adventures of an american housewife in the south of france

Onward

On a cold Ohio evening in November 2002, I signed an offer letter that put me on a path to where I am today.  The letter that I signed that early winter morning promised me to a city I knew very little about.  A city I'd never experienced.  A city that, for a small town Ohio girl, seemed as far away as Siberia and as foreign as Tokyo.  But it was neither of those places - it was Boston.  Signing that letter was the first step in a series of events that would put me in the south of France with a husband, a baby and a dog, just 11 short years later.  It was the first time that I would make a move to a city sight unseen, but it wouldn't be the last. We all know how the move to Boston ended.  Sometimes taking a risk pays out, and sometimes it leads to something else.  It takes you to a place you never expected to be, but where you were meant to be all along.  A failed risk is not a mistake if you learn from it and change.  So I left Boston.  Ran.  For a new city I'd  never stepped foot in.  And this time, it turned out differently. So what do you do when you have it all?  When you are so fulfilled you could burst?  You ask what's next.  You seek ways to keep growing, keep learning, and keep experiencing new life.  Dreaming bigger, dreaming broader.  And so for a third time, I rolled the dice.  Another move to a brand new place, but this time with my best friend.  And this time, though not quite as far away as Siberia, it is foreign - and also challenging and romantic.  Again, the reward outweighed the risk.  We learned, we grew, we experienced.  And now, it's time to come home. IMG_3341 This will be the fourth time that I've moved to a city without ever seeing it.   It's another place I never expected to live in.  I don't think it's a place any of our friends or family ever thought we would we move to.  It's certainly not what you would expect to follow up a stint in Europe.  But it's the next opportunity we've chosen to take.  Even though I've never been to this place, never seen its sights, never breathed its air, it feels familiar.  It's a city where we can continue our slower, quieter pace of life, but still surround ourselves with culture and activity.  The fact that I can drive to see my family in one day, something I haven't been able to do in 10 years, is comforting.  Hell, we can speak English.  It already feels right. I believe it's the chances we take, the opportunities we grab, that always lead to the best things.  Sometimes not right away, but we have to keep faith that the unknown is just a means to an end.  This next move, to this new city, is the first step in the next part of our journey.  Who knows where we'll be in another 11 years.  I am so excited to see where the risks take us this time. Onward!  To Raleigh, North Carolina!

25 Responses to “Onward”

  1. Susan Davis says:

    How exciting! North Carolina is one of the most beautiful and historic states! Course little Ramona may grow up with a southern accent! Which is charming!

  2. Kit says:

    This is so exciting. Raleigh will be a great town. They have a GREAT farmers market! Plus we will be living in sister states now :) (Im in SC)

  3. Liene says:

    We love Raleigh, actually, we love that whole region. Congrats, and welcome to the Carolinas!

  4. how exciting! congratulations! I love the story you’re writing for you life. Very cool.

  5. Shannon says:

    We are so excited to have you back in the US! Can’t wait to come visit soon.

  6. Esme says:

    aw…little ramona’s gonna be a southern belle! i absolutely love raleigh! it’s super cute, charming, clean — you’ll love it.

  7. Erin says:

    Love the Carolinas! I mean, I’ve never been to them but they always sound so nice. Also James Taylor likes them! Win.

    Congratulations on the new adventure!

  8. aidan says:

    I will be sad to see you go…we need to have coffee beforehand, for sure. North Carolina would be on my list of places to go to the States for, how lucky for you! I will be happy to see it through your eyes.
    Aidan x

  9. Cathy says:

    Onward and upward!! Way to go!!

  10. Mom says:

    Best news I’ve had in a long time!! So excited to have you all closer to home!! Love you!

  11. Shirley Crawford says:

    The Crawfords are absolutely delighted for all of you!! Love to you!!

  12. Sabbio says:

    Exactly what I meant in commenting this morning. You know how to joyously grab life opportunities! :) Will sure. Miss you but am happy for you!

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