It’s normal at this time of year to look back at the dying year and feel a profound sense of achievement. For me, there’s been so much going on this year, I’ve had to spend a few days thinking about how to try and condense it all into a single blog post.
View from the balcony of my new home.
Of course, I must begin with The Big Move in January. Moving house is stressful at the best of times, but moving country with the cats was even more so. I don’t think I really took on board at the time what a huge undertaking it was, and that’s probably a good thing, otherwise I might never have gone through with it!
February was all about settling in to my new home and new life, ensuring there was enough money coming in to pay the bills, and finding my feet. I remember we had a mini heatwave towards the end of the month; I was walking around in a t-shirt, while my neighbours were still in winter coats. They have since told me that’s when they knew I was English!
Wilding with words.
Spring was slow to arrive in the Languedoc. Nevertheless, I spent a very pleasant and creative time with Bridget Holding at the Wild Words retreat in March. Writing is a solitary activity, but I find meeting up with others gives me a huge boost in confidence, motivation and inspiration.
June was an emotional rollercoaster of a month. I flew back to the UK to be with my parents as Dad went into hospital for a double heart bypass operation. Thankfully, all went smoothly and his recovery has been great, but it was a shame that there were only two of us for dinner as Mum celebrated her 80th birthday. Luckily, the following day, the nurses made him a fabulous chocolate cake for his own birthday, so he didn’t miss out too much!
With Wendy Yorke in June, speaking about my move to France and my editing business.
June was also when I was privileged to be invited to speak at Wendy Yorke’s inaugural writing retreat up near Limoux. It was great to be among other writers again, sharing knowledge and experiences. I’m looking forward to hopefully speaking there again in 2020.
Just as June ended and we entered the French school summer holidays, we were struck by a huge heatwave. Now, I adore heat, and I’m lucky enough to be able to adjust my working hours to suit the circumstances, but I really felt for anyone having to use the Metro in Paris for that first week when the mercury topped 42 degrees. Strangely, this little corner of the far south only reached 39.5 (hah – ‘only’!), but it is so perfect living only a 15-minute drive from the beach at times like that. I spent the hottest part of the day swimming in the sea and lazing in the sunshine with a book. Just amazing!
September was still very warm, which was lovely for when my parents came over to stay for three weeks. Dad was on the mend, and spent his time walking slowly around the village, gradually getting back his strength. It was really nice to see him looking so well after his surgery. I am so grateful I have this time with him. Many people don’t get that chance.
November was NaNoWriMo month
Of course, November is all about National Novel Writing Month. 2019’s win was very special for me because it was the first time I had written 50,000 words for the same book. As a novella writer in the past, my contribution has previously been a mish-mash of two or more books and maybe the synopsis for a third thrown in for good measure. I certainly had a sweeter sense of accomplishment this time round.
Christmas Day 2019, at Racou-Plage
My first French Christmas Day was wonderful. It was a warm day at 21 degrees, so I took myself off to the beach and walked up the cliff to get this amazing view. Getting back down proved to be a longer jaunt that I expected, but 6km later I got back to my car and set off for home and a delicious smoked salmon lunch with fizz.
I’m joining a friend at a nearby ski resort to see in the New Year. It’s been a crazy 2019, but a great finish to a decade that began with divorce and losing my job in the space of three months.
The last ten years have been a glorious journey of self-discovery. I have grown stronger than I ever thought possible, and I might even have become a little wiser, too.
Whatever you’re doing to see in 2020, stay safe and have a wonderful time.
Happy Holidays!
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