le français dans le monde

If there is one thing I have discovered as a language aficionado and French teacher, it is that French is everywhere. We can't help it; we love the way it sounds, the way it looks and how exotic it makes us feel. You would be surprised how much there is around us. Take a good look around you. Here is a sampling of some stores in one town. Enjoy mes amis!

ici means here...get your fashion here!

we don't say people are small, they are petites

be a little extravagent and irregular

French ballet

girls and boys

red would be too boring - but rouge is sexy!

when you get your hair and nails done, you look pretty!

in the know

at Alice's place

To buy or to rent - that is the question!

Well, the whole house buying experience has been fruitful, but only from a learning perspective. We canceled the contract we were in because the house was falling apart before our eyes and becoming more expensive by the day. I am happy that we didn't move forward because the experience has taught me that I don't really want to buy a house right now.

So, we are renting! We live in a big, old house. It turns out to be a Sears Model home. Between 1908 and 1940, Sears sold homes from a catalog that you could have built or build yourself. You purchased various parts and could customize it however you wanted. The house we live in is the Lexington Model and was purchased between 1927 and 1932 for around $4,000. It's a lovely home with some nice old features and some updates as well.I don't know when our next purchase will be, but for now, we're just relaxing in a rental!

Moving along

The house inspection went well. We didn't discover many other problems, thankfully. Now we're just waiting for all the ducks to fall into place - the financials and final contract negotiations.

We are so anxious. We really want this house and can't wait to move in. The waiting is wearing us down. We need more patience so that we can hang in there.

Here is a picture of part of the backyard, facing the preserved land. Volleyball, anyone? Don't worry, we'll get a new net!

Berries galore!

Berries as far as the eye can see...we went blueberry and raspberry picking this morning. We've got enough antioxidants to last us about two days! Seriously, my love finishes them before I can even reach for them. :-) That's okay, at least they are good for him. I encourage you- go find a farm, pick some fruit or veggies. Get connected with nature and learn to appreciate the blessings of abundance and food and life!

New House - maybe!

So, I was ready to revisit the "Our House" theme, but it just didn't feel right. I'm not superstitious or anything. The bottom line is, we're not there yet. We are just getting out of Attorney Review, which is a little further than last time around. The inspection is next Thursday.

I'll fill you in on the details in the meantime. The house is about 10 miles from both of our jobs. It's a country drive to work, no highways or loads of traffic, thank God. It is a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath ranch and is about 2600 sq. ft. The lot is an acre and has a pool. It backs Green Acres which is preserved land that cannot be developed. The house needs some work but we're getting it for a great price which means we can afford to fix some things. Here is a pic of the front of the house (which doesn't do it much justice).


Wish us well. We're excited to almost have our own home, our first home. We'll keep you posted with the details.

Back to school

No, it's not September. I've started graduate school again, but I'm not at Bennington this summer. I've decided to change schools. So, where did I decide to finish my degree? Well, my alma mater has called me back -
I'm taking an awesome class right now called "Songs of Modern France". The professor takes out his accordian (I kid you not) and we sing and learn French songs from the 17th to the 20th centuries. It is a lot of fun and quite the learning experience. My degree should take me another few years but the bonus is that I don't have to go during the year so I can focus and revise the curriculum at work.

SOLD...to someone else

Well, it's official. They chose a higher offer. We prayed a lot and that was the outcome, so we've come to accept it. Thank you for all of your support and kind thoughts. We really appreciate it.

"We can understand as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know; and beyond this we must still trust the hand that is omnipotent, the heart that is full of love."

"Do all you can on your part to bring about favorable results...When, relying upon our Helper, you have done all you can, accept the results cheerfully." ~E. White

Holding Pattern

For those of you who are confused by my last post, allow me to explain further. Unfortunately our contract was canceled due to a very troublesome buyer (hence the references in the verses). Now the sellers must look at all offers again and choose someone. Now we must wait until Wednesday at the earliest to see if they chose us again or went with another buyer...

I would not wish this emotional roller coaster on my worst enemy. How very sad. I have been overwhelmed with sadness, grief, loss, anger, confusion...too many emotions. We truly believe it is our house. And God-willing, it will be ours this coming week. Please continue to keep us in prayer, that our eyes would always be fixed on the Eternal One and that our priorities and faith are in line with His plans for us.

Thanks for listening...

Comfort in the Psalms

Psalm 6:8
Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.


Psalm 14:6
You evil doers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.


Psalm 21:11
Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;

Our house, is a very, very, very fine house...

