Once upon a time two people, happy with their life but a bit restless, took a flying leap and moved to France, and made a surprise landing in a château.
Nearly nine years later–still here!–we often miss the states, especially our friends, family, palm trees and perpetual sunshine. But the Christmas season has me thinking about gifts, both given and received. I decided to make a list of the gifts that this move to France has given us. If you’ve spent some time in a foreign country, maybe you will have some of your own to add to the list.
Here are our special gifts from France, in no particular order:
A broader world view. Politics, culture, customs–it all looks different from this side of the pond. And no one country has all the answers.
Travel. All of France is at our feet, and six European countries are a half a day’s drive or a short train ride away.
A new language. Not only a whole new means of expression, but a window into another culture.
A renewed appreciation of America. Some of the traits we take for granted are truly unique to our culture: like our oversized enthusiasm, ambition, and generosity.
Tolerance and patience. Ah, the French! Charming, and challenging. We strive always to be gracious guests in their country.
Bounty. Food, wine, culture, amitié— our cup overflows.
Beauty. Whatever you think of the French, the magnificent beauty of their country, natural and architectural, is undisputed.
A sense of security. Violent crime in France is rare, and so is crime of ANY sort, in the Burgundy countryside.
A continuity with history. Living in a house that’s 700 years old can’t help but change your perspective. (Photo, speaking of blessings, our French 'family': Châtelains Nicole and Pierre and thier darling grand-daughter Justine).
Friendship. The fascinating and kind people we’ve met, including our remarkable set of international friends, has been by far the best gift of all. And I never could have anticipated the birth of this blog, and the friendship it has brought too, readers from all over the world dropping in with gifts of their thoughts, dreams, greetings, advice, books, recipes.
To all of you, dear friends, I wish you an equal abundance of gifts and blessings for Christmas and in the new year. Meilleurs Voeux!
Favorite Reads: BIG NEWS this week, our favorite blogger Kristin Espinasse of the French Word a Day blog has a new book out! It's called Blossoming in Provence . I've ordered my copy, can't wait to get more of her heartwarming vignettes about life in Provence with her French family. It's already jumped up to the list of Amazon's "Hot New Releases". Felicitations, Kristin!! Meanwhile, Reader Sue Wallace has a recommendation for us: White Truffles in Winter by N.M Kelby, a novel about the life of Auguste Escoffier. "Very poetic," says Sue, "a feast for foodies, a love story, some history, trés français…. what more could we want"?
Our Reader's Blogs: I'm not a huge fan of framed art photos on the wall, but Mark Kane, of Your Garden Show fame, has changed my mind. You simply MUST go see The Ardent Gardener's Prints here. He takes super close-ups of flowers and leaves that look almost like contemporary paintings. It will change the way you look at plants–you can see how they have inspired designers and artists. Follow him on his facebook homepage too, where you can contact him to order prints.
Delia has a sweet new blog called Mon Coeur est Dans La Campagne. Nicely written and pretty too, worth a visit just for the fun graphics. And for fun cruise over to Laura's blog, An Uneducated Palate, and meet Mojo the dog at her Bone Appétit post. She's made him the cutest homemade dog treats which would be a super gift for a dog lover.
25 thoughts on “Gifts from France, Welcome and Unexpected”
What a lovely post. I agree with all of the items on your list. As I read through them, I found myself wondering if there is another one you could add.. the gift of being able to appreciate the kinds of things that money can’t buy (but maybe that’s a gift you already possessed before you moved to France).
The most special gift that I received during my time in Paris is a new appreciation for quality food and ingredients. Since I’ve been back home, I’ve tried recreating some of the dishes I enjoyed there, but without the perfect baguette or tin of duck confit, the results are never quite the same.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I have also purchased Kristin’s book, Blossoming in Provence. I can’t wait for it to arrive, and I’m happy to hear about its success on Amazon. The picture of the chateau in the snow is beautiful! Your French family is lovely too.
Lovely post again Lynn. You could write the book that will be on all our wish lists next year. Happy Christmas
Just loved it! I am from France, and I moved to Buffalo, NY 23 years ago and i can more agree with you about the “gifts” of moving abroad. Merry Xmas and merci beaucoup!
Au plaisir de vous rencontrer un jour.
Patricia.
Loved this post. I am going to France in March, can’t wait. I love the country. My spouse and I have tossed around the idea of moving there for awhile but haven’t had the courage to do it….yet.
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the states.
Did you talk the photo of the chateau? The colors and the light are so very French.
I haven’t gotten to “live” in France, not yet anyway. But already I’ve been graced with many of the gifts you mention. Joyeux Noël and Bonne Année to you and your family/friends on both sides of the ocean.
