Á la fin de l’année …

The start of a new year and the realization of renewed dreams and goals; a reflection of past accomplishments and unrealized ambitions; a setting of resolutions and personal demands for a brighter and happier season ahead….

As ideas swirl around my head of all the places I want to see, people I want to meet, fears I want to conquer and lessons I want to learn… I am preoccupied instead with the realization of this achieved goal and the journey leading up to it…

In hindsight when I reflect on the journey before the journey the timeline, planning, expectations, tears, anxiety, worry and silver lining seem far away yet not too far in the distance; at least as time and space are defined.  

So where did it all begin??? Sometime, more than 3 years ago, I had an impression that I needed to forge a life in France, to engage with and discover my other family, define and understand my life vision and purpose, reflect on my dreams and discover myself, my fears, goals, ambitions, motivations, and strengths…. Although self reflection, analyzation and awareness are all well defined yet ever expanding personal traits.

As I can best recall, the seed was planted one afternoon while sitting on a friend’s balcony overlooking the riverfront, however any actualization of a solidified investment in this seed of thought did not materialize until the summer of 2008. It was at this time when the spark was ignited and a sense of urgency and impending regret grew. And it grew, and grew and grew, and festered until I was scrambling around in a haze of anxiety, half truths, unknowns and what-ifs. Those of you who knew me then, my apologies…  Those who were lucky to have been spared this period of my life can only imagine my over-zealous and passion filled planning and expectations, including …

listing my house for sale (end of summer 2008)

getting rid of my car weeks after the listing date (and all at the start of the recession)

obtaining my French citizenship

busing it for a year around Windsor (1 hour 20 mins to and from work)

and then…

deciding maybe I didn’t want to go to France any more

This is where the needle drops, the music stops playing and confusion ensues… but not for me, in actuality it was a time of clarity and re-focusing on the goal and its reasons, implications and significance. I like to think that I regained a sense of balance at this time, or at the very least re-defined my outlook and expectations. And so, with renewed confidence and diminished anxiety I began the following course of action…

looking for and getting a new job

having my Dad visit and stay with me for 5 weeks

beginning a French course (with all 3 of the above starting on the same day)

buying a new/used car

re-listing my house in the spring of 2010 (which sold in 5 weeks with a closing date 5 weeks later)

selling off my possessions

moving in with wonderful friends until my work contract ended

and ultimately moving to France

Maybe it was good timing, the surrender of expectation or the acceptance of the unknown and infinite possibilities, but this second time around was much more effortless and natural, falling gracefully into place.

And so it is … a pre-journey filled with emotion, perspective, discovery and never-ending lessons and learning…. While it did not fit within my initial timelines, expectations and did not come tied up in a bow, it is a realized dream without regret or disappointment.

Joyeux Noel!

As I am writing these words, Christmas in France, it seems somewhat surreal, as if magical and enchanting; but in all sincerity it was very similar to a Christmas back home, full of family, food and fond memories.

You could say that I am slightly bah humbuggish - I hate Christmas music before December 20^th, crowded malls and never ending lines, but this Christmas was thankfully much more relaxed with a delicate yet subtle manufactured spirit, with muted decoration, and ornament clear-out sales (confined to one aisle) days before the celebration. While I appreciated the understated commerciality of the season, I still found myself scrooge like and cheerless, partly due to missing the comforts and traditions of home, but also not knowing what to expect from this new experience.

If there is one thing I learned long ago it is to surrender expectation and to live in the moment; as if each experience is untainted by past memories or future anticipations. While easier said than done, I have been disappointed by expectations that were not met, but also by ones that were over-exceeded and unanticipated. However, I can humbly say that although as usual I had a wealth of expectations, I genuinely had an entertaining Christmas, filled with a sense of contentment and peace.

