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I am English but have lived in the South of France for the past six years. There are various aspects of life here that are challenging but also wonderful. Probably the most challenging thing is moving here with children and all that involves, schools, health, language problems, etc. My girls are 17 and 15 now so are going through the ’secondary school’ level of education.
We also brought our animals out with us but have since, mysteriously, acquired more. We have dogs, cats, chickens and, at one time, had an edible dormouse or ‘Loire’ but he is no more although we didn’t eat him!
My husband works most of the time in the U.K. , returning most weekends, so that is another challenge which we had to face as a family but has now become the norm.
I spend my time driving my girls to school, friends, etc., walking dogs, and creating lots of things. I have a sort of compulsion which means I need to have some project on the go at all times. I’ve tried most crafts but my favourite things are to do with fabric and I love making things for the home, for gifts, for friends. I also love searching for vintage treasures – which can be quite interesting in this quiet part of France so most Sundays I am off to the flea markets with a big basket and some cash.
Phoebe, Susie & Taz
#1 by Jodie on September 15, 2009 - 11:06
Hiya, I followed you over from Flickr – I hope thats ok and have added you to my ever-growing list of blogs to keep track of !
#2 by tialys on September 15, 2009 - 12:22
Hi Jodie, that’s great. I was looking at your blog just the other day and being amazed at your selvedge dress – incredible – how much patience must you have! I was actually thinking of putting a link to it on here if that’s o.k. with you. I am busy collecting selvedges – might have enough for a pin cushion soon!
#3 by Cathy Savels on October 23, 2009 - 08:54
Hi! My turn! lol You’ve got a lovely place. I’m envious because I lived in the Tarn before but now I’m in Puy de Dome which is freezing! I can’t bear it so next spring we’re putting the house on the market and moving south again, nr Nice this time.
My kids are now at Uni but I came to France when they were 12 and 14 so I also had to do the school runs etc. My son is now in his 4th year doing his masters and has another 4 years after that to take his doctorate. That’s how much he likes being educated in France! lol My daughter went back to the UK and is at Liverpool Uni doing teacher training. Neither of them had to redouble and learned French really quickly even though they were consider too old to be making a move to a foreign country. Even one of the teachers said I was selfish and my kids would amount to nothing! Charming.
#4 by tialys on October 23, 2009 - 09:27
Well, that does sound like a French teacher I’m afraid. I bet you’re so glad to be proving them wrong. Mind you, your children sound very academic whereas mine are not really so you can imagine how many meetings I have to go to at the school :{ I have found that if you don’t fit exactly into the ‘mould’ in the French education system, you have problems. Be good at maths is the best thing! I would have done badly here as my maths was pants and all my qualifications are in the arts subjects which don’t seem valued here at all.
#5 by Cathy Savels on October 25, 2009 - 21:11
I agree about having to fit the mold. My kids did exceptionally well although neither of them are good at maths but very good at languages. It really helped them. My daughter went back to the UK because she’s a very arty girl and the schools here just didn’t provide anything interesting at all. The same with music although we did all go to the local music conservatoire. It certainly is a very different way to how they educate in the UK!
#6 by laura trevey on November 7, 2009 - 14:16
Oh, so beautiful!!
xo Laura
#7 by Maia on November 11, 2009 - 07:31
I am American by birth, but from a French and Dutch family. My mum born in Holland and raised in France. I spent much time in my early childhood in the south of France, and even went to kindergarten there. My aunt and cousins live in and around London.My two cents is that the constant adjustment process of traveling constantly throughout my childhood did me good. I enjoyed it and it helped educate me on so many levels.
#8 by tialys on November 11, 2009 - 12:24
Thanks Maia.
I absolutely loved reading your blogs and have become a follower. I love your writing style and fantastic pictures. Your daughter looks delightful and the story of the Stella McCartney jacket rang so many bells with me.
#9 by Maia on November 12, 2009 - 06:43
Such sweet dog faces! I am a dog person, a dog-adopter, and a great lover of dogs of all shapes and sizes. My little Australian Sheepdog (heeler) was adopted at two years of age and has been my traveling companion for more than a decade.
