On the Little Things

My French mother, Cathy, who fed me and took care of me for two blissful days that ended too soon. But we got two days.

Last week as I was spending a glorious day in the countryside of Provence with a new friend and my French family (who my family has known for 50 years), I felt immensely at peace and content. The specter of reconfinement was looming but I was ignoring it. I combined a little list of the things that were making me happy in that moment and in the last few days to remember this special time and to remind myself of the good stuff to look forward to when reconfinement is over. I called this list ‘petits instances de bonheur.’

The ochre cliffs in Roussillon reminded me of Sedona. Never did I imagine seeing something like this in France.

I love the contrast between the plain red walls and the vividly painted blue door.

I had one of these lists when I was younger and in high school and thought it was cute and Pinterest-y. But honestly, I did end up loving adding things to it and looking back on it to see old things that used to make me happy (some that still did, some that didn’t anymore). I love lists. I always have. I’m glad that I brought this practice back into my life because it is a soothing act for me to make a list, and it’s also a good reminder to look back on moments of happiness.

Ran by these colorful flowers in Avignon this week.

Found a Gatsby lookalike so real that I had to take a picture.

I honestly didn’t think I’d be adding to this list during reconfinement because I didn’t think I’d be very happy. When the news hit, I was absolutely distraught. I fought back tears all day, and by the end of the day broke down to my mom telling her I wanted to come home. It’s been a week since the announcement, and about six days in actual lockdown. I’m doing okay, all things considered. I’m keeping a daily journal that I plan to publish at the end. But for now I wanted to share my little moments of happiness with everyone else as we are all in uncertain times.

I went to Gourdes when I was 15 but couldn't find any pictures. I do remember it being this stunning though.

Something about the different shades of red in this photo caught my eye.

I cannot post a blog post at this time without acknowledging the impact of the election in the United States. There has been a major focus on self-care during this election and I want to emphasize that as well. Making this list, writing this post and this blog, and a lot of the things on this list are not just moments of happiness, but moments of self-care as well. As I grow more and more dismayed about the state of our country and the fact that nearly 70 million people decided yet again that racism, homophobia, sexism, and being a downright criminal are not dealbreakers, I try to remember the little things to make me happy and to keep me sane. I invite you to do the same.

sitting and reading by the fire while my french father plays piano and sings
taking siestas and waking up as the sun sets

Running along a river - just like Boston!

singing hamilton with margaret as my french mom watches and laughs and we know all the lyrics
taking 3 hour lunches with a cheese and dessert course

All the ancient and secret squares in Avignon are a nice treat.

late afternoon tea with little biscuits
warm rainfall showers where i don’t have to duck and have room to shave my legs

I was smiling in this photo but crying behind my sunglasses at the thought of 30 days alone.

speaking in french and getting corrected and learning new words
trying to get the cat to like me even though i haven’t been one for cats

walking around at a very leisurely pace
daily trips to l’épicerie

eating french mac and cheese/carbonara and warm soup after learning about reconfinement
discovering hidden gems of french grocery stores (salted caramel looking at you)

There's a reason every famous French author or artist moved to this region at some point.

relaxing with tea and the crossword in the mornings, and tea and a book in the evenings
talking to friends from home and catching up on their lives

Shoutout to Margaret for being one of the first friends I've made who is taller than me.

meeting little french puppies
observing french children’s fashion (more stylish than my 24 year old self)

I didn't think vineyards could get better than making wine. But alas.

meandering around ancient Avignon during my hour of allotted outdoor time
watching the sunset over the red roofs