Le réveillon de Noël (Christmas Eve) was spent in morning solitude with big, fat, effortless tears of loneliness and liberation, followed by dinner, dessert and drinks with family and friends, filled with radiant laughter, conversation and admiration for the realization and actualization of this endless journey. Le jour de Noël included leftover food and emotion and was spent in the presence of loved ones around the world through Skype, phone calls, emails and a door adorned with the cards of companionship and well wishes!!





Merry Christmas everyone/Joyeux Noël tout le monde! May this season impart a sense of gratitude, appreciation and admiration for our many blessings, experiences and opportunities!

H.H. Final days

Sat Dec 18:
With the ground freshly dusted with snow from the night before, we headed out to walk the grounds of the Ardgillan Castle.



Although a chilly day, the grounds were quiet and serene... perfect for the slight wine headache and queasy tummy from the night before....

Followed by fish and chips... on my wish list of things to do either in England and Ireland.

museums - nah; exhibits - nah; touristy things - nah; nope its fish & chips for me! ...

and thanks to the wonderful cuisine of crisps, chips, Christmas pudding cheesecake, rashers.... I have gained back the kg I somehow lost after arriving in France.

My final night in Ireland was spent in relaxed company and conversation with Aggie & Mick and their neighbours Wayne and Cathy! A night filled with laughter and bantering - a much appreciated reminder of Canadian friends, hang-outs and pastimes!

Sun Dec 19:

With forecasts for snow and ice the previous night, and Heathrow shut down the day before in London, I anxiously hoped that I may be stuck in Ireland for a few more days... But with clear skies and no delays I returned to Lyon early that morning to temps of around 11°F. Et voila, my journey to a land of English, blue and green eyes, rolling countrysides and warm hospitality has come to a temporary end.... until maybe St. Patrick's day???

A huge thank-you to Aggie & Mick for their hospitality, friendship and generosity,

& Marley for all the kisses and cuddles!!

H.H. Day 10

Fri Dec 17:
On a philosophical high from Newgrange the day before, Aggie and I spent the afternoon shivering and waiting for a delayed bus to take us into Dublin... only after making a pit stop at the airport to empty my bladder to refill it again with more coffee, and then head out on a longer bus ride into the city.... Once there we checked out the National Museum of Ireland, with inspired imaginations from the archaeological history and magic of Newgrange.

Later on that night, Aggie and I checked out another local pub... gotta love Ireland!!, and then danced the night away at an upstairs nightclub...  Memories are vague but I think I approached a lot of people throwing my arms around their shoulders and forcing them to dance ... oops, I should have stuck with Irish beer instead of red wine that night. Good times!! There were times I almost forgot we were in Ireland by the number of non Irish patrons we kept on meeting and most from Italy... well at least I wasn't the only brown eyed cutie in the place!



Good thing the camera was tucked safely in my bag for the rest of the night and only memories remain...



H.H. Day 9

Thurs Dec 16:
Another chilly but clear day in Ireland... fitting for the upcoming winter solstice... On this afternoon we headed to Boyne Valley to the historical site of Newgrange; a designated UNESCO world heritage site more than 5000 years old.

A miraculous site built in alliance with the winter solstice. An ancient teller of time that continues to accurately reflect the rising solstice sun. A site older than the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge!

A narrow passageway leads to the centre of the tomb where the solstice sun illuminates the temple and its crevices. While we were there approximately one week too early to witness this mystery of light, the history, philosophy and reverence of the temple was sensed and appreciated!

Aside from the magnificence of this site, the landscape and surrounding countryside is breathtaking, awe inspiring, and captivating!

Later that night, Aggie and I reflected on the splendor of the site with a few pints of Irish beer and cider and yummy pub grub, while warmed by the glow of the fire...

H.H. Days 7, 8



Tues Dec 14:

A low-key and much needed lazy day of english T.V., lounging in P.J.'s and taking Marley (Aggie's dog) for a walk to meet Aggie after work.

Wed Dec 15:
In a small town of several streets, where my options were to turn either left or right, I in my directionally challenged nature chose the wrong direction and explored a beautiful country road in Stamullen while encountering another lost soul of a sheep dog and travelled along this new path for a short while together.  ...here are some pics from my wrong turn....

