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On Gratitude
“Enjoy the little things. For one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault I received a message from an acquaintance last week, a fellow Francophile who, like me, is waiting with bated breath for news that we can travel again. She said she had been missing France more than usual and made herself feel better by going to the grocery store and purchasing some delicious bread, cheese and wine. She planned to spend the evening watching a good French film while savoring her fromage and vin. While not quite the same as being there, it was as close as she had…
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Why Brittany?
If Paris is the heart of France, then I dare to say Brittany is its soul. That is a rather bold – and perhaps controversial – statement given Brittany’s history with France, but I’m going to say it anyway. At least that is how Brittany feels to me. While it would take considerably more time and pages than one blog post to say why I believe that to be true, I’ll try to summarize it here in a few paragraphs. The Climate Brittany is green and lush, thanks to its moderate oceanic climate. It just feels good, like you’re wrapped in a warm green blanket. I have visited Brittany at…
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French Doors
What is it about old doors? What is it that makes some of us stop dead in our tracks, take out our camera, capture the image, and keep it in our hearts forever? It’s just a door after all, isn’t it? Or is it? I have dozens of photos of the door below. I have photographed this little blue door in each of the four seasons, at sunrise and sunset, and almost every hour in between. “What is the draw?” I’ve often wondered. And so today, I sat down and reflected on what it could be … A door represents: A warm greeting A final goodbye A quick, loud knock…
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A Dreamy Day in Brittany
Facebook and Instagram love to remind me that for the last several years I’ve spent my summers in France. My “memories” pop up of the places I’ve visited, people I’ve been with, things I’ve eaten. It’s usually a treat to look back on those photos, but this summer it has been both bitter and sweet to do so. I’m sure many others can relate. Today, just before slipping into full-on longing mode, I realized that I can go anywhere, anytime as a mental traveler. I can take snippets from my years of travel and piece together a beautiful day. In fact, since this is a daydream, I can go for…
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A Visit to Saint Suliac, Bretagne, France
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12 Day Itinerary: Brittany, Normandy, and Paris
I don’t know about you, but I miss traveling. I miss it like one misses an old friend. I’ve had a sense of wanderlust for decades, and while I am capable of being happy at home, I long for adventure. I miss my friends and my beloved Brittany. I miss hearing French in the streets and in the shops. I even miss the airport, and that’s saying something. To travel is to be pushed out of our comfort zone, to discover new places, and meet new people. There really isn’t anything better, in my opinion. I know this too shall pass, and, like many, I’m dreaming of the day in…
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A Visit to Josselin, Bretagne, France
Brittany is a region full of warm people, delicious cuisine, and fascinating culture. Its beauty is unmatched, in my option, with its rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, lush forests, and charming villages. Today, I want to introduce you to a little gem of a town called Josselin. Josselin, located in the Morbihan department of Brittany, and just an hour from Rennes, is designated as both a Petite cité de caractère’ and ville fleurie (floral town). While its fairy tale castle is a “must-see”, the town itself – founded in the 11th century – is as worthy of a visit as the château. Josselin hosts a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes…
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A Visit to Saint Suliac, Bretagne, France
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An Interview with Artist Mona Cauret (in French and English)
Today’s post is particularly special for me as I’m going to introduce you to a wonderful woman – and talented artist – named Mona Cauret. As I’ve spent more and more time in Dinan, and know that Brittany will be my forever home, I am thrilled to have made some good connections with people who work in town. Mona is one of the people that I look forward to seeing again, as soon as I can get back. She always has a big and welcoming smile and her artwork just makes me happy. Le poste d’aujourd’hui est particulièrement spécial pour moi car je vais vous présenter une femme merveilleuse –…
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Beyond Brittany: Souvenirs de Paris
Ah, the City of Light. The City of Love. The Fashion Capital of the World. Whatever name you choose to call her, it fits. It’s PARIS, and she truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There is just something so enticing, so mysterious, so moving about Paris that I would recommend it being at the top of everyone’s Bucket List. Now, I don’t say that lightly. I was a single mom for a few decades, working at least 2 jobs at a time for a good chunk of those years. I know that it’s not as simple as just deciding to go to Paris and buying…
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A Visit to Saint Suliac, Bretagne, France
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When is the Best Time to Visit Brittany, France?
As so many have had to cancel their travel plans this year, would-be travelers are looking ahead to 2021 as the year to take their dream vacation. Maybe that is a trip across country or perhaps further afield. It could be a trip that they’ve been organizing for years but put on the back burner due to family or work obligations, finances, or just not being comfortable with planning an itinerary. Regardless of the destination, I love the idea of looking ahead and making a commitment to ourselves to go after our travel goals. With a bit of pre-planning, those dreams can become a reality. To those readers considering a…
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A Day in Paimpol, Bretagne
Paimpol is a lovely coastal town located in the Côtes-d’Armor department of Brittany. During the summer months, tourists flock to Paimpol for its exquisite beaches and charming port. La Plage de la Tossen, for example, is just a quick walk from town and a favorite for those with young children. Stopping first at the port, I take everthing in: the smells coming from the water, soft sounds of metal clanking, coming from the boats that are tossing a bit in the breeze. From this vantage point, I can imagine well painters standing just here, their easels set up to consider the boats in the foreground and the old buildings behind,…
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A Visit to Saint Suliac, Bretagne, France
