Tags
bugs, creative thoughts, creative types, French, french life, hay-fever, holiday, menopause, monster-in-law, random messages, travel, vacation, writers
Wow! You all are totally inspirational. Thanks folks for the wake-up calls, dozens of emails of “where are you Vic?” and other random messages of encouragements of “Why don’t she write?”. My apologies, yet again. Yes… I know I’d faithfully promised to write more often this year. What can I say… it’s been rather traumatic, which leaves very little energy and typically less time to write. But it’s not for a lack of anything to write about. Believe you me, my head is full of ideas, French life experiences, rants & raves, and loads of fuming arguments in the early morning hours when I lie awake in bed with or without Steve peacefully oblivious next to me. If only there was an easy way to capture such churning, creative thoughts!
Somewhere, I read about the 10 best habits of successful writers. No idea how the list defined success, probably based on some commercial statistic like: number of readers, number of books sold, total number of unique visitors, amount of money earned, etc. Regardless, it seemed that writers – successful or not based on this list and other similar lists – all have different habits, including getting up in the middle of the night to write. In fact, these nocturnal scribblings surprisingly appears to be quite a common trait amongst all “creative” types. Frankly, it’s probably true of every type!
Still… it explains much. Since my early teens, I’ve been very jealous of my shut-eye time. Typically, I’m a 9-hour a night kind of gal. But, perhaps it’s time to throw off the duvet and stumble downstairs at 2am or 4am to my computer? Especially now that menopausal symptoms have made sleeping nearly impossible. Indeed, taking advantage of this sleepless state is not a bad idea if it results in several pages of my book and various blog posts written. It sure beats the heck out of insomnia, lying in bed when I’m only pretending to sleep.
Of course, that means by mid-afternoon this lady will need a little siesta. Which is an anachronism in today’s world and not always possible, nor socially popular, nor convenient. Still… I’m giving the idea some serious thought thanks to all you kind folks out there in the Internet world. And, also because I know my good friend Kelly, who is a major somebody at a major company books time on her diary each day for a power nap. By golly, if Kelly can do it, so can I!
Meanwhile, I’ve been busy. So much happening – mostly good, some bad, and a bit, I’m sorry to say, very ugly. On the plus side, first and foremost our next phase of building works have finally kicked off (to be detailed in its own separate blog post), this after a 15-month long torturous renovation loan process which also deserves its own blog post. Soon thereafter, Steve and I enjoyed an unforgettable visit from my in-laws.
Alas, the “out-law” visit didn’t go so well for various reasons. First,the weather was too hot. Apparently, my mother-in-law, Penny, doesn’t tolerate the heat well. Anything above 65 °F / 18°C is a tropical heat wave. Despite our region’s frequent rainy days and unusual lower seasonal temperatures this year, Penny was often very uncomfortably hot and sticky day and night.
To increase my mother-in-law’s misery, she seemed to attract all bugs within a 50-mile radius. She was a magnet for any insect that bit, stung, or sucked blood. Just like a bear to honey, the bugs found my mum-in-law to be very sweet, indeed. Despite providing a mosquito net, sprays, creams and lotions, within a couple of days of their visit Penny was bitten from head to toe, quite literally, and swollen up like a balloon. Whereas, the rest of us appeared to be immune and completely bug-free. Penny simply was too strong an attraction and lured all the festering buggies to her instead. We must really give our heartfelt thanks for her sacrifice.
If that wasn’t enough to ruin the in-laws’ holiday, my father-in-law, Stuart, nobly endured one of the worse attacks of hay-fever ever suffered. This was caused by an exploding French legion of pollen here in SW France. Over the past 9 years, I’ve never seen my father-in-law, who is usually care-free and light-hearted, in such discomfort. Poor Stuart’s eyes were as red as the roses blooming outside.
Then as an extra special family visit bonus, we enjoyed the typical mother and daughter-in-law bad mojo dynamics. That proved to be really, really ugly on all sides. Needless to say, I won’t be elaborating, despite having written much of the dramatic trauma down in a fit of emotional anguish one late evening. Or was it early morning? Regardless, just consider it something to look forward to reading (or not) in the upcoming 30-40 years. Meanwhile, I’m seriously considering entering Penny and I into the Monster-in-Law Sweepstakes contest. Wish us luck!
And, this my friends is where I leave you. Just for now. Not to worry. There’s much to write about as mentioned above about our new onslaught of renovation works, building teams, French banks, insurance and life in general here dans paradis de campagne français. Merci bien again for your perseverance and patience!