A short while later I was on the right path and on the bus to Drogheda (a small town nearby). By this time I desperately needed a coffee and settled into a modern style restaurant lined with large windows, across from an aged and impressive St. Mary's Church for breakfast. While I hoped to get my caffeine fix and explore more of the area, I instead ordered a pot of tea and .... sketched..... Now I have never sketched in my life and shy away from drawing anything outside of 5 petal flowers, fluffy clouds, 'v' shaped birds and square houses with two centred windows and a door... so when I instinctively opened up my lined notebook and in black pen began to sketch the scenery outside the window, I just went with it..... and I sketched the nearby buildings and entrance to St. Mary's, and sat and reflected and sketched my little heart out until it was time to leave....  

....I wish I could include the sketches here, but they are resting comfortably in the pages of my notebook of random markings... here are photos of the real life inspirations....

Buildings in the distance... I was drawn to their connectedness and simplicity.

St. Mary's Parish Church. Directly outside the window where I was sitting.

 

Three distinct dwellings yet interconnected...













The afternoon concluded with a half pint of Guinness at the Huntsman Pub (across from the bus stop) as I waited for Aggie to return from work. Later that night, we carolled and indulged in Polish goodies with Marta (Aggie's sister) and her English class in Navan.

H.H. Day 6

Mon Dec 13:

A relaxed morning with chilly temps in Ireland, complete with an afternoon in Skerries along the Irish Sea, with a pint of Guinness at a seaside pub!

And the last day in Ireland for Dave... but 6 days left for me!

H.H. Day 5

Sun Dec 12:

Cell phone and Skype woes aside, we set out for another shorter day of travel to see Aggie & Mick!!

A true traditional Irish breakfast complete with white pudding, rashers, fried eggs and tea, and possibly the oddest, yet best old school top 40 playlist at a quaint restaurant in Dublin; with large shared wooden tables and a small pub style nook in the corner. This was followed by more coffee, tea and desserts at the other Queen of Tarts location in Dublin, which rounded out the morning in preparation for the short bus ride into Gormanston, where we were greeted by Aggie & Mick!!

After two and a half years I am seeing mon amie Aggie!!! Wow, how time flies, yet how natural and easygoing, as if it hadn't been more than a week or two since we last saw each other!

Snuggled in and relaxed in Aggie's small village of Stamullen we drank wine, and I watched as Aggie & sous chef Dave prepared a wonderful meal of pasta with sauteed vegetables and chicken. Ahh, fond memories of past soirées of cooking, company and conversation in Canada, now recreated in Ireland!!

A delicious dinner followed by a night of catching up, laughter and reminiscing times past.....

H.H. Day 4

Sat Dec 11:

Up and awake way too early for yet another day of travel….. Dave and I set out for a much dreaded  trip (at least for me … I don’t know how he does it on a daily basis) on the Underground, followed by a train to Stansted Airport, and all before 6:30 am…. Yawn

Around 2 hours later we were in Dublin, and off to explore the capital of Ireland!! After dropping off our, err… mostly my stuff, we found an eclectic and shabby, yet cozy restaurant/coffee shop by the name of Gruel ….  comfortably reminiscent of the old Eclectic Café, now Phog Lounge  in Windsor!!

Our bellies were full with traditional Irish fare, all the while enjoying the indie playlist that later switched to a mixed set of Depeche Mode tunes, and admiring the décor, including mismatched furniture, decrepit religious statues and captivating large scale tango dance photography .

Later in the day we checked out a historic photo exhibit, drank coffee and tea while feasting on the best chocolate scone in all of Dublin, at the Queen of Tarts; and ended the night with a much enjoyed pint or two… or three of Irish beer in the Temple Bar District.

 … and as you can see by the photo, I  have no problems handling Irish beer!...

 

H.H. Day 3

Fri Dec 10:

Another day of travel, complete with ringing ears and Arcade Fire playing in my head.

