I don't care what your write about; I just enjoy feeling connected to an old friend. You are a great writer whether you write about contemporary politics or life in the countryside. It doesn't have to be an either/or proposition, and you could have fun comparing the two. I am also a politics nerd---you may recall that I was a politics major way back when, but I also grew up and currently work in a small, rural town. While I also harbor a near constant urge to wrap things up, I think you have enjoyed this and will continue to enjoy it. If it brings you pleasure, embrace the hedonism!
. . . as for me, please continue. Your life in the French countryside will always be interesting to me, but I also am eager to hear your perspectives on all things French and the many ways France and the USA similar and different. Plus, I love hearing about the general goings-on in your world. Yes, please don't stop! I'll pay. . .
I’ve enjoyed the journey with you thus far and would happily stay along for a ride that dissects the modern French landscape, politics and all. But I’m a bit of a politics nerd, so…
Liberals in the US are always claiming that the politics here will force them to move to Europe. But Europe is getting pretty right wing; i definitely would be interested in your observations, as you know much more about the forces moving people left, right, and center. Also cat pictures. Need cat pictures.
Since I enjoy and look forward to your articles….I’m hoping you’ll continue….not so much about a small village but about your interests in all things French.
I like the notion of expanding the scope without abandoning the new (old) neighborhood completely. What feels like a natural place to end your story to you feels like an abrupt stop to me. Perhaps select some moments of recent happenings to let us down gently. Well done.
There will be a last chapter next week and I expect we’ll revisit our friends from time to time. I need to write an ode to my cat sitter, among other things. She is the greatest character of all.
I have so enjoyed every chapter you’ve written, and can’t believe you won’t stay the course. Whatever subjects/happenings you write always show me the real France.
I love that you are wrapping up this particular memoir, giving it the completion it deserves. That is so smart! Politics abroad isn't for me, but getting your thoughts on contemporary aspects of France and your ville interests me. I also wonder if there is another serialized memoir opportunity focused on some new interest or goal you pursue? Of course it wouldn't be as grand as this tale was (The life shift! The move! The house! The town!) but if you were considering dabbling in something (horseback riding, chickens, triathlon lollll) I would happily follow you along the journey, through the trials and errors and soul searching and wins. Your take on even the smallest thing makes my heart sing.
As an ex-pat who recently moved back to the US after having lived in Italy for 5 years, I’ve looked forward to your giving us a real life portrait of living abroad. Most are consumed with the fantasy of moving abroad and there’s very little space in the fantasy for the reality of what it’s actually like to live there. I’ve always found your substack to be a bit therapeutic having returned to the US with a different perspective. It’s not easy to live in Europe. It’s not the same as a vacation. It was a lot of turbulent growth for me personally that I wouldn’t trade for a moment, but is a huge gap from most everyones expectations that’s nearly impossible to explain. Your substack is the closest thing I’ve found that feels honest and relatable. Having said that, I agree with a majority of readers, if it doesn’t fit in your life anymore, it’s something we can understand and respect. I would like to thank you for having spent the time to share this journey with us all.
Thanks for your note. I think it’s incumbent to pierce the gauzy fantasy a bit. Moving to Paris was a bit like becoming a slightly abused child. It broke me a bit, to reform me. The countryside has been much sweeter and rehabilitating.
Personally, I love seeing your posts. I'm subscribed to a gillion Substacks, and even though they all have their merits, I confess I don't actually *read* most of them, but I do read yours. Every time. So yeah, I'd like you to keep writing and sharing and since I live in France too, I don't need to hear about lovely markets and all. I'm not super keen on diving into French politics, but I'd go there to see what you have to say. Otherwise, I just love to read the stories of your life in the country. It's enough as it is. xx
Alors! Please don't say good-bye...maybe a la prochaine whatever the subject might be. I so look forward to seeing your name pop up in my inbox. I love/appreciate and relish your articles and stories, often times laughing out loud as i live in a 'funny' little village in the Vaucluse with its' own peculiarities.
I've read your work for many years and will continue to do, no matter what subjects or experiences you decide to plunge into.
Please don't leave us hanging. When we are not in France you are one of our links to the Perche, which is one of our two favorite parts of France.
You have given us a look at village life and that's been very enjoyable (also kind of sobering).
I'd like to see you use your analytical powers to give us a wider look at France and its politics and where it might be going. Or write about whatever interests you. You have the talent and intelligence to make anything you write about interesting.
You have kept my husband and me guessing about exactly which small village you live in, which has added to the fun.
I don't care what your write about; I just enjoy feeling connected to an old friend. You are a great writer whether you write about contemporary politics or life in the countryside. It doesn't have to be an either/or proposition, and you could have fun comparing the two. I am also a politics nerd---you may recall that I was a politics major way back when, but I also grew up and currently work in a small, rural town. While I also harbor a near constant urge to wrap things up, I think you have enjoyed this and will continue to enjoy it. If it brings you pleasure, embrace the hedonism!
