Samantha Verant's Blog, page 12
February 4, 2014
Seven Questions with Janice MacLeod, author of Paris Letters
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Today, I'm thrilled to feature fellow Sourcebooks author Janice MacLeod and her beautiful memoir, Paris Letters. A few months back, I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of Janice's book, having requested it from my editor. (Thanks, Anna!) Although our memoirs tell very different stories, Janice and I do share a few common themes. We both left southern California for France. We both worked in advertising in the past. And we were both on the search for a better life.
As I was reading Paris Letters, I kept thinking, "Wow! Wouldn't it be a coincidence if we knew some of the same people?"
Here's where the crazy comes in. Janice and I connected on FaceBook and I noticed we shared two mutual friends. One of Janice's friends was my dad. Yes, my dad. Holy moly. Janice used to work for my dad! I totally flipped out! Janice flipped out.
Really, it's such a small, small world...after all.
Needless to say, Janice and I became fast friends. Her book comes out today, people! Today! And I'm so happy to be able to pimp her out and (virtually) celebrate her release. Her memoir is AMAZING, INSPIRATIONAL, and FUN!
***throws confetti***
About Paris Letters:
Finding love and freedom in a pen, a paintbrush...
and Paris
How much money does it take to quit your job?
Exhausted and on the verge of burnout, Janice poses this questions to herself as she doodles on a notepad at her desk. Surprisingly, the answer isn't as daunting as she expected. With a little math and a lot of determination, Janice cuts back, saves up, and buys herself two years of freedom in Europe.
A few days into her stop in Paris, Janice meets Christophe, the cute butcher down the street—who doesn't speak English. Through a combination of sign language and franglais, they embark on a whirlwind Paris romance. She soon realizes that she can never return to the world of twelve-hour workdays and greasy corporate lingo. But her dwindling savings force her to find a way to fund her dreams again. So Janice turns to her three loves—words, art, and Christophe—to figure out a way to make her happily-ever-after in Paris last forever.About Janice's Painted Letters
After 110 years of writing junk mail in advertising, Janice devised an exit strategy to finance her own sabbatical. Her Shawshank Redemption, if you will. When she met her financial goals, she skipped town and traveled with nothing more than her suitcase and a small set of watercolors. Along the way, she painted letters about her travels and mailed them to friends. Enamored with this unique medium, Janice opened an online shop. Each month she creates one painted letter, copies it, personalizes it and mails it to hundreds of subscribers who are hungry for fun mail.
Me thinks Janice is living the dream!
Without further ado, I've asked Janice seven questions about life, writing and l'amour.
1) Tell us a little about your publishing journey. How did you get from point a (the desire to tell your story) to point b (becoming a published author)?This is my third book. For the first books two I didn’t have an agent, but this time around the story was big and I knew I’d need an agent to help me navigate where I wanted it to go. To land an agent, I wanted a killer book proposal. I worked on it in hotel rooms while traveling throughout Eastern Europe with Christophe. He would sleep in, I would write. It was marvelous. I also searched for agents who specialized in my genre: memoir. By the time I found the agent I wanted, my book proposal was complete and I had something to show her. She helped me refine my proposal further. When it was complete, she shared it with appropriate publishers. After some back and forth negotiating, we went with Sourcebooks. A nice guide to help you in your book proposal process is Your Big Beautiful Book Plan, created by Linda Sivertsen and Danielle LaPorte).
2) Before you met Christophe, did you believe in love at first sight?Yes I believed in it but I was starting to think it wasn’t going to happen to me. I gave up on love when I was living in California. I figured if I wasn’t going to find love, I might as well travel so I started getting my wardrobe down to one suitcase. And, well, two days into my first city (Paris), I locked eyes with Christophe. We spent two weeks staring and smiling before our first conversation in awkward franglais.3) What is your favorite thing about living in Paris? What are your biggest frustrations?My favorite thing about living in Paris is the architecture. This old city has layers and layers of wonderful carvings and buildings, intricate alleys and grand ballrooms, old art and new graffiti. The whole city is eye candy. My biggest frustration is the crime and the paperwork. Pickpockets are everywhere so you need to have your wits about you, and the administration is inefficient, so you need to have your wits about you but in a different way. It takes a lot of paperwork to be given the opportunity to live in France. 4) You used to be a vegan. And then you married a butcher. Have you embraced the world of carnivores? Do you have any frightening food stories?Yes, I’m back to being a carnivore and I must admit I love it. I’ve forgone veganism totally because the cheese here is so good, though half my meals are still vegetarian. I wish veganism worked for my body but I feel healthier as a carnivore. My most frightening story was my first dinner with Christophe. He took me to restaurant and our meal came with shrimp that still had the eyes, tentacles and claws. I was horrified. I had ordered it not realizing what I was ordering. He had the same so I watched him pick his apart and I mimicked with mine. I ate it. It was okay. But that was the last time. Tentacles? Non merci. 5) As a former copywriter from the ad world, when did you learn you had a talent for art/painting? Is there anything you miss from the corporate jungle?
Since I was inundated with the words as a copywriter, I was looking for something artistic to do that didn’t include words at all. Painting was a hobby that calmed my brain. I still don’t know if I have a talent for it. I see kids at the Sorbonne sketching on the street and I think I’ll never be able to do what they can do. But hey, practice and time. That’s the big secret to talent… and in their case, good grades.
I miss nothing from the corporate jungle, except maybe your dad. He’s a nice guy.
6) If there was one lesson or thought you’d like readers to leave Paris Letters with, what is it?
So many lessons! But most of them can be found in the book. If I had to pick one lesson, I’d have to pick three. 1. Live beneath your means. 2. If you don’t have it, you don’t need it. 3. Write to learn what you know.
