Welcome back to the US (? Eeek). I returned from Provence last month and have basically spent my entire time here trying to figure out how to move there! I loved it so much- the lifestyle, the attention to detail from how people dress to how the style their shops... but the markets (Aix-en-Provence's was like something out of a movie set!), were my favorite feature of the region. So I am also trying to bring some of Provence's magic into my daily life here. No easy feat! I am curious about your experience doing the creative retreat. They always catch my eye but I am very introverted and don't always love the idea of the schedules of these "retreats" or feeling awkward with the social aspect of them. I'm not sure it would feel very retreat-y for me? But wondering if there is a creative boost that you get from them? I do appreciate the concept of community, as a creative person myself it is not always easy to connect with other creatives - who also want to connect. So I end up talking myself out of these things, but don't really know much about them in reality. Hoping you will share a bit about your experience with the retreat in a post one day for those of us on the fence about these things. My big take home inspiration from Provence (besides wishing for more amazing farmers markets in my area!), is definitely the slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life... from simple clothing, narrowing the to-do list each day, and focusing more on delicious homemade food and treats. I know every country has its pitfalls, but the French (as a whole), really understand the importance of savoring simplicity and making everything look and feel like art. We stumbled upon a protest while we were in Avignon one evening, and even the participants looked like extras from a movie set! Everyone was dressed stylishly, they had dogs with them, they greeted each other with celebratory hugs and kisses, brought picnic baskets on their bicycles. Having the beautiful village squares as a backdrop didn't hurt either... I was swept away by the entirety of it there.
Great! And wanted to thank you for sharing the link to Jeanne Oliver’s site. I love painting and hadn’t come across her instructional courses yet. I’ve already enrolled in one!
Welcome back! Good lord, we missed you but so delighted you got some down time. Re dining alone, as an only child I have always loved to dine by myself (my mother often made my dinner and then waited to eat herself when my father inevitably came home from work late.) Even now, esp when I travel, I dine alone very purposefully. On business trips I increasing eschew business dinners in favor of a solo meal at one of my favorite spots. Sounds absolutely divine!
Just walked home from a lovely solo dinner in my neighborhood. I realized that I'm SO much more likely to do this while traveling - and should take advantage of the great places literally steps from my front door more often! I'm not usually one for small talk but love chatting with a friendly bartender to pass the time (and get great recommendations).
I love this :) Isn't it funny that the things that take us out of our comfort zone sometimes bring us the most joy. I wrote about this a few weeks back - going to a cake decorating class alone brought me joy I didn't know I needed
I love dining solo and miss that I don’t travel for work anymore so don’t get many opportunities.
My book club is reading The Names this month! First book in a long time that I’ve had to keep notes on the three story lines - who’s alive or not, what abuse was happening, relationships between family members. I’m a little over half way through - interrupted to read Sunny Side Up by the pool during a quick getaway.
To opt out of the itinerary and fly solo — I love growing up, you know? Thank you for this.
just the best!!!
Welcome back to the US (? Eeek). I returned from Provence last month and have basically spent my entire time here trying to figure out how to move there! I loved it so much- the lifestyle, the attention to detail from how people dress to how the style their shops... but the markets (Aix-en-Provence's was like something out of a movie set!), were my favorite feature of the region. So I am also trying to bring some of Provence's magic into my daily life here. No easy feat! I am curious about your experience doing the creative retreat. They always catch my eye but I am very introverted and don't always love the idea of the schedules of these "retreats" or feeling awkward with the social aspect of them. I'm not sure it would feel very retreat-y for me? But wondering if there is a creative boost that you get from them? I do appreciate the concept of community, as a creative person myself it is not always easy to connect with other creatives - who also want to connect. So I end up talking myself out of these things, but don't really know much about them in reality. Hoping you will share a bit about your experience with the retreat in a post one day for those of us on the fence about these things. My big take home inspiration from Provence (besides wishing for more amazing farmers markets in my area!), is definitely the slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life... from simple clothing, narrowing the to-do list each day, and focusing more on delicious homemade food and treats. I know every country has its pitfalls, but the French (as a whole), really understand the importance of savoring simplicity and making everything look and feel like art. We stumbled upon a protest while we were in Avignon one evening, and even the participants looked like extras from a movie set! Everyone was dressed stylishly, they had dogs with them, they greeted each other with celebratory hugs and kisses, brought picnic baskets on their bicycles. Having the beautiful village squares as a backdrop didn't hurt either... I was swept away by the entirety of it there.
Great! And wanted to thank you for sharing the link to Jeanne Oliver’s site. I love painting and hadn’t come across her instructional courses yet. I’ve already enrolled in one!
That makes me so happy to hear!!!!
It was incredible, I loved it so much!
Big post about the retreat coming next week! x
I love my own company! As a food writer, I almost look forward to solo dining as I can control the pace and overall experience.
I couldn’t agree more - I feel really lucky to genuinely love my own company.
Welcome back! Good lord, we missed you but so delighted you got some down time. Re dining alone, as an only child I have always loved to dine by myself (my mother often made my dinner and then waited to eat herself when my father inevitably came home from work late.) Even now, esp when I travel, I dine alone very purposefully. On business trips I increasing eschew business dinners in favor of a solo meal at one of my favorite spots. Sounds absolutely divine!
Aw, I missed you all too!!!
And glad you agree — a solo meal is so restorative!
Solo dining in NYC is one of my favorite things to do. I enjoyed your thoughts in this, too.
So glad you enjoyed! x
Just walked home from a lovely solo dinner in my neighborhood. I realized that I'm SO much more likely to do this while traveling - and should take advantage of the great places literally steps from my front door more often! I'm not usually one for small talk but love chatting with a friendly bartender to pass the time (and get great recommendations).
Couldn’t agree more! xx
I love dining alone and just wrote about it this week! Lovely, Grace. ❤️
the best!!!
In case you’d like to read about my solo lunch, here’s the link, Grace! ☺️ ❤️https://open.substack.com/pub/timetravelkitchen/p/fries-and-whispers?r=jkx01&utm_medium=ios
Hi! You mentioned that you went to Copenhagen a few years back. Did you ever write a blog post about your experience? I'm going soon!
yes :)
https://thestripe.com/48-hours-in-copenhagen/
Thank you so much!
welcome! x
I love this :) Isn't it funny that the things that take us out of our comfort zone sometimes bring us the most joy. I wrote about this a few weeks back - going to a cake decorating class alone brought me joy I didn't know I needed
https://soshethought.substack.com/p/i-took-myself-on-a-date
also obsessed with your reading list <3
they absolutely do!!!
I love dining solo and miss that I don’t travel for work anymore so don’t get many opportunities.
My book club is reading The Names this month! First book in a long time that I’ve had to keep notes on the three story lines - who’s alive or not, what abuse was happening, relationships between family members. I’m a little over half way through - interrupted to read Sunny Side Up by the pool during a quick getaway.
Loved this whole post, thank you for sharing!