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| Au revoir, 2012! (photographer unknown) |
First post of 2013. Thanks to the ubiquitous social media, I have been reading about other people's New Year's resolutions for days.
Resolution: Noun. f. {Ambitious} promises made to oneself likely to end up in life's poubelle (trashcan) sooner or later. Source: Webster's. French Girl in Seattle.
It seems a big trend in the blogosphere right now is to summarize all of one's hopes/expectations/plans in one word. One single word. Hope. Love. Explore. Learn. You get the picture.
Even though I have a big birthday coming up in 2013, (they tell me I am supposed to have reached a certain degree of self-awareness; wisdom; and/or contentment at this point in my life,) I still find it difficult to encapsulate the lot in one word.
So I had an idea. I looked back at 2012 through all the stories I wrote for the blog over the last 12 months. Most of these stories pop up in my head one morning, inspired by something I read; heard at a party; or remembered. There are not the result of careful planning. These stories, I thought, can help me determine what has been learned or achieved this year, and where I want to go from here.
Several points were established once and for all in 2012:
Fact #1: I am a city girl. Always have been. Always will always be. I may lead the life of a suburbanite somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, but all I can think about is plotting my next escape to the nearest urban environment, small or large. What I gladly leave behind: Living in my car; running errands on giant parking lots or strip malls that vaguely qualify as a "downtown;" watching sports on TV on Sunday afternoons or attending kids' athletic events every single weekend (favorite past times in my neck of the woods;) fighting a losing battle against weeds in giant suburban backyards. None of these local classics are my idea of fun, or excitement. To each his own. Give me glorious architecture, restaurants, museums, boutiques, sidewalks, cafés terraces, city parks and benches. Give me la ville! The City!
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| Bagatelle Gardens, Paris, France The rose garden |
In 2012, I paid tribute to several great cities I was lucky to visit. Portland, OR, the big little city, in January. Colorful and lively Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in February. Snohomish, WA, a local town offering historical buildings, antique shopping, and photo opportunities galore. Thank you, Snohomish, for being there when I need to be cheered up. Paris, France. This year, I dedicated several stories to Paris, and the much-reviled Parisians (does anyone actually believe there would be a Paris without them?) inspired one of my most popular posts. I was also reunited with my long-lost friend, New York city, in November. The year would not have been complete without a week-long stay in my favorite French city, beautiful, cheerful Nice. I find it so easy to talk and write about the shining star of the French Riviera, and it inspired a multi-episode travelogue... "What about Seattle?" you ask. The Emerald City was not forgotten. Several outings across Lake Washington were chronicled on the blog. A popular one was a visit to Pike Place Market in August.
Fact #2: I do not like living under grey skies eight months of the year. I did not like it in Paris twenty years ago, and I like it even less here. It is not so much the rain, but more the lack of light. I am not a mole, or a vampire, but in the Pacific Northwest, you either learn to live in the dark, with wet feet, or you don't live at all. Two main reasons for living here: You love boating. You love the mountains and winter sports. Well, I guess one out of two isn't bad (and no, my pick does not involve snow...) I know with absolute certainty that there is a sunny locale in my future, at least part of the year.
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| Favorite Pacific Northwest sightings: 1. Blue skies 2. Big Foot. |
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| An all too familiar sighting... |
There is only so much you can write about the lousy Pacific Northwest weather. I decided a long time ago to stop discussing it, since I had no way of influencing the forecast. Still, a couple of stories made the blog and illustrate essential survival skills in the Wild, Wild, West: When the white stuff hits the fan was one of them.
Fact #3: I love my friends, and I love dogs. Without them... I can't even bear to finish that thought, actually. So many stories I wrote in 2012 mentioned one or the other... One personal goal in 2013 is to surround myself with as many of my good friends as I can; and to continue stepping outside, day in and day out, with my favorite canine. These have proved smart moves for my morale, and my derrière...
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| Mavis, canine ambassador at the Fairmont Vancouver, Vancouver, BC |
Friends were all over my stories in 2012, and that is a good thing. Friends and dogs [aka "Furry Friends"] helped celebrate my birthday in March. Friends were by my side again when I met King Tut in Seattle...
