Live, love, laugh and listen with compassion

A LIFESTYLE CHOICE

France is a wonderful country with a rich diversity of customs and cultures, our home is in Lot/Dordogne region in small historic village that provides the wonderful life style so many people look for when buying in France, the many ‘Beau villages’ close by, the regular local markets that are full of ambience, sitting outside the french style cafes watching the world go by, the shops that that specialise in their own products, great butchers, bakers etc. the shops open at set times and will open on Christmas and holiday mornings to ensure you have the best of produce, in each region of France there are specialities in cuisine and wine, we live at the heart of Fois Grois, truffles, walnuts, cheeses that are on our doorstep, needless to say we have a wealth of great bistros and fine dinning near by.

We see the chance to move to France as a great lifestyle opportunity that gives a feeling of space and well being with an excellent health and pharmacy support and of course great weather, the only downside is understanding the red tape attached to home buying, visas and understanding the Tax implications but it’s all doable…

Sadly Brexit did make the process of moving to France more difficult with more time consuming paperwork, but don’t be put off it’s worth doing and recent changes are taking place to make this easier in the French Parliament.

There is good support from locals and English publications, there are lists of English speaking Notaire and solicitors in all regions and are easily found.

Our adventure started 20 years ago as we loved all that France has to offer, we chose the area that offered the peace and security and built our lovely home capturing the authenticity of the region, our home is appreciated and admired by all who see it.

The road networks are perfect to explore the incredible regions of France and Europe and for return to the U.K.

For us it has been a great decision to make this lifestyle move!

As I write this the sound of the bells are ringing out in our local church, so lovely!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL. Happy to answer any questions!

Less is really more, we must find our connections to the more important things in life, by kindness, understanding and acceptance of our differences as we are all unique, finding peace, harmony and satisfaction is the most valuable sense of being.

The true purpose of life is to feel peace and satisfaction that we haven’t wasted our time on earth, true satisfaction is found when we are in a state of peace, of non thinking, sensing only the awareness of being, of breathing, of being at one with the wonders of the universe.

As we evolve as conscious human beings, life becomes more meaningful and we realise we can make a little difference in some way, life will bring many different challenges that can be met with more ease.

There is no need to instantly react to most situations, but to go into the space of being in the moment allowing for the deeper understanding, allowing us to respond more consciously by a more powerful intelligence that comes from your true essence.

We all need to have our own moral compass, this deep essence comes from inside each human being, by taking time to observe and empathise to have a deeper understanding of all life.

Spirituality is an energy force that in all of us, it can’t be seen, can’t be found in the brain, it is a power far greater than humans, it is around us to guide us and make our lives wiser and more content, by allowing the time and space, this will stop the impulsive thoughts and actions than can cause so much pain and damage within life, so let us be purposeful without consequence for a more peaceful world.

This time of the year, my thoughts go to my courageous and brave father, who at this time of the year was visibly affected by his own memories of World war 11, thinking of the many soldiers he knew who had lost their lives, expressing how fortunate he was to survive 39 raids, it was clear from conversations that this day November 11th should never be forgotten and all soldiers should command our deepest respect and support if needed.

With remembrance Day upon us where we can take time to think about the reasons behind this important day! And why we must buy a poppy!

The money raised by The Royal British Legion, will go to give support when needed, to our armed forces communities, from the past or present that have made great sacrifices for us.

The poppy appeal first began in America in 1920 by a humanitarian Moina Michael for the soldiers who had suffered in World War 1 and in particular for the Orphans left behind, she was inspired after reading a poem written by John McCrae a soldier and doctor on the battle fields of Flanders, in memory of all he had witnessed and to pay tribute to a dear friend who had been killed.

In 1921, Ann Guérin a Member of the French YWCA, had visited America and after speaking to Moina, she travelled to different parts of the world including Canada, New Zealand and Australia to promote the Poppy as the emblem of remembrance.

In the Autumn of 1921 she met with Field Marshall Earl Douglas Haig the founder and president of the Royal British Leigon where an agreement was reached to adopt the Poppy as the chosen emblem.

The Poppy Factory in Richmond, London was founded in 1922 and the workforce are made up from disabled veterans from England and Wales, today they produce approximately 36 million poppies each year.

http://www.poppyfactory.org/

This incredible support for our armed forces continue to help millions, read the amazing stories below!

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/community/stories/

And don’t forget to buy a poppy!

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Loving life can be found everyday, seeing the sun come up or go down, the wonders of nature, the growth in all living things, in enjoying our favourite pastimes. Travel , Sport, Socialising, spending time with the people we love.

Taking time to appreciate the natural and more simple joys in life, I believe keeps me in a sense of balance and prepares me for the difficult times that are often just around the corner.

Over the years the world has become much easier to access, either by travel or via the internet, the many platforms of social media that have become a necessary part of our daily lives.

So how much of this is impacting on the ability to see what life has to offer? I feel it is important to take stock along the way and take time to question the balance of our own lifestyle, values and how we can make a difference.

What will the real purpose and memories be as we grow older?, it won’t be what we viewed on social media but the experience we achieved  through our own actions and what we  have  seen with our own eyes.

The Cantabrica coast-  Spain- March 2017

Snow on the Pyrenees- March 2017

Boats in the Marina in the Mediterranean – May 2017

A sunset in the Mediterranean – August 2017