You know, I initially wrote this post back in January for the New Year and for Christmas but I never posted it. The timing just didn’t feel right so I let some time lapse and now, today, June 11 feels right.

I have officially lived in my dream home, in the suburbs of France now for a year. It’s been officially 1 year and 6 months since I’ve lived my life in France overall.

January is such a month for me when it comes to changes. December has Christmas and New Years Eve and then comes along January and January is the month of my birth and also a sign of renewal and hope.

Exactly, almost 1 year ago, on December 19th, 2023 was my last day on US soil and when I would make the trek across the ocean to become a permanent resident of France.

I had a small going away party at my art gallery and said goodbye to the friends I could say goodbye too and did what I needed to do before I left.

I came with only a suitcase and a carry on and huge hopes, dreams and aspirations.

I didn’t see much of my family because as many readers know, there has been a history that has left to estrangement, so I said goodbye to the small family that I have contact with. I had mentioned to my family years ago when I initially applied for my residency that my goal was to move and live in France and they thought I was “dreaming.” They thought it would never happen.

Interestigly enough, I had been talking about this move for the last 5 years of my life as it was one of my life’s goals; first to become an Internationally known artist and secondly, to live and work in Paris as an artist.

A lot of people are shocked that I not only accomplished it but that I am also doing well. Since moving here, I’ve conntected with numerous artists from around the world; some from Morocco, some from Poland, some from Slovakia and it has been one of the most invigorating reasons for me moving; was to immerse myself in the various cultures that the world has to offer.

Refelctions

Moving to a new country is anything but easy but it can also be super fun and inspiring and in 2024, I found a lot of new experiences that added a richness to my life that wasn’t there before.

Diversity

Granted, America, as most people think of this country as, is the mecca of diversity but this is so not the case. America has it’s own cultures and values independent of anyone in the world. It’s a new country that is still trying to figure itself out in terms of “what does it mean to be American.”

But in France, everywhere you go, there is an intense mingling with cultures found all over the world. You have Moroccan butchers, French restaurants, Vietnamese wineries and they all coexist in these very small, petit spaces. While there is always the positive and negatives to everything in life, the positives here outweigh the negative. Reflecting on this topic, we are trained that differences mean divide but growing up in the US and now living in Europe has shown me that differences really mean strength.

“Fun”

I was just discussing with a friend last night that France is one of the most fun countries. There is literally ALWAYS something to do and sometimes you do have to know where to look. I can say that the more integrated I’m becoming in the society, the more aware I am of “exclusive” places to visit.

Now, exclusivity isn’t always a good thing but I find that it’s almost as if France is telling you; you want to live here, then you need to assimilate and that’s how you get into the society and learn of more of the positive perks of living here.

They have everything from trampoline parks to aquariums and zoos and the food culture is really something to be experienced.

And can we not forget the art culture.

Food

I’ve mentioned before the food and the culture around food and I can say that while I miss most American cuisine, I found that I do like living where food doesn’t make me ill.

I could never eat beef in the US without getting sick and ill and here, I’ve been enjoying meat almost weekly and my body has welcomed this change of diet.

Art

It’s the capital of art.. of course I’m happy here. So why is France, Paris to be exact, the mecca of art? Paris is beautiful by design. There is also an energy here that inspires artists from around the globe.

France is also super close to many beautiful countries with rich culture and history and Paris is the prime target for those looking for beautiful experiences and life.

Paris also has this energy that connects creatives from all over the world with other creatives that are advancing in their artistic and creative careers.

What I Have Learned

Another yearly rotation around the sun and with the holidays and everything and also living in Paris for a year now, I’ve learned some really deep things that apply not only to my personal life but my professional life as well.

Trust Myself

Whether it be to not eat the chicken served in a restaurant because something seems “off” about it or to stay clear away from the man with the glasses, I have realized by making this move and celebrating my birthday that I really always need to trust myself.

I’m huge on intuition and even belong to a group that studies and works on developing intuition and I have realized that intuition is NEVER wrong- ever. The voice inside is always there and always there for a reason.

When you go against your intuition, you are really going against the part of your Self that is divine in every aspect so it;s almost like punishing your self for no reason.

France isn’t for everybody and the majority of American’s that come, can’t wait to go back home but for me, France is my home now.

As soon as I landed, it felt like I was “back” and I’ve been saying that this is where I was going to end up as a child. People ask me all the time what the draw for me is and I can only simply say, “It’s France.”

Family

Most people think of family as the people that are related by blood but for me, I found a family as soon as I arrived in France. There is a saying that the French don’t trust easily but when they do, they are in it for life and I believe that to be true. I have friends here that I’ve actually had several disagreements with and even arguments but we have grown stronger because of our differences and that’s something that I can say a lot of people don’t get to experience.

I think I would go on to say that when differences are discussed, it really only makes the relationship stronger.

The Benefits of Moving and Living in a Foreign Land

The odd thing is that when I left the US, I was ready to shed my American identity. I was ready to leave behind any and everything that made me American but the longer I am in France, the more I appreciate just what makes me…me.

I and the French love my boldness and my ambition and drive. They love the entrepreneurial spirit that I come with and they love, love, love my expression of art.

But the way I express myself is very American and the more I am in a place where I can sit and be with my thoughts, the more I realize that my expression is unique and I wouldn’t have this if I didn’t grow up in the US

There are so many other things that I can write about but it would take a long time for me to write out everything so I will end it here and write more in the next posts

EXCITING NEWS

In honor of my 1 year anniversary, I just secured my first solo exhibition that will be at Galerie Graine in October of 2025. I am honored to be accepted into this gallery and also happy to be creating pieces specifically for this event!

If I had any advice to give to anyone and any artist at this point in their life I would say, take the plunge, do the move and go to the place you always dreamed. It’s literally now or never.