Prepping the poêle with Dada.

Matt builds a mean fire in our poêle. Tinsley is absolutely fascinated with the whole process. I love our end-of-day, fire-making ritual.

Although I have to say, MAMA makes a pretty awesome fire too. I learned the technique from my dad and I can get that thing blazin’ wild! Photo evidence of this coming soon…

I understand it may be hard to believe, but I can be pretty rustic sometimes. If needed.

Under certain circumstances.

If firewood is provided.

Taking a Break.

Life in France is much, much slower.

I’m loving it.

Matt insists on seeing every castle, every village, every market and every truffle farm within 100 miles. While I appreciate his enthusiasm, sometimes the best way to experience the “French way” is to just stop and LIVE.

We’ve done our fair share of this too - don’t get me wrong. The best part of our day is stopping for a décaféiné au lait at a local cafe (two sugars for me, please). Sitting down to sip FANTASTIC coffee from a white ceramic mug is good for the soul. There is no to-go cup available.

It seems like the French take their time. There is no rush here. No rush to eat, or shop, or get back to work. Just good conversation in a relaxed atmosphere (with a cigarette or two for most people). Lunch takes two hours - TWO! - and we’ve had to teach ourselves how to embrace it.

Teaching Tinsley, however, is a whole different story. How do you teach a 8-month-old the value of patience? It seems a little impossible at this age, but we’re doing our best. Depending on how rested/full she is…the results vary. We’re hoping some of these laid-back vibes rub off on her.

(My friend, Sierra, has a baby boy who would be THE BEST French baby. He is the most chilled-out kid ever. He’ll just lay down in the middle of playgroup and nap on the floor amongst screaming babies. WHO DOES THAT?)

Since being here, I’ve realized more than ever that Tinsley really DOES vibe off of us. If I’m cranky and annoyed, she is too. She knows when I give her a fake smile or if I’m distracted on the iPhone. I’m learning that the best parents are fully engaged, fully involved, and always loving. Easier said than done!

So, France, help me to slow down. Help me to focus on the good stuff. Show me how to enjoy the moment and take my time. Teach me patience. What am I rushing around for anyway?

There are coffees to sip and babies to squish!

Love,

Beynac-et-Cazenac

So…where are we?

We’re staying in a small town called Beynac. Our little village sits in the Dordogne region of southwest France. The community is right along the edge of the Dordogne River and is classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France. I’d say so!

The crowning jewel of the town, the Château de Beynac, sits at the very tip top overlooking EVERYTHING for miles and miles. This castle is one of the best preserved in the region - built in the 12th century! Matt and I took a quick tour of the castle one cold afternoon. It’s like being transported back in time.

(You may recognize the castle from the movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore. They filmed most of the movie in this region of France!)

Rick Steves featured Beynac in one of his many travel films. You can see a little glimpse of our cottage in the footage:

Pretty neat!

Our cottage sits right next to the castle. No, really. I can walk out our front gate and go touch the castle wall. It’s pretty incredible. Of course, with such a location comes a small price to pay. We have a hefty hike to and from the car with a steep path in between. I’m used to it by now (thighs…burning…), but it’s still a challenge juggling groceries, firewood, and Tinsley. Luckily my beefy husband can carry hundreds of pounds down a slippery cobblestone path LIKE A BOSS. I’m doing my fair share too:

Don’t feel too bad for me. All the snow melted last week and we are finally enjoying “warmer” weather in the 50’s. There is nothing better than a crystal-blue sky and sunshine when you are living in southwest France. You can see for MILES!

Our littel place has an interesting history of it’s own! The house’s origins lie in the “Four Banal” (pronounced foo-er bah-nahl), meaning the “Lord’s Oven” in French. “La Four Banal” was the place where everyone was required to bake their bread - in return they were required to pay the lord of the castle for the service. Since the house is within the outer ramparts of the castle, it’s at least a four or five hundred years old!!! WHAT!?

The owners of the house (Americans) spent many, MANY months renovating the space. The “before & after” pictrues are incredible. Stephanie did a great job of keeping all the old-world charm of the house, while updating it for modern-day comforts. It’s simple, chic, and absolutely beauitful.

(Baby proofed? Not a chance. But we’ve done our best to keep Tinsley safe and happy. Nothing a little re-arranging can’t fix!! She loves the stone walls. We believe she may have a future in rock-climbing.)

We’ve really settled in here nicely. The locals are SO friendly and kind. We’ve scouted out which resturaunts are open this time of year and the best day to go to market. We’ve learned to work with the weather - rain or shine. We’ve found value in day trips to nearby villages, or just staying in to play.

I’m certain I will leave part of my heart here. I miss home - my people - but everything I need is right here within these stone walls. It may take YEARS, but we will be back one day. I just know it.

Love,