As 2011 races towards the finish line and I reflect on the year that has almost been... I remember wishful thinking last year for contentment. I wanted to appreciate what was in front of me, around me and beside me. I wanted to work hard but strive for less. I wanted to breathe, to pause for a moment and to enjoy what I have... not what could or might come my way. I think I have.
This coming year I am thinking that I want to 'be in the moment'. That means that I want to enjoy what I am doing when I am doing it. I want to give my full attention to the task at hand... it is so easy to loose focus, to be anywhere but in that particular moment. I don't want to be reading my emails when I am writing, checking my phone when I am talking to a friend or thinking about business when it's time for pleasure. It is easier said than done, like all resolutions, but I'm going to try.
2011 has been my favourite year at French Essence. We are old friends now, familiar souls together with a love of France and all things French. Blogging is such a 'clunky' word for what I consider to be meaningful time spent together... it might be virtual, but it is real. Important friendships have been made and I hope they will continue to thrive in the coming year...
I have come to understand that a blog is only enduring and successful because of its readers. It doesn't matter how clever, how pretty, how smart or how often... a blog lives and breathes for its readers. You are the reason I continue to write... How can there be so much to say about so little? I ask myself this over and over, yet I read a comment or an email from you and it sparks an idea. Your comments and emails bring life, creativity and reason to French Essence... Thank you one million times and more... Next year, after a short break, I will be back with French Essence but for now I am going to enjoy... no indulge in... this Christmas moment... I wish you all a Joyeux Noël and I hope with all my heart that all your wishes and dreams come true...
Merry Christmas from my home to yours... See you in 2012... much love, Vicki xv
images - vicki archer
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Joyeux Noël et heureuse année 2012 à toi et tous les tiens!
Beautifully written Vicki. I think it is your followers who should be thanking you for the pleasure French Essence has brought us.
ReplyDeleteMay your Christmas be everything you wish it to be.
Season's greetings from Australia.
Merry Christmas from Poland!
ReplyDeleteMaggie
Magnifiques!
ReplyDeleteI love every post you write.
I whish to you and all your family a Merry Christmas and an Happy new year.
Bisous from Italy, Babi
Vicki, I love this post! I wish you and your beautiful family a blessed and fabulous Christmas filled with love, laughter, friends, and good food. And a marvelous New Year, in which all your dreams come true!
ReplyDeleteMagically beautiful and beautiful said! Thank you. Happy Holidays to all from Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
ReplyDeleteA very happy christmas to you Vicki, and to your family. Thank you for all the beauty you have brought us during the year - an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteSharon
xox
I've just recently started reading your blog and now it's one of the first I go to every day. You take me back to my two short weeks in Paris last year and rekindle that feeling. We should be thanking you - your photography is beautiful, your words even better.
ReplyDeleteJoyeux noel!!!
Joyeux Noel to you and your family. As a new follower I look forward to working my way through your list of favourite posts.
ReplyDeleteDear Vicki, as usual you have sprinkled fairy
ReplyDeletedust on me.
I intend to LIVE in the moment for the New year.
Oh Please- now if I can focus on the scale and exercise. Wishing you Love and Health
my Darling Vicki. Be well and Happy
yvonne
Vicki dear ... .
ReplyDeleteKnow that your thoughtful words and beautiful images are a treasured part of my life and my daily breakfast tray ! First thing every morning: a French Press of black coffee - fresh fruit - warm buttered croissant (or pannetone) and a side of French Essence.
Many thanks for always being there .. . and all good wishes to you & your family from your friend in snowy Santa Fe -
judith
Thank you for your elegant "blog" it is a joy for an Irish lass living in the US, missing my sister in Paris! I truly, truly love France and I devour everything I can get my hands on. Enjoy being in the moment, see you in 2012
ReplyDeleteVicki-
ReplyDeleteThese images are beautiful, as is this post.
Thank you for the joy you bring to us through your blog! You are one of the most talented and thoughtful people I have met in our virtual world.
Thank you for your friendship and have a Happy 2012!