7) What’s next for Janice?
For now, exploring and discovering more about this beautiful Parisian life. I’m honeymooning with the city, with my painted letter mail subscription and with the lovely Christophe. But is Paris the final destination? I’m not sure, so I’ll keep my life down to one suitcase for now.
Well said, Janice. Well said!
To celebrate the release of Paris Letters,
Janice is hosting a contest you really don't want to miss...
Seriously, how cool is that?
Go! Enter now!
But, before you go, don't forget to...
GET YOUR OWN COPY OF PARIS LETTERS
Amazon
AND CONNECT WITH JANICE
Website
Etsy GoodReads Twitter
Thanks, all! Bisous from the south of France.
Today, I'm thrilled to feature fellow Sourcebooks author Janice MacLeod and her beautiful memoir, Paris Letters. A few months back, I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of Janice's book, having requested it from my editor. (Thanks, Anna!) Although our memoirs tell very different stories, Janice and I do share a few common themes. We both left southern California for France. We both worked in advertising in the past. And we were both on the search for a better life.
As I was reading Paris Letters, I kept thinking, "Wow! Wouldn't it be a coincidence if we knew some of the same people?"
Here's where the crazy comes in. Janice and I connected on FaceBook and I noticed we shared two mutual friends. One of Janice's friends was my dad. Yes, my dad. Holy moly. Janice used to work for my dad! I totally flipped out! Janice flipped out.
Really, it's such a small, small world...after all.
Needless to say, Janice and I became fast friends. Her book comes out today, people! Today! And I'm so happy to be able to pimp her out and (virtually) celebrate her release. Her memoir is AMAZING, INSPIRATIONAL, and FUN!
***throws confetti***
About Paris Letters:
Finding love and freedom in a pen, a paintbrush...
and Paris
How much money does it take to quit your job?
Exhausted and on the verge of burnout, Janice poses this questions to herself as she doodles on a notepad at her desk. Surprisingly, the answer isn't as daunting as she expected. With a little math and a lot of determination, Janice cuts back, saves up, and buys herself two years of freedom in Europe.
A few days into her stop in Paris, Janice meets Christophe, the cute butcher down the street—who doesn't speak English. Through a combination of sign language and franglais, they embark on a whirlwind Paris romance. She soon realizes that she can never return to the world of twelve-hour workdays and greasy corporate lingo. But her dwindling savings force her to find a way to fund her dreams again. So Janice turns to her three loves—words, art, and Christophe—to figure out a way to make her happily-ever-after in Paris last forever.About Janice's Painted Letters
After 110 years of writing junk mail in advertising, Janice devised an exit strategy to finance her own sabbatical. Her Shawshank Redemption, if you will. When she met her financial goals, she skipped town and traveled with nothing more than her suitcase and a small set of watercolors. Along the way, she painted letters about her travels and mailed them to friends. Enamored with this unique medium, Janice opened an online shop. Each month she creates one painted letter, copies it, personalizes it and mails it to hundreds of subscribers who are hungry for fun mail.
Me thinks Janice is living the dream!
Without further ado, I've asked Janice seven questions about life, writing and l'amour.
1) Tell us a little about your publishing journey. How did you get from point a (the desire to tell your story) to point b (becoming a published author)?This is my third book. For the first books two I didn’t have an agent, but this time around the story was big and I knew I’d need an agent to help me navigate where I wanted it to go. To land an agent, I wanted a killer book proposal. I worked on it in hotel rooms while traveling throughout Eastern Europe with Christophe. He would sleep in, I would write. It was marvelous. I also searched for agents who specialized in my genre: memoir. By the time I found the agent I wanted, my book proposal was complete and I had something to show her. She helped me refine my proposal further. When it was complete, she shared it with appropriate publishers. After some back and forth negotiating, we went with Sourcebooks. A nice guide to help you in your book proposal process is Your Big Beautiful Book Plan, created by Linda Sivertsen and Danielle LaPorte).
2) Before you met Christophe, did you believe in love at first sight?Yes I believed in it but I was starting to think it wasn’t going to happen to me. I gave up on love when I was living in California. I figured if I wasn’t going to find love, I might as well travel so I started getting my wardrobe down to one suitcase. And, well, two days into my first city (Paris), I locked eyes with Christophe. We spent two weeks staring and smiling before our first conversation in awkward franglais.3) What is your favorite thing about living in Paris? What are your biggest frustrations?My favorite thing about living in Paris is the architecture. This old city has layers and layers of wonderful carvings and buildings, intricate alleys and grand ballrooms, old art and new graffiti. The whole city is eye candy. My biggest frustration is the crime and the paperwork. Pickpockets are everywhere so you need to have your wits about you, and the administration is inefficient, so you need to have your wits about you but in a different way. It takes a lot of paperwork to be given the opportunity to live in France. 4) You used to be a vegan. And then you married a butcher. Have you embraced the world of carnivores? Do you have any frightening food stories?Yes, I’m back to being a carnivore and I must admit I love it. I’ve forgone veganism totally because the cheese here is so good, though half my meals are still vegetarian. I wish veganism worked for my body but I feel healthier as a carnivore. My most frightening story was my first dinner with Christophe. He took me to restaurant and our meal came with shrimp that still had the eyes, tentacles and claws. I was horrified. I had ordered it not realizing what I was ordering. He had the same so I watched him pick his apart and I mimicked with mine. I ate it. It was okay. But that was the last time. Tentacles? Non merci. 5) As a former copywriter from the ad world, when did you learn you had a talent for art/painting? Is there anything you miss from the corporate jungle?