Back on the bus to London, only this time sans an offended bus driver and a slightly shorter travel time, but complete with another dreaded, too long, airless, and jerky ride on the London Underground.

It has been 10 years since I was last in London… the Underground is exactly the same, with the occasional newer swatch of fabric replacing worn out seats, but eternally crowded, delayed, jarring and depressing. It is not an exaggeration to say that the average Londoner spends half their day on the subway. Not to mention that you can easily spend half your earnings for the privilege of riding this intricate, concentric maze of a system.

The streets of London while also crowded and busy, was far more festive and lively and full of tourists and natives in a constant buzz of activity. A stroll though central London and a tour of the National Gallery, complete with choral singing and delicious Thai food at a restaurant called Rosa’s rounded out my final night in England!

 

While I am not a huge fan of London and find it too touristy and busy, I was impressed with Cardiff and its posh centre and cozy streets and alleys.

A thank-you to my friend Dave for his uncanny navigation skills and random direction seeking after relentless prodding. And an extra thanks for his tolerance and acceptance of luggage carrying, picture taking, place staying, and listening to tedious mind-numbing girl talk.

Holiday Haven (Days 1 & 2)

It is well overdue but I am back to blogging and have a lot to catch up on.... I am back on French soil and relaxing for the holidays; although not much different from my regular to do's over the past 2 months.

Where to start, what to say.... Well I have returned from a much anticipated, appreciated and enjoyed week and a half away in England (Angleterre) and Ireland (Irlande)!! To keep it simple and organized, and to retain as much of the experience as possible, I will reminisce and recount day by day......

Wed Dec 8:
Lyon - 61°F / London (near freezing)

A late evening flight from Lyon to London (or Londres, en français). While the flight was only 1 hour 20 minutes, it was delayed by a half hour, although a short delay, it is funny to think that it was a third of the total flight time!

I arrived in London just before 10 pm and met my friend Dave (from Canada!); and settled in for the night, in preparation for the following day’s travel to Cardiff!

Thurs Dec 9:
A finicky internet connection and a smaller travel bag in hand, Dave and I set out for an internet café and coffee!

Bus times….and eventually tickets in hand, we headed to the bottom and made a right to take the bus to Cardiff to see the Arcade Fire! With a meatball sub for the road and an irritable Welsh bus driver, the adventures began…..

Now, I think I am a pretty nice person… pleasant, friendly, accommodating… not so according to our bus driver with a thick Welsh accent, that although English, was barely comprehensible. As we took our seats, the bus driver enquired, “Who has the keeeybab”, and inquisitively scanned the bus to locate the offender. Not understanding what he said, as he had repeated his request at least 3 times, I thought maybe the keeeybab was my meatball sub, and said, “I have a sub”, but he did not hear me and continued on with finishing the last minute details before embarking on our road-trip. In the meantime I had eaten most of the sub and thought it would be a good idea to throw the remaining evidence away…… So I grabbed our rubbish and headed off the bus to find a garbage, asking the moody bus driver if there was a garbage close by; to which he replied the doors to the station were locked and that I was essentially out of luck. Back on the bus and ready to leave, the driver in an irritated tone proclaimed something to the effect of, “ahhh it was you, why didn’t you just admit it….’, in accusation to my keeeybab/sub, that clearly offended him. I, falsely thinking he was joking and being funny, chuckled throughout the scolding, only to be enlightened by Dave that I actually annoyed and likely provoked his natural prickliness.

Just over 3 hours later, and feeling exhausted from essentially two days of travel, we arrived in Cardiff (near Wales) for the concert!! Beers in hand we weaved through the crowd to find an awesome spot to watch the Arcade Fire… in actuality, I think the bulk of the Cardiff crowd watched the concert, while Dave and I (okay maybe me more than Dave) jumped around, danced and sang, and surprisingly with good accuracy guessed the order of the playlist! The crowd was a bit dull and motionless, and not as engaging as the college crowd of Ohio where we saw Arcade Fire last, but all in all a great concert and a good time!!!



