PART ONE
A Lady unformed
«My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.»
Psalm 139:15-16
I was destined to take root in France. I know that now, even if I didn’t know it back when I had the dream. This path was ordained for me as surely as my brown hair and green eyes, my chubbiness set on an Anglican frame. My path was ordained for me as surely as yours was, even if it’s just a whispered promise from a distant dream.
Of course it’s only now, mid-journey, that everything starts to form a picture that resembles something – the rich-hued threads of identity woven together, the nearly forgotten events tied in tiny silk knots – all this has transformed itself into a tapestry of a story, almost without my perceiving it.
My journey begins in Avignon, on the bare fringes of adulthood. It seems fitting to start here somehow, as our family is staying in the Alpilles of Provence this week, and today I walked down the broad cobblestone streets towards the Pope’s Palace in Avignon for the first time in twenty-three years.
This book is now available on Amazon, as of December 8, 2013.
Jennifer says
Beautiful. I love these little glimpses into your history, and I relate to this post so much as I think my semester in France at age 19 also helped shape my life and destiny in some way.
Alison says
I’m glad I had my cup of hot chai ready at hand, to read this. I loved this, Jennie. I am no critic, so I can’t tell you what I loved particularly (well, only everything,) but you drew me in with your memories.
Can’t wait for the next chapter!
melissa says
Hooked from the first line!!!!!!!!………
OpinionsToGo says
I knew you were an exceptional writer, and you just proved it!
NEXT MONDAY??? I DON”T WANT TO WAIT UNTIL NEXT MONDAY!!
cynthia hardy says
Your writing,as well as your story is good, rather quite good. I expect that one day you will be published.
Mama D says
You paint with words. Can’t wait to ‘see’ the next chapter!
anna see says
Oh Darling, this is beautiful! SO happy to be reading your story, experiencing it through your words. xoxoxo
Kelly says
C’est Magnifique!
Is the only French I know….and this was just that! Lovely, lovely writing….you are a gift my friend.
Can’t wait for more.
Xoxo
Carole says
Oh, you are off to a good start, Jennie. Really wish we didn’t have to wait a whole week for the next installment.
That house is like something in a movie.
anymommy says
I think my comment was eaten. This is so evocative. I felt so connected to 19-year-old you and your hopes and dreams. So well done. I can’t wait for more!
Juliane says
Beautiful! I look forward to reading the next chapter.
joann mannix says
You, my fine friend, are a woman of boundless talents. What a breathtaking beginning to, what I’m sure will be, an incredible memoir. Your beautiful words took me away and left me wanting for the rest of the story. Well done. Truly.
And as for being a fearful person? Really? I have always been in awe of your adventurous spirit, your bravery—traipsing across continents and living this big, audacious life, that most of us would only dream about. Keep writing. I can’t wait to read the rest.
And on another note, you said you are using the leash quite a bit with the pup. I forgot this tip: When my dogs were puppies, on a trainer’s advice, I bought a double ended leash, one with a clip on each end. I would clip my end to my belt loop and the pups would have to follow me wherever I went around the house. It taught the dogs submission and also kept them out of trouble. Pretty extreme, but it worked for me. It’s not the traditional use for a double ended leash. It’s main purpose is to reduce strain on your hands and wrists when walking the dog. You can clip both ends to the dog’s collar and have a user-friendly harness or even clip it to yourself while walking the dog, having a hands-free walk. Anyway, the double-ended leash is a great training tool to have. So sorry I didn’t answer your last question right away. My house was full to the brim with company all holiday season. But all is back to normal now. Utter bliss. Yay!
tracy@sellabitmum says
I so love this and already want more… xo
Andrea says
Wonderful! I’m hooked by the romaticism of your journey from this first chapter already. Can’t wait to read the next installments.
Margaret says
Thank you, I enjoyed this very much. I was a teaching assistant in Provence in 1989-90, and sometimes we went to Avignon (a veritable metropolis compared to Manosque) for the weekend. Your piece brought back (mixed) memories of being a *very* unformed 19 year old in a very beautiful place. Now 43, married to a Frenchman (kind of) and bringing up our family in eastern France, I appreciate your writing. Looking forward to la suite!
ladyjennie says
We have such parallel lives. I’m 43 now too. 🙂
Kristen says
So nice. I spent my junior year in Vienna and its one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. As an adult we lived 4 years in Germany and took a gite in St Remy every summer….just lovely. I find your life in France quite enviable and can’t wait to read more.
Katie@peacebeme says
My greatest regret is never studying abroad in college. I have traveled though and I can relate to feeling like the most scared person in the world yet somehow finding the strength to push yourself to travel because you know your spirit needs it like air. That is motivation to get better so that I can do that again. Beautiful writing! Can’t wait to read the whole memoire.
Poppy says
What a beautifully written story, can’t wait to get caught up on the rest. My go to story of my time spent in France is not nearly so introspective, but I did sunbathe topless in Cannes, too – on a cold, cloudy day.
ladyjennie says
Another Riviera nudie! 😉
Thanks for reading Poppy (and I love your name – or nickname?)
Galit Breen says
Oh you, love your words, love you living your words out loud! xo
Elaine A. says
Wow, you’re an amazing writer and story teller. I wanted to go with you on this adventure. Except for the cold evenings that chilled you so, I could do without those. ha! Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing this with us!
ladyjennie says
Thanks so much for reading Elaine! 🙂
gigi says
Wow, this is so lovely.
I felt like i was right there, living each piece with you. And it made me want to live abroad, renewing that dream I’ve ‘always had and have not been able to make happen.
I think this is the making of a wonderful book that I’d love to read in its entirety. xoxo
Observacious says
So beautiful and such an adventure!
christy says
Sure thing – shared!