Hello. I am Kate. At almost 70 years old, it came to mind recently that it was time, maybe beyond time, to finally fulfill my lifelong dream to live in France. Whoa! This is bold, scary, exciting, and RIGHT. Yes, it feels right. The thought landed in my dan tien/center/solar plexus with a Yes!, and from there I just started to move forward with it.
It is one year hence and I am only months from possibly leaving on my adventure! I declared to my business partners that I was Capital R Retiring! Never thought I’d say that word! Retirement was not on my radar. I would continue to practice acupuncture as long as I could stand at, or wheel around the treatment table in my office. I would work part-time until…I didn’t.
I have been an acupuncturist for almost 25 years, beginning that career at 41. After 2 failed marriages to the same man, 2 children, and no marketable skills, I went back to school to study acupuncture which I had been receiving as a patient for almost 20 years at that point. Three years later, I was starting a career, building a practice, while raising my 2 small daughters. My parents were helping me to manage it all, and then, one year into the program, my mother died after a brief illness of 9 months. Life was HARD, and I learned through my acupuncture program, that life IS hard, and we all just need to take the first step…every day. As the old Chinese proverb says, “A journey of 1,000 miles, begins with the first step.” I was on my way.
Fast forward to the present. Next adventure, please! For me, every decade has brought new challenges, new pleasures…and new possibilities. Emily Dickinson said, “Dwell in possibility,” and I have tried to live by that. We must believe that there is never just one way to look at something, or one way to accomplish something, or one way to think of something. It is our thoughts about any situation that create our disappointment, pleasure, hopefulness or despair. We can choose our thoughts. We can change our thoughts. Therefore, we can change our experience.
So, it’s time to plunge in. France is calling. I am answering the call this time…after hearing it for over 50 years! Please join me as you wish, have time for, or are able on my adventure. I hope to maintain this blog, telling of the ups and downs, successes and failures that any new adventure will bring, especially at this time of life. My promise is to be honest, open and vulnerable. Will you come along?
Check the Archives on the right for past and new posts.
French a-Musing 
I wish you the best of everything in France. You are a courageous pioneer!
Thanks, Darcy!
Hi there, I’ve been thinking of you and hoping you found the right new apartment. Please let us know how you are doing.
Hi, Fran – thanks for jiggling my chain…you got me to write a long-overdue post…stuff still interfering with progress, and it’s starting to change. Post coming today! Thanks🙏
Much success and fulfillment on your continued journey of life!
Thank you so much, Karen. I hope you will follow along!
Tres bien! Bon vie!
Merci, Cathy! La vie est merveilleuse, bien sûr!
Dear Kate!
I am right there with you and wanting to stand shoulder to shoulder as we tread the path forward! ‘Life is a daring adventure or nothing’!
I await the news of your adventures.
And thank you for sharing your journey. I know it will be an inspiration to many!!
Thank you so much! Who are you, please? So I can make sure to « approve » your comment.
Mary Brandenburg
Kate
It is September 2, 2020 and I’m wondering how you are doing in France. I read as much as I can on the English Channel France24 but wondered from your perspective how are YOU doing and how is life in France.
We remain committed to returning to France in the spring.
All the best
Francoise
I can not wait to hear about the adventures!! Please keep this blog updated!!
Thanks, I hope to post once per week until I go, and every couple of days once there! Never done this before….ANY of it!! 🙃
Ahhh. Mary. Bonjour! Thank you. Word Press doesn’t reveal the name of the comment or unless it appears in the address, so I should have been able to guess, and couldn’t. Good to see you received my response, also, as I’ve responded to many who, it seems, doln’t get them. Glad you are aboard! Life in France is Merveilleux!!!
I cannot wait to hear about your joyful experiences in the motherland of my mom. I do love France too. I wish you the best and know you will flourish.
Chichio
Is this you, Eka? If not, let me know who you are, please!! Thanks for your good wishes!
Ah! It’s Kirsten. Your mom is French? Glad you will be following along. Suivez-moi!!
Bon voyage ma cher Kate.
Je t’aime la nom de blog. Amuse, c’est vrai.
Kate,
Congratulations!!! Have a wonderful adventure. I am so happy you are fulfilling this life long dream.
Warmly,
Theresa
Thanks so much, Theresa! Come along with me on the journey!
Kate, I heartedly applaud you and hope it’s everything you hope for and then some. I’ll be thinking of you!
Thanks, Sherry! I’m glad you’ll be in my corner!
I am also an acupuncturist and hope to travel the world when my kids are grown. Bon voyage!
Hello, LIsa! You can do it! And hopefully you will find a nugget or two in my writings that will inspire you to keep the dream alive. Your children will learn much from you.
Wishing all the best on your next very exciting
Step‼️Strength, Health & Happiness😘
Thanks, Nora!! Right now it’s hard to see the forest for the trees, and I’m taking one step at a time…I’ll still see you around Facebook!
Hi Kate. I really admire your courage, although I have to say that I am somewhat envious. I’ve toyed with moving to Italy; each trip there gets a little longer. No doubt you’ll have ups and downs but as long as you are grounded in the quotes you have printed, you will survive and thrive. I’m anxious to keep up with your blog and wish you well.
A courageous woman, continuing to inspire her daughters in this next chapter! Xo
🥰
😘
I admire you for having the courage of your convictions and following your heart ♥️!! I look forward to sharing your adventure vicariously and thank you for your willingness to share it! Wishing you fulfillment and joy in pursuing your dream of a lifetime. Bon voyage, mon ami 💃 -Pamela Gandy
Your latest entry was most AMUSING. 😉
You’ve BAREly been there two weeks, and you’re already shedding your inhibitions.
Continue to enjoy your SIMPLY beautiful french life.
~ Patti xo