This year, I was reminded of one of blogging's greatest perks: the many international friendships created along the way. Lucky me: I met three fellow bloggers during my travels. M-T and her husband in New York City. Malyss and Jilly on the French Riviera. I am planning to meet a lot more of my "friends" over the new few months, in the United States or in Europe.
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| Santé, Jilly! |
Fact #4: The years have gone by. Le Husband and I have made a life in the United States. Still, I miss Europe. I miss France. I miss the people I left behind. Need I say more?
Many stories on the blog reflect nostalgia for the life that once was. Annual trips to Old Europe are not enough to fill the void, even if they help. So I write stories, to remember what it was like; and to share memories with readers. The funny thing is, the more I avoid stereotypes about the French way of life, the more I drift back towards them. It seems my life and the moments I shared with friends and family were... very French after all. This has inspired many good stories on the blog. A Sunday in the country was a favorite in 2012. A couple of weeks ago, I reminisced about Memories of Parisian Christmas past. Last June, to celebrate the anniversary of D-Day, I published an email my mother-in-law, Mutti, wrote to my son, about her experience as a young French girl during the German Occupation. All three met with great response from readers.
Many may disagree with some of these statements. I do not claim to speak for anyone but myself. Editorial privilege.
So, what of these New Year's resolutions? Can they even be summarized in a single word?
Let's keep it simple, shall we?
In 2013, I wish for more. More travel to fabulous cities, wherever they may be. More time spent with family and friends, old, new and furry. More good stories to tell. More Followers. More feedback from faithful readers. More sun. More. Vaste programme (ambitious program,) I realize.
Thank you, Blog, for helping me sort things out. You, too, have been a good friend this year. In December, you celebrated your second anniversary; an average of 13,000 monthly pageviews since September 2012; 273 faithful followers; 150 Facebook followers; and 133 published posts to date.
Let's celebrate the big event with a Giveaway.
Dear readers, are you ready? First, our prizes.
Le gagnant/la gagnante (the winner) gets to choose one of the following:
Interested in fashion? Pick this classic. Inès de la Fressange reveals the secret of Parisian style in Parisian Chic...
Le gagnant/la gagnante (the winner) gets to choose one of the following:
Interested in fashion? Pick this classic. Inès de la Fressange reveals the secret of Parisian style in Parisian Chic...
Paris vs. New York is a favorite of mine. I reviewed it here. If you love cities, Paris, and New York, look no further!
To enter, you must:
1. Start following this blog on Blogger, and/or on Facebook (French Girl in Seattle page.)
2. Tell me what you prefer reading on the blog: Stories about France and French culture, (such as the French icons series;) travelogues with a French twist; stories about the life of a French expat in the Pacific Northwest...
3. Would you be interested in reading more stories in French? In what format: Short stories (paragraphs) at the end of an English language post? Entire post written in French? Stories in English including many French words and expressions (translated?)
Finally, do not forget to tell me what book you prefer if you are the lucky winner. I am in a generous mood and may even throw in some French stationery I found recently in Vancouver BC. You're welcome.
The winner will be announced next week. Bonne chance!
Voilà. It is time to wrap up.
As always, thank you for staying with me until the end. Thank you for your support, and comments. I can't pretend I would enjoy blogging half as much if I did not hear from you each week!
Je vous souhaite une excellente année 2013. Best wishes for a wonderful 2013!
A bientôt.
All photos unless otherwise noted by French Girl in Seattle.
Please do not use, re-post, or Pin without permission.
-- French Girl in Seattle
I really love the recap of your year. And how fun... I was even with you in a virtual way in New York!;) I have to agree with you on the 'suburbanite'.LOL I'm not a suburb shard. I don't want to disrespect anyone on that...it's just a matter of taste right? I mean...I prefer villages and small populations. But, I would take a ville over a suburb any day! I can see myself living in Eze coming to visit you in Nice. That sounds right up my alley. Have a fantastic year. Ummm should I ask the big birthday? The number and the month? S'il 'vous' plait...since you will be elderly and wiser?;)
ReplyDeleteYes, I feel as if we have spent time together this year too. New York (via FB) was a lot of fun :-)
DeleteFunny how some people prefer living surrounded by trees and fields, and others prefer the sounds of the city. Like you, after so many years spent "in the country," I favor smaller towns now - as long as they do feel like towns. On vacation, I still go ga-ga over big cities like New York, Paris, or San Francisco, but am attracted to quieter neighborhoods with character and great walking opportunities. How about that? Even city girls evolve over time I guess :-)
Eze and Nice... What a dream that would be. We would be neighbors and meet somewhere in the middle... in Villefranche sur Mer.
