BIENVENUE À MA MAISON EN FRANCE
Bonjour! Reader,
They say home is where the heart is. But what happens when your heart tells you it's time to leave everything behind?
I had it all – a beautiful senior apartment in America. The kind of place most people dream of retiring to. Comfortable. Secure. Perfect.
And yet, here I am – Carolyn, the little old lady who could, and did, and keeps on doing. At an age when most people are settling into retirement, I bought a 170-year-old stone house in rural France. No, I'm not independently wealthy. No, I don't speak perfect French. And no, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
FROM BOISE TO THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE
My journey from Boise, Idaho to Creuse, one of the least populated Departments in France, wasn't part of some grand plan. It began with a dream that refused to fade – a vision of a different kind of retirement, one filled with history, adventure, and the quiet rhythms of French country life.
French Connections HCB became my lifeline during this transition. When everyone else thought I was having a senior moment, they took my dreams seriously and helped navigate the labyrinth of French property laws, banking, and relocation logistics.
THE HOUSE THAT CALLED TO ME
The moment I first saw my stone house, I knew. Despite the obvious renovation challenges, the exposed beams, uneven floors, and walls that have witnessed nearly two centuries of history spoke to me in a language that transcended words.
This 170-year-old structure has become more than just a home – it's my canvas, my teacher, and sometimes, my stubborn adversary. Each day brings new discoveries, from hidden architectural features to the peculiar habits of French plumbing.
SETTLING INTO VILLAGE LIFE
Adapting to life in rural France has been equal parts challenging and delightful. The weekly market in Boussac (Thursdays, for those taking notes) has become the anchor of my social calendar. Here, amid stalls of local produce, regional cheeses, and handcrafted goods, I'm slowly becoming part of the fabric of this community.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
This newsletter marks the beginning of our journey together. Each week, I'll share different aspects of my French country life:
IN THE HOUSE: My adventures in renovating, decorating, and making this historic stone structure truly mine
OUT OF THE HOUSE: Creating a French garden inspired by centuries-old traditions
ALL THINGS KITCHEN: Embracing cooking with a wood-burning stove and seasonal local ingredients
DAILY LIFE & DISCOVERIES: The joys, challenges, and unexpected moments of being an American expatriate in rural France
Throughout this series, I'll share the practical wisdom I've gained, the mistakes I've made (often with humorous results), and the profound joy that comes from embracing change at any age.
THIS WEEK'S REFLECTION
If you've ever wondered if it's too late to start over, if you've ever dreamed of doing something that everyone else thinks is crazy – let me assure you: the greatest adventures often begin when everyone else is winding down.
New beginnings have no age limit. The courage to pursue them is ageless.
COMING NEXT WEEK
Join me as I take you inside my stone home, sharing some of the small transformations on the ground floor, and the unexpected challenges of bringing modern comfort to centuries-old walls.
Until then, I'd love to hear from you. Have you ever dreamed of making a dramatic life change? What's holding you back? Or if you've taken the leap, what inspired your journey?
À bientôt (See you soon),
Carolyn Smith-Kizer
The Little Old Lady Who Could, and Did, and Does . . .
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