Since I was inundated with the words as a copywriter, I was looking for something artistic to do that didn’t include words at all. Painting was a hobby that calmed my brain. I still don’t know if I have a talent for it. I see kids at the Sorbonne sketching on the street and I think I’ll never be able to do what they can do. But hey, practice and time. That’s the big secret to talent… and in their case, good grades.
I miss nothing from the corporate jungle, except maybe your dad. He’s a nice guy.
6) If there was one lesson or thought you’d like readers to leave Paris Letters with, what is it?
So many lessons! But most of them can be found in the book. If I had to pick one lesson, I’d have to pick three. 1. Live beneath your means. 2. If you don’t have it, you don’t need it. 3. Write to learn what you know.
7) What’s next for Janice?
For now, exploring and discovering more about this beautiful Parisian life. I’m honeymooning with the city, with my painted letter mail subscription and with the lovely Christophe. But is Paris the final destination? I’m not sure, so I’ll keep my life down to one suitcase for now.
Well said, Janice. Well said!
To celebrate the release of Paris Letters,
Janice is hosting a contest you really don't want to miss...
Seriously, how cool is that?
Go! Enter now!
But, before you go, don't forget to...
GET YOUR OWN COPY OF PARIS LETTERS
Amazon
AND CONNECT WITH JANICE
Website
Etsy GoodReads Twitter
Thanks, all! Bisous from the south of France.
January 16, 2014
Thoughts on a Thursday: Stalking (& Stina Lindenblatt)
This week (January 13-17) is the Tell Me When blog hop, which focuses on the issue of stalking. It was inspired by Stina Lindenblatt's upcoming new adult release by the same name. TELL ME WHEN is about a college freshman who struggles with the aftermath of being stalked and kidnapped during her senior year of high school.
Have you ever been a victim of stalking or know someone who has been? How vigilant are you in protecting yourself and your family? Have you even given stalking much thought? These are the questions Stina Lindenblatt asked a few of her blogger and writer friends. In fact, if Stina hadn't asked her questions I wouldn't have realized that I, indeed, had been a victim of stalking. This is my story.
Six years ago, I was living in Chicago in an up and coming neighborhood called Ukranian Village, just south of the more developed Wicker Park. Like most dog owners have to, I had to take my dog, Ike, on a last outing every night. I felt safe in my neighborhood. And safe with a one-hundred-pound Labrador retriever-- even though his bark was way worse than his bite. (Ike wouldn't a hurt a fly.) One night, on my usual route, a man walked up to me. I didn't want to be judge the man on first appearances, but he had me on edge. He was big and tough and covered in tattoos. One tattoo wrapped around his neck up to his face. "Is that your dog?" he asked. "Uh, yes," I said, collecting my dog's "business" in a baggy. "He looks cool. What's his name?" "Ike," I said. "Cool name," he replied and walked down the street. I thought he seemed harmless enough. Until I saw him the next night. And the next night. And the night after. It was as if he knew my schedule and was waiting for me. The man's questions turned from neighborly to weird, more personal. "What's your name? Do you have a boyfriend?" I shouldn't have replied, but I told him I was married. It just got worse from there. "Does your husband make you happy?" he asked one night. I didn't respond, especially after he said, "I could." He laughed. The next time I saw him heading in my driection I pretended not to see him. I turned around and walked quickly. He followed me, screaming. "I know you saw me, (insert explicative)! You think you're too good for me, you (explicative) (explicative)." He threw in a few threats about what he'd like to do to me. I picked up my pace. I didn't want him to know where I lived, so instead of going to my apartment two doors away, I walked around the corner, directly into the small pet store I often frequented. I told the owner to lock the door. She did. We hid behind a display as I filled her in on what was going on. A few moments later "he" walked by and after trying to jiggle the door open, he slammed his fist on the window. We waited a few minutes until his shadow disappeared. Once we caught our breath, we called the cops. They showed up a few minutes later and I filed a police report. After I described the man, and explained within a one block radius where I thought he lived, I was told by the cops they knew exactly who the guy was. He was a local drug dealer...and suspected of raping two girls. The cops told me change all of my habits, to avoid that particular street, etc. And so I did. I never saw the guy again. Rumor had it in the neighborhood, though, a local known criminal was arrested a few weeks later on rape charges. Today, I still count my blessings. And I'm thrilled Stina is shedding light on this subject. Please check out Stina's post on STALKING PREVENTION. ABOUT STINA'S BOOKTell Me When by Stina Lindenblatt
Amber Scott should be enjoying life as a college freshman. She should be pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She should be working hard to make sense of her precalculus math class.
She shouldn’t be waking up her college roommate with screaming nightmares. She shouldn’t be flashing back, reliving the three weeks of hell she barely survived last year. And she definitely shouldn’t be spending time with sexy player Marcus Reid.
But engineering student Marcus is the only one keeping Amber from failing her math course, so she grudgingly lets him into her life. She never expects the king of hookups will share his painful past. Or that she’ll tell him her secrets in return, opening up and trusting him in a way she thought she’d never be able to again.
When their fragile future together is threatened by a stalker Amber thought was locked away for good, Marcus is determined to protect her—and Amber is determined to protect Marcus…even if that means pushing him away.
Releases Jan. 20, 2014 from Carina Press (Harlequin) on all major book retailer sites.
Connect with Stina on her blog/web site
Or on twitter...StinaLLAND, be sure to add TELL ME WHEN to your GoodReads!
Have you ever been a victim of stalking or know someone who has been? How vigilant are you in protecting yourself and your family? Have you even given stalking much thought? These are the questions Stina Lindenblatt asked a few of her blogger and writer friends. In fact, if Stina hadn't asked her questions I wouldn't have realized that I, indeed, had been a victim of stalking. This is my story.
