I'm Susan — devout Francophile, mother of twins, writer, creative director, and aspiring author. I've been sharing my life here since 2010...thanks for reading!
Today marks the start of the biannual sales in France, known as "les soldes". They are government mandated, and the French take them very seriously. Considering they wait all year for these amazing prices, I don't blame them! I was originally going to be in Paris during the winter sales, and was really looking forward to some deals. Alas, this francophile will have to live vicariously through the tales of my friends abroad..but I do that anyway, happily. Happy shopping….Vive les soldes!
I won't be seeing Paris in February…I made the tough decision to cancel my trip. I am disappointed, but know it's the right decision for my health, the babies, and everything we have going on. My brother and friends all understand, but I am bummed I won't be spending time with them. However, I have the beautiful memories of my last time there, and so much to look forward to this year. I will continue to share my francophilia here, of course, and look forward to the day we can travel with our children!
Dreaming of Ladurée, as always…this time to a Nutcracker tune, how perfect for this time of year!
Oh, and…you're welcome.
After reading the tales of renovating a 400 year old stone cottage in the Dordogne region of France, I was hooked to the stephmodo blog. Stephanie Brubaker is inspiring to me as an American who made her French dreams come true, and for her amazing style! Just take a look at her gorgeous home away from home, La Maisonette, featured on Design Sponge. I am dreaming of staying there in my lifetime, as it is available to rent! I enjoy reading about her adventures with her husband and four children, whether in France or Seattle, where she currently lives. Thank you for sharing Stephanie!
image courtesy of Aran Goyoaga
Your favourite virtue.
Generosity in any form (time, skills, means, listening ear, etc.)
Your favourite colour and flower.
My children ask me this all the time and I have the same answer…”I like all the colors”. This answer is not their favorite, so I’ve been forced to think long and hard and realized I’m always drawn to “periwinkle”; in fact, my favorite flower is the hydrangea in the same shade.
What is your present state of mind?
Trying to be more aware of my health-spiritual, physical and emotional.
Your idea of happiness.
Feeling content, confident, and having the three most basic needs covered (shelter, food, clothing).
Your idea of misery.
Comparison, hate, and port-o-potties.
Your favourite qualities in friends.
Understanding, non-judgemental, trustworthy & fun!
Your biggest flaw.
Learning to bite my tongue at times.
Your favourite motto.
You get what you get, and don’t throw a fit. This is per my children’s preschool, but it applies to both adults and children alike. :)
What gift from nature would you like to have?
I wish I had the pleasure of witnessing a thunderstorm at least once a month (as long as I had shelter!)
Where would you like to live?
We would like to live in France again someday when the time is right, and going back to the Bay Area would be lovely too. However, I am a big believer in going where the job opportunites are so I’d like to live anywhere my husband or I have a great opportunity. Wherever that may be.
**the proust q & a is a regular feature..check out the archives here**
Somehow I have neglected to write about one of my favorite Paris musuems, the Musée d'Orsay. It recently reopened after over a year and a half of renovations, and I find it interesting how it has been changed. Apparently a white background is not always best for showcasing artwork, especially in the case of impressionistic or academic pieces. The radiant white can create an aura around a painting which distracts from the subtleties and nuances of the artwork. Modern artwork, usually having more abstract and larger subjects, fares better with a white background. The new Impressionist gallery in the museum has charcoal gray walls, making the pieces the center of attention, rather than the light. If you are interested, check out this video. I am looking forward to seeing the new & improved space!