Thanks for the good word, Eric! I will send your love to Scott, whom I’m about to see in a couple hours.
. . . as for me, please continue. Your life in the French countryside will always be interesting to me, but I also am eager to hear your perspectives on all things French and the many ways France and the USA similar and different. Plus, I love hearing about the general goings-on in your world. Yes, please don't stop! I'll pay. . .
I’ve enjoyed the journey with you thus far and would happily stay along for a ride that dissects the modern French landscape, politics and all. But I’m a bit of a politics nerd, so…
Liberals in the US are always claiming that the politics here will force them to move to Europe. But Europe is getting pretty right wing; i definitely would be interested in your observations, as you know much more about the forces moving people left, right, and center. Also cat pictures. Need cat pictures.
Since I enjoy and look forward to your articles….I’m hoping you’ll continue….not so much about a small village but about your interests in all things French.
I’ve loved following you on this journey and would love to hear your thoughts on other aspects of living in France.
I like the notion of expanding the scope without abandoning the new (old) neighborhood completely. What feels like a natural place to end your story to you feels like an abrupt stop to me. Perhaps select some moments of recent happenings to let us down gently. Well done.
More plese.
There will be a last chapter next week and I expect we’ll revisit our friends from time to time. I need to write an ode to my cat sitter, among other things. She is the greatest character of all.
Your stack is one of my favourites! I honestly would read anything you’d like to write.
Thank you!
I have so enjoyed every chapter you’ve written, and can’t believe you won’t stay the course. Whatever subjects/happenings you write always show me the real France.
Please find the wherewithal to continue!
Stay tuned!
Please continue! We need to hear more from you.
I love that you are wrapping up this particular memoir, giving it the completion it deserves. That is so smart! Politics abroad isn't for me, but getting your thoughts on contemporary aspects of France and your ville interests me. I also wonder if there is another serialized memoir opportunity focused on some new interest or goal you pursue? Of course it wouldn't be as grand as this tale was (The life shift! The move! The house! The town!) but if you were considering dabbling in something (horseback riding, chickens, triathlon lollll) I would happily follow you along the journey, through the trials and errors and soul searching and wins. Your take on even the smallest thing makes my heart sing.
awwwwww AS. thank you.
As an ex-pat who recently moved back to the US after having lived in Italy for 5 years, I’ve looked forward to your giving us a real life portrait of living abroad. Most are consumed with the fantasy of moving abroad and there’s very little space in the fantasy for the reality of what it’s actually like to live there. I’ve always found your substack to be a bit therapeutic having returned to the US with a different perspective. It’s not easy to live in Europe. It’s not the same as a vacation. It was a lot of turbulent growth for me personally that I wouldn’t trade for a moment, but is a huge gap from most everyones expectations that’s nearly impossible to explain. Your substack is the closest thing I’ve found that feels honest and relatable. Having said that, I agree with a majority of readers, if it doesn’t fit in your life anymore, it’s something we can understand and respect. I would like to thank you for having spent the time to share this journey with us all.
Thanks for your note. I think it’s incumbent to pierce the gauzy fantasy a bit. Moving to Paris was a bit like becoming a slightly abused child. It broke me a bit, to reform me. The countryside has been much sweeter and rehabilitating.
I love this newsletter and your writing, and would definitely be into a more general what's going on in Frenchie politics pivot!
Personally, I love seeing your posts. I'm subscribed to a gillion Substacks, and even though they all have their merits, I confess I don't actually *read* most of them, but I do read yours. Every time. So yeah, I'd like you to keep writing and sharing and since I live in France too, I don't need to hear about lovely markets and all. I'm not super keen on diving into French politics, but I'd go there to see what you have to say. Otherwise, I just love to read the stories of your life in the country. It's enough as it is. xx
That is such a lovely note, thank you!
Alors! Please don't say good-bye...maybe a la prochaine whatever the subject might be. I so look forward to seeing your name pop up in my inbox. I love/appreciate and relish your articles and stories, often times laughing out loud as i live in a 'funny' little village in the Vaucluse with its' own peculiarities.
I've read your work for many years and will continue to do, no matter what subjects or experiences you decide to plunge into.
Carry on!
no refunds for me ;-)
Thank you kindly!
Please don't leave us hanging. When we are not in France you are one of our links to the Perche, which is one of our two favorite parts of France.
You have given us a look at village life and that's been very enjoyable (also kind of sobering).
I'd like to see you use your analytical powers to give us a wider look at France and its politics and where it might be going. Or write about whatever interests you. You have the talent and intelligence to make anything you write about interesting.
You have kept my husband and me guessing about exactly which small village you live in, which has added to the fun.