I love this because I am turning 50 next month and fully considering putting my life in storage in the US and just heading to Europe and seeing what happens!
Wow, Karen. I am impressed by the energy and motivation you have. It is absolutely amazing what you have accomplished. May I ask what your start-up business is? Debbie
Hi Debbie, thank you! Motivation and finding my way are still a challenge, but it does sometimes help to write down things you actually did because it makes you see that you are doing stuff 😂 As to the startup, it was sold in 2023 and it was in the end-of-life space. My goal was to help us all think more about that essential life experience and make sure our wishes align with our priorities and our values. Thanks for asking!
I always look forward to your articles, Karen - they’re so fun and uplifting! I’m still plodding on with my French learning… maybe a 'Juin français' is in order in my household. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend Jill ❤️
Salut ! Merci ☺️ Comments like this are the fuel that powers me. I love hearing about your French language journey. I am wholeheartedly behind a 'juin français' and I might join you in that challenge. It is so good for building an ease with just talking about everyday things. Plus I find that it really just puts you in that French frame of mind and it flows more freely. Thank you for your note about my friend Jill. I really appreciate that.
Wishing you a bon dimanche et bonne continuation !
I loved this - thank you for sharing your life so honestly in this post (it does sound pretty darn good)! I’ve been a francophile my entire life and have traveled in France almost annually for 22 years now and I have no desire to stop. In fact, we just bought a share in an apartment in Paris and so I’ll be there for at least four weeks a year, but likely more as we’ll tack on some trips outside of Paris to our stays.
I just returned home from a week in Paris and gosh, I am always SO happy there. What is it about the city, and France in general? I also speak French, though maybe at a B2 level at most, but I’m more determined than ever to improve on that, thanks to what you’ve written here. Your trick of describing what you need with the French you know when the exact term escapes you is quite familiar to me…I’m happy to read that even a skilled speaker like you employs that truc from time to time!
Bonjour ! So happy to have you here. Merci pour ce commentaire 😊 Congrats on your new place in Paris, that’s exciting. I agree France is special, even when you live here hee hee. Cheers to your determination to keep working on your French ❣️ Bonne continuation and greetings from sunny Paris 🇫🇷
You write such meaty posts, and I appreciate that you acknowledge the sad with the bountiful happy. And bravo (and whew!) on your "Did" list. Don't forget Le Salon, which is lovely group you've assembled. Great idea to acknowledge what's been done, which seems more motivating than my personal List of Tears (aka, objectives). Can you drop the "de?" Does Pas Panique or Panique Pas sound weird to a native speaker?
Hi!!! Oh yes, I forgot to put in Le Salon, merci!! That is one of my favorite accomplishments in Year 3 💕 And yes, it is really a good exercise to write down what has been done—it like a reverse to-do list 😂 As for the name, you could say Panique Pas or Ne Panique Pas, but it’s a different effect. Pas de Panique is more like « no need for panic/let’s not panic » whereas Panique Pas is more imperative. If any native speakers are out there, please do chime in 😎
long time French speaker (since I was 12 years old and I'm 65 now) and I agree that "pas de panique" is a common French phrase that's more neutral-sounding. I like that one better
Living in France I felt that my clothes finally fit my life. I'd long been partial to nice, simple, flowy dresses with loafers, booties, or clean sneakers, and a trench coat in cool weather, and I like to let my long, straight, un-dyed hair airdry wavy. The way I was already dressing in Northern California (where I never left the house in leggings!!) just felt right in Paris!
Hi Karen, Felicitations on your Parisiversary! I loved reading all that you’ve done in your three years, especially since I think we met early in 2023 at an event, so not too long after you moved. This is all very inspiring! We made the full-time move in May 2024, and love it. But you are spot on that living here full time is very different than just visiting for long stays. It’s been so absolutely delightful to experience the rhythm of the full cycle of a year here. I will definitely have to check out the Le salon!
Hi Tiffany, great to hear from you and I’m so happy you’re enjoying life in France. I do love it here too!! Also thanks for the kind words—it really means a lot 💐💕
I am French, have lived abroad for 20 years, including 6 years in Fort Greene (!) I am now back in France, (in beautiful Marseille) and so even though I’m French, I’m also very much a foreigner. Thank you for this post which resonated with me :)
Bonjour and hello fellow traveler :-) Mais Fort Greene vous manque ou pas vraiment ? I really liked it there, but I don't think I could go back. I really do love life in France, even when I sometimes feel my "outsiderness." How are you finding Marseille après si longtemps aux Etats-Unis ?
