Writing a book was never part of the plan. I had a story I wanted to tell, but discovering how to turn that story into a memoir was an entirely different matter. Along the way, I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that writing a book is as much about learning the craft as it is about having something to say. And fortunately, I haven't had to learn it entirely on my own. Learning to Write Living in Quebec's Eastern Townships has given me an unexpected connection to a wonder

Some stories stay with you. Ours began with a long-held dream of French village life. So, when an unexpected opportunity came our way to move to a relatively unknown corner of southern France with our two young children, we seized it. Only to discover that the reality was far more adventurous than the dream. Two summers in France. Living the dream. The first summer brought the challenges of remote French village life, raising two small children and navigating a revolving door

I started TWO FRENCH VILLAGES back in 2019, when this website was a place to record our family's adventures between France and Quebec. My last post was in 2020, when we had just moved to Quebec and were finding our feet in our new French-speaking village. And then ...life happened. There were children, family, a pandemic, plenty of distractions ...and...somewhere along the way, all those experiences began turning themselves into a book. Actually two books. Six years later, I'

To feel like an outing and too enjoy the warm balmy evening. Outdoor movies screen on the barn wall tonight. Stephen Kings 'It 2' very atmospheric in the open air under a full moon!

Exploring and tidying the garden has revealed some edible treats. This would probably not be exciting in the normal routine of life , but in self-isolation with restricted fresh supplies these finds feel like treasures. Raspberry bushes supplement pancakes with maple syrup for breakfast. Forgotten vege beds provides salad for dinner.

The day spent barn cleaning today. Old calendar prints found on the walls date back to 1950, seventy years ago…a lifetime. Reflecting of the events and the world at that time. The Korean war started that year, Truman approved hydrogen bomb construction, McCarthy initiated the persecution of communists, South Africa formally segregated races. Turbulent times past and present.

Having only seen the area, house and land by winter our response to the place in summertime is one of delight and surprise. It is lush and alive. You can feel the urgency for growth and abundance required in those few short months of light and warmth. We are naturally drawn to the generous garden in our enforced confinement, easing our quarantine from captivity to retreat.

Local plumber Patrick has also been a Godsend. His details provided by a neighbour. Unmet he has helped by preparing our plumbing for a Quebec winter, providing access for the life thread connection of wifi, but most significantly he stepped in when our online grocery delivery was cancelled from the local supermarket and we could not collect our baseline supplies from isolation. He has done these things in the spirit of community and simply wanting to help someone. We are be

Our team of five (including Reuben the dog) arrived into Canada delayed due to COVID-19 with lock downs and travel restrictions. The lower floor duplex looks great! Pleased we arranged for a complete re-paint after purchasing the property and the lower floor became empty. Not knowing the area our efficient and kind real-estate team John & Jessica provided us with a list of trades people that could help. Our painter Phillipe re-freshed the interior as well as painting the barn

I am a Kiwi living in London the UK with my (English born) Kiwi husband, John, two teenage kids and a Welsh terrier dog called Reuben. We are an ordinary family. I am a full time nurse and John is a university lecturer, the kids are at high school. We all share a love of travel and adventures. In 2015 we bought a a tiny maison de village house in a small medieval village in Southern France as a holiday home. The village is in a remote wine growing region described as a visiti