Six years ago, I was living in Chicago in an up and coming neighborhood called Ukranian Village, just south of the more developed Wicker Park. Like most dog owners have to, I had to take my dog, Ike, on a last outing every night. I felt safe in my neighborhood. And safe with a one-hundred-pound Labrador retriever-- even though his bark was way worse than his bite. (Ike wouldn't a hurt a fly.) One night, on my usual route, a man walked up to me. I didn't want to be judge the man on first appearances, but he had me on edge. He was big and tough and covered in tattoos. One tattoo wrapped around his neck up to his face. "Is that your dog?" he asked. "Uh, yes," I said, collecting my dog's "business" in a baggy. "He looks cool. What's his name?" "Ike," I said. "Cool name," he replied and walked down the street. I thought he seemed harmless enough. Until I saw him the next night. And the next night. And the night after. It was as if he knew my schedule and was waiting for me. The man's questions turned from neighborly to weird, more personal. "What's your name? Do you have a boyfriend?" I shouldn't have replied, but I told him I was married. It just got worse from there. "Does your husband make you happy?" he asked one night. I didn't respond, especially after he said, "I could." He laughed. The next time I saw him heading in my driection I pretended not to see him. I turned around and walked quickly. He followed me, screaming. "I know you saw me, (insert explicative)! You think you're too good for me, you (explicative) (explicative)." He threw in a few threats about what he'd like to do to me. I picked up my pace. I didn't want him to know where I lived, so instead of going to my apartment two doors away, I walked around the corner, directly into the small pet store I often frequented. I told the owner to lock the door. She did. We hid behind a display as I filled her in on what was going on. A few moments later "he" walked by and after trying to jiggle the door open, he slammed his fist on the window. We waited a few minutes until his shadow disappeared. Once we caught our breath, we called the cops. They showed up a few minutes later and I filed a police report. After I described the man, and explained within a one block radius where I thought he lived, I was told by the cops they knew exactly who the guy was. He was a local drug dealer...and suspected of raping two girls. The cops told me change all of my habits, to avoid that particular street, etc. And so I did. I never saw the guy again. Rumor had it in the neighborhood, though, a local known criminal was arrested a few weeks later on rape charges. Today, I still count my blessings. And I'm thrilled Stina is shedding light on this subject. Please check out Stina's post on STALKING PREVENTION. ABOUT STINA'S BOOKTell Me When by Stina Lindenblatt
Amber Scott should be enjoying life as a college freshman. She should be pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She should be working hard to make sense of her precalculus math class.She shouldn’t be waking up her college roommate with screaming nightmares. She shouldn’t be flashing back, reliving the three weeks of hell she barely survived last year. And she definitely shouldn’t be spending time with sexy player Marcus Reid.
But engineering student Marcus is the only one keeping Amber from failing her math course, so she grudgingly lets him into her life. She never expects the king of hookups will share his painful past. Or that she’ll tell him her secrets in return, opening up and trusting him in a way she thought she’d never be able to again.
When their fragile future together is threatened by a stalker Amber thought was locked away for good, Marcus is determined to protect her—and Amber is determined to protect Marcus…even if that means pushing him away.
Releases Jan. 20, 2014 from Carina Press (Harlequin) on all major book retailer sites.
Connect with Stina on her blog/web site
Or on twitter...StinaLLAND, be sure to add TELL ME WHEN to your GoodReads!
January 7, 2014
Tradition...the French way.
Lean In... The Frog is cooking his famed lobster tails in a cognac sauce on x-mas eve.
The recipe is simple. Heat olive oil, a tablespoon of garlic, and shallots in a skillet. Add the tails. Pour half a cup of cognac. Light a match. Flambé! Place lid or a towel to extinguish the fire. Ooh-la-la. La-la. Add 3/4's cup of wine, a tablespoon of concentrated tomato, a can (or two) of crushed tomatoes, a pinch of salt (fleur de sel), pepper, and herbs de Provence, and yum! Simmer for 45 minutes. Serve with rice. Garnish with parsley. Or sage. Rosemary or Thyme.
Nom. Nom. Nom.
Sugar cookies are an American tradition...
especially when they are made from the heart, (Note the French and Italian flags...)
New Years was excellent! Spent with good friends...
Though, I'm still trying to embrace this whole "hugging" thing. Yes, I give awkward hugs. I'll get there one day. I will. * a resolution?
The Italian side of my family gets me. Give me cheese. Give me frogs.
Originating in Provence, the planting of grains de blé (wheat seeds) or lentilles (lentils) on December 4th on wet cotton balls, is a tradition in the south of France. Seeds that grow tall and strong by the 2nd of February are said to represent a good year ahead. I was a little late this year -- I planted my lentils on December 17th-- but my little seedlings are thriving. If you have some cotton balls or make-up pads and a bag of lentils, have a go at it! You have until February 2nd (another French tradition called Le Chandeleur, or all you can eat crepe day) to see what the New Year will bring! (Remember to lightly water your sprouts daily!)
p.s. Note the new tiles! The Frog was tired of food splattered walls...
Still need to grout....
Finally, les galettes des rois! Here's the 411, brought to you by Wikipedia..."Tradition holds that the cake is “to draw the kings” to the Epiphany. A figurine, la fève, which can represent anything from a car to a cartoon character, is hidden in the cake and the person who finds the trinket in their slice becomes king for the day and will have to offer the next cake. Originally, la fève was literally a broad bean (fève), but it was replaced in 1870 by a variety of figurines out of porcelain or—more recently—plastic. These figurines have become popular collectibles and can often be bought separately. Individual bakeries may offer a specialized line of fèves depicting diverse themes from great works of art to classic movie stars and popular cartoon characters. The cakes are usually sold in special bags, some of which can be used to heat the cake in a microwave without ruining the crispness of the cake. A paper crown is included with the cake to crown the "king" who finds the fève in their piece of cake. To ensure a random distribution of the cake shares, it is traditional for the youngest person to place themselves under the table and name the recipient of the share which is indicated by the person in charge of the service."