Teresa
xoxo
Dear Vicki,
ReplyDeleteWell, what a really, really lovely post....I read it just now, having told myself to SLOW DOWN and take half an hour "off"......as I try to shut down this old house, corral the dogs, settle plants and the garden, attend to the dogsitters, and fling clothes into suitcases. Not to mention presents for the entire French family, the 82 year-old Nanny (her name really IS "Madame Paris"), etcetera. Oh.....don't forget trying to get my danged nephew (16 years old, and he's 2 Kewl to use something so Neanderthal as email)) to confirm that he actually GOT the Seattle-to-Cincinatti plane ticket I bought for him. All in all.....too hectic for words....so, your post was a good reminder to just stop, breathe a bit, and remember to enjoy the holidays.
We leave for twelve days in France....in about 3 hours.
Speaking of moving so fast that you trip over your own feet?.....
I frantically finished four large "Christmas" commissions two days ago....got them all matted by the framers and delivered to the clients on the next day. It was just yesterday afternoon that I horrifiedly realized that the portrait I'd done of my remarkably lovely French sister-in-law (a present for Herve's brother, her husband) was G-O-N-E.
Nowhere to be found....and this joint isn't that big. Large, matted paintings just don't go a-missing.......
turns out (and Herve figured this one out while I dissolved into unproductive, hissy-fit hysterics) that I'd wrapped it up with the two portraits of someone's dogs that a husband had commissioned as a present for his wife. I telephoned the man, thinking "I am going to sound just plain-out crazy....". Fortunately, the couple HADN'T yet gotten on the plane for their Christmas travels.The husband (another doctor who works with Herve) unwrapped his wife's presents, found my portrait, and dropped it off on their way to the airport last night.
Rolling his eyes, he said "Well, this is a good thing...I wonder what Sarah would have said when she discovered that I'd commissioned a portrait of some beautiful 'other'-woman for her christmas present...."
Well...thanks again for your good christmas post....and a Merry christmas to you and your family....
Sincerely,
david terry
www.davidterryart.com
As a very recent member of the blogging world, I echo your sentiments. This morning I had no intention of writing, but I was pulled to the computer to mark the 10th anniversary of my mother's passing. Where did that spring from? I, too, feel blogging is a lovely way of communicating and sharing thoughts, hopes and desires. My hope is for a wonderful and peaceful 2012 for all of us. My best, Lisa
ReplyDeleteWonderful aspirations - I have been thinking about the same!! Wishing you and your family the most magical of holidays. See you in the new year!!
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is "mercy beaucoup" Vicki - you have shared so much valuable and fun info. all year, much of which has help me with all my travel. Of course you've also done it in a beautiful way with your elegant prose and gorgeous images, plus always a sense of pleasure which makes each and every post feel personal for the reader. Loved it all, looking forward to next year with you!
ReplyDeleteHappiest of Christmas and New Year celebrations to you and your family.
Mary
Such a wonderful goal to strive for in 2012- I think we would all be happier if we could just stay focused and present feel joy in what's happening now. Thanks so much for so many wonderful posts that have made me smile, made me think, and have started my day with beauty! I appreciate the effort you put into it, and look for to more wonderful reading next year. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMerry Merry Christmas dear Vicki. Enjoy your time with your sweet family. Thank you for taking the time to blog and fill our hearts with all things French. I hope your New Years is shiny and bright! See you next year!
ReplyDeleteXO
Trina
Happy Christmas, Vicki. And the The Best of the New Year as well.
ReplyDeleteLURVE yr decorations!!!
ReplyDeleteBonne holiday
Vicki, I too have just recently started reading your blog and it is now my favorite. I love your photos, your imaginative descriptions and the feeling it evokes, and of course, Paris. I've always wanted to go. One day!! Wishing you and your familya very Merry Christmas! Your resolution for the New Year is fantastic and inspiring and I will strive for the same!! Have a magical holiday! .....From Vancouver, Canada
ReplyDeletejoyeux Noël, Bonne Année !
ReplyDeleteI am happy I found your blog as soon when I launched mine at the beginning of the year. It is a favorite on my blogroll in the morning. Thank you for your creativity, and your talent. As a French woman, I enjoy rediscovering my homeland through your eyes. Thank you, too, for the comments you have left now and then when I posted some of my stories, and for the lovely gift you sent me when I won the giveaway a few days ago. Joyeux Noël, Vicki. I will be looking forward to reading you again in 2012. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful Holiday Season Vicki!
ReplyDeleteYour post today is a thoughtful reminder for all of us to slow down and capture the moment. "French Essence" is always a bright spot in the day and I look forward to your ideas and commentary in 2012.