Chère Karen, Oui j’aimerai toujours Fort Greene! It’s my favorite neighborhood in New York. It’s so pretty and I have met the colest peole there. I don’t exactly miss living in NY though, I will go back and visit when I miss it. I have also lived 9 years in Mexico City. Marseille now feels like a mix between Mexico city and Paris somehow. So I love it. I live at the entrance of the National Park of Les Calanques, so my life is mostly in Nature here, which is what I needed after spending 20 years in two gigantic cities. I will keep reading you! :)
Great read. I am almost at the end of year 1 in France and I love hearing how others are faring in this great adventure. I’d love to join Le Salon. How do I do that? The only date available is in May. Thanks so much!
Hi! I will put up some new Le Salon dates very shortly. We will be so happy to have you join us❣️❣️❣️Message me your email and I’ll personally invite you as soon as the new dates are up
Hello! I know what you mean—it’s too hot. There are some new dates up for Le Salon—they’re on the home page of La Flâneuse at the left side. Hope to see you there 💕💕
I hope you’re writing all of this in your novel. I love hearing what you’re up to. It’s great hearing about women who are forging their own unconventional path in this world.
Thank you for sharing your reality and successes. I needed it after a particularly hard day nearing the end of my year 1 here. You’ve accomplished so much and it gives me hope.
Hi hi! First off, thank you for being here. Next, I’m sorry you’re having tough times. Is it language -related or just a bit of everything ? I also struggled at the end of my first year and into my second year. Someone who’s been here longer told me it had been the same for her. Hang tight and remain optimistic — it will get better and I’m sending you good vibes from Paris❣️🌞😘
I love this because I am turning 50 next month and fully considering putting my life in storage in the US and just heading to Europe and seeing what happens!
I love THIS 💕💕
Wow, Karen. I am impressed by the energy and motivation you have. It is absolutely amazing what you have accomplished. May I ask what your start-up business is? Debbie
Hi Debbie, thank you! Motivation and finding my way are still a challenge, but it does sometimes help to write down things you actually did because it makes you see that you are doing stuff 😂 As to the startup, it was sold in 2023 and it was in the end-of-life space. My goal was to help us all think more about that essential life experience and make sure our wishes align with our priorities and our values. Thanks for asking!
Some people dream of branching out and testing their comfort zones but you did it❣️
Inspiring to read what you have achieved 👏👏👏
Thank you so much Donna 🌷 One day at a time but I am a fan of going for it (with good planning where possible) 😂
I always look forward to your articles, Karen - they’re so fun and uplifting! I’m still plodding on with my French learning… maybe a 'Juin français' is in order in my household. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend Jill ❤️
Salut ! Merci ☺️ Comments like this are the fuel that powers me. I love hearing about your French language journey. I am wholeheartedly behind a 'juin français' and I might join you in that challenge. It is so good for building an ease with just talking about everyday things. Plus I find that it really just puts you in that French frame of mind and it flows more freely. Thank you for your note about my friend Jill. I really appreciate that.
Wishing you a bon dimanche et bonne continuation !
I loved this - thank you for sharing your life so honestly in this post (it does sound pretty darn good)! I’ve been a francophile my entire life and have traveled in France almost annually for 22 years now and I have no desire to stop. In fact, we just bought a share in an apartment in Paris and so I’ll be there for at least four weeks a year, but likely more as we’ll tack on some trips outside of Paris to our stays.
I just returned home from a week in Paris and gosh, I am always SO happy there. What is it about the city, and France in general? I also speak French, though maybe at a B2 level at most, but I’m more determined than ever to improve on that, thanks to what you’ve written here. Your trick of describing what you need with the French you know when the exact term escapes you is quite familiar to me…I’m happy to read that even a skilled speaker like you employs that truc from time to time!
Félicitations on your anniversaire!
Bonjour ! So happy to have you here. Merci pour ce commentaire 😊 Congrats on your new place in Paris, that’s exciting. I agree France is special, even when you live here hee hee. Cheers to your determination to keep working on your French ❣️ Bonne continuation and greetings from sunny Paris 🇫🇷
Hi Karen! I'm learning so much about not only France but Europe from your posts!
Hi Chiara, thank you so much for saying that. It really means a lot to me 😊
You write such meaty posts, and I appreciate that you acknowledge the sad with the bountiful happy. And bravo (and whew!) on your "Did" list. Don't forget Le Salon, which is lovely group you've assembled. Great idea to acknowledge what's been done, which seems more motivating than my personal List of Tears (aka, objectives). Can you drop the "de?" Does Pas Panique or Panique Pas sound weird to a native speaker?