Yep, our fève was Minnie Mouse. Um, last time I checked she hasn't been sainted.
In other news, I went skiing. I'm now a blue-- not a green-- skier. Hooray?
Happy New Year!
December 20, 2013
Happy Holidays from southwestern France
Happy Holidays from southwestern France!
“The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing others’ loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” - W. C. Jones
Comments are disabled! It's time to celebrate with your family (both human and animal!!) and friends.
See you in the New Year!
Bisous!
“The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing others’ loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” - W. C. Jones
Comments are disabled! It's time to celebrate with your family (both human and animal!!) and friends.
See you in the New Year!
Bisous!
December 16, 2013
A Slice of French Life: The Vérants in Valon, Aveyron
When my good friend, Trupty, invited Jean-Luc and I to her boyfriend's gîte in the Aveyron region of France, saying no to a pre-Christmas celebration with my best friends in France wasn't an option. Plans were made. The date was set.
We had all the ingredients for the makings of a wonderful memory:
Four couples. (Add one Englishman, three Frenchmen, two Canadian girls, and two crazy Americans). Place in one holiday house deep in the French countryside, stir in some wine, champagne, good food, lively conversation, and, of course, a Secret Santa gift exchange.
Simmer to a boil, and enjoy!
The kids opted to stay home, so we'd arranged sleepovers for them. (I also told my neighbors to keep an eye on our house just in case the 16-yr-old took advantage of our departure to throw a party). We were a bit nervous, but we left. On the three-hour drive from Toulouse to Valon on Saturday morning, Jean-Luc informed me we were headed to la France profonde— deep France.
"Les blaireaus?" I asked, which literally means badgers, but in slang means hillbillies or rednecks.
Jean-Luc laughed. "I wish the kids didn't teach you that word."
Okay, so, being called un blaireau isn't the nicest of terms, but it's what some French city folk call their more rural counterparts who live in the sticks.
Shopping centers soon disappeared and the flat highway transformed into twisty roads, the misty landscape dotted with fuzzy sheep and even fuzzier cows that, in the hazy sun, looked like lions. We went over rivers and through the woods, traversing deep rolling valleys, mountainous peaks, and pretty little villages with stone bridges decked out for the holiday season.
Oddly, a real badger crossed our path.
But, to me, we weren't headed to the sticks; we were headed to the heart and soul of the French countryside.
Aveyron can lay claim to ten of the most beautiful villages in France, breathtaking landscapes, châteaus and medieval villages, and, of course, Roquefort cheese and Laguiole knifes. I couldn't wait to get to the gîte so we could get out of the car and explore.
Finally, we saw the sign for Valon. We'd arrived. My heart skipped a few beats. The gîte was a 19th-century renovated stone cottage nestled in the lush Truyère valley with a view of a 12th century chateau and the river below.
It was a dream come true.
After dropping our bags off in our room, we joined our friends for lunch, a crackling fire warming our bodies, a homemade soup warming our bellies. Since the weather was more than agreeable, we took our coffee outside.
Coffee with a view.
We took in nature, listening to the river, and inhaling the scents of rosemary, lavender, and sage.
The Toulouse Les Chicks (left to right); me, Oksana, Monique, and Trupty.
Our men (left to right): Jean-Luc, Chris, JC (standing), and Phillippe.
Photos were taken, laughs were exchanged, then, it was time to explore our little slice of provincial paradise.
We walked the village streets,
slowly sashaying by beautiful private homes,
and met, Rita, one of the friendly locals.
Château de Valon, the centerpiece of Valon, at Dusk.Before the sun set, we headed back to the gîte, where, over a vin chaud, or warm mulled wine, everybody pitched in to prepare dinner, including the men.
Dinner- a raclette- was a community event!
Champagne and lively conversations!
The evening ended with the exchange of our secret Santa presents, though, we all knew the most special gift was the bond of friendship we had established three short years ago — the kind of true friendships we are so very, very lucky to have, the kind of friendships we are truly thankful for.
True friendships are a gift. That night, we went to our rooms with the spirit of Christmas beating in our hearts.
Before leaving for Toulouse the following morning, we ate a light breakfast and went on an hour-long hike.
Walking in nature, we took in magnificent views,
talked about the honey sweetness of life,
discovered the beautiful and unexpected,
and I left Valon feeling more than content!
For more on things to do and see in Aveyron, click here.
If you'd like to stay at Chris's gite and experience the magic of staying in a medieval village surrounded by natural beauty in the heart of rural France, you can book your spot at the following sites.
AirBnB (chambre d'hôte)
AirBnB (gîte)
Everything Valon
Abritel
Chris is working on his next project, renovating another property he owns in Valon. His beautiful gîte is for sale! So, if you've ever dreamed of owning a gîte in France, or know somebody who may be interested, do share this link.
Green Acres
I hope your holiday season is full of love and friendship!
Gros bisous from France.
We had all the ingredients for the makings of a wonderful memory:
Four couples. (Add one Englishman, three Frenchmen, two Canadian girls, and two crazy Americans). Place in one holiday house deep in the French countryside, stir in some wine, champagne, good food, lively conversation, and, of course, a Secret Santa gift exchange.
Simmer to a boil, and enjoy!
