I have done some pretty cool things in my life, especially in the latter half, and have a whole lot more planned (this year is an exciting one for travel and, I have to say, that for me starting this blog is a really cool thing). And on the surface living part time in France might be seen as another cool thing and in the overall picture it really is but the day to day is pretty tame and chill and routine and of course, centers around 16 month old Baby Nina. (I don’t know why I feel compelled to preface her name with the title “Baby” but I just do. I guess it’s a thing. I also refer to my brother as Brother Mike. For the unknowing one might think I am referring to a priest. He isn’t. It’s kind of like with guys I dated: The Fireman, The Miner, The Rich Guy…. but those are whole other stories and I have drastically digressed from where I was going, such is the way my brain works. Or doesn’t.)
Okay, back to the theme of today’s post. Life has a way of getting away on us here in the quiet French countryside. Em has her work 4 days a week, teaching English to students in China from the comfort of her home and Francois puts in full days at the Winery. And although I see them every day It is easy to not have adult time to sit and chill and talk about all things big and small. I was really missing time with my well adjusted middle child so we initiated Wednesday night date nights at my house. It’s perfect. Once Nina is settled, Emily pops over, we have whatever pre-discussed menu for food (last night was kombucha to drink and homemade mac and cheese followed up by Nanaimo bars, Em’s favourite request that I make her when I’m here) and watch something together. Lately it’s been the Emily in Paris series on Netflix- don’t tell us how it ends, we still have the final episode to see! And of course our screen time is punctuated by Ipad pauses where we go down some discussion road or another, getting caught up, exchanging thoughts, discussing other shows that we are watching on our own. It’s a perfect way to punctuate the week with one on one mother-daughter time. Although it does feel much less mother-daughter and more like two friends. Is it not a wonderful thing when you not only love your children but really like them too? #blessed
So there you have it. If you thought I was out touring chateaus every night, doing cool things, you’d be way wrong. It’s a simple life and my Wednesday night date nights are among the highlights of every week. We will probably start discussing next week’s menu today. 🙂
xo
Sounds lovely!
Yes, with the fire on (per usual) and just us time….. it really is a lovely few hours…..
Precious time Michelle! I miss the dates with my mum! 💛
I had a complicated relationship with my mom Jane, so our dates were more “dutiful” on my part. I am grateful to have children who want to spend time with me not out of duty. Or at least I think that’s the case…… lol
So lovely when your children become your favourite friend. I too enjoy this. Words cannot describe the journey of how you got to this perfect place. Such happiness and a feeling of being ‘home’ whenever you are with them. Enjoy Michelle.
I look forward to reading of your many adventures. X
Well you have a wonderful son so it is a blessing how much you enjoy being together. A combo of lucky genetics and good parenting I’d say dear cousin! And it is true Jauanita, I do have the ability to make just about anywhere home. No matter where I have traveled there have been very few places where I couldn’t see me living there. Cambodia being one. I think it possibly comes from childhood and with few toys, making play homes out of sticks in the woods, scraps of stuff around the yard, little hollows under trees….. xo
So much fun to have intimate time with your girl. Enjoying this!!
I can always tell from your FB posts how close you and your daughter are so you know exactly what I am talking about!
I can’t think of a better way to spend a Wednesday evening and isn’t it great that we “like” our children! ❤️
So great, especially when I look back to some of those teen age years when there wasn’t “like” every minute of every day. And I suspect that went both ways. lol
So so peaceful when reading the blog, love that you have “daughter date night” as that is so important. How coincidentall that your watching a movie called Emily in Paris, love it. Say hi to Emily for me. Take care my friend.
Great coincidence, watching Emily in Paris with Emily in France. 🙂 I will let Em know you passed on your greetings. She helped me choose the post photo for today so knows I was writing about us today….. I think she will be slightly amazed at the number of comments….
I am sure Emily will miss those Wednesday date nights when you leave in a couple weeks for your trip but i gladly look forward to replacing her during our travels
I am sure she will Jo. I know I will so yes, leaning on you for sister time. We were late starting them so next time around will do them from when I first arrive….
Ummm…I wanna here more about the fireman, the miner and the rich guy! Lol
Loved Emily in Paris.
And please let us know what you watch next.
Well it’s funny you should say that because I think there are future dating (disaster) stories that I will write about. They are too good not to share….. lol. And will do! For mindless watching I got hooked on Below Deck. I have a hate/like relationship with it but seem to turn it on every night when I go to bed…… Serious lack of willpower…..
So much love in your life! Keep on keeping on!
It’s true Angela, I hope that means I am reaping what I have sown……
Sounds like the best midweek time for all of you! I can only imagine the fun conversations that go on😂
Lol, they range from serious to far from serious…. you know what women are like when we connect…. all over the place with topics….. like us when we are together…. 🙂
Another awesome blog post 😊 even with quiet evenings, your life and adventures are always amazing to read.
Thanks Kayla, I am always trying to keep it real… I am far from a princess living in a castle….. 🙂
Daughters are the best! Enjoy your time together.
And so are sons and son In laws, both in a different way, so hopefully the latter comes your way!!
In the end, Mom and I were best friends. We did everything together. I really miss her and our time together bonding! I love your blog!! XOXO
You were a godsend to both of your parents Bren. It was always clear how much you loved them and wanted them to be safe and happy. I am sure this is a very tough time of adjustment for you. I wish I lived closer. xo
Nothing better than an evening with your daughter/friend.
Coming out of the restrictions of Covid I think we are all happy to spend an evening with a loved one. 🙂
Michelle
Emily and you are so blessed to have to have each other and make precious memories.
Loved reading your posts and especially this one.
I can’t wait to read the dating one 😀
Miss our chats we had 💕
Lol, I do think I am going to have to do a dating post. Or two. The Firemen is a pretty darn good, believe it or not story!
We did have some great chats about life and health and work didn’t we? I am happy for those memories Jane! And thanks for commenting; really appreciate it!
Sounds like you had a wonderful evening!! So nice to have that time together ❤️. Something to look forward to each week
And only two weeks left this time around….. boo hoo……. 🙁
Enjoy reading everything about time in France. Keep living your best life Michelle. So proud and blessed you are a friend. Xo
Right back at you on friendship Mandy. Your resilience is something I am in awe of. 2023 is your year!! xo
Precious ❣️