...We Used to Wait...

Today I leave for a much needed and anticipated vacation to England and Ireland!! It seems funny to say that it is much needed, since I am sort of on an extended vacation here in France, but a good whole hearted, adult vocabulary, mutually understood conversation is desperately needed!!

I will start my vacation in London England tonight and then will travel to Cardiff on Thursday, to see the Arcade Fire in concert!! Oddly enough, Arcade Fire is a Canadian band from Montreal, however this is the second time I will see them and neither time has been in Canada?! It seems that I will travel just about anywhere to see them with my friend Dave, including Ohio, and now England!?

Then it is off to Ireland on Saturday to see my good friend Agnieszka!!! I haven't seen Aggie in over 2 years.... I am so excited and wish that I could be travelling to see everyone, as I do miss and think of you all each day, and too many times to count!

Check out the link below for an interactive film set to the Arcade Fire track, We Used to Wait... While I haven't had the chance to connect with everyone through Skype, email, phone or a good old fashioned letter, ...wait for it... And a huge thank-you to all who have sent emails, messages, cards and care packages, it is a source of anticipation and appreciation each day, and a cherished moment of love & friendship!!

Arcade Fire - We Used to Wait/The Wilderness Downtown

A Laissez-Faire Dimanche

After a few days of trying to find opportunities to explore new areas of the city, hoping to enjoy a movie, coffee or have lunch on my own, I was rewarded with a quiet afternoon of Supreme de Volaille and a good book, with the company of only myself!

This past Sunday, I went to church and then took the subway line to the Saxe-Gambetta area where I intended to take Bus #18 to downtown Lyon to seek out an Irish Pub. With a light drizzle and unable to locate the right bus stop due to the one-ways, through-ways, multi-directional ways.... I settled in at a cozy restaurant called Le Grand Café. Between the pages of Suite Française and feasting on a delicious dish of chicken with mushrooms in an incredible cream sauce, the chatter en français around me took on a wonderful melody creating a welcomed distraction to my reading and reflection.

I lingered for a while following my meal and took in the sights and sounds of the tables around me, including the elderly gentlemen dining tout seul beside me and the elderly woman, also tout seul a few tables away, and wishing they would have joined together to enjoy the afternoon.

Feeling refreshed and relaxed after a much needed and enjoyed afternoon out, I made my way home, armed with a list of to-do's and to see's for the days and weeks ahead!

Calling all the single ladies!

Saturday night feeling the itch to go out and do something different I decided to go to the movies to see the original English version of the Social Network, tout seul. After figuring out how to get there, while listening to the Vega Choir's rendition of Creep by Radiohead (featured in the movie) I set out for the night.

Maybe it was my new boyfriend jeans with a pair of boots worn over top, or my confident strut as I was heading out to the movies solo, but a slightly older Frenchman stopped me to say, "Tu est belle!" ... Let me stop to confirm that the stereotypes are correct and Frenchmen are direct, forward and not shy with compliments or propositions... After saying thank-you, I was showered with more compliments ("Tu est magnifique... comme une princesse... etc...). This was followed by questions asking why I was going out alone, and if I wanted a ride and if I wanted to go out for dinner or drinks sometime.... And the propositions did not end there, but rather I was asked for my number and when I said that I didn't have a cell phone (which was actually in my pocket, with a prayer that it would not ring), I was given his number with his full name and verbal address details... of course he inquired as to my exact address but in my best french I replied that it was just a little too much information. Oh and this was followed by him asking if I would call him 'tonight' (as it was nearly 8 pm and I was heading out to the cinema)... so I said no, and he asked if I would call him tomorrow and expressed how much he would like for me to call him... after a kiss on the cheek good-bye I boarded the bus for my next adventure.........................