The kids opted to stay home, so we'd arranged sleepovers for them. (I also told my neighbors to keep an eye on our house just in case the 16-yr-old took advantage of our departure to throw a party). We were a bit nervous, but we left. On the three-hour drive from Toulouse to Valon on Saturday morning, Jean-Luc informed me we were headed to la France profonde— deep France.
"Les blaireaus?" I asked, which literally means badgers, but in slang means hillbillies or rednecks.
Jean-Luc laughed. "I wish the kids didn't teach you that word."
Okay, so, being called un blaireau isn't the nicest of terms, but it's what some French city folk call their more rural counterparts who live in the sticks.
Shopping centers soon disappeared and the flat highway transformed into twisty roads, the misty landscape dotted with fuzzy sheep and even fuzzier cows that, in the hazy sun, looked like lions. We went over rivers and through the woods, traversing deep rolling valleys, mountainous peaks, and pretty little villages with stone bridges decked out for the holiday season.
Oddly, a real badger crossed our path.
But, to me, we weren't headed to the sticks; we were headed to the heart and soul of the French countryside.
Aveyron can lay claim to ten of the most beautiful villages in France, breathtaking landscapes, châteaus and medieval villages, and, of course, Roquefort cheese and Laguiole knifes. I couldn't wait to get to the gîte so we could get out of the car and explore.
Finally, we saw the sign for Valon. We'd arrived. My heart skipped a few beats. The gîte was a 19th-century renovated stone cottage nestled in the lush Truyère valley with a view of a 12th century chateau and the river below.
It was a dream come true.
After dropping our bags off in our room, we joined our friends for lunch, a crackling fire warming our bodies, a homemade soup warming our bellies. Since the weather was more than agreeable, we took our coffee outside.
Coffee with a view.
We took in nature, listening to the river, and inhaling the scents of rosemary, lavender, and sage.
The Toulouse Les Chicks (left to right); me, Oksana, Monique, and Trupty.
Our men (left to right): Jean-Luc, Chris, JC (standing), and Phillippe.Photos were taken, laughs were exchanged, then, it was time to explore our little slice of provincial paradise.
We walked the village streets,
slowly sashaying by beautiful private homes,
and met, Rita, one of the friendly locals.
Château de Valon, the centerpiece of Valon, at Dusk.Before the sun set, we headed back to the gîte, where, over a vin chaud, or warm mulled wine, everybody pitched in to prepare dinner, including the men.
Dinner- a raclette- was a community event!
Champagne and lively conversations!The evening ended with the exchange of our secret Santa presents, though, we all knew the most special gift was the bond of friendship we had established three short years ago — the kind of true friendships we are so very, very lucky to have, the kind of friendships we are truly thankful for.
True friendships are a gift. That night, we went to our rooms with the spirit of Christmas beating in our hearts.
Before leaving for Toulouse the following morning, we ate a light breakfast and went on an hour-long hike.
Walking in nature, we took in magnificent views,
talked about the honey sweetness of life,
discovered the beautiful and unexpected,
and I left Valon feeling more than content!For more on things to do and see in Aveyron, click here.
If you'd like to stay at Chris's gite and experience the magic of staying in a medieval village surrounded by natural beauty in the heart of rural France, you can book your spot at the following sites.
AirBnB (chambre d'hôte)
AirBnB (gîte)
Everything Valon
Abritel
Chris is working on his next project, renovating another property he owns in Valon. His beautiful gîte is for sale! So, if you've ever dreamed of owning a gîte in France, or know somebody who may be interested, do share this link.
Green Acres
I hope your holiday season is full of love and friendship!
Gros bisous from France.
December 10, 2013
Wednesday (on a Tuesday) is All Write (Especially with news like this!)
No, I don't have a rainbow colored unicorn that grants wishes in my backyard.
Yes, my life is filled with ups and downs just like anybody else's.
But lately the good news just keeps coming. And coming.
Waking up to my email? It's become the sweetest addiction of the best kind.
First up: I am pleased to announce I have an agent- the wonderful Jennifer Barclay. Jen is everything I've been looking for in an agent. She has over twenty years of publishing experience. She's an editor and a writer too (check out her memoir, FALLING IN HONEY, available now in the UK/Europe and coming soon to the US via Sourcebooks in March '14!) She understands what we authors have to go through. She's sweet, smart, funny, and communicative. Plus, thanks to the conversation we had last week over SKYPE, she's seen me without make-up and my hair in a messy ponytail. (I wasn't expecting a video chat. And I should have know better. Always expect the unexpected!)
I was looking for somebody I could be myself around, who didn't put me on edge, or turn me into a stuttering mess. I was also looking for somebody who could provide me with the direction I desperately needed when it came to my writing career. Jen is all THAT and a bag of chips. I'm really looking forward to working with her. Huzzah! Yep, I'm one lucky gal!
Speaking of luck, I do have some book news. Big book news. Huge book news. A few weeks ago I blogged about the recent sale of my memoir to Fiona Henderson at Random House Australia.
Well, Random House Australia has chosen ten books to highlight next year. My memoir, SEVEN LETTERS FROM PARIS, is one of the ten. I wouldn't believe it myself if I didn't have picture proof! See! See! Also, I have my first blurb! Thank you, Fiona. (I'm sure I'll be thanking you over and over and over again!)
You can read more about the RANDOM TEN program here. I am fiercely proud and stunned and excited to be included in this new initiative. So, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to chant my mantra.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
Thank you for letting me share my good news! Perseverance and hard work really does pay off in the end!
I am Seabiscuit.
Yes, my life is filled with ups and downs just like anybody else's.
But lately the good news just keeps coming. And coming.
Waking up to my email? It's become the sweetest addiction of the best kind.
