Endings and beginnings

It's already 6 months since we left!
Instead of kooky Christmas pics, you'll have to make do with quirky new year shots. Only 18 days into 2017 and I'm already behind!
Before 2016 becomes a total blur, this is roughly some of what we achieved:

• Ange and I welcomed 2016 with our Dream Weavings exhibition. We created a wonderfully colourful and dreamy energy, our works weaving well together! (You might still find some of these pieces at The Lighthouse in Coona)
• I completed and received my proficient teacher accreditation.
• I finally finished my Library, Information and Cultural Services TAFE course!
• Baradine Bookworms have now been going strong for 2 years and are a monthly highlight, even from a far.
• Artemis and Armand participated in The Museum of Contemporary Art's first online art course for secondary students. Very inspiring!
• In October 2015, my Vintage Photo Booth adventure began and continued to slowly develop into 2016 with parties, events and family photo shoot requests. I am truly humbled by how well it has been received and all the kind and encouraging feedback. I LOVE this project and though it is on hold while we pursue other adventures, don't be surprised if you see me towing a colourful caravan sometime in the future!
• Temporarily wrapping up our lives in Baradine to spend a year in France is an incredible feat and a mixed blessing. Nothing like getting out of your comfort zone to help you appreciate how amazing life was, is, will be. Where ever I am, I will always dream of discovering new places and revisiting favourite places. I can't help it, I love exploring. But I am full of warm fuzziness knowing we have a comfy little house and a large circle of amazing friends waiting to greet us back home in the future.
• We have and continue to explore beautiful countries, places, landscapes and nature, reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.
• I volunteer at the local library and have started a cercle de lecteurs (reading group).
• Artemis and I joined a local theatre class and Armand goes to table tennis.
  
• I am bathing in Nostalgia
• Speaking French
• Holy fromage, I have died and gone to cheese heaven!

And for the in between stuff...

Not yet being able to work enables me to hone my budgeting skills and gives me lots of time for reflexion, mmmmm.
What to do with all this time?
Walk, read, ponder, take photos, read, explore, visit libraries, museums, villages, roam, write, read, learn, appreciate, watch life float along and I can do housework all day! Haha. As if. I am currently a true flâneur. (Loosely translated, I'm doing a whole lot of nothing in particular!)

Artemis and Armand have slinked into the moody and difficult teenager mode with the greatest of ease, while I've been wondering what planet I was on when I decided to bring two 13/now 14 year olds to France for a year.

I'm not sure if they totally grasp the wonder and possibilities of this adventure...and the different struggles related to adjusting to a new life are enough to get us all down on some days!
Am going for a record in the longest delay to open a bank account, 5 months and counting! I think I finally got it!
Surely the most frustrating thing is it takes ages to get anything done here, administrative tasks in particular, so I feel like I'm in a permanent state of limbo.
Have already had a few car hiccups.
Secondary School blues - college here is somewhat more demanding than the relatively laid back day of high school in Australia. It seems less human, with long days, strict teaching methods and teachers, no replacement teachers! Students just get free/study/home time? Is there such a thing as too long a lunch break? Surprisingly, yes. So far Artemis and Armand don't like it, not sure if I do either!
Missing friends and family, our heartstrings are getting a good work out.

Regardless, we continue to enjoy the simple pleasures and wish the same for our beloved friends and family.
You add sparkle to our days and wellness to our being!
​love Tina Artemis Armand

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