Sometimes it seems that I’m being unappreciative to my family I visit in the US. But when I return back to France again, I can’t believe how happy I feel. I’m at home. But at the same time, I’m on a great adventure.
The last two months I’ve revelled in spending time with my adorable grandchildren in Georgia. We played together, like I always imagined I’d enjoy three and five year old grandchildren. Tea parties, visits to a dinosaur museum, lunch on a red caboose and birthday parties. We did them all.
Then it was time to say “goodbye.” At least now they’re recognizing that “Grandma will come back.” Perhaps it gives us all a chance to rewind.
Back to France
The journey back to France this time was complicated slightly by the fact that I’m haven’t totally recuperated from my September accident. Knowing that I had to spend part of the trip on a train, I had to pack light. 
That doesn’t mean that my suitcase wasn’t overloaded with goodies to take back to France. This time I was transporting jewelry making materials to an American friend who lives near Uzés. A good half of my 38 pounds of luggage was devoted to clasps, findings and other jewelry components that are hard to find near here. For my efforts, my friend is bartering her talent painting furniture. She’s already transformed my office desk from a boring brown to a stylish French Provençal white. Perfect for my new apartment!
Along the way … Dordogne
Living in the south of France gives me a chance to stop along the way back from the US. This trip I visited some of the Plus Beaux Villages of France. Remember, it’s now my new obsession: to see as many Plus Beaux Villages as possible. So for four days I spent part of every day exploring a different spot in the Dordogne. In the next posts I will share some of the sights and my thoughts about Monpazier, St. Jean de Cole, Beynac-et-Cazenac and Castlenaud-la-Chappelle.
Stay tuned …
Categories: Around France, Blog
I completely understand the emotional “tug” you describe…I’m looking at our suitcases in one corner of the room and giggling grandkids in another. It is possible to live with a foot in each world and inspire our little ones to do the same as they become more global citizens. Le Grand Départ c’est demain!!!!!
Oh, it does make me feel better to hear the same sentiments from others. I figure I don’t have a whole lot longer to do this, so I’m going to keep at it as long as I’m enjoying it all. Someday that suitcase in the corner is going to look like a drudge, instead of a passport to adventure. That’s when I’ll know it’s time to stop. Thank you so much for your comment. It means alot!
Beautiful photos, Deborah!
Thank you! I’m excited about posting the next ones on the Plus Beaux Villages. Stay tuned!
My dear, thank you so much for sharing your experience, especially about your grandchildren. Ours — Ella, 11 and Nora, 6 — live in St. Paul, MN <> so our visits are never long enough. As I always say upon departure, I can’t return if I don’t leave. They do understand and speaking to them weekly via technology helps. But what really sang to me in today’s post was how you feel alive in France; moi aussi. After nearly 20 years of living part-time in Nice I must to say that I live here and only exist while I am away from France.
Bonne journée, Grandma Ella
Yes! You said it perfectly, Ella. It feels like a bit of a betrayal to feel more “alive” here, because I love my family so dearly. But I know I’m a better person for living my dream. Hopefully at some time in their lives, it will be meaningful to them, too. If I didn’t have a dream, I don’t know how I would survive. I’m so happy you are loving Nice. It’s on our Memories Tours so I know how you must feel. Now… onto more Plus Beaux Villages!