Be Glad...
To love another person is to see the face of God - Victor Hugo
Dear Friends,
December Greetings and Happy Holidays!
As I began writing this letter yesterday, a vibrant December desert dawn filled the eastern sky reminding me that each new day and new year begins afresh.
As we approach Christmas, Hanukkah and other festivities, I urge you to slow down if possible, simplify your routines, and task list. Sprinkle all you do with love and give yourself grace. Sit back and enjoy the glitter around you!
As I return from an incredible trip to Paris and reenter my regular routine, I am rejecting negativity and reminding myself to BE GLAD about so much:
Be glad that I can help others mail off packages and make labels for them!
Be glad that I can change instructions on gift orders.
Be glad my doctor calls to re-order meds before I think of it.
Be glad that other friends, services and adult children call to check in and share.
Be glad that my husband is gracious about completing repairs and tasks!
—-and I know this can be a difficult, but give it a try!
I also recognize that the holidays can be tough for so many – and I encourage you to take time to spread a little extra energy and kindness. Our world can be a difficult place.
Yesterday, December 18, was International Migrants Day. All of us are migrants from one place or another-even those of us whose ancestors have been on the north American continent for generations and boast about arriving on the Mayflower. Exactly what were those travelers doing? Yes, seeking a better life. Even Jesus was a migrant in Egypt. We are all part of humanity. Who are your very best friends and family members? What have you learned about different cultures from them. Ponder your DNA report.
Last month I encouraged you to savor experiences, and I can tell you that my Paris adventure provided many such experiences - beyond my dreams. Here is a random potpourri of experiences - which will allow more stories to share in 2025!
Last month I also promised to post travel tips. Fun must often be planned as it does not always occur spontaneously! I am no expert, but have learned from experience. Some of you have used these techniques for decades!
My Top Ten Travel Tips
1 Before you begin and as soon as you know your travel dates, order travel insurance. This must be done before you pay for air, art workshops or any event. I’ve had good service with World Nomads. Look for recommendations.
2 Purchase air tickets early. Some claim 3 months in advance is good. This year I ordered air rickets about 8 months in advance because the price was very good, and I never found a better deal. A good resource is Google Flights
3 I am fortunate to have found Paris lodging through sabbaticalhomes.com I found a tiny, but lovely flat and have stayed with the same homeowner for four visits. Search carefully. Research the areas of a city for safety and venues. I have used Airbnb for countryside homes.
4 Travel light! I take one small carry-on suitcase. I ordered a suitcase that weighs 4 pounds. I use mesh packing cubes (found at Marshalls) to stay organized. I pack socks and underwear (in baggies) in my shoes (in baggies). I wear my coats and sweaters on the plane. Any gifts I purchase must be flat and lightweight! I do a lot of hand or machine washing if I stay several weeks. I also have a lightweight backpack into which my purse can be stashed. I have had great luck with Baggallini purses. My goal when traveling is to blend in and look as much like a native as possible. People speak French to me often. Of course, as soon as I hesitate or speak, they know I’m not French, but I am not easily targeted as a tourist. I wear a scarf worn the “French way” most days!
5 I generally plan to eat one meal in a restaurant daily. Otherwise, I prepare my own food. I find even a trip to the grocery store a fun cultural experience! As soon as I arrive (after a nap and shower) I visit a grocery store for paper goods, fruit, coffee, milk, cereal, rice, yogurt, wine…French markets tend to have an entire aisle devoted to yogurt and I just buy little four-packs of plain non-fat yogurt. Remember you have to carry it home!
At more commercial markets such as Monoprix or Carrefour, you must weigh your own produce. The scale has a computer screen to select a photo of your produce and creates a price ticket to stick to the bag – it will pop out! How efficient! I learned by watching and asking! And originally I was sent back to get a price ticket! Visit an open air market, if possible. Just don’t touch the vegetables; wait to be served. Even if you don’t know French, a cheerful “Bonjour,” “Merci” and “Au revoir” go a long way. In fact, at ANY French business, it is expected that you say “Bonjour” upon entering and “Merci” or “Au revoir” when you leave! The quality of your French is not important; it’s the respect for the custom that counts!
6 I’ve learned from most of my Parisian friends that it is less expensive and best to go to a venue or the website for the venue (museum, art gallery, concert) to purchase tickets. And indulge a little bit. If you see a poster for concert tickets, take a photo and check it out. You may have to visit the church or venue an hour before the event and pay cash or order online. I went directly to the Opera Garnier (in the late afternoon on a rainy day when there was no line). A very helpful gentleman helped me purchase a 12 euro ticket for a concert (with no real view because it was music) and he told me how and when to go to the Opera Bastille to wait in line for senior tickets! The line was indoors, yes two hours, in chairs. Ticket were about 70 euros for 200 euro seats. I was seated 9 rows from the stage in a venue that seats 2700!
