I thought I’d take a break from our tour of the châteaux just to tell you how things are going over here, and to include a few pictures for the grandparents.
After our five days in the Loire, just the two of us, we had a weekend away as a family. This was needed as well. It’s hard to connect with the children when we’re busy working or doing other things. We went to a water park in Picardie, about 2 hours from Paris.
It was a charming little resort village that resembles Disney, only cheaper,
and with all sorts of extra-curricular things to do.
The plus was how nice the accommodations were.
For a family vacation, they were exceptional.
The negative was choosing a water park early enough in the season that only the indoor part was open. When we arrived, the screen lit up with the dreaded words “619 Visiteurs!” I made number 620.
Now you can see this place is not big. (Photo taken the next day with only 60 people inside).
And the screams and splashes echo loudly indoors. Outside was a wonderful expanse with other pools and other watersides, so I imagine the whole is a dream come true during the summer season.
But cramped inside like that was more of a nightmare.
Still, the kids loved the wave pool
and all the other water accessories.
And – as any parent knows – if they are having fun, we are having fun.
In other news, somebody also turned ten.
We did a 50’s style (give or take 15 years) rock party.
We decked out my office as a dance studio,
complete with my husband, the deejay.
There were electric slide dance lessons
as well as the “Battle of the Bands.”
Everyone said they had an amazing time.
And my daughter is still young enough that the younger brothers are invited.
Good thing too, because then the token boy “Viktor” was not alone.
I think this is the 4th year he’s been loyal to his “amoreuse” – my daughter, Juliet. When he came back from his recent trip to Poland, he gave her presents and chocolate, and she said, “C’est quand-même bien d’avoir un amoreux. Tu auras des cadeaux!“
(It’s good to have a crush after all. You get presents!) She says he’s just a friend though.
Our Internet may never be fixed until a couple of years pass and they rip up the streets and fix the old wires that are buried underground. I’ve made peace with it, though. Lately it seems to be working most of the time and it really forces me to do other things than being glued to my computer.
We’ve made the decision to keep our dog, Hunter. The guy we really thought would take him decided he didn’t want him after spending those 5 days with him, and I felt sad to think of letting him go. What if he wasn’t happy there? We also got advice to make sure he sees us eating in front of him first so he knows we’re the masters. And we’re making an effort to let him spend lots more time with us upstairs. All in all, it seems to be working so far. He seems to have calmed down a LOT.
Sales on my book are slow, but steady. And it always helps to have reviews. I’m part of a Goodreads review exchange program, and it’s interesting to get people who don’t know you, and are not necessarily interested in your genre.
Yesterday, I got a good review on my book from that group. It was good in that it had some very helpful (and just) criticism, but she still gave me four stars for the writing. Even as I was publishing the book, I could see where it needed work, but it was very important for me to go ahead with it so I didn’t lose courage completely. I’m glad I did, even though I would have written it differently now.
My husband reminded me that I had written a children’s book twenty years ago – light on text and filled with cheerful graphics. I drew it by hand and he put it on powerpoint, and made some cute changes. Well, I’ve talked to my cover designer, and she’s going to fix the font and put the whole thing in publishable format. So I will have a children’s book out soon!
Otherwise, I am trying my hand at fiction. I’m trying to write without worrying too much about how good it is, and then I’ll go back and fix everything the same way I did with my memoir. If I can just get the story down, I know I can improve it later. It’s the plot that’s hard – the plot, and persisting until it’s done.
I have to tell you, though. Until it’s done, I won’t be sure if I can actually write anything other than a memoir – if I’m skilled enough to pull it off.
So I feel myself drifting pleasantly lately (most of the time). I have no intentions of giving up my blog, but the reduced Internet does affect it. I also know that if I am to continue writing longer works, I cannot keep up a four-day-a-week blog schedule. I feel peaceful about that, like I’m moving towards something else – towards more extended writing. Fiction for now, and hopefully faith-based non-fiction at some point when I feel like I have something to say.
But as for blogging . . . I don’t think I would be happy spending months writing one book without the immediacy of sharing the little things – the family, the recipes, cool French stuff, my heart . . . And the friendships and contacts I get through blogging are irreplaceable.
So for now, A Lady in France is here to stay. 🙂
Whew. A much-loved catch-up post. I’m glad things are changing in your life – because it sounds like they are all for the best. I’m excited to see where they take you! xo
Andrea recently posted…Ten Things I Love About Mad Men
Thank you love. 🙂
I get sad everytime there’s a mention of you shutting down this blog, so I’m happy to hear it won’t happen anytime soon!
