As I write this, we are experiencing an abrupt shift from 58 degree days to 70+ degree days. This is what living in the Bay Area is really all about, wild fluctuations in weather and temperature. While today I'm wearing shorts for the first time in several months, I have no doubt that it's too early to be thinking about packing away the merino wool sweaters and scarves. It's still early in the year. And this makes me feel optimistic and hopeful that not only is the best weather still ahead of me, so is the best of what the rest of the year has to offer.
I have one main reason to feel optimistic, and that is an upcoming ceramic residency I'll be doing in France. That would be the South of France. In June. Let's just say that the pottery-making part of this residency is quickly becoming a side note in my mind. Plotting all the things I plan to eat, see, and eat while I'm in France has completely taken over my life right now. I've never been to France and so I've immersed myself in books about the contemporary French way of life and re-learning all the years of high school French I took 25 years ago. It's difficult not to admire the French way of life, with its emphasis on every day pleasures, and taking the time to enjoy these pleasures with focus and a sense of well-being. As an American who indulges in many American habits, like being "busy" all the time, eating on the run, and multi-tasking, I look forward to having some of my routines changed as I participate in French life, and perhaps bring some French attitude back with me to the States
I hope others are feeling inspired as Spring emerges, breathing new life and giving us yet another opportunity to grow and change ourselves.
--Whitney