As for the birthday, I may reveal it later, but you can probably guess...
Thank you for following the blog so faithfully last year, Sandy. And thank you for your friendship.
Happy New Year!!! I wish for more as well... more stories about the Pacific Northwest, and more in French. Although my vocabulary is not good enough for entire posts in French, I enjoy exercising my brain reading in French.
ReplyDeleteHappy blogoversary, and count me in for your giveaway please! I already have a copy of the first book, but I would ask you to choose for me if I would be so lucky as to win.
Bisous!
Happy New Year to you also, Liene. Thank you for making suggestions about upcoming posts. This is really helpful. I have added your new to the Giveaway.
DeleteWonderful recap Veronique. I am blessed too to have connected with you through our blogs. I treasure our blog friendship and connection. Thank you for your wonderful comments in my blog. This recap helped me to get to know you better. I love all of those 3 books. I have read them and they are super inspiring.
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy New Year! All the best to you in 2013! Of course, we will get to know each other more hopefully this 2013.
Happy New Year to you as well, Pamela. Aren't blogging connections wonderful?
DeleteToo bad you already have all three of my books. Would love to know the type of posts you prefer to steer me in the right direction in 2013 (when you get a minute, of course...)
Oh, you make everything fun and interesting, French Girl. I love reading about Paris and France. Love the French language, but would need a translator if you post in French. Always find your experiences of living in the Northwest both interesting and sometimes humorous. Great choice of books, but I'd choose Paris Versus New York ~ two of my loves!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2nd Blogoversary. Congratulations! I look forward to more wonderful reads in 2013.
Happy New Year, Veronique! ~ Sarah
Thank you for the generous and helpful feedback, Sarah.
DeleteI have added your name to the Giveaway. Bonne chance et bonne année 2013 au Texas!
Dearest Véronique,
ReplyDeleteFor sure you will have one lucky winner.
Oh, I LOVE reading your blog posts as they are such a lovely blend of melancholy and happiness. You do share so well the differences in both cultures and customs. I can taste it between the lines but it's not quite fair as I lived only five hours away from Paris with so much in common what you ate, what you did etc.
Is the end of the year not difficult for all of us transplants from another continent? Transplants yes, and no matter how wet and cool/cold the new territory is, we don't seem to be happy. Once we get back into the routine, we're fine! Thanks for you comment; you know the burden of not being near parents or in-laws for special days...
Hugs to you,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette. Yes, "transplants" do understand each other, and connect successfully. Yes, "transplants" miss home and always remember where they came from, even if they are adaptable and bloom wherever they are planted. I need to spend a little bit more time with "transplants" in 2013. I feel only they can understand the ups and downs that come with living abroad. Thank you for your continued support, Madame Mariette des Netherlands.
DeleteMerci beaucoup!
Delete♥
Congratulations on your 2nd Blog Year and thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read about your French adventures, culture, travelogues. It's first hand and in English sounds like a perfect blend. I like your researches and details and light fun style.
As I already have Paris in Color any of two other books could be a great win.
I wish you to accomplish MORE of every MORE you've included in your resolution.
Keep going Veronique!
Bonjour Natalie. Thank you for your support in 2012. Thank you for the feedback you provided as well. Your name has just been entered to the Giveaway. Here's to striving for MORE in 2013!
