Finding Solace and Inspiration: Life En Famille on the French Riviera
A writer navigates solitude and creative pursuits while her husband is away, finding strength in family connections and the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
The rhythmic crash of waves against the shore served as a constant reminder of absence. The author, residing in a foreign land, experienced a sudden chill as her husband, affectionately called “ma moitié,” departed. While she cherishes solitude, the experience highlighted the comforting presence she typically enjoys. Concerns arose about maintaining routine – daily walks, resisting the allure of extended rest, and avoiding endless scrolling on YouTube – in his absence.
The Comfort of Connection
The initial pang of loneliness was quickly tempered by the realization she wasn’t truly alone. Her faithful dog, Ricci, briefly vanished – likely in pursuit of cat food – but soon returned. Beyond Ricci, a network of support surrounded her: a “fearless mom” living nearby, friends Max and Ana, and Jackie, soon to return from a journey in California, or périple.
Returning to the familiar warmth of her kitchen, the scent of freshly baked bread offered solace. A seemingly small detail – a pairing knife left by her sister-in-law, belle-sœur Cécile, after preparing a vibrant salade aux crevettes, avocats et pamplemousse – sparked a desire for connection. She planned to reach out to Cécile for a shared walk to les roches plates, encouraged by reports of returning dolphins in the area.
Leadership and Legacy
A recent farewell lunch for “Chief Grape” revealed a deep appreciation for his leadership. “We are so blessed to have this family, and Jean-Marc is a true leader!” one family member toasted, a sentiment echoed in a shared glance with the departing chef. While acknowledging the adventures he initiated, the author recognized the wealth of stories he provided, fueling her own creative endeavors.
A Year in the Making
Now, with the chef temporarily away, the author is focused on completing her manuscript documenting the past 12 months spent en famille by the sea. Her forthcoming book, A Year in a French Life, will be a collection of blog stories accompanied by full-page color photographs of La Ciotat. She encourages readers to request the book at their local librairie.
The author hopes the book will offer readers a similar sense of immersion and warmth she experienced while living it – embracing both the “ups and downs, crashing waves and red tape.” Ultimately, she envisions the work as a “warm Mediterranean hug on a quiet morning somewhere in the south of France.”
