Catherine Berry's Blog, page 2

We bought our French village house (Le Cormoran) the year after we returned to Australia from our family’s first French adventure - about which I wrote in ‘But you are in France, Madame.’ It was a heart decision, of that there is no doubt, based on the belief that our French journey was meant to continue. At the time, my passion was such that I brushed aside the implications of inheritance rules,

 Nancy, it has been lovely connecting with you. Thanks for participating in my occasional series, ‘Australians in France.'Can you tell us about yourself and your French connection? I spent most of my life until now living in Australia but took a big mid-life leap last year to come and live permanently in France. In my own defence, there was some logic to the decision. For the previous few years,

July 14. Today is a special day. France's national day? Yes. Publication day for my latest book? Also yes. I had actually intended to have book three in my series celebrating my French-Australian life out to you a couple of weeks ago, but ... life ... including a little run in with the police and a very expensive breakdown. The flashing lights and siren were clearly meant for my husband, Alex, as

July 14. Today is a special day. France's national day? Yes. Publication day for my latest book? Also yes. I had actually intended to have book three in my series celebrating my French-Australian life out to you a couple of weeks ago, but ... life ... including a little run in with the police and a very expensive breakdown. The flashing lights and siren were clearly meant for my husband, Alex, as

“I have just published my third book.” It wasn’t bragging nor was it an attempt to impress. I was still in the emotional aftermath of putting my figurative pen down and in awe that my words had come for a third time. “Interestingly, all my books have come about because of sadness and struggle,” I continued. Woah, again. How had I not realised that before? “I hope you never write another book,” he

Kate's home in Lucenay-l’Évêque in BurgundyKate, it has been lovely connecting with you. Thank you for participating in my occasional series, ‘Australians in France.' Can you tell us about yourself and your French connection? I really discovered France later in life. My first trip to Europe was at 41, with Paris being our first stop. It was definitely love at first sight. Since then, my husband

“Well, I hope you never write another book.”“Thank you.” Distancing myself momentarily from our conversation, I twisted, tweaked and reassessed the words, touched by his compassion.  We had had no contact since our university days but, thanks to the vagaries of random social-media connections, we were talking again. And, how exciting it was to feel the power and anticipation of our

Carcoar. En route to Adelaide. Note free town library"I've finished a bit early. Are you free to pick me up?""Will come as soon as I can. Just helping to prepare my invoice. I didn't anticipate being here for two hours, but I got what I came for and a bit more," my husband replied."No rush. See you when you get here."I tucked the phone in my handbag and, half closing my eyes, lifted my chin,

The aftermath of the flood"You can take more if you'd like."I lowered my gaze and continued to stuff my new-to-me purchase and packet of day-old rolls into the plastic supermarket shopping bag that I had just been given. My soulful tone was in tune with my sincerity."That is really kind of you, but I'm OK, thank you." Donald Bradman's birthplaceTen minutes before, I had walked into the Red Cross

I made my selection from the box labelled 'tomate ancienne 5,90 le kg.' Three only, but chosen with care and weighing in heavily at just over a kilo. Plus une aubergine. "Merci beaucoup. Bonne journée." I turned to go. "Attendez." And a huge handful of sweet smelling basil was plucked from a basket behind the market stall and tucked in beside my tomatoes.                  It was early but I had