DeleteOh Veronique. Just love listening to you free associate..a great mind doing a little dance ;) I love these books, especially "Paris vs. New York" since I've lived both of those places and still feel like they are a part of me. I love your French icon series. I've read Josephine Baker over and over. And I've always wondered what it felt like to live in America as a French person. You must think we're NUTS. Et oui, allons-y...une poste en francais s'il te plait.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2013!!!!!! Connie*
Dear Connie. Thank you for your kind comment, and for the many messages you left on the blog in 2102. You know they are always appreciated. Maybe one day I will write a book about the experience of a French Girl in America that will answer your questions :-) After studying your country in France and in the US as an American studies Major; and actually living in the Pacific Northwest for almost 17 years, I KNOW that many Americans are NUTS indeed. :-) I am grateful to all nutcases I meet on a regular basis, as they supply material for the blog (and one day, for the book!) Will try to throw in a few short posts in French this year, as Madame suggested. Good day to you in Oregon (where I am sure you are at no risk at all to get sunburnt this afternoon...)
DeleteActually, Veronique, I am in San Diego, where I'm certain this will surprise you, but the sun shines TOO MUCH!!
DeleteConnie*
Ooopps. I knew that. Getting my blogging friends mixed up. Mary is in Oregon. Connie is in San Diego :-) Sorry. The sun shines too much in San Diego? Do not be silly!!! :-)
DeleteHappy New Year Veronique...we have had plenty of blue skies here in Nice over the festive season...i enjoy reading about your reflections on France and the NW as I know both and love seeing other blogger's perspectives on such places and cultures....is Nice on your itierary this summer?
ReplyDeleteBonjour Catherine from London/via Mexico/currently hailing from the French Riviera. How are you? You do not need to mention Nice blue skies. I have the Nice weather forecast (and the Paris/London/Barcelona forecasts) programmed in my iPhone. :-) Thank you for the feedback and the comments you left all year. If I there is any way I can stop by Nice this summer, you can be sure I will make it happen :-) Meilleurs voeux!
DeleteHello Veronique,
ReplyDeleteI live in San Francisco in an area of town that is often grey and just like Seattle without the rain. I would love to read some short stories in French as I have been studying French for a long time. I have reached my own level of incompetence but keep hanging in there. Paris has been my favorite city after many, many visits but I am hoping to try out New York in the fall. I would love to win the book Paris in Color. Thank you for your lovely blog.
I will take San Francisco - even with fog and grey skies - anyday. You are a lucky girl, Jennie. Thank you for entering the Giveaway...
DeleteI am so touched to have made it to your 2012 highlight reel. May I say that meeting you in NY was a major highlight for me, and you had a lot of competition from some pretty fabulous operas......still, you definitely came out on top.
ReplyDeleteI have Inès' book and love it. Now, if only I had the body to go with it!!
BTW, per your recommendation, I gave Dan that gorgeous coffee table book on French Cats. He loved it. Victor has asked to borrow it so that he may learn how to add that little je ne sais quoi to his look and to his life.
A bientôt, j'espère.
My dear M-T, I am blushing when I think I beat all the NYC operas! (it must be the Kir Royal speaking/writing... Surely, my conversation was not that entertaining :-)
DeleteWhat a great time we had with Dan! I am happy he loved his Christmas gift. He is a good man, your Dan, and what excellent taste in women he has :-)
Happy New Year to you two! (and the felines)
What an amazing year you had! I can only imagine with resolutions like that, how great your 2013 will be!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower and enjoy your expat living in the PNW, but I love all of your writings!!
Thank you for the feedback, Heather, and for following the blog this year! Happy New Year!
DeleteI like your blog very much. I enjoy your stories about French culture with a backdrop of either France or Seattle or wherever you may find yourself. I can’t read French without a dictionary, but having expressions used in your blog that are common in France and explained by you would be very interesting to me. If I happen to be the lucky winner in your giveaway, I would love the book Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange. Merci !
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the feedback, Jackie. That is very helpful! I have entered your name in the Giveaaway. Bonne chance!
DeleteLoved reading your post and I can identify with so many of the things you write about :)Congratulations on your blog anniversary. Thank you for your lovely comments on MDC. I use a Nikon D 5000and love it!! Have a great weekend, hopefully we will see more sunshine! Anu
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anu. Wow. Your camera is a lot better than mine, and you clearly know what to do with it :-) One day, maybe... For now, I will stick to my faithful sidekick, the Lumix LX5. Hate to tell you, but we have just had two days of cold, yet fairly sunny weather. Am afraid we are done now for a few weeks... months?? At any rate, bundling up as I type this to get out and walk the Yellow Dog. Duty and exercise call. Have a great day!
