This November my blog will be 16 years old. To celebrate I am asking you my readers to submit a Guest Post for my blog as a way of celebrating our connectedness as a community through social media.
I hope you will send me your story or at least a glimpse into your life (please send your story and JPEG photos to my email then I will post them to my blog. This will introduce you to one another.
Many of you are feeling shy, or worse not worthy as if there is a prize for the best life lived. I hope, truly hope, you will take a leap of faith in telling me and my readers about yourself, a cherished memory, a recipe, a hobby, what inspires you, what you dream about, and more importantly how are you? What are you living with or through right now.
Your story, as all of our stories, are one, interconnected by the weaver, the river, the dreamer, the wind, the path as we are on moving forward to the light. Please consider sharing a bit of yourself with me.
Thank you in advance for being part of French la Vie / Tongue in Cheek.
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From a young age, I was fascinated with interior design and cooking. I loved the TV show “Little House on the Prairie”, my favorite movie was “Tess” being attracted to a simple romantic life.
When I was 18 years old, my father, who was a hairdresser and professional hair product company owner, hired a photographer to shoot some pictures of me for his company. This photographer was a friend of Eileen Ford of Ford Models in NYC. He shared the photos with her and she contacted Nina Blanchard in Los Angeles, her sister agency. Shortly after we had lunch, Nina signed me on to her agency and outlined a plan for me to go to New York in the next month. It all moved quite quickly. I was never one who aspired to be a model, it really just landed in my lap.
Arriving in New York City, I lived at Eileen Ford’s, the matriarch of the fashion model industry. I was, in a sense, in training at a sort of charm school. Dinner at 7 pm, served by her butler, was lovely. I remember her slamming down her hand on the table scolding a young southern girl for handing the butler her plate. “That is what he is here for. You don’t hand him anything!” We would go out late to clubs and parties we were invited to. There was a curfew time and many times I was late. The other girls warned me to not step on the steps in front of Eileen and Jerry’s bedroom because it creaked loudly! I have vivid memories of heaping over all of them to be sure not to wake her. Weekends to her Connecticut house were filled with rich memories of the east coast culture. Eileen was a woman of utmost class. I was fortunate to be there!
During this time just arriving in New York City, there was a transit strike. I walked everywhere and really got to know the districts. Flower markets, toy markets, garment districts, etc. I loved knowing where to find interesting things. At this point in my life, it is still what I love to do. Every city I traveled to, I would seek out the artisans, flea markets, vintage markets, restaurant supplies, etc.… Of course, we all know where to find the really good high-end items and at times I do indulge, but the quest and journey to find the unusual is so much more fun!
After beginning my career, the next 5 years I lived between Paris – NYC – Los Angeles, however, never really staying in one place more than 2-3 weeks. Traveling to fabulous locations, I felt blessed and privileged to have this experience. Culturally, I developed my tastes in antiques, clothing, and food which really formed who I am today.
Speed forward, I married, was a stay at home mom, built my dream home, managed the property, and entertained friends and business associates for my husband. I was doing what I dreamed to do. When my 20-year marriage ended and my kids were off to school and on their way, I had so much time on my hands feeling rather empty. I had an itch to travel and discover myself again. My dear friend invited me for several summers to join her in France and Italy. I would add a week to my stay and travel to Paris or Rome and venture out. One year, I was in communication with Corey Amaro on her blog and she said, “I live close to St. Remy where you are staying”. I took a leap and asked if I could rent the tiny house. I hired Corey to take me to Brocantes and the rest is history! I spent crazy money trying to ship my items. I returned in a month and got better with the shipping process. I started a new business selling paintings and curiosities from France,
"Seen In Provence" on Etsy.
Being the international shopper that I am, I find that we are a world market these days. All retail is getting very predictable this is why I adore shopping the Brocantes overseas. I never know what I am going to find. Finding the unusual and bringing value to my customers brings me great pleasure. Helping people find the right painting or accessory for the right placement is my passion.
France is my favorite place to go as the French are so detail–oriented and have great pride in most everything they do. Brocantes, Monoprix, ethnic markets, pharmacies, market finds and the gorgeous produce all make me so happy! I love taking off on adventures each day which all include a beautiful drive, a delectable charming lunch spot, something historically interesting, and of course shopping. My goodness, I was there a year ago for 6 weeks and I can’t wait until I can jump on a plane and go again!
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