First up: I am pleased to announce I have an agent- the wonderful Jennifer Barclay. Jen is everything I've been looking for in an agent. She has over twenty years of publishing experience. She's an editor and a writer too (check out her memoir, FALLING IN HONEY, available now in the UK/Europe and coming soon to the US via Sourcebooks in March '14!) She understands what we authors have to go through. She's sweet, smart, funny, and communicative. Plus, thanks to the conversation we had last week over SKYPE, she's seen me without make-up and my hair in a messy ponytail. (I wasn't expecting a video chat. And I should have know better. Always expect the unexpected!)
I was looking for somebody I could be myself around, who didn't put me on edge, or turn me into a stuttering mess. I was also looking for somebody who could provide me with the direction I desperately needed when it came to my writing career. Jen is all THAT and a bag of chips. I'm really looking forward to working with her. Huzzah! Yep, I'm one lucky gal!
Speaking of luck, I do have some book news. Big book news. Huge book news. A few weeks ago I blogged about the recent sale of my memoir to Fiona Henderson at Random House Australia.
Well, Random House Australia has chosen ten books to highlight next year. My memoir, SEVEN LETTERS FROM PARIS, is one of the ten. I wouldn't believe it myself if I didn't have picture proof! See! See! Also, I have my first blurb! Thank you, Fiona. (I'm sure I'll be thanking you over and over and over again!)
You can read more about the RANDOM TEN program here. I am fiercely proud and stunned and excited to be included in this new initiative. So, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to chant my mantra.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
Thank you for letting me share my good news! Perseverance and hard work really does pay off in the end!
I am Seabiscuit.
Wednesday on a Tuesday is All Write (Especially with news like this!)
No, I don't have a rainbow colored unicorn in my backyard that grants wishes.
Yes, my life is filled with ups and downs just like yours.
But lately the good news just keeps coming. And coming.
Waking up to my email? It's become the sweetest addiction of the best kind.
First up: I am pleased to announce I have an agent- the wonderful Jennifer Barclay. Jen is everything I've been looking for in an agent. She has over twenty years of publishing experience. She's an editor and a writer too (check out her memoir, FALLING IN HONEY, available now in the UK/Europe and coming soon to the US via Sourcebooks in March '14!) She understands what we authors have to go through. She's sweet, smart, funny, and communicative. Plus, thanks to the conversation we had last week over SKYPE, she's seen me without make-up and my hair in a messy ponytail. (I wasn't expecting a video chat. And I should have know better. Always expect the unexpected!)
I was looking for somebody I could be myself around, who didn't put me on edge, or turn me into a stuttering mess. I was also looking for somebody who could provide me with the direction I desperately needed when it came to my writing career. Jen is all THAT and a bag of chips. I'm really looking forward to working with her. Huzzah! Yep, I'm one lucky gal!
Speaking of luck, I do have some book news. Big book news. Huge book news. A few weeks ago I blogged about the recent sale of my memoir to Fiona Henderson at Random House Australia.
Well, Random House Australia has chosen ten books to highlight next year. My memoir, SEVEN LETTERS FROM PARIS, is one of the ten. I wouldn't believe it myself if I didn't have picture proof! See! See! Also, I have my first blurb! Thank you, Fiona. (I'm sure I'll be thanking you over and over and over again!)
You can read more about the RANDOM TEN program here. I am fiercely proud and stunned and excited to be included in this new initiative. So, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to chant my mantra.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
Thank you for letting me share my good news! Perseverance and hard work really does pay off in the end!
I am Seabiscuit.
Yes, my life is filled with ups and downs just like yours.
But lately the good news just keeps coming. And coming.
Waking up to my email? It's become the sweetest addiction of the best kind.
First up: I am pleased to announce I have an agent- the wonderful Jennifer Barclay. Jen is everything I've been looking for in an agent. She has over twenty years of publishing experience. She's an editor and a writer too (check out her memoir, FALLING IN HONEY, available now in the UK/Europe and coming soon to the US via Sourcebooks in March '14!) She understands what we authors have to go through. She's sweet, smart, funny, and communicative. Plus, thanks to the conversation we had last week over SKYPE, she's seen me without make-up and my hair in a messy ponytail. (I wasn't expecting a video chat. And I should have know better. Always expect the unexpected!)
I was looking for somebody I could be myself around, who didn't put me on edge, or turn me into a stuttering mess. I was also looking for somebody who could provide me with the direction I desperately needed when it came to my writing career. Jen is all THAT and a bag of chips. I'm really looking forward to working with her. Huzzah! Yep, I'm one lucky gal!
Speaking of luck, I do have some book news. Big book news. Huge book news. A few weeks ago I blogged about the recent sale of my memoir to Fiona Henderson at Random House Australia.
Well, Random House Australia has chosen ten books to highlight next year. My memoir, SEVEN LETTERS FROM PARIS, is one of the ten. I wouldn't believe it myself if I didn't have picture proof! See! See! Also, I have my first blurb! Thank you, Fiona. (I'm sure I'll be thanking you over and over and over again!)
You can read more about the RANDOM TEN program here. I am fiercely proud and stunned and excited to be included in this new initiative. So, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to chant my mantra.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
Thank you for letting me share my good news! Perseverance and hard work really does pay off in the end!
I am Seabiscuit.
November 27, 2013
Wednesday is All Write! Expect the Unexpected!
A couple of weeks ago, my editor, Anna, shared some potentially exciting news with me over an email. Apparently, a couple of publishing houses in Australia were interested in buying the foreign rights to my memoir, SEVEN LETTERS FROM PARIS. Instead of doing the Cabbage Patch dance, or the running (wo)man, I remained cautiously optimistic.
