Five years ago this month, we took possession of our beautiful apartment in Paris. The city was still in lockdown, no stores or cafes or restaurants were open, Brexit had just gone into effect (this was relevant due to David’s British citizenship and our French residency) and we had very minimal furniture or possessions as our container shipment would not arrive for six months. And we still had to return to the Pacific Northwest in the summer to put our much-loved US house on the market and sell it.
But none of these challenges reduced the joy we felt at finally arriving in Paris. Our 5-year visas were in hand and we had a gorgeous place in our ideal neighborhood to call home.
Living here has been a dream come true and a promise fulfilled. I can honestly say that, for me, in a lifetime of many grand adventures, being a full time Parisienne has been the grandest of all.
We are often told “you are so lucky”, and we certainly know we are lucky and extremely grateful everyday. And of course, one makes their own luck. Our move here was the culmination of years of persistence, overcoming obstacles and working steadily to achieve our vision. When I tell you that we moved here in the middle of the pandemic and Brexit, you will get an idea of our determination.
At the time, it seemed a crazy idea. We owned a charming vintage home with a breathtaking garden that was a true sanctuary with wildlife, birds, giant evergreens and the hundreds of plants we had put in over the years. To pull up established roots in the middle of a global crisis, with the deadline of Brexit affecting our French visa applications, seemed more than foolish.
And yet, we knew that if we didn’t do it then, it would be put off for more years and then likely never happen. And it was hard. Selling our home (we made sure the new people loved it as much as we did), leaving family and comfortable routines and knowing the challenges ahead in settling in a foreign country were daunting. But we forged ahead and didn’t look back. At least not much.
So, bit by bit, I started to make our new home fully livable. I was able to do online purchasing, even during lockdown, to acquire basics like kitchenware, linens and some furniture (although lead times were sometimes months long.)
But finally, it all came together. My dream of crafting a life immersed in the aesthetics of an environment like no other became my reality. A place of infinite inspiration, where awe and wonder await.
Did I go through a lot? Mentally, emotionally and physically, yes, a LOT. Do I regret it? Not at all. Was it worth it? Absolutely, without any doubt!
I have been asked so many times about this journey. And I have documented it in detail. So, I’m happy to share that I am currently about one third of the way through writing a book about what brought me here, beginning with my first visit in my teens, and many subsequent serendipitous occurrences which led me to live, not only in this neighborhood, but on this very street.
I look forward to sharing it with you.
À bientôt.
xo
G
p.s. In case you were wondering, yes, we have renewed our visas for ten more years!
I’m so happy you persevered despite all of the obstacles and finally achieved your dream. You worked so hard for decades and finally made it happen. There is no one more deserving! Cheers to 10 more years (at least) in Paris! 🩷
Hi Stacy!
Ah, thank you so much. If I have any motto, it’s never give up! I so appreciate you being happy for us and for cheering us on. Now to get you over here!
xo
G
Dear Georgianna,
I am so happy for you that you are living your dream!!! And after all the obstacles, you deserve all the more credit for getting there! I am one of your most appreciative customers – i thank you for all the pretty photos and books you give us to make our days more beautiful!
Best always,
Kathleen McMahon
Kansas City MO
Dear Kathleen,
Thank you so much! I am so appreciative of you and of your interest and support of my work. It means so much to me that you enjoy my images and books! Wishing you a most joyful spring.
Love from Paris.
Georgianna
x
I had just lost my husband right before covid, then my mom, dad and brother . It is true , time heals and offers wonderful new opportunities. Your photo’s and books reminds us that life is beautiful when we live day to day in wonder. So happy you made the move ! The photo of the desk and flowers is gorgeous and needs to be available as a photograph!! Looking forward to your new book. Best wishes for the next 10 happy years!!
dear precious Georgianna! This is sooo heartwarming & dear to hear of how you both made your precious dreams come true! Your photography is a gift for the heart, & flowers are my heart sooo too! It’s Spring all year round in our lil cottage in CT but am always, always dreaming of France! The photography of sweet you & your gorgeous home is just beautiful! I sooo look forward to reading your book with all my heart, to dream along too! Take the best care! :)
Hello, my dear!Thank you so much for your joyful and enthusiastic message. I can envision your sweet cottage filled with flowers and touches of France and it must be purely magical! Sending much love from Paris and a very Happy Spring! 💕💕💕💕
So glad your dream came thru. I know you’re enjoying every day. You are in a beautiful place!
Thank you so much, Nancy! I always appreciate your kind wishes. Come to Paris! x
Really an amazing achievement. Can’t wait to see the finished book!!
So well done!!
Thank you so much, David!
Having been fortunate to have experienced the beauty of your garden and home in the Northwest, I understand the angst it must have been to sell it. But now living in the city of your dreams (and mine) I know you must be living your best life. I can’t wait to read your story when it comes out.
Have a beautiful spring,
Debi
Hi Debi!
Yes, that was a very special visit by you and Lori. I’m glad you got to see it, too.
We had quite a few offers on the house and everyone loved it but the people we went with were passionate gardeners and we felt they would be wonderful custodians.
Wishing you a beautiful spring, too!
Georgianna
💕
I’m looking forward to your stories about how you got to Paris! The Pacific Northwest is beautiful (and how perfect that avid gardeners took on the magic of your garden there), but Paris is a one-of-a-kind, not to be missed adventure. You are blessed!