Update
Updated: Jun 13, 2020
We can all agree that this draconian COVID-19 pandemic hurt our lives like an asteroid far from everything we consider normal. It shattered many of our plans and dreams for the year and suffocated the not so fortunate.
Overnight, we had to cancel or postponed all of our cooking retreats in France, which was the responsible thing to do. For my chocolate shop, we temporarily closed one shop and kept the main one open for shipping and curbside deliveries. Laying off a dozen employees wasn't easy to ingest, either. I am hopeful that we all will persevere. The equal measure of kindness and selflessness that some display genuinely inspire me while the vacuous leadership of others infuriates me.
"Problems are opportunities," my Frenchman says. He has been unusually favorable throughout all of this and believes it might make a better world. He also reminded me to be sensitive at how this affects others: some panic, some become hostile, and others become depressed. "Their feelings are all reasonable," he emphasizes. I am not confident in the future, but I will keep walking toward it and following my heart.
For one, spending will be cut (not that I've ever been a big spender)! We will live on the lean this summer in the countryside of Mailly-le-Château and work on projects that we hadn't much time for before. Our little house needs some attention, beginning with exposing the stone wall. Also, the rose bush, clematis, jasmine, and grapevines need trimming. Tomatoes, herbs, edible flowers need planting. And there's Jean-Jacques's garden, of course, that we want to help tend.
I postulate that many of us will ask ourselves why we are doing what we are and return to those early remembrances of when our businesses were smaller and that we were happy with less. Time has been the greatest gift as it has allowed me to work on my book in quiet and contemplate what matters.
You are a breath of fresh air to a weary earth traveler in search of peace and beauty. I am so happy to have discovered your blog through Victoria magazine. I live in busy Raleigh, NC and envy you your serene lifestyle. I love to read; the picture of you in such a natural relaxed pose with a book is wonderful! My mother was of Ukrainian/Polish descent (Wodzinski) so I relate your husband’s roots. Mine is of Eastern European descent as well. I look forward to more of your and Wlady‘s inspiration and encouragement!
So lucky to have found you in the Victoria magazine. Being sheltered has given me the opportunity to read the article in Victoria many times . Looking forward to reading all your posts.
Those of us who are lucky enough to have gardens take soulice in nurturing them. Here on the west coast of Canada we are watching spring unfold as we self distance from our friends and loved ones. Who would have thought as we celebrated Christmas with friends and family that we would be facing this unseen and somewhat surreal enemy. I hope that you are able to open your lovely chocolate shop before too long and wish you all the best. Keep safe.
I don't know Shannon, it sounds pretty idyllic to me! Love to Wlady from us, and congratulations on that fabulous article in Victoria. You may not do a retreat this year, but this article will certainly bring you new workshop attendees. So turn your attention to your house and your book and your wonderful man and just shut out the rest. It will end. And we never, thank goodness, know what the future will bring.
We will get through this, hopefully to a kinder world. Stay safe.