DeleteThank you for your great blog, I truly enjoy your choice of posts. I've lived/traveled all around the world but enjoy NYC and Paris the most. I read French quite well (speak it lamely), so can you tell me how to get to your "en francais" articles more easily where they are all listed together? I seem to get to one of them but then there won't be the second, or third, etc. right after each other...I must be doing something wrong. (I really need to find a speaking french only partner)
ReplyDeleteMerci bien et Bonne Année!
Mem
Dear Mem. Thank you for stopping by and looking up my stories in French. It used to be you could access all of them through "labels" ("More stories by Veronique") on the main page. I tried doing this again, and you are correct, only one story shows. I fear we are dealing with [yet] another Blogger glitch. I tried outsmarting it and typed "en francais" in the search box, and... victoire! Most of the stories appeared. Give it a try!
DeleteHave you been to Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast...beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Veronique. My live has gone back and forth between city/country: Santa Barbara, Carmel-by-the-Sea, San Francisco and now headed to Europe ASAP permanently--can't wait. My son who completed grad school in Paris and lives in Amsterdam is in Belgium this week...they are always off somewhere fabulous.
Best in 2013! The book I'd just ADORES is 'Paris in Color'! Hugs to you.
Bonjour Suzanne. Yes, I like Cannon Beach (and Oregon in general, a beautiful and welcoming state...)
DeleteI hope your dream to move to France happens soon. You will like it there, avec le chat :-)
Thank you for entering the Giveaway. Bonne année 2013, en Europe j'espère.
Dear Veronique . . .Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy reading your interesting blog, and love hearing about Paris and France, plus all of your wonderful photos. It has been a lovely year. I have met so many wonderful bloggers and made some lovely friends through this media. I'm looking forward to another year . . . I'll me peeking in and traveling on your shoulder . . . hope you don't mind :).
Thank you for the lovely comment about my journal. I agree that we should all start journals . . . write about the happy events . . . draw and color and paint and doodle :) make your journals so full of life and love that when you open them you feel joy. Then one day when you are gone from this world and a child or grandchild happens to come across one of them, they will know that life can be light and filled with simple pleasures.
Have a marvelous day :)
Your blogging sister, Connie
Bonjour dear Connie. You can peek over my shoulder all you want, and I do like your philosophy about journals. Yours are sure to be remembered and treasured. A bientôt!
DeleteI am taking my second year of French classes and I love reading about French people and culture on your blog. I especially like reading posts in French, it is such an encouragement to continue my studies when I can comprehend what is written.
ReplyDeleteBienvenue Mademoiselle Jackson. I believe this is your first visit here. Thank you for the feedback. It is much appreciated. A bientôt!
DeleteOh lala! I had un tres amusing(?)and lengthy reply ici Veronique, I must have pressed the 'cancel everything' button and whooosh! all gone..it may be way too early on a Saturday morning for moi to be 'computering' haha! Just wanted to say that one of the nicest things that happened to me this year was discovering your blog, and as much as j'adore reading your France related posts, your life in Seattle is equally fun to read about. I think you have just the right 'smattering' of French (with bracketed translations) pour moi..one of these days I would love to spend a longer period in Paris, I can't think of a better way to learn oui! Huge congrats on your second year of blogging and when you finish your book I will be in line to buy a copy for sure, in the meantime I wish yourself et famille a very happy and healthy New Year, take care and keep enjoying your life as much as I can see you already do!
ReplyDeleteHa! ha! I am glad I am not the only one "cancelling" comments before I post them, Grace :-) Thank you for persevering and leaving another message anyway. Your wish for a "smattering" of French in the posts is duly noted. And I promise to start thinking about the book project really hard now that I know I would have at least ONE reader :-) Come back soon!
