Going to Bordeaux, France, to visit our friends for two weeks taught me a few things. Thought I’d share them with you because maybe you’ll get inspired.
Friendships transcend space & time
What started as afternoons standing around waiting for our little kids to get out of class lasted way past preschool. Trina and Ed, who helped me weather and beat cancer, have been our steadfast friends for over two decades. We hadn’t seen them for years, but it didn’t matter. We picked right back up where we left off from their bustling neighborhood in Bordeaux, instead of Portland, Oregon. It felt like home being with them, a feeling I’ve been grappling with regaining for a long time.
Live your dream while you’re awake
Trina and Ed had always dreamt of living overseas. They made a plan, built a little modern house and rented it on Airbnb, which helped pave the way to France. It took incredibly hard work to make it happen. Once overseas, Trina put down her hairstylist scissors and picked up a paintbrush. Ed never stopped bike riding. Whatever you do, do not say Trina and Ed are “living their best lives.” There’s something so wrong with that statement, like their lives in Portland were only mediocre half-lives?
Look at this painting she not only said reminded her of me, but she gave it to me! I’m like, you should sign and sell your work. You’re a real artist. This is the portrait before signature.
Just add blanket
What’s it like in Bordeaux? Less hectic than Paris. More hectic than smaller towns. To me, perfect. Parks, bakeries, cafes, wine shops and book stores are everywhere. Uneven cobblestones and stairs make exercise part of your day, but you don’t even notice when there are chocolate stores every two feet. What’s not to love? You don’t need a fancy restaurant to get together with friends. Trina tosses a blanket on the grass at the park, opens wine and viola! Instant hangout. Try it where you live, if you’ve got parks sans drug paraphernalia.
It’s the weekend here in Modesto, California, for me. I find myself pining away for salt-topped creme puffs and a French latte, which the guy swore was better than an Italian one. Many thanks, Ed and Trina, for letting us experience your life in France. Most importantly, being our friends all these years.
Next time on Jacki’s blog, we HAVE to talk about French women. They’re bad asses, and I want to be one.
jacki kane 
Love you and loved our time spent together recently in France. You captured it beautifully in this piece. Monsieur Weldon, salt topped cream puffs, delectable chocolate, wine and cheese is all here waiting for your return. Just pack your good humor, which I’ve never known you not to have with you, (even when you were going through horrendous cancer treatment).
Add blanket in the park for our encore!