The Petite Prince Returns

When my husband and I moved from Washington to Arizona in 2014, we had to do a lot of downsizing. As I rummaged through old boxes, sorting “keep” piles and “give away” piles, I stumbled across my copy of Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) from my stay in France, in 1980. My heart lurched as I picked up the well-used book, turned to the first page and discovered  an inscription — long forgotten — from “Michel,” one of my love interests in my sequel, French Illusions, From Tours to Paris.  

French Illusions: My Five Best Writing Tips

My first memoir, French Illusions, My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley, took me three years and countless hours to complete. During that time, I studied and learned how to write. Of course I also hired editors to finalize the process.

A Favorite Character in French Illusions

Years ago, while writing French Illusions, My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley, I particularly enjoyed recounting interactions with Antoine, my four-year-old ward at the Château de Montclair. He was such a sweet, goofy kid and he often voiced his affections for me with exuberant enthusiasm. His antics made me smile more often than not and I remember him fondly to this day. Here is an excerpt from my memoir. 

Loire Valley Markets

Most villages within the Loire Valley in France have have a Sunday market at least once a week during certain times of the year. These markets are often a mix of wines, beer, fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, home-made goods and clothing. It’s a real treat to wander from stall to stall sampling products and visiting with the vendors about their wares.

Au Pair Language Challenges

My life working as an au pair in France in 1979 was especially challenging because of the language barrier with the children. From the beginning, four-year-old Antoine was far more forgiving then his seven-year-old sister, Colette.  She thought less of me because I didn’t speak French and no matter how hard I tried, no matter how much my French improved, she never fully accepted me as her nanny.  The garden scene below from French Illusions: My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley, gives the reader a clear picture of this complicated relationship. 

Another Favorite Character and Chapter in French Illusions

Monsieur Dubois is one of my favorite characters in my memoir, French Illusions, My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley. He was a kind, generous man, and a wonderful father. I often wondered how he tolerated his arrogant, and controlling wife, but then again, she didn’t often display this side of her personality to him. Additionally, his work required him to travel weekly, so he wasn’t at home a great deal of the time. The following excerpt details a heartwarming scene from chapter 8:   

Have You Tried Pinterest?

It’s free to join Pinterest, an innovative site, started in 2010, where you can create “boards” filled with your favorite photos. You’ll find everything imaginable, recipes boards, wedding boards, travel boards, pet boards, you get the idea. The site is easier than ever to use, and I’m thrilled that now you can move around your photos to create accurate sequencing or add visual appeal on boards.

A Visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral

I first toured the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in 1980. Having been raised in a Catholic household, I was anxious to see this famous sight and as you will see in this excerpt from my memoir, French Illusions: From Tours to Paris, my tour of the structure on a rainy spring day, didn’t disappoint.   

Show, Don’t Tell

My diary from 1979 recounts my adventures living and working as an au pair at the Château de Montclair, in France. Most of my diary entries revolved around my relationships with the family. Often, the language barrier got in the way, especially regarding the children.

The Writer In Me

Isn’t it wonderful when you discover something worthwhile from the past? During my recent move to Saint Petersburg, Florida, I came across an essay I wrote for an English 101 class in college. I had just returned home from France in the spring of 1980, and as you’ll see, the essay describes my interest in a writing career.