LITTLE HOUSE IN FRANCE
  • Home
  • About
  • Booking
  • Arrival
  • Blog

Is This for Real?

3/20/2014

2 Comments

 
Picture
My daughter likes to know the odds. "On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely is this move to France?" she asked. A few weeks ago, I'd say it was a "6." It was an idea that seemed to have legs. This week it has moved to a strong "9." We've met with realtors, told most of our friends and family, and started serious research into visas,  shipping, pet transportation and schools.

It is rather frightening how quickly an idea transforms itself into a reality. It really does look like we will be moving to France this summer, which is at the same time exciting and terrifying. There is so much to do, and much of it to be dealt with from afar while I am working in NY. My brain is overflowing with to-do lists that wake me up at 2am demanding attention.

The biggest challenge will be the selling of our home in Los Angeles. It is full of 17 years of memories, and even more full of the stuff that a family gathers and saves over the course of nearly two decades. What do we sell, give away, ship or store? There are certain to be things we can't bear to part with, yet can't take with us to France. 

I see some stormy times ahead, but I see an amazing opportunity as well.

Picture
My wife goes through cycle of excitement and uncertainty. She is excited to see new places and experience another culture, but most of all to be together as our children approach the ages that will soon see them leaving home. She is uncertain about cutting ties with what is safe and familiar, and with what feels like home. We've been fortunate to live in a part of southern California that is truly a community. We are close to our neighbors, who are loving friends, and can always be relied upon when we need them.  For the most part our families are not near us, so the impact is slightly less immediate, but we both have aging family and being far from them will make it even more difficult to stay connected.

Opinions amongst friends and family range from envy to surprise to bewilderment. Most are supportive and make promises to visit us in Provence "one day." Of course some will, and most won't, but for those who make the adventure we can promise a warm "bonjour" and a glass of local wine.
Picture
One of my most important tasks is to locate a school for my children to attend in the Fall.  They are at a tricky age--old enough that learning a new language will require effort and will no doubt be frustrating for them at first. In California they attend a Steiner School, and luckily there is one in Avignon, not too far from where we will be living.

I cannot imagine how people made moves like this before the age of the internet. The resources that are at our fingertips is truly astounding. While searching for information about the Steiner School I stumbled upon a blog from an American woman whose children had attended the school. We exchanged emails and then talked on the phone, and she reassured me that it is a wonderful school with a multi-cultural student body that would embrace foreign students and ease the transition. Many of the high school children have even spent the last year abroad studying in the US, and have come back fluent in English. 

Of course, while it is our goal to assimilate into French culture and learn the language, we also realize that major life changes come with major emotional challenges as well. When you are a kid, it helps to cope with change when people can understand you.
Picture
There's no question that no matter what happens, this is going to be a great adventure that can only make our family stronger. If it doesn't kills us.
2 Comments
marcella
3/21/2014 02:11:54 am

Count me in on the ever so envious side! What an amazing adventure for all of you. I will be thinking of you often. Your house will sell quickly as it is very charming. Wishing the best for all of you and hoping to stop by for a glass of local wine!

Reply
Ken Wallace
3/23/2014 05:04:20 am

I hope we do see you in France, Marcella! It would be so fun to share Provence with our friends!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    American
    Croissants

    TRADING HOLLYWOOD FOR LIFE IN THE 
    SOUTH OF FRANCE

    La Maison Rose owners
    Ken and Felicia Wallace are in the process of relocating from Los Angeles to Provence. Felicia enjoys handmade crafts, knitting and taking photos of the kids. Ken enjoys photography, writing, cycling and dinner.

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    Picture

    Archives

    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2016
    July 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    June 2011
    May 2011
    November 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010

    Categories

    All
    Cooking
    Expat
    France
    Guest Book
    Landscape
    Language
    Life Hack
    Photography
    Provence
    Review
    Steiner School
    Time-lapse
    Travel
    Waldorf School
    Wine

    RSS Feed

Contact us at littlehouseinfrance@me.com
  • Home
  • About
  • Booking
  • Arrival
  • Blog