Seconds after stepping off the bus, Frenchman deux, who was not shy in making eye contact on the bus, lo and behold got off at the same stop... As I was trying to navigate the direction of the theatre, I heard, "Tu est belle!" Huh, these jeans and boots must be a great combo!! This younger Frenchman proceeded to ask me where I was going and if I would like company. I explained that I was going to an English movie and he took it upon himself to continue walking with me stopping and asking other pedestrians for directions to the theater. Clearly I was not going to the movies alone?

Twenty minutes later after an unsuccessful search for the theatre, I opted to go for a glass of wine with my surprise date. Mind you that in this time, my Frenchman #2, who was an Egyptian Parisian, asked if I would like to spend Christmas in Paris, which I told him I would be spending it with family in Lyon. He then asked if I would like to spend New Year's in Paris, while also trying to repeatedly convince me that there are a lot of job opportunities in Paris, stressing that jobs are difficult to find in Lyon, and that I could obviously stay with him.

The concept of personal space is irrelevant to the average Frenchman as well, which was evident from my clingy Parisian who clamped his arm across my shoulders clutching on for dear life as if he thought that at any moment I may decide to run off... So after a couple of glasses of wine I bid my date adieu and told him I had to be up early for church; which was a well crafted and honest excuse to cut loose and nurse the buzz that was settling in my brain from the wine. A little fib about not having a cell phone or a pen for his number; and one last proposition attempt, or two, asking if I would like company a chez moi, and I was on the subway heading home.....

So my plans were once again foiled and I did not get to see the Social Network, but hey I drank some wine, spoke some French, was showered with compliments, and made it safely home (tout seul) without getting lost (okay, so I initially took the first subway train in the wrong direction)!!

To all the single ladies, book your vacations to France because there are plenty of compliment giving, proposition bearing, overly affectionate Frenchmen in Lyon!

Now I am 'Ready to Start....'

A good friend once told me years ago that she was impressed and inspired by my assertiveness. Over the years I have often asked her why and how she sees this trait within me, as being assertive is not a natural expression of mine. In reality, I have a tendency to continuously fall into a trap of doing things that in my gut I know are not personally rewarding or satisfying, but that I am either good at, is within my field, or I feel somehow obliged to complete.

After much contemplation, reassurance (both personally and from family & friends), and a few tears later, I have acted on my instincts and freed the pit in my stomach. While I have trusted and acted on my instincts and asserted myself in the past, it is usually after a period of time where I have weighed the pros and cons, gave it a shot, and essentially ignored that little voice that says this is not for you. This time, I did something different and instead of waiting for something better to come along or doing something because of the benefits, I said NO!

A small step forward in self assertiveness and trusting my self and my path, but a big leap in self discovery and loyalty. On Friday afternoon, after a week of training for a new job teaching English, I made the difficult but necessary decision to decline the offer of employment that was to start in January. While I knew from the first day of training that this job was not for me, I began to engage in the comfortable habit of convincing myself that I should give it a chance. Despite the obvious advantages; 1) it is employment in a foreign country where I don't comfortably speak the language, 2) it would enable me to enjoy the benefits of the world renowned french health care system, and 3) it would be a nice addition to my day that is productive and social; - the little voice in my heart that settled into my stomach whispered you are more important than the tangible advantages of this opportunity! And the reality is that at this very moment I have no one else to worry about but myself... and while I hope that one day I will have a family to add to the equation... at this time I am free to take greater risks and assume greater losses, with the knowledge that I am in touch with, and listening to that little voice in my head, heart and soul.

So, on that afternoon I confidently and with honesty explained that while I was grateful for the opportunity, at this time it was not a good fit for me!! I have to admit though that for a split second when asked if  I would be willing to take on even a few teaching contracts, I wanted to say yes, but only out of a sense of obligation and guilt, but the pit in my stomach grew heavier at that thought and I politely declined. And as I left I wanted to cry with relief but also with guilt at the possibility of disappointing others, but realizing that the only disappointment I can control is my own; and today I feel empowered and proud by my assertiveness and confidence and will use that to propel myself forward!