Deletewell v i loved the summary or should i say the year in review.... i already follow the blog-i read fb through my sister's page-and i have all three books and the post cards to paris verses new york-there is a new edition 30 more contrasts...i cannot believe it -i waited forever for amazon to deliver this one...this blog is like a vacation for me and i LOVE LOVE LOVE VISITING!!it is funny the post i recall from the beginning is the first recounting of your birthday way back when the blog was only a few months old-i thought about the blog's second birthday even though there was no formal mention and how you were in paris last year .... i cannot believe it has been 2 years.... all the comments are another source of joy- you have made some amazing connections and i love hearing about every little bit-2013 has dawned bright and i pray for you and all the readers that it brings nothing but good things love-joy-peace health and prosperity!!! i look forward to being a part of this exchange and am proud to call you friend- ALL THE BEST SWEET V TO YOU AND ALL WHOM YOU LOVE-may all our hopes and dreams come true-
ReplyDeleteMy dear g. Welcome back, faithful reader. I had been wondering about you. You have been quiet as of late.
DeleteOur last Christmas in Paris was two years ago, and that is when the blog started. You were one of the original Followers, as I recall :-)
Yes, amazing connections have been made through the "little blog that could..." and it is still growing. Thank you for your good wishes, and I am sending mine back to you, your sister, and the rest of the family.
Here's to a fun third year of blogging!
Je ne prend pas de résolution, je fais des projets, comme ça , si ça ne marche pas , je ne culpabilise pas! :o)
ReplyDeleteEt je ne choisirai entre tous tes posts, car ils m'interessent tous! J'aime autant voir la France de loin, que decouvrir ta vie de Nord-Americaine (je sens un petit coup de blues là-derrière, non?..) ou voyager avec toi(ta croisière de l'été dernier a été magnifique à suivre)
Donc , ceci est un commentaire de non-choix! :o)puisque par ailleurs , je te suis déjà, et que peu m'importe quel livre arriverait à Nice , tous sont interessants;
N'y voit pas une indecision, mais au contraire une ouverture à tout, une multiplication des centres d'interet et des plaisirs, une envie de saisir chaque occasion à pleines dents!
Je souhaite que toutes tes envies se realisent en 2013!
Bonne année et grosses bises de Nice!
Merci Malyss. Pas de problème, ton nom est ajouté à la liste de participants au concours dans la colonne: "livre à déterminer..." -- Et en parlant de livre, as-tu reçu celui que je t'ai fait envoyer pour Noël (par Amazon France?) Je l'espère car je sais que tu as pas mal voyagé en fin d'année. Merci de me suivre aussi fidèlement depuis pas mal de temps déjà, et puisque nous avons eu la chance de nous rencontrer (et de bien nous entendre :-) en 2012, je nous souhaite encore beaucoup de bonnes et belles conversations, à Nice, ou ailleurs... Meilleurs voeux à toute ta petite famille! - Bisous.
DeleteBonjour!
ReplyDeleteI'm a young professional in Seattle who has studied French language and literature for four years and I love reading your blog! It gives me a chance to practice reading French, and I adore the stories that you tell. I especially love stories about France and French culture. I think it would be great to see some more French paragraphs at the end of English posts. If selected, I'd be honored to win "Paris in Color" - I'm a photographer myself (kind of old-fashioned, I love to develop my own film) - and the book looks gorgeous! Thanks again for sharing your experiences!
Best,
Sean
Thank you so much Sean. I did not realize I had so many local readers. I am glad you spoke up today and provided such great feedback. I have entered your name in the Giveaway. A très bientôt!
DeleteHello Veronique
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, I love cities and find energized when living in one. I am delighted to visit the country for weekends or short stays. I love your blog and the variety of your writing.
You are most generous with your offer and Parisian Chic would be my favourite.
Congratulations on two years of blogging Helen xx
You and I think alike Helen. wrote a story (mentioned in this post) titled "Dimanche A La Campagne," (Sunday in the Country.) It says it all, doesn't it? :-) Thank you for following the blog this year and leaving so many supportive and friendly comments. Bonne chance for the Giveaway!
DeleteI found you because I love France...then discovered I enjoyed anything you wrote!You have a talent for not only photography but for putting the written word on paper.
ReplyDeleteI love cities too. After twenty seven years my husband and I are moving out of suburbia and into the city....another city. It's a bit scary...but I feel a sense of adventure as we pack!....I would love to enter your give away..and would prefer Parisian Chic...Janey
Well, merci beaucoup, Janey. So glad you found me a few months ago.
