Living Intentionally in an Indulgent Culture: Notes From A Blue Bike

January 30, 2014 by Michele Cherie in Contentment, Cultural Reflections, Home Management, Learning Resources, Reflections on Parenting

Have you ever returned from a trip with a desire to live differently? International travel in particular is a catalyst for life change. It provides a view of life rearranged, of priorities and resources altogether different from those at home.

I was blessed to be able to study and travel abroad frequently in my twenties. In Sri Lanka, I observed women sewing shirts priced higher than their annual salary. In Jordan, a family prepared me a meal so savory and generous that my stomach will never be so full again. In France, I grew accustomed to a life in balance, where Sundays for most families consisted of a noontime meal, a nap, leisure time outdoors, and a quality movie on national television.

Today is Epiphany: Three Kings Day in France

January 06, 2014 by Michele Cherie in Cultural Reflections

At this point in January, most Americans consider the holidays to be over, but in many countries, the final holiday of the season occurs this month: Epiphany. In France, January 6th marks l'Epiphanie--also known as Three Kings' Day. Why January 6th? It's the twelfth day after Christmas, and historically Christians celebrated the Christmas season for twelve days. Historic Tidbits: Shakespeare's Twelfth Night refers to the festival tied to Epiphany. And the three kings is a reference to the magi or wise men who followed the star to find baby Jesus.

At a Signpost: The Place Between 2013 and 2014

December 30, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Learning Resources, Cultural Reflections, Contentment

We're given just a few of these days--days when we corral the Christmas decor back into boxes and try to designate a place for the new clothing and toys. It's the holiday break, and routines are relaxing into leisure while the clutter brings with it a rising sense of chaos. If you're feeling a growing need to straighten everything out, I'm right there with you! But hold off a day or two before you take on your ambitions, because the new year is around the corner, and this is the best time to learn.

Post-Christmas Reflections: Joys and Unmet Expectations

December 27, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Weekend Links, Cultural Reflections

Bonjour, mes amis! I hope your hearts are full and your Christmas was memorable. I didn't plan to take a break from writing this past week, but ultimately it seemed best to focus on the significance of Christmas, family time, and sleep!

My family celebrates Christmas somewhat atypically: my parents and siblings haven't exchanged gifts for years; instead, we focus on quality time together over slow meals and a neighborhood walk. Yet in my husband's family, everyone buys gifts for every child, and all gifts are opened at once in a flurry of noisy excitement. The difference in family celebrations is amusing, but I enjoy the contrast!

LIfe with Little Ones Holiday Home Tour

December 19, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Reflections on Parenting, Cultural Reflections

Have you pinned any inspiring photos from holiday home tours lately? Last week I was admiring the lovely photos of Jen's IHeart Christmas Home Tour when I realized that she has three boys, so surely she took those perfect home photos when they were away at school. My little house is cozy and wonderful in winter--but it's evident that we have little ones around! To add some cheer and laughter to your day, here is Intentional Mama's Life with Little Ones Holiday Home Tour:

My Language Love Story: From France with Amour

December 14, 2013 by Michele Cherie in French Language Learning, Cultural Reflections, International Exchange

Bliss: When did you last feel it? I am blissfully in love with a few precious people and a few things: my husband, my children, my family and some cherished friends, and everything French. Because of my French ancestry, I confidently chose French as my foreign language elective in high school. The first day of class was the first day I ever heard the language. The sounds were odd and funny, yet the phrases flowed beautifully. I couldn't wait to learn more.

Fête des Lumières : Lyon's Festival of Lights 2013

December 06, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Cultural Reflections

If you're familiar with Europe, you probably associate December 6th with St. Nicolas Day, but my thoughts always turn to Lyon, France, and la Fête des Lumières (the Festival of Lights) around this date. Having lived there as a university exchange student, I knew nothing about the event until I attended with my host sister. But Wikipedia claims that Lyon's Fête is the most attended festival in the world after Rio's Carnival and Munich's Oktoberfest. While I don't have much confidence in Wikipedia's accuracy, I do know that the festival is an amazing experience.

Simple, Creative Ways to Celebrate Advent and Countdown to Christmas

December 03, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Cultural Reflections

Joy to the world--it's December and Christmas is near! My little ones remind me of the simple joys of Christmastime at home, from candles and recorded carols to cookies and calendars. Advent calendars are one my favorite activities for anticipating noël because they are a concrete way for children to comprehend the passage of time. (Advent traditionally starts four Sundays before Christmas, but it's easier to stay on track by starting December 1st.) If you haven't started a countdown yet, it's not too late to catch up!