Thank you for that sweet encouragement Kelly.
The water park looks awesome!
Wow, Juliet is TEN??
And I’m glad you’re keeping Hunter, and happy that you’re content with the decision.
Excited about your children’s book!
Alison recently posted…Through The Lens Thursday #18: 3 Things
TEN! Double digits! Can you believe it? 😀
Great seeing this update. And I have for sure found that the only way to work on non-blog writing projects is to keep my posts to once a week. It’s much more manageable! Good luck with the fiction. I like your plan to write without worrying about how good it is. That is truly the only way to brave the page.
Nina recently posted…Friday Finds: An Act of Charity, 30 Clean, and more
Once a week does sound doable. I’m also bravely dipping my toe in the water and trying to start visiting my friends’ blogs too. I need to find a new way to balance it all.
I’m glad A Lady in France is here to stay!
Excited for your children’s book and other changes – I am a big believer that change is good and that things change when we grow personally. Way to go, Jennie!
Kerstin @ Auer Life recently posted…Listen To Your Mother?!
You’re right. And I’ve been inspired by some changes you’ve made lately too. Changes can be good!
I’m glad you are here to stay. I love your family. xo
tracy@sellabitmum recently posted…Praying For Rain
Thanks for the love Tracy.
So glad to hear that your blog is not closing! The birthday party looked awesome. I’m planning my first ever party for my eldest, 8, and I’m not really sure if I can pull it off!
And if it is am encouragement to you in your writing, I’m buying your memoir as a birthday gift for a friend. I’m really sure she will like it. So thankful they have it on Book Depository so that I can get it here! 🙂
Hi Judith,
Actually that’s very encouraging! Thank you for buying my book for your friend. 🙂 And I know you can throw a great party for your daughter. You can hardly go wrong if there are sweets and giggly girls.
Thank goodness! I would be depressed if you went away completely! What a great idea for a birthday party! That looks like loads of fun.
Can’t wait to see your children’s book. What type of fiction are you working on?
xoxo
Alexa recently posted…Did You Win?
I guess I’m the only one to say it but…so glad you kept Hunter. Maybe he calmed down because he sensed he was on the way out! And so glad you’ll keep blogging…I look forward to your recipes so much. 🙂
No, you’re not the only one. Lots of folks are glad we kept Hunter, most of all us. 🙂
And recipes! I haven’t forgotten!
Please don’t close your blog!I’d really miss you!
The ‘amoureuse’bit made me laugh so hard. We have a similar situation going on with the eldest, but she has two boys so when she is tired of one she goes to the other. She is five, so I’m trying not too worry too much for the future 😉
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes recently posted…World Mom’s Blog : Mother’s Day in Belgium… well at least part of Belgium
She’s already a little heart-breaker, stringing two along. 🙂
After a long break myself, I feel that last sentence down to my toes. Lovely to catch up, lovely to see everyone so happy, and lovely to hear that I can keep reading ALIF.
xo
anymommy recently posted…Getting there
Oh happy birthday sweets! How cool is that party. I remember being a 50’s girl for Halloween one year. It was probably my favourite costume because of the twirl in the skirt.
If you put a lock on this place, I’m flying to your house. You better believe that.
I think that you’d be awesome at fiction. I do agree though, it is so much harder to create a person and a life around it. Whew…makes me sweat thinking of it.
xoxo
Kimberly recently posted…All In This Together
Everything is better with a twirly skirt.
OMGOSH,
this is brilliant! Why wasn’t I invited?! xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted…8 Ways To Kick Domestic Violence Ass ( before it’s too late)
I could totally see you hosting a 50s party!
This was a sweet, fun post. I am happy for Hunter, and Juliet’s little love made me smile, her exclamation at the gift – everything must sound better in French.
I miss your faith posts.
Hillary recently posted…Blessed with Work
Thank you for telling me that Hillary. I have another one on my mind, but my brain seems to be filled up with things to do and I haven’t the space to sort it out. But it’s coming!
That looks like one great party. 🙂
Yay for vacations and books and blogging!
Kim@Co-Pilot Mom recently posted…Glory Days
I love these pictures! Looks like a great time was had by all… and will you please come here and make ME some cupcakes? They are delicious-looking.
I can’t wait to read more from you. 🙂
Kristin Shaw recently posted…Friday Favorites
How fun would that be?