an old mirror and some tile. 

I formed a planter for my succulent plants.

 

 

 

 

 

These are a series of “just photos” that make me smile – I hope they bring a smile to you as well.

 

Corey, I have really appreciated your “Daily Dose on Facebook” during these crazy times!

Connection, purpose, beauty, creativity, love is what is keeping me grounded. 

I wish all of you in Corey’s caring community all the best during these unprecedented times! 

 

I want to offer a sincere thank you to Corey for sharing her life journey with us. 

I’ve been following Corey for over 10 years;

My husband and I met her for dinner when we were in Paris many years ago. 

It felt like seeing an old friend

Corey was just as gracious and warm in person as I imagined. 

Thank you for the community you have created Corey 

I really do hope I can see you in France soon!

 

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