Life Cycles

french script antique paper

 

 

When people say they are busy it bugs me. Everyone is busy, we know that the tendency to say, "I have been so busy." 

Or, "Sorry I have been so busy." It is a pet peeve of mine. And yet these last couple of months I feel I have been on overdrive.

The pet peeve word haunts me.

My blog writing has taken a back seat as other events have taken the wheel. 

Thank you for your patience.

 

 

 

 

 

Corey Amaro antique paper, ephemera

 

 

The next group of Musettes arrive tomorrow morning. Ruth and I are ready, the itinerary is planned, the

meals organized, car rented, flowers in vases,  and wine ready to be served.

 

Chelsea called and talked wedding. As you can imagine that is a pretty conversation. They haven't found a place and that is a bit nerving. Martin (Mr. Espresso) has called over seventy venues most of them are booked next year or two small.

Martin comes from a big close-knit family. If my family lived in France our two families would have to rent a stadium to hold everyone. Fortunately, that isn't the case. I hope some of my immediate family come over, my mom, my brothers, and their families… but I know it is expensive to travel.

Chelsea said, "There is plenty to think about, plan, decide, budget and do. I don't know if it is worth all the expense of money, time and energy to think about this for several months for one day. Maybe we should just have a small wedding just us and go out to dinner."

My daughter is practical.

And in love.

She went on to say, "Martin is completely gaga over the wedding he talks about it constantly, he is more the "girl" than I am."

 

My future son in law is directive, take charge and in touch with beauty.

I asked Chelsea, "When you think of your wedding what do you want (outside of love, happiness, family, and friends). She replied, "An old beautiful place to celebrate, a lovely meal and dancing."

Oh, that rocks!

I wonder who has a chateau that I could borrow?

In the end, the most important thing is that love is celebrated, even if it is a picnic under that stars.

 

 

 

 

French Muse exclusive

 

 

Other notes: Sacha is well working and happy. I am surprised how full of emotion I am. I knew I would be sad, but this has tapped into something deeper

The well-guarded place in my heart. Sacha's leaving has opened the well-sealed lid on the emotions and thoughts I carry about my leaving home years ago. I know what it means to leave home. To say goodbye over and over. To miss milestones, daily doings, growing up and watching a family become and change over the years. I know what it is like to see my family grow old and pass on. I know what it means to say goodbye to the familiar everyday conversations and little things that build deep memories. I know how hard it is to keep in touch, to love at a distance, to have to go "home" to invest in a relationship, not at hand. I know and that is why it is I keep crying whenever I think about Sacha.

He is happy and that is good.

    As I have said before,

"…Then after years of living in a foreign country, you realize you have two places called home. You look around and the foreign place doesn't feel so foreign. The doors that were closed to you before have opened over time, and the homesickness feels so common you think of it as a bruise that won't go away; you know how to protect it."

That bruise is showing and it is raw and tender.

It will take some getting used to, and more so time to be able to put it in place.

 

 

 

 

 



Comments

16 responses to “Life Cycles”

  1. Joy, bittersweet ache, excitement. You have it all.
    We, meanwhile, will get to vicariously enjoy the wedding plans unfolding.

  2. No apologies necessary for the amount of time you invest here; it is *your* blog home and we enjoy spending time with you when you are “home”. When you are not here, we wish you joy as you pursue the desires of your heart.
    Thank you for the updates on your children. Love hearing about Chelsea and Martin as they begin this planning stage. I was in my late 30s when I finally met the man who would become my husband and fully admit that what really mattered to me was beginning our married life together in His presence rather than all the frills (too many other challenges at that time to stress over details!). I’m sure Chelsea and Martin will find/create what will make the day perfect for them. Hopefully the venues Martin is contacting will retain his contact information in case an unexpected cancellation creates an opening for them.
    I’ve been following Sacha on Instagram and, while he doesn’t post often, it is nice to see him spread his wings (and the motorcycle in yesterday’s IG story made my heart sing as it reminded me of your dad, Corey).
    Best to you as you embark on another muse week 🙂

  3. I live in California and our son moved to Norway three years ago for a job in Stavanger. The fact that we can Skype with him to chat and see his face and where he lives is so helpful. He also posts frequent pictures on Instagram. This really helps us feel that we can keep in touch with his life. He comes once a year fo visit us and I have been making trips once a year to travel with him in Europe. This has helped to give him the knowledge and experience to travel on his own and now he is taking full advantage of exploring new cities and countries. Best of luck to both Sacha and Chelsea in their lives.

  4. So glad Sacha is well and enjoying Seattle. I do like Chelsea’s idea of just getting married and then going out for dinner. My sister did that…she and her husband went away for a weekend, got married, then held a big party a month later.

  5. We too had a tiny wedding at the court house, followed by a big bash a few weeks later at Farmboy Husband’s frat house (we would’ve invited all the guys anyhow, so got a free venue with free clean-up before and after, and an industrial-size kitchen for all the food!).

  6. Oh so much! I almost feel overwhelmed for you. I am so happy Chelsea and Sasha are doing well and happy. That is what counts. Take care and enjoy the adventure starting tomorrow.

  7. Jacklynn Lantry

    I wish I could help, but my nest is suddenly empty and now up for sale. I am reeling, some days good, some day not so good. It’s a big mish-mash of confusion, sadness, stoicism…and lots of tears. I try to focus on “it opens me up to my next adventure…” Sometimes it helps.

  8. It’s a lot like amputation….scar tissue forms.
    Ali

  9. I know what you are going through, although four of ours are still at home and at school, our eldest is now a fully fledged Londoner, ok, it is closer than the States, but it is still a wrench, we talk daily, but we still live in two different countries, and I know from now on this will always be the case with our family, as the others get older and spread their wings, we shall be everywhere, all over the world, ours will never be a family all living in the same village. I understand xxx

  10. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    I’ve been “away” from your blog for a while too, so am very happy to return to this newsy chat that you’ve given us. Surely somebody has a chateau that you could use!!! I find it delightful that Chelsea is practical and that Martin is romantic.
    What part of Seattle does Sacha live in, what sort of residence? (If I may express curiosity.) I was in West Seattle (which is sort of separated from the main part of the city by a large tide flats and therefore a bridge) yesterday. What a fun city.
    Oh, your dear bruised mother’s heart and daughter’s heart, all at the same time.

  11. Big hugs and much love. Thanks for sharing your heart and updating us on your children and you.
    Love and hugs

  12. What a beautiful post. My husband and I are preparing to move to France in January, leaving behind our three young adult children, my elderly parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends. There’s never a good time to launch into your dream, but we’d better do it before our kids get married and have grandchildren that apparently will steal our hearts.
    Speaking of weddings, have Chelsea and Martin considered getting married on a Friday night or a Sunday afternoon? Apparently, if you avoid Saturdays, the venues are more available. So many beautiful places to choose from in France. Good luck.

  13. The circle … never broken … just takes some time for the edges to be smooth again … sending love, and a huge hug!

  14. Lots of emotions on your plate this fall. Breath deep and spend some more time on the west coast! xo

  15. Sharon Morrison

    Cry until you are satisfied. I have, and I will.
    Love you Corey.

  16. Been thinking about your pet peeve about people being “busy” ever since I first read this post a week ago. Frequently when I come home from work, Jim will ask how my day went and I will say, “Busy.” I’ve said it so often that he now makes fun of me, all in jest. But your comment hit home, causing me to think. I’ve decided that I will work at avoiding the “I’m busy” syndrome and instead will say that my day was full or my life is full. Sounds so much better to have a full life or a full day than a busy one. xoxo

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