One thing I've learned is the unexpected seems to pop up when I'm least expecting it. It's like that old adage-- a watched pot never boils. Still, this didn't stop me from refreshing my email, while repeating my mantra: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
Then, the unexpected happened, and the news was above and beyond all my expectations.
On November 15th, the email I'd been waiting for came in: Australia was a done deal. I immediately emailed Anna, telling her I felt like Seabiscuit-- the small horse who became an unlikely champion, thanks to the people who believed in him. (For more on my publishing journey, click HERE).
I was in shock. I still am in shock.
Quietly, I danced in the kitchen, and let out more than a few yelps, because I couldn't my share my news until it was announced officially. Finally, on November 21st, I woke up at three in morning with the sudden urge to check my email. This is what I found in my inbox:
It's off to the races! (Once I'm finished doing the Cabbage Patch...)
Bisous.
Image courtesy of piyato at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
November 15, 2013
Locks of Love in Biarritz
Locks of Love in Biarritz.On an illustrious bridge in Paris -- the "Pont des Arts," many couples have written their names on a padlock, locking it to the side of the bridge. The key is then thrown into the Seine -- a symbol of undying love. Apparently, the only way to break this bond of love is to find the key and unlock the padlock. Which is impossible, unless you want to scuba in the Seine with the chances of finding your key hedging on slim-to-none...and you'd probably be arrested.
As for Biarritz? You better be sure your love is "the one."
Yes. You better be sure!
So, tell me! Are you ready to commit? Are you already committed? Or should you be committed?
Happy Friday!
And bisous from France!
p.s. More photos and news from Biarritz coming soon! I'm playing a little game I call catch up. And, WOW! my phone took some pretty good pictures!
October 28, 2013
Boeuf Bourguignon- A Self Proclaimed (American) Princess Cooks French
Hang on to your wooden spoons...
Life has been busy! So sorry for the long hiatus. But things have simmered down and I now have something I call time! Time to write. Time to read. Time to play. And, more importantly, time to cook.
In honor of fall, today I'm posting my recipe for Boeuf Bourguignon. Basically, it's a combo of techniques and ingredients I've discovered while living in France and experimenting with different recettes. Seriously, it's delicious. A crowd pleaser! A lip-smacking — yes, you'll want seconds--maybe thirds--treat.
One thing I've learned when cooking in France is how to substitute. Don't have an ingredient? Don't fret, there is always an alternative. So, with this recipe, I present a few choices.
SERVES 6 PEOPLE
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:(3-4) pounds lean stewing beef/beef chuck, cut into two-inch chunks(6) shallots, sliced(4) garlic cloves- minced (16-20) pearl onions (oignon saucier)-- okay to use frozen(2-3) large carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks (3/4) pounds fresh mushrooms (use your favorite -- like dried porcini mushrooms, known here in France as cepes*)1 can button mushrooms1 packet of lardons, if you can find them alt: salt pork bits, or bacon (1) cup beef stock(1) bottle red wine-- a Pinot Noir, Burgundy, or other red(2) tablespoons tomato paste(1/2) cup brandy, which I didn't have--so I substituted with Armagnac(6) cloves (3) bay leaves(1) bouquet garni (or a couple of sprigs of dried thyme) salt fresh ground pepperflour- (see recipe-- around 4 tbs, total)butter (see recipe-- around 4 tbs, total)parsley (for garnish)egg based pasta, like tagliatelle, or boiled red potatoes
* Note: If using cepes (dried porcini mushrooms), prepare them accordingly by pouring (1) cup of boiling water over them, and letting them soak for about 30 minutes. Drain and chop coarsely.
(1) Flour the pieces of beef, toss to cover, and then season with salt and pepper
(2) Bring a pot of water to boil to blanch the onions while you're cooking up your lardons until they are brown and crispy (or alternatives-- salt pork or bacon) in a dutch oven.
If using bacon, I'm thinking you'll need about four-sixes slices, a healthy 1/4 of a cup, cut into small strips.
Note: if you have a slow cooker, by all means use it! Don't have a dutch oven or cocotte? A large pot will suffice. Maybe even a wok!
(3) Remove the pork with a slotted spoon -- set them to the side on a paper towel or in a bowl-- and brown the beef in batches in the fat from the pork (medium-high burner), searing both sides. Blanch the onions for five minutes, drain, and set to the side.
(4) Add the carrots and the shallots. Return the lardons to your pot.
(5) Add enough wine to cover all the beef, as well as the cup of beef stock
(6) Add the bay leaves and thyme/or bouquet garni, as well as the cloves.
(7) Add the brandy, or in my case-- Armagnac, which was great! Let simmer (on low), covered, for a good 4 hours! If you notice the sauce is boiling down too much, add more wine. Hey, have a glass yourself!
(8) Next steps? Peel those onions of yours, chop up your fresh mushrooms, and drain your can of button mushrooms. Melt two tablespoons butter in a separate pan and sauté the onions and mushrooms. Add them to the casserole/dutch oven, stirring them in with your handy wooden spoon. Bring a pot of water to boil for the pasta.
In a small bowl, mix three tablespoons of flour with two tablespoons of butter until you form a paste-- this is called the beurre manie and it's used to thicken the sauce. Fold the beurre manie into the mixture about ten minutes before serving. Cover. Simmer.
(9) Season with fresh ground pepper, and salt if needed, to your taste.
(10) Serve with pasta--my choice-- or boiled potatoes. Add a loaf of fresh French bread to soak up the sauce on the side, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!!!!
I'd show you a picture of the final outcome, but I forgot to take one after plating the meal. And then we ate it. I can assure you, though, my boeuf bourguignon got a five-star rating! And my critics were, gasp, six French!