7 Make a list of museums, galleries, restaurants, and sites you wish to visit. I created mine by Paris arrondissement (district). And when I found myself in an area, I would check my list to see if there was another place to visit. I also pace myself. When I’m tired, I stop at a cafe, park or return home to relax. Visit a famous restaurant if you’d like. I’ve had a hot chocolate at both the famed Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots when I saw there was no long line. Then I bought my own box of powdered chocolate and practiced making my own. I certainly had fun testing! I also attended a coffee with acquaintances at the famous Le Train Bleu. I decided to splurge and asked the restaurant host if I’d have to wait to have lunch. He told me to see him when I was ready. Incroyable! I will save my experience about visiting Notre-Dame three days after it opened for a future newsletter. I am still pinching myself!
8 Even if you are not proficient in the language, study the culture. Americans speak very loudly. Some quiet patience is good. I don’t speak on the Metro. Americans tend to smile a lot and many Europeans wonder what we’re smiling about. Take a serious approach and smile if you have reason. This one’s hard for me. Yes, I wish my French were much better! Most people in the large cities speak English, which makes it more convenient, but doesn’t help me to learn the language! There are many articles, books and YouTube videos on French culture and from 2018 when I first visited, I have been taking note!
9 Make contacts with people who live in France or visit often. During 202, I became addicted to the La Vie Creative Podcast . I have made friends with the hosts who are invaluable resources and so much fun. I stay in contact with people whom I’ve met at restaurants, at church, in parks and in line for events. I carry my cards and it’s easy to exchange Instagram accounts. However, sometimes an older person will give me an email or phone number. Look for Facebook groups interested in France (or wherever you wish to travel). And, of course, one must be careful. Meet in a public place. I met one coupe over cocoa and as the wife smiled, the older man gave me his email as I gave them my card. He emailed several times—and well, it is France! I did not respond.
10 And…if you are confined to armchair traveling, read as much as you can, observe from afar and plan experiences that will nurture your and love of everything French! Perhaps a French themed Christmas or holiday celebration! Try a foreign recipe! Read books, watch films and documentaries, study art, music, literature, history, and culture of a place you would like to visit.
Books
I have an entire shelf devoted to France inspired books –so I’ll begin with 3
French Toast by Harriet Welty Rochefort is a delightful memoir about her life in France married to a French husband. She explains many of the customs that baffle Americans with wit and humor. I was first introduced to Rochefort when she was interviewed by Krystal Kenney on La Vie Creative.
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles introduced me to the American Library in Paris, which was established in 1920. This beautifully written and meticulously researched novel shares history of Paris during World War II and the warm community that a library can provide. I was first introduced to Charles when she was interviewed by Krystal Kenney on La Vie Creative.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery was published in 2006 in French and in 2008 in English. When I was exploring French culture in 2018, I ordered every book our library could provide on France and by French authors. This book gave an introduction into French culture, philosophy and sensibility. The lives of a concierge and an extremely bright, suicidal twelve-year-old are transformed by the arrival of a new Japanese tenant. “The Elegance of the Hedgehog is an unforgettable story about an unlikely friendship and about healing wounds of a broken past.” --Europa Editions.
Arts News
My France Sketchbook Calendars 2025, a gift that lasts all year, and French themed journals are available at my Etsy shop, French Press and Mojave Inspiration.
France Sketchbook Calendar 2025.
French Themed Journals:
France Sketchbook Journal - Louvre
Paris Sketchbook Journal - Ecole Polytechnique
I am thrilled that my France Sketchbook Calendar 2025 and Paris themed journals are featured in the La Vie Creative Holiday Picks and Gift Guide and the Parisian Niche Holiday Gift Guide!
My artwork is available at local vendors near Joshua Tree, CA: Cactus Mart, Rainbow Stew and Soul Connection.
In January, I will participate in a group exhibit at Hi-Desert Artists with members of our Dialog Group which has met and exhibited together for over 10 years.
Remember - Collect experiences! Savor them.
My title Encouragement Only has kept this newsletter on a positive note all year. This is my 29th newsletter for 2024! Thank you for reading, and I look forward to your company in 2025. We need each other!
Salutations!
“To love another person is to see the face of God.” ~Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
Inspired by all of you,
Janis
Another wonderful newsletter! I love that you love Krystal, too. Thank you for recommending The Paris Library! Happy holidays!❄️📘❤️