In the words of Arcade Fire (as I am often inspired through the evolving meaning of lyrics...):

.... if I was scared I would

And if I was bored (and if I was pure) I would

And if I was yours, but I'm not

Now I am ready to start.....

Depeche mode....

Depeche mode - aka fast fashion.... While Depeche Mode is one of my favourite bands and I am giddy and a bit geeky to admit that I have been listening to old Depeche albums on my newly acquired turntable!!, this post is dedicated to my day of shopping while much of the city was quietly nestled at home away from work and the daily grind seeking refuge from the incredible snow fall, that I was jokingly blamed for bringing from Canada.

Those who know me well, know that I am not a fan of shopping or malls and usually need to be thrown into a dressing room with clothes tossed over or under the door to try on. Well I am happy to report that I have finally ventured out on a real shopping trip after almost 6 weeks of living here, with a limited wardrobe that is not winter friendly.

Yesterday I decided to go shopping, and why not, considering that my scheduled training session at work was cancelled and most of France was snowed in. Plus the odds were in my favour that because of the snow the mall would not be filled with Christmas shoppers. So I set out on a mission (because that is usually what a shopping trip is for me - armed with a list and a credit card and determined to make it a one day event that does not need to be repeated for another couple of months).

The mall was not busy which is always a bonus and lines were short!! But on my list of mission impossibles was jeans - did I mention that I don't like shopping.... So the quest to find jeans began with trying to figure out my size in France, which is not good for self image, as you have to add 10 to the waist size you wear in North America. Now I know that I have been indulging in a diet of olive oil, butter, bread, cheese, nutella..... but I swear that the scale is 1.5 kg less than when I arrived and my old clothes still fit the same. So armed with the new knowledge of my pants size and trying to squish into a size smaller for good measure, I tried on a ridiculous number of jeans before finding ones with a regular rise... I mean come on, how can you comfortably wear low rise jeans, and why is it the only style sold in 90% of stores??? Plus really, why are skinny and super skinny styles still, well... in style. What about the curvy girls out there that can't get away with hip hugging leggings for pants??? Although just for extra self torture I did finally cave in and tried on a pair of leggings or tights or whatever they are called... you know the ones that are like pants that you wear with a tunic or oversized sweater.... and low and behold it was not that bad, and I am actually considering buying some after the holidays to wear with super cute sweater dresses that I absolutely love!!

Huh, who would have thought that shopping could be enjoyable and fun!! Now I only say this because I found jeans in the boyfriend style with a much straighter and skinnier leg then my regular boot cut and flare preference. While they are not as skinny as skinny leg jeans I am going to embrace and flaunt my curves in my new boyfriend cut jeans!!!

One mission accomplished, and armed with a renewed sense of shopping confidence and arrogant sexiness, I then set out to find sweaters (which don't take as much effort or mental preparation). And two hours later I left the mall toting boyfriend jeans, 5 sweaters and a muticoloured pack of socks (a perfect self Christmas gift... but who doesn't secretly love receiving socks for Christmas?).

Snow, snow, stay, stay, just for another day!

It started snowing the day before yesterday and it was magnificent and beautiful. Fat white flakes that blanketed the ground and settled on the branches of the trees, and stayed!!! Yesterday was amazing to wake up to as I have trees directly outside of each of my windows, two of which I am sure I could reach out and touch. The snow was resting on the branches along with leaves that haven't yet given up hope on fall. Cars remained parked and covered in nearly a foot of snow!! The city was in a state of shut down with many people 'snowed in', and all buses cancelled and only half of the tram lines running.

This level of snow is very unusual for the Lyonnais, especially for the first of Dec, which many still regard as autumn. I on the other hand was excited and joyous and feeling somewhat festive!! And this morning, while the streets are pretty much clear, the snow on the ground is still crisp, white and clean!

Outside my kitchen window (Nov 30/10)

Outside my living room window (Nov 30/10)