DeleteI am so excited for you and your husband, as you are about to make the big move back to city life, and in a different area to boot. I will make sure to read your blog to see what happens... Bonne chance, dear friend!
I have entered your name in the Giveaway, bien sûr.
Happy New Year Veronique! You so captured my thoughts about our gray, damp, often-dark, dripping Northwest - I couldn't have said it better myself. As I am also hitting one of those big birthdays this year (how could it have arrived so soon?) I think we may just have to schedule a time to toast our big days! It is definitely time to meet. . . .
ReplyDeleteBonjour Jackie! I can't believe we are both hitting those big birthdays, AND we can actually celebrate and toast in person since we are neighbors. :-) Can't wait to meet you, hopefully in a few days. I will be in touch (down with a bad cold all week...)
DeleteHello City girl,
ReplyDeleteBonne Année à toi et aux tiens :-) I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas time and a lovely New Year's Eve.
What a pleasure to be back on your blog after an hectic month of December. "Ras le bol de la cuisine non stop pendant 3 semaines. En grève pour les 6 prochains mois"...
I suggest you plan a trip to Florida soon. 1) Big cities here. 2) Sunshine almost all year round. 3) Great place to celebrate your Birthday 4) Noisette our lab says she would love to meet your dog; she is even ready to share the family bed, she says!!! (it will be busy) 5) We could meet and cheer up with a Long Island Iced Tea 6) You and I could talk about our favorite places in Paris.
What about that?
Alors à très bientôt j'espère....
Gros bisous et encore bonne année.
Anne (Playing with Scarves)
Merci beaucoup Anne. Oui, un peu de repos après les Fêtes de Noël ne nous fera pas de mal, n'est-ce-pas?
DeleteI have duly noted your suggestion about the trip to Florida and admire the clever and logical argument you made. :-) Meeting Noisette the Lab in person would be the highlight of the stay, I am certain...
Bonne chance avec tes projets en 2013, chère Anne.
Merci Véronique. Quand tu craques sur le temps, tu sais qu'ici il y a tout ce qu'il faut pour remonter le moral...
Deletebizz
Point 1. I follow you already (with great pleasure) on both sites.
ReplyDeletePoint 2. I think the present mix is perfect.
Point 3. Once again, you already mix perfectly … I think I read “derrière” somewhere here…
About the choice if I win? Seriously, the only thing I hope to “win” is meeting you next time you are over here!
Dear Peter. Thank you for this concise answer. :-) I, too, hope to meet you in person in Paris. We will make sure this happens. We have so many friends in common in the blogosphere, it will feel as if we already know each other :-) Bonne semaine à Paris.
DeleteBonjour Veronique! Thanks for commenting on my blog Lessons from the Monk I Married!!! So happy to find you and in SEATTLE too! We probably live around the corner from each other. Interestingly, the comment above your was from a woman in France. I think it's a hint that I need to go there! Would love to interview you on my blog and have you be part of my 365 Inspirations for this year!!! Send me a note at kathyjenkins@hotmail.com!
ReplyDeleteWell hello, Katherine Jenkins. Bienvenue. Welcome to my humble blog. I do not get to greet published authors on a regular basis, so I am kind of excited :-) I will be happy to send you an email this week and look forward to hearing more about you, fellow Seattleite!
DeletePS-I can completely RELATE to Fact #2 and have been discussing moving with my husband for the past few days...you must be on my wavelength! Also, I'd love to be part of your giveaway. I'd like to read about French Culture on your blog and the book about fashion or the book about the colors of Paris look fascinating to me!
ReplyDeleteNo problem, Katherine. Duly noted.
DeleteWhat a lovely post. I certainly understand your missing your life in France – I do too. Have you read the book “Sixty Million Frenchmen can’t be wrong” ? It explains that the French culture is quite different from the American – as different as the Chinese culture, so it is hard sometimes to completely forget the old ways. I don’t think I could live in the Seattle area with so much rain. Here in Georgia we have mostly sunny days – today it is bright and sunny and already 57 degree F. I also miss the fact that here there is so little money for historic restoration – the buildings crumble and then they build new ones. As you saw the church on Peter’s blog, it’s good that French tax payers pay for the upkeep of the old monuments – a different way of thinking… Have a great 2013.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back chère Vagabonde. "Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't be Wrong," and Polly Platt's "French or Foe" are two of my recommended books when I teach the France travel workshops in the Seattle area :-)
DeleteI do not think I will ever forget "the old ways," in fact, and what should I? There were a lot of good things about the old ways. Some good things to say about "the new ways" too! :-) They may collide sometimes, but this has made my life as an expat a little bit more interesting. Good point about the preservation of old buildings. I agree with you.