Merry Christmas, Lynn!
Thank you for this lovely post! I, too, have experienced these gifts from France, and I’ve been fortunate to have made lifelong friendships.
Coincidentally, I noticed a friend of mine on Facebook shared a friend of mine from France. Wondering how she could know Sophie, the girl who works at the Patisserie on the Corniche Kennedy in Marseille, Kina sent me a music video on youtube dedicated to Sophie Roux by a group called Lady Danville. My worlds had shaken hands!
Two of my favorite bloggers also happen to be gifts from France, even though they’re both Americans: Southern Fried French and French Word A Day. Thank you for your wonderful blog!
Merry Christmas Lynn! This was lovely to read…..
Merci, Lynn.
To anyone who visits yourgardenshow.com–type “groundskeeper” in the Search box on the home page. That will take you to my seven gardens. The one titled “Our Grounds” is mine, depicted in a self-indulgent 200 photographs. I love my garden but I’d also love to garden in France. Un jour.
MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS – I have enjoyed your Friday’s post and have caught the French bug from you! Ah, one day!
Big kisses for a joyous holiday and a fantastic 2012!
Thank you for the wisdom and insight with such a wonderful post Lynn! Merry Christmas.
Bonjour Nos Amis from sunny San Diego, Again Lynn, you have shared a special part of yours and Ron’s life in La Belle France and this time it brought tears to my eyes. Your list of Special Gifts is right on and makes me thankful that we have met you both and had the wonderful opportunity to mingle our dream with your dream. We love you both and miss you beaucoup during this Christmas season. Gros bises et beaucoup de sourires a tous, Montelle et Allison
I’ve followed your blog for a long time and always enjoy it. And although at times they seem understandable, the French are truly a unique, kind people.
I particularly enjoyed the link to Mojo’s treats and have forwarded it to my many dog friends. I’m off to the store today for some President’s Choice PB and will be making the treats for my muttly today. Merry Christmas.
Lovely post, Lynn! Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee from the mountains of Montana!
You are living our dream! Joyeux Noel & Bonne Annee!
Thanks for this, really captures the holiday spirit. Couldn’t agree more about The Arden Gardener’s botanical closeups – I have a suite of three in my dining room and they’re lovely. I never tire of looking at them. (And I’d feel the same even if the photographer wasn’t my big brother.)
Beautiful column today. Very insightful and nicely stated…Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and most productive and self-actualizing 2012.
Best,
Dr.and Mrs. Edward Abraham
in Phoenix, Arizona
Beautiful post – it’s so nice to have so many blessings and be thankful for them. I’ve also ordered Kristen’s new book and can’t wait for it’s arrival. Happy Christmas!
You and Ron have certainly been one of the best addition in our lifes.
We’re so glad you made the decision to have that great big move and came to share our culture giving us the opportunity to get to know yours better as well as the culture of all the other expats who surround us.
Happy Christmas to everybody
Having spent last Christmas with our French family in small village outside Lille with 0% and snow was a very special and meaningful time. It’s all about relationships and wonderful food not the emphasis on commercialism as here. In my dreams, we will eventually evolve into a culture that treasures our relationship to mother earth and humanity.
Merry Christmas & thank you for your blog.
sue in Cashiers
Bonjour Lynn, and thank you for a truly heart-warming post, enjoyed by both myself and my husband, as we enjoy this day after Christmas in our own little piece of French Heaven in the apartment we bought six years ago in Pommard. We clearly share a love for the same region and a deep appreciation for all of the gifts that France and Burgundy and her warm people have given us. May you continue to enjoy these blessings for many years to come! (P.S. – We would love to meet you during one of our return trips in 2012 🙂
Lynn .. Your thoughts are sensitive, sincere, and beautifully written. I am so very proud of you.
Love,
Mickey
Wishing you a wonderful New Year! I subscribed to your blog this year and I’ve enjoyed reading every post. It’s been a wonderful way for me to ‘keep in touch’ with French culture :).
Oh I found you today through Libby’s Eye for Detail. We are kindred spirits in a way. I”m an Alabamian that longs to live in France. I’m a besotted Paris photographer on her way back for the 8th trip next week! I will be following your blog now. THat photo of the snow capped chateau took my breath.
Bises,
V
The internet keep getting better with blogs like yours and Kristin Espinasse’s “French word a day”. I love Kristin’s approach and sort of wryly approach to life, writing and photos.Her latest book “Blossoming in Provence” has to be great!
Do keep up being supportive to each other, your readers and the world. We can only improve by being supportive, and you never know when it might come round.
Thanks, I like your blog; and it’s all do to Kristin’s.
~M.