A look back at last year,
January
French Husband, my Belle-Mere, Alice and I went on a Greek cruise and to Italy.
February
"After years of dreaming, really dreaming, we woke up to a dream come true. All is said and done we own a place on the port of Cassis. Excited. It is far from grandiose, nor anything resembling fancy. I would dare say it is a fraction larger than a hole in the wall in need of major work." February's Blog Post
March
Several months ago Victoria Magazine asked if they could publish an article about our apartment in Paris. I was thrilled, they set a date, and then I scurried to have everything in place.
In 2016 I was fortunate to work on several articles for Victoria Magazine.
April
"Anyone who knows me knows that I am afraid of dogs. Though through the many years of my life my fear has lessened dramatically by the help of a dog named Babette.
Babette is Lisa's adorable friend who is a King something or other. Babette's eyes are soulful, sweet and full of longing. From the first time I saw Babette, six years ago, I have thought that if ever I had a dog it would be one like Babette.
Today at breakfast Babette sat by me, didn't move just sat by my side. Years ago I could not go into someone's house if they had a dog inside. I could not get out of the car is a dog was in the yard. I was that afraid.
…I held out my hand to Babette. At first, I was very scared even though Babette just looked at me, and did not move. So I thought, "Wow, look I can put my hand out and it isn't getting bit off!"
And when I finally relaxed and felt like I had taken a giant step for me-kind, Babette kissed me."
May
Ruth and I lead another week-long French Muse Experience in Provence, where we added Shibori to the fun. "Ruth said if I call shibori, "tied dyed" one more time she was going to dye me blue."
The French Muse loved the Shibori lesson and it has become a regular part of the French Muse.
We had a few groups this year, and each and everyone one of you who came to join us we thank you and enjoyed every single minute with you!!
June
"My mother would say, I was burning the candle at both ends. Actually, the candle was lite in the middle which caused a bonfire of activity.
Yes, we bought another property. When the house next door came up for sale, we asked several friends if they were interested in it… as the house wasn't on the market yet there was a deadline to beat. When nobody bit, French Husband couldn't resist, saying, "It is too good to pass up, plus it was part of our home over a hundred years ago."
I know what you might be thinking, "Gee they buy houses like they are gumballs." Well yes and no. You see Yann"s work is in real estate (long-term) investment so he tends to buy gumballs. And lately, I have taken an interest in fixing them up.
So far this year we have had several guests take up residence in the house next door… Rebecca and her husband, then Jackie, then Sheree and her husband, the Gina… the House Next Door is a home away from home, a place to let your roots soak in Provence and the beauty of being still.
If you are looking for a place to call home in Provence, come stay with us.
July
"… between renovating two houses, running a blog, keeping up with guests in Paris and the tiny house, brocanting for clients, cooking for three hungry men who are renovating our properties, having friends from the States visit… I have been with Gary and Ching house searching in Provence. We have visited several homes in the last three days, and today I think they have found their nest!
"I met Ching and Gary years ago through blogging. They would say each time they visited, "When we retire we are moving to France, and you will help us find a house." Over the years Ching has bought items from my brocante, now those things are coming home."
August
After years of "The French Antique Guessing Game" where I post an item that stumped me from the brocante, I finally stumped you!
Also
"…Instead of buying antiques today I bought a very modern painting by a man in his late eighties. Camille Fourès. The first painting is nearly as tall as me, but wider than me…whew.
I never thought about yellow as one of the colors for the house in Cassis. But as you can see I took a giant leap in the direction of unexpected and colorful. And it feels scary and good all at the same time."
September
My dear friend Ellen came to visit who I first met when I moved to France, we shared an apartment in Paris, and Ellen was with Yann and I when Chelsea was born. Ellen moved back to the States over twenty years ago. We have remained close throughout the years.
also
Also in September (and this year), we meet a record-breaking amount of blogging friends, I daresay over fifty. I would mention everyone but if I forgot to mention someone I would feel terrible about it. This year I am going to start a side post (on the right side of my blog) of all the people I meet.
October
In memory of Victor.
Too soon.
When I think that you are gone it is unimaginable, a sadness rushes over me, and as the tide hits I see you in one of my many memories and a smile pours over my face.
How can it be true that someone as full of life as you were, is no longer here with us?
November
Home base!
Visited my family in California.
December
Sacha, French Husband and I went to Sicily for Christmas.
Chelsea went to Cuba with Mr. Espresso's family. We know she is having a wonderful time, we are happy for her and kind of bummed missing her. We cannot wait to hear about her trip.
And Cassis is nearly completed… maybe as early as next week!
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What about your year? What were the highlights?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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