A bientôt!
Hooray!!! Oh I knew I was behind on your posts but for a second Blogoversary--that is major!! (And you were supportive of mine to boot :) Congratulations, Vero. It is quite an accomplishment and the good will that you spread all across the internet is palpable and appreciated!
ReplyDeleteOk, on to business:
1) Done. Since a while now. :)
2) Although my verrrry fav is the French Icon series, I love all of it--it is your honesty (see today's post) and perspective that interests me.
3) I would be totally up for more French! As you might have noticed, my written French is not up to par. :( So bring it on!
4) If I get lucky: Ines! Of course.
Felicitations, encore une fois et Gros Bisous,
Heather
Merci, Heather. Thank you for the feedback, and all the comments you have left on the blog over the past year. They are much appreciated as you know :-) I entered your name in the GiveAway... Bonne chance!
DeleteFirstly...Bonne Année!.. a little belated but I have been away for a little winter sunshine (like you I just hate the grey skies and lack of light) Congratulations on your second blog birthday. I always enjoy visiting mainly because of the variety of topics - always a surprise and of course for the French twist. The smattering of French is always welcome and I would love a few paragraphs in French here and there as I do try to maintain my language skills!! You have selected three wonderful books. I have Parisian Chic and reviewed it in one of my very first posts. Paris v New York is a book I have been meaning to buy so that would be top of my list if the lucky winner happened to be me!
ReplyDeletehttp://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
Dear miss b. You have been a faithful follower for a long time, and I thank you for that. Your suggestions are duly noted, merci :-) Good luck for the GiveAway!
DeleteThis is my first time visiting your blog and I like what are you doing here. Your stories are very interesting. I also miss Europe very much, I am from St.Petersburg. I love Paris and Vienna and Rome! It's a very nice meeting you and I hope we become friends. Visit my blog if you like, see what I like to do-)) melangery.com
ReplyDeleteBienvenue, Yelena. Come back anytime!
DeleteSo happy I just found your blog! I love Paris, and now I found a girl in my other favorite spot, Seattle. I'm so excited to stumble upon your inspiring site. Happy New Year to you! Looking forward to reading more of your blog. New Follower.
ReplyDeleteJody
Merci Jody and welcome to you! I hope you return soon!
DeleteI'm not a contestant for these terrific books since I already have them...
ReplyDeleteBut I was taken with your comment," I do not like living under grey skies eight months of the year".
I do in fact like living under grey skies very much.
They're perfect for painters and intensify colors, where strong intense sunlight like New York has washes them out.
It's why so many painters loved painting in Paris, colorist Matisse for one.
Keep on doing what you're doing Veronique!
Bravo!
Carolg
Well, my dear Carol, you have just moved to the perfect place, then! You will get plenty of grey skies in Paris! :-) Thank you for stopping by...
DeleteA very heartfelt wish to you Veronique for a happy, healthy and sunshine filled New Year. Other Seattle friends tell me when I comment about the weather up there that after a while you don't even notice the rain or grey sky anymore. Sounds to me like you don't buy all of that tale. Me neither. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteMy dear Michel, after 17 years in the Pacific Northwest (and 10 in Paris before that,) I certainly do not buy any of that "liquid sunshine" business :-) One thing is for sure, I try to ignore the grey skies as much as I can. That is the only way to go around here. Enjoy Provence, mon cher ami! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
DeleteWell, I missed the giveaway, as was preoccupied with our sick dog, but want to add that even though I don't comment often, I love reading each and every one of your posts! You are very generous with sharing your life and we readers are enriched by all of your stories.
ReplyDeleteI hope that one day we can meet up in France, maybe in a sunny spot? :)
Bonne Année, Véronique! All of my best wishes to you and your family in 2013.