Rachel Fanning said:
Hooray! Hi sweet lady. I’ve been looking forward to your next post with great anticipation. You have a gift for seeing the magical in the mundane in a very witty way. I can tell your life is busy, but thank you for taking time to share aspects. Who doesn’t suffer from in-law problems? In my case, my father-in-law is hell on earth, but get on with my mother-in-law fabulously. With all that you have going on with the renovations normal life must be difficult. Stay strong!
victoriasfolly said:
Hi Rachel… you given me such a kind compliment. Thank you! Althou, it must be said that it is hardly deserved, but still much appreciated. Sorry about your own out-law troubles. I guess all married folks experience this in some form. Who knows – maybe it’s a cycle of payback. “Well…my mother/father in-law gave me hell, so by golly, I’m going to give you the same”. A bit like parently, perhaps. What do you think?
sue hartley said:
There you go that wasn’t so difficult was it !!! Really lovely to see you are back. Don’t get me started on Mothers in Law, I could write a book !!! If I ever have to re-marry it will be to a sterile orphan that’s for sure. Thanks for another entertaining blog.
victoriasfolly said:
Hi Sue… your Angloinfo comment gets repeated on my main blog. Which is SWEET! Thanks again for pushing me to write more often. You are a STAR!
Martincs said:
Lol! I’m sorry to admit that I laughed out loud reading your most recent episode of Folly life. Poor you! It’s no wonder you can’t sleep with so much drama in your & Steve’s life. If it helps, you’re not alone. Plus, you are doing amazing work with your French folly. Please post more photos of the latest renovations.
victoriasfolly said:
Hi Martin CS… now I’m sitting here wondering if this is my old boss from Navman. No one else I know has these initials. Regardless of who you are, thanks for the kudos. It’s really nice to know that folks enjoy reading my peculiar look at life. And, merci for reminding about publishing more pix. I’ve got loads and promise to sit down and do a photo album of progress to date. Sometime… hopefully soon! 😉
Cowboy Teak (from Montana) said:
Whoa – you’ve got some monster project down there! I don’t want to sound rude, but do you have anyone there to help you? Family or friends? I just discovered your blog and enjoyed reading about your renovation adventures. But, it doesn’t seems like its only you and your husband working about the place, but some builders. From the photos, you’ve got a heck of a lot of land and buildings to tend to. I admire your spirit. Just saying young lady, you need more helping hands. Maybe try recruiting some college kids looking for some work experience. Finally, pardon me for saying this, but don’t entertain guests until the works are finished, unless they are able and willing to lend a hand.
victoriasfolly said:
Hi Cowboy Teak… That’s such a great name I had to write it down just for the fun of it. Are you really from Montana? I love that state – spent a lot of time around National Glacier Park back in the day. Stunning country. Do you do renovations? Or just like to surf the net in the very early hours (or was it very late for you)? I appreciate the advice and take it to heart. We’ve looked into getting more help via different associations, read the post on “Our 1st House-Sitter Experience”. The only reason we’ve not taken on extra help is a lack of bedrooms and bathrooms. However, by end of summer we should have the Caretaker’s Suite finished, plus 2 more ensuite bedrooms. As for having visitors stay with us during this process, I completely see your point. And, it’s a very valid point. But if we waited for the renovation/building process to finish before accepting family and friends, it could be years and years! Also, in the case of my husband’s parents, they rarely visit. Even when we lived in England we usually had to go visit them, unlike say his aunts and uncles who practically visit their children every other weekend. So when the in-laws say they would like to visit, it makes my husband very happy. And, that’s a good thing. No doubt, he’d be happier if his mother and wife got along better! 🙂 Plus, they do help a bit about the place, especially Steve’s dad. We learned loads this last trip about how to putty windows. So, it’s not all a lost-leader.
Dor said:
Hey Vic! Glad to see you’re alive an well and just busy! If you need to vent, you know my email address! I’m working on our plans and am moving in that direction. Sorry about all the drama, hopefully this too shall pass! lol! Love you Sweetie! Hugs to Steve!D~
victoriasfolly said:
Hi ya hon… lovely to hear from you. We must skype soon to discuss this autumn/winter. Let me know a good time to chat. Love, Vx
chrisrm said:
My dear friend Vic – How long have we’ve known each other? I lost track, but we’ve been friends a long, long, long time. At times, we’ve been more like sisters, and even like husband & wife (purely platonic of course)! Just saying I know you pretty good. Sure other friends like HAH and even maybe MB can claim the same, but they ain’t speaking out are they? So I’m saying it – You my friend are loyal & loving to the core. And, God forbid anyone who threatens or cross some unmentionable threshold when it comes to those you love. All I’m saying, reading between the lines of your blog & FB posts, is that those of us who really know you, know that you always stand in defence of those you love & cherish – even if its to your own detriment. Never mind hon, take heart honey those of us who know & love you, also stand by you.
victoriasfolly said:
Hey Chris… gosh you are going to make me tear up and get all weepy. Thanks friend for your support and words of encouragement. I’m very touched. Love, V x