Without going in to tedious detail that just gets me shouting at inanimate objects….this was a statement made recently to Dom. I think there are more important things for people to focus on than our decision to move to France and the fact that it doesn’t fit in with a particular picture of ‘responsible life’.
I promise this will evolve into something positive, stay with me here, I need a little rant.
So, for those people who are sneering at us or angry with us because they see what we are doing as a rejection of a particular defined ‘perfect and responsible life’ – take a moment to reflect on why you are directing your anger and nastiness in our direction. I am sorry that you get upset when people act in a way that doesn’t support your carefully created views and I am sorry if you have an uncontrollable urge to put people down so you feel better about yourself. I am NOT sorry for how I have chosen to live my life. There. Rant over. Thank you for letting me get that off my chest. …luckily these ‘people’ are a minority. I have been really heartened by the encouragement and support we have been receiving from almost all of our friends and family. (Thank you!!)
View from the dodgy terrace
And in case anyone was wondering – we have not moved in to some oversized castle and now spend our days lazing about the many sitting rooms contemplating our next meal. We are in a modest farmhouse…which is less a farmhouse and more a grouping of outbuildings that were randomly connected together – with the old bread oven at the centre. We have faltering electricity, a pool that is shifting down the hill and Dom is convinced the villagers stole our water (really, I should never have let him watch Jean de Florette!). But you know what- we do sit on our slightly dodgy terrace most evenings, looking out at the amazing sunsets, breathing in the sheep-tinged air and we feel good. Oh and we probably do do a lot of contemplating about food, but we multi task and try do that while we are actually working.
Yes- this is the office and yes I sit on my butt here most days while Dom is out attacking fallen trees and destroying overgrown brambles..and I do my best to get out and about when I can
To close I will step up again on my soap box and share my top 2 rules for life:
- Be nice to people (and the planet). This should be simple – don’t you feel like shit when you are mean to people (unless you are a narcissistic sociopath of course, in which case you probably get off on it), you just feel better being nice to people.
- Do what makes you happy. OK, within reason, as long as it doesn’t hurt other people, blah blah. But what in the world are we on this earth for but to enjoy our lives…now go back to rule number 1.
Et voila… of course this is for my life right now …the list will likely grow to include things like –heating is overrated, or wine in a box is a good thing.
Quercy Food Experiences 
Omg. Wendy. Who the hell is judging you?
Peolep who judge dont matter. People who matter dont judge.
You’re doing amazing, exciting, wonderful, amazing things. You’re one of yhe most sensible, sane, hiddediously intelligent and clever people i have ever had the joy to know.
You do good in this world every single day. Im going to finish reading the post now!!!
I will come and see you as soon as i can, april, may i hope. Xxx
Wendy and Dom,
You have my greatest respect and admiration.
Lots of people have never moved abroad, studied languages, fallen on their noses, crushed into walls, lost all their stuff, and emerged from it all strengthened, and optimistic.
Let’s pity them, forgive them, forget them and move on.
Big hug,
Ullikins
Wendy and Dom,
You have my greatest respect and admiration.
Most people have never moved abroad, studied languages, fallen on their nose, crushed into walls, lost all their stuff and emerged from it all strengthened and optimistic – and used to most people doing most things differently than us.
Let’s pity them, forgive them, forget them and move on.
Big hug,
Ullikins