Hi!!! Oh yes, I forgot to put in Le Salon, merci!! That is one of my favorite accomplishments in Year 3 💕 And yes, it is really a good exercise to write down what has been done—it like a reverse to-do list 😂 As for the name, you could say Panique Pas or Ne Panique Pas, but it’s a different effect. Pas de Panique is more like « no need for panic/let’s not panic » whereas Panique Pas is more imperative. If any native speakers are out there, please do chime in 😎
long time French speaker (since I was 12 years old and I'm 65 now) and I agree that "pas de panique" is a common French phrase that's more neutral-sounding. I like that one better
😊
Bonjour Karen. It is so nice to read your story in la Belle France! Happy Frenchanniversaire!
Merci Pierre ❣️ It is so kind of you to leave a note 🌞
Avec plaisir ! 👋
I really enjoy reading your posts about living in France, and I am so happy for you that you are there and making the absolute most of la vie à Paris!
Salut Jax ! I can't tell you how much it means that you took a moment to write me a note. I really appreciate it. Happy you're here 🧚♀️
Living in France I felt that my clothes finally fit my life. I'd long been partial to nice, simple, flowy dresses with loafers, booties, or clean sneakers, and a trench coat in cool weather, and I like to let my long, straight, un-dyed hair airdry wavy. The way I was already dressing in Northern California (where I never left the house in leggings!!) just felt right in Paris!
So great ! Thank you for this comment and I know what you mean—amazing how a place can feel so right ❣️
Hi Karen, Felicitations on your Parisiversary! I loved reading all that you’ve done in your three years, especially since I think we met early in 2023 at an event, so not too long after you moved. This is all very inspiring! We made the full-time move in May 2024, and love it. But you are spot on that living here full time is very different than just visiting for long stays. It’s been so absolutely delightful to experience the rhythm of the full cycle of a year here. I will definitely have to check out the Le salon!
Hi Tiffany, great to hear from you and I’m so happy you’re enjoying life in France. I do love it here too!! Also thanks for the kind words—it really means a lot 💐💕
I am French, have lived abroad for 20 years, including 6 years in Fort Greene (!) I am now back in France, (in beautiful Marseille) and so even though I’m French, I’m also very much a foreigner. Thank you for this post which resonated with me :)
Bonjour and hello fellow traveler :-) Mais Fort Greene vous manque ou pas vraiment ? I really liked it there, but I don't think I could go back. I really do love life in France, even when I sometimes feel my "outsiderness." How are you finding Marseille après si longtemps aux Etats-Unis ?
Chère Karen, Oui j’aimerai toujours Fort Greene! It’s my favorite neighborhood in New York. It’s so pretty and I have met the colest peole there. I don’t exactly miss living in NY though, I will go back and visit when I miss it. I have also lived 9 years in Mexico City. Marseille now feels like a mix between Mexico city and Paris somehow. So I love it. I live at the entrance of the National Park of Les Calanques, so my life is mostly in Nature here, which is what I needed after spending 20 years in two gigantic cities. I will keep reading you! :)
What a wonderful journey! Also I want to see Les Calanques, they look so beautiful. So happy to meet you here 💕
Yes!! Flaneuse!
Oh Yes ❣️ 😘😘
Great read. I am almost at the end of year 1 in France and I love hearing how others are faring in this great adventure. I’d love to join Le Salon. How do I do that? The only date available is in May. Thanks so much!
Hi! I will put up some new Le Salon dates very shortly. We will be so happy to have you join us❣️❣️❣️Message me your email and I’ll personally invite you as soon as the new dates are up
Did I miss it? I’ve been in a very hot summer in the south mood but definitely ready to get back into community.
Hello! I know what you mean—it’s too hot. There are some new dates up for Le Salon—they’re on the home page of La Flâneuse at the left side. Hope to see you there 💕💕
I hope you’re writing all of this in your novel. I love hearing what you’re up to. It’s great hearing about women who are forging their own unconventional path in this world.
Thank you so much Meghan. I’m so happy to see your note❣️ Greetings from Paris 🇫🇷💕
Thank you for sharing your reality and successes. I needed it after a particularly hard day nearing the end of my year 1 here. You’ve accomplished so much and it gives me hope.
Hi hi! First off, thank you for being here. Next, I’m sorry you’re having tough times. Is it language -related or just a bit of everything ? I also struggled at the end of my first year and into my second year. Someone who’s been here longer told me it had been the same for her. Hang tight and remain optimistic — it will get better and I’m sending you good vibes from Paris❣️🌞😘
It was thankfully just one bad day with a little bit of everything gone wrong. Most days are really good!
💕💕💕