No it’s not a Christmas list but I may talk about that a little later. Firstly I need to apologise for a blog without photos last night. The technology got the better of me and I failed to load them. I will include some of them today.
Moving to another country will always have its challenges. There will always be a language barrier. I have been learning French for a long time but I am far from fluent so that can be a regular challenge. Whilst France is only just across the channel from the UK, culturally it is quite different so sometimes understanding the cultural norms can be challenging. And of course there are things that I miss.
Ordering something and it arriving on time is certainly one of those. The yarn I ordered last Monday, that I was told would be there last Friday still hasn’t arrived. This isn’t particularly unusual and there is no urgency in chasing it up. Easy access to gluten free food is another. I fancied a pizza at the weekend and I have bought one here in the past. However I tried several supermarkets, but no joy. We are not people who eat from the takeaway menu, where we lived in the UK was outside of any delivery areas, however once in a blue moon it would be great to be able to pick up the phone and order something. Of course I miss friends, the last year has made visits impossible. Finally I miss my children, I really miss them. On a positive note, they are coming for Christmas.
I am doing my first Christmas market in less than a fortnight so I’m trying to ensure that I have some really good stock for that. I have been making Christmas bunting. I am rather pleased with how its looking. I finished the pocket scarf and I’ve started a shawl today. So plenty happening in the She-shed.
I’m off to make a veggie curry for dinner. So until tomorrow…
Tales from the Sheshed France 
The crochet pieces you’ve made are really lovely and I like the fact that the bunting can be used Year after year.
The last takeaway we had was 15 years ago but when we lived in Wales we lived in a town so for 4 years we had access to home delivery. Prior to that we lived in Grampound for 8 years and couldn’t get a takeaway there either so I guess. We are pretty used to it now ! Haha
Everything takes time and readjustment. For some that never happens and the pull for ‘ home’ and family and friends proves to be great. For others who are slightly more introverted or happy and comfortable with their own immediate company it eventually finds a rhythm and vibe that feels great. Everyone if different and for us it took five years for France to feel like home without getting off the ferry with a hint of sadness and melancholy inside.
Culture is so different and I spent years reading all sorts of books about the culture here and then at least I felt like I understood as an observer, that what I was seeing made sense. The funniest thing I did was to make some cakes for a neighbor who gave me some windfalls. When I gave then to her she declined to take them and politely told me that the bakers down in the town make excellent ones I might like to try. Hahahah
I don’t take these things personally but seek to learn from them for what they are and let them go.
The winters are lng here and dark. Personally I love this time but for some I know it can seem relentless and gloomy. Whatever it is you are learning, you are growing in every aspect of being you and what makes you happy and what is a challenge. I hope the markets are really good and you have such a fun time to look forward to with your children coming over for Christmas this year. Sending love and hugs. Xxx
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Thank you for taking the time to write such a long response. Had a bit of a blue day today. But yes lots to look forward to at the moment. So hopefully I’ll be feeling better soon xxx
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Do they have Christmas cakes in France? I remember being in France for my Birthday one year an scouring the supermarket for a Birthday cake. We ended up with something that was cake shaped, but wasn’t sweet 😕
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They don’t do Christmas cake as in a fruit cake. They do though have Buche Noel which is the same as the Yule log. There are other sweet cakes that you can buy here but not quite in the same way as in the UK.
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Hi Zenna. Love the creativity you are continuing to demonstrate!
Pleased the lads will be with you at Christmas- I’m sure it will be absolutely joyous – home is always a feeling for me – it’s with people rather than in places 🤗
Moving always has cultural challenges – when I moved to Plymouth I often managed to offend people with my direct comments and found myself struggling to understand people because their comments were always covert. Same language but different meanings …. nice meant ‘I’m not prepared to say I don’t like it’ 🤣
I also struggled with food: ‘can I have a barmcake please’. I was offered all sorts of sweet cakes! When I explained it was bread I was offered all sorts of rolls! Only recently I managed to find barmcakes in Sainsburys – now called ‘oven bottom muffins’. In the butchers I asked for ribs. After much discussion they suggested bones (which they sold for dogs, not rib soup) The butcher had never heard of bacon ribs 🤷🏼♀️
After forty years – and now in Cornwall, I realise uprooting self always leaves some roots behind – but like plants, we continue to blossom in our new environments (even if it takes a couple of seasons)
I even miss my home across the Tamar 🤗
Having achieved your dream of France I’m sure, come summer, you will blossom beautifully 🌸🌺🌹🌺🌸
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Thank you. I was feeling a little down yesterday. And it isn’t all red wine and cheese! I need to acknowledge that sometimes!
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