I hope you recognized the tune. It's a cute song to share the great news! We are in the process of buying a new home, our first home!! It's amazing. Want to hear about it? I'm sure you do, but I can't share too much until we sign on the dotted line. It's not officially ours yet, but they accepted our offer and we're moving forward with the details now. Please keep us in prayer!

Here are the pics to take it all in, although they don't do the house any justice...it's beautiful in person. Take my word for it. The house is on a 2-acre wooded lot backing preserved land. Our little slice of heaven! Enjoy the pics!

España!

I haven't posted my pics from Spain because I took over 900! I was so overwhelmed with it...I loved it! For the first time in my life, I finally felt like I belonged. I fit in emotionally and physically. I felt my roots, my history...it was a spiritual experience for me. I missed my love way too much though, so I am going to bring him back with me soon. I can't wait to return to my "home" with my better half.

To pique your interest, here is a photo in La Casa Medina Sidonia. I will post more pictures soon.
Hasta luego!

The countdown for Spring Break

It's almost Wednesday...that means three more days until Spring Break! I can't wait! Kids think that they are the only ones who look forward to school being out. Well, news flash - teachers like it too! And to top it off, I'm headed off to España for 12 days! I will miss my love so much...life just isn't the same when we're apart. :-(

I'll post soon with pictures of my trip. Wish me a "bon voyage"!

New Year, New beginnings

The new year was one of huge transition. We moved January 15th from our apartment of over four years - our first home as a married couple! The two of us moved all by ourselves in about 9 hours! Needless to say, I was so sore the next few days! We made one trip to our new home and one trip to our storage unit. I know what you're thinking - storage is such a waste of money. Well, we agree. But when you see our new place, you'll understand why...

Our new home.
And the other new home.

We have the remarkable privilege of house-sitting - rent free! I kid you not. We were overwhelmed by this blessing. We couldn't believe it could happen to us, but by God's grace, we are living in the guest house of a very lovely family. We have a lot of responsibility taking care of the house and the animals. Allow me to introduce you to the clan:

the dog

and the birds.

This is the backyard.

After the move - I hadn't taken pictures of the place in order yet. I was anxious to start snapping away. Meow-meow got acclimated quickly, thankfully. Here's the grand tour: the living room, the bedroom and the office.

...and the kitchen
...and the bathroom.

It's the fabulous European living I've always wanted. I am really enjoying our studio apartment, although my love would really want more space for the computers :) of course! We don't know what the future will hold. We don't know how long this will last, but we are leaving it in God's hands and day by day we live our lives the best we can for Him.

In the meantime, we will continue to feed the squirrels right outside our window and give Meow-meow tons of entertainment! (It's fun for us too!) P.S. squirrels are very greedy, so try to get something squirrel proof if you want to just feed the birds.

all the food was gone in about a week.

Cruisin'

Our cruise in December 2006 was five days. It was lovely, but not as restful as it could have been. I was a little neurotic. They give you a schedule of activities you can do each day, and I was probably the only one on the ship highlighting everything we could do (several things a day!) So needless to say, I went a little "overboard"!

The first port - Key West, FL. Very beautiful (but only for the super rich to enjoy...)

Key West is known for its cats and roosters.

Why did the rooster cross the road?
To get to his family on the other side!Next port of call - Cozumel, Mexico.

It has become far too touristy for my taste. Years ago, you used to be able to walk two blocks in and it would be just the natives. But it's still a pretty place to chill out.

Last port of call: Belize City, Belize

Not what we expected. First things first: bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, it's the only country in Central America where English is the native language (although there is a patois/creole as well). A very poor place, but if you like to scuba, it has the largest barrier reef outside of the Great Barrier in Australia.

We decided to go on a jungle survival hike. It was very beautiful. I went belaying for the first time as well (I was terrified!) I got eaten alive by the mosquitoes. I think I still have some scars from them!


Overall, a nice trip. I would consider doing it again sometime.

Giving thanks

I've been away from my blog for far too long (sorry FSO)! So what a better way to return then to give thanks for all the wonderful things that have happened over the past few months. So here's a quick recap.

September: the year started out super hectic but exciting.
October: still super busy
November: busier than ever (a short break to Virginia to visit family). Here's a momento from the trip...
December: finished the semester with a sparkler in my hand (not the fireworks I was hoping for). Thankful for the break. We visited my family in Florida and then on to our first cruise!

The view from their place.

The other side of the building.

Then the cruise...it was awesome except when my love got sick on the last day :-(
(Stay away from the sweet and sour chicken!) Otherwise, a very cool trip.

The ship (Royal Caribbean, in case you're interested).

My first meal.

The lovely bed! Although next time I would get a room with a window. Without one, you never have a clue what time of day it is.

You're probably wondering where we visited on the cruise. Then you should read the next post...