Out here in the countryside, we live a pretty simple life. My husband and I both have our offices at home, so nobody is rushing to commute to work. Of course, the luxury of working from home is being able to structure your time, and in my case escape to my garden or to the surrounding countryside when the emails pile too high.
We live in a valley in Normandy, about an hour west from Paris. Previously we have lived for many years in Provence, and in Paris, but for the last 30+ years we’ve called Normandy our home and I love it. I partiucalry love making the most of the early mornings here. Getting up early and going for a walk before the days starts, feels like I’m stealing some extra time on the day.
This morning I did just that, and as I headed down towards the river, the morning mist draped the valley in a mysterious veil, through which the sunshine peeked to play with the shadows. Everything felt soft and calm. The birds were in good voice, but at times the mist was so thick I couldn’t see them.
Some people meditate by sitting quietly, but I think for me, the closest I can get to meditation is either on a morning walk or swim when I’m alone with my thoughts, and aware of the nature around me. These moments can give us an energy boost, and allow us to put our ideas in order before the busy day kicks off.
After my short walk, I wandered into the village to stop by our boulangerie. Nothing quite compares to that moment when you open the door and the smell of fresh bread and croissants hits you. Our boulangère always greets me with a cheerful ‘bonjour’, and I leave with a baguette tucked under my arm.
Back at home, breakfast is never complicated. Slices of warm bread with butter and homemade jam are usually enough. Always fresh fruit as well. And a cup of tea to start the day. My husband and I usually sit at the kitchen table, listening to the news, and enjoying a a few minutes together before we each head to our desks, and for me, the craziness of running three businesses gets started.
It’s all very simple, but that’s what I love most about living here. Life moves slowly, and each day has its own quiet rhythm. The walk through the fields, the visit to the boulangerie, and the routine breakfast all make life in the countryside feel grounded and peaceful. These small pleasures are easy to take for granted, but I never do.
How about you? Do you take a moment to slow down and reflect before the day gets going, or are your mornings full speed ahead?
21 comments
How lovely to read this first thing this morning. I admire your beautiful writing and your morning rituals. It is all very grounding and a precious way to start a new day. Thank you, Saundra Friedman
You are living the peaceful life I have always wished for.
so beautifully written, I could hear the birds and smell the bread!
Thank you for making my morning beautiful!!!
As my boys get older they need me less and less in the morning but I’m loving our routine of having a bite to eat together before everyone heads off for the day. It’s nothing formal or fancy but the act of eating together uninterrupted by devices is a time I enjoy with my husband and boys. I see a not so distant future where they’re launched and I won’t have these moments as often. I’m trying to savour them while they’re still here.
Mornings these days are slow and enjoyed outside when the weather allows here in Arkansas and it isn’t too hot and humid, with a rosary, a cup of coffee or tea with precious furry family members. Enjoyed the gorgeous morning photos! Please do a feature of Les Buissonnets in Lisieux, home of St. Therese of Lisieux there in Normandy! It would be lovely!
*Sigh* franki
Such a pleasant post -I take my hat off to you for running 3 businesses . I was lucky to spend a couple of hours in the garden this morning, and for some reason I always think of you when doing so. It must be the inspiration I get from your magazines and socials. Thank you for all you do to remind us how to live well.
I’m thankful to say at this time in my life I’m able to take the days slow. Love being outside with nature. Your morning walks do look serene.
A simple life and a very beautiful one.
I always start my day with a walk, leaving the house before daylight. I walk alone for a couple of miles then return to the house, get the dog and walk for another mile, maybe more. These quiet walks are the best way for me to begin my day and watching the sun come up is the icing on the cake.
Toujours très agréable de vous lire, nous vivons mon mari et moi sur le bord d’un lac au Canada (Québec) depuis 2018, j’aime profitez de ses moments de grâces quand le soleil se lève ainsi qu’au moment du coucher, les couleurs à travers les arbres et sur mon lac. J’ai appris à profiter de la vie. J’aime le calme. Bonne journée à vous. Louise
Now that I am not working mornings are a joy. I spend time reading my Bible, walking on the trails in our woods and spending time in my green house puttering. In May we visited our son who lives in Belgium and spent time in Normandy on the back roads meandering-it is so beautiful.
Personally, I try to take a few minutes before diving into the day, though sometimes my “calm time” is playing a round of Geometry Dash Lite— oddly enough, focusing on those jumps helps me clear my mind before the real work begins!
Discover the joy of spontaneous creation in Sprunki, where even silence becomes part of your next great melody.
looks beautiful! My dear friends have visited Normandy several times, and they also follow MFCH!
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