#10 by justalittlepiece on February 9, 2010 - 19:35
This is my new favorite blog. I think you may be living my dream life…I must learn how I can too! lol
#11 by tialys on February 9, 2010 - 20:50
I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog!
#12 by humblebea on February 21, 2010 - 20:05
Your house is absolutley gorgeous, as is your blog!
I adore your Etsy shop~ keep up the great work!
Natalie
#13 by smile on March 9, 2010 - 19:03
beautiful place
we will get any room for rent
http://factsss.blogspot.com/
#14 by tialys on March 9, 2010 - 19:09
Well, we’re actually knee-deep in snow here at the moment. Talk about extremes of weather. I suppose that’s what you get for living so near the mountains.
#15 by noisettine on March 18, 2010 - 12:49
Tu es d’où dans le sud de la France ? Nous vivons près de Toulon. ce jardin est superbe et luxuriant… peut-etre que sans nos petits démons, on arriverait à faire pousser quelque chose.
#16 by tialys on March 19, 2010 - 12:14
On est entre Toulouse et Perpignan. Heureusement, vous ne pouvez pas voir les éspaces ou nos petits démons ont faire beaucoup de trous!!
#17 by van on April 12, 2010 - 21:30
Hi Tialys!
So good to know your place. Very NEAT! I’ve hearted your etsy as well.
Happy crafting ans sales!
vijako
#18 by jodie on May 25, 2010 - 23:49
hello again, I couldn’t reply to your comment on my blog for some crazy reason – anyway the fabric you asked about id from Amitie in melbourne !
jod
#19 by tialys on May 26, 2010 - 10:41
Thanks Jodie, Had a look on their website but they don’t seem to have it. Never mind! Saved myself some money I suppose. x
#20 by Patty on January 13, 2011 - 01:07
Hi Everyone! I am new here, so I guess I’ll just butt in, hope that’s ok. Loved to read all your posts – My name is Patty , I am Dutch-born but have been living in Florida for a long time. However, I have been thinking of moving back to Europe, preferably to France. I lived in the South of France (Cannes) as a child, went to school there, and after that visited frequently . So I sort of can relate to all of you! Love to meet kindred spirits here – and , oh yes, I have doggies also, two Cairn terriers, both rescues. I just lost my oldest, she was 15 1/2, and I miss her a lot. Luckily, the other two keep me busy. Greetings!
#21 by tialys on January 13, 2011 - 10:44
Greetings Patty, you are very welcome!
#22 by ReadersHeaven on September 23, 2010 - 14:56
Hi, nice to meet you !
#23 by Judy on October 13, 2010 - 10:40
Greetings! It looks like your dogs are enjoying life. We have three, also, and live in the mountains in Southern California. Your blog is wonderful and I am a new follower.
~~Judy
#24 by tialys on October 13, 2010 - 15:57
Hi Judy, yes, they have a whale of time here! Thanks for following me!
#25 by Anja Rieger Design on November 9, 2010 - 11:46
That´s what I love most: French wonderful flea markets!
Love to spend all day to look around. Just found my way to your blog and I love it – most love to see all these beautiful pictures from France!
#26 by ionemallio on November 10, 2010 - 04:25
muito lindo, tambem moro em sitio, tenho 5 cachorros 10 gatos.obrigado.ionemallio
#27 by eliza keating on April 3, 2011 - 02:07
What a beautiful place you call home..delighted to come across your blog..ELiza Keating
#28 by tialys on April 3, 2011 - 10:52
Hello Eliza – Congratulations on being published – you must be so proud!
#29 by esscentualalchemy on August 16, 2011 - 06:20
Found you via Artfire. I will be reading you now
#30 by Hayley on January 22, 2012 - 15:32
I think you have the life I want!!! and your doggies are gorgeous….Will be following your blog from now on xx
#31 by tolmema on April 20, 2012 - 04:00
Just wanted to let you know that Scott has arrived safely! He’s made quite a journey.Thank you very much; Little Foot will absolutely adore him. I will be posting about him soon and making sure to link to you in it