Laura in Santa Fe
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wonderful blog Vicki and I look forward to 2012!!
xxjoanxx
(that's my "French" signature for you- two kisses on each check as is the lovely French custom!!)
Joyeux Noel, Vicki. I will look forward to your return in 2012 with more insightful musings. Wishing you the most wonderful holiday season ever with your loved ones & friends. Take time to enjoy every moment, but know what? I thought you already did. Sending love...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these lovely words and once again inspiration with us. Blessings to you and your family for a truly special NOEL. Hugs and XX Colette ~ Afrique du Sud
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Vicki, enjoy your break and your family! Thank you for the most delightful year of inspiration ~
ReplyDeleteAnd all of the best to you in 2012,
Nathalie
p.s. the tree and decor are FABULOUS!
Vicki, I am sending you my most heartfelt wishes for a very Merry Christmas with your family all around you. There is nothing better.
ReplyDeleteI can't thank you enough for all of the inspiration you have given me, have given all of us this past year. I like to think of it as a chain that keeps reaching out and on...
Hoping perhaps we can cross the Alpilles in the year ahead?
All my best from Arles,
Heather
PS. I bought Ruinart for Noel--undoubtedly under your influence!
Merry Christmas, Vicki. Enjoy all this beauty you've created (and so generously shared with us.) Wishing you the best in 2012 and always.
ReplyDeleteCatherine xx
Dear Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog daily for about the past 2 years (and have read every single post). I've always been too shy to comment, but I just want to wish you a very happy Christmas and new year! Thank you for all the great posts and hard work!
Elly
Vicki,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, the readers keep us going and there is a valid friendship that exists between blog writers and readers. I so enjoy your posts and have been inspired and even learned a lot from your writing.
Have a Happy Christmas and I will look forward to "catching up" in 2012.
Karen
Cher Vicki,
ReplyDeleteJ'aime bien votre blog. Merci!! Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee! Nancie
Merry Christmas Vicki, and thank you for a beautiful and inspiring blog. After my birthday a few months ago I now have French Essence next to My French Life on my bookshelf. I adore getting lost in France when I need a break.
ReplyDeleteWhat more can I add - the comments above have said it so eloquently. I am also new to your blog, and think you have captured the art of blogging - you somehow connect your readers to the little things which make life so special, and do it with such grace, elegance and charm. Thank you for your French Essence and more importantly your Life Essence.
ReplyDeleteI love how you put things Vicki, it's what I think about blogging (wish there was a better name). It's been great getting to know you, so enjoy coming by.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a really Merry Christmas with your family.
xoxo DJ
Hope you have a very happy christmas and thank you for your lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteHave the most wonderful Christmas with your family and friends Vicki! I will try not to come home with any broken bones, sprains, or other horse-related injuries (this will be interesting). Hope that you have very a festive and perfect week and so happy to hear you are going to relax (you have been working hard this year). You have added much to my bogging pleasure this year. Much love and happy holidays to all of you. Have fun! XOXO
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Vicki, thanks for all your beautiful photos and stories x
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Vicki. Thank you for the joy your gorgeous blog brings to each day.
ReplyDeleteMay all your wishes and dreams come true too.
I have loved seeing French Essence go from strength to strength this year Vicki. You seemed to have taken yourself off for a mini-meeting early in the year, decided on a renewed direction & plan & have executed it just perfectly. So I can hardly wait to see what you have up your very chic sleeve for next year.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely bloggie friendship for another year, I don't tell you enough how much I value it, so your words of wisdom in this post have jolted me. So thank you again for all the words of fun & support you leave for us at The Hedge. MOTH will often say to me these days, 'What's Vicki's post about today?', so that's about the biggest compliment you can ever receive. Have a fabulous family Christmas with all your darlings & I hope Mr.FF takes those shades off long enough to see what magical surroundings you have created for him this Festive Season. See you in 2012.
Love to you all from Millie & MOTH xx
Merry merry Christmas Vicki! I hope yours is a magical one and I admire your resolutions for the coming year, to be present fully in the moment is such a great things to aspire to and I think in light of all that has come to pass in my life this past year that it would be a good resolution for me too!
ReplyDeletexoxo Mary Jo
Happy Christmas Vicki, much happiness and joy this holiday season.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the amazing blog!
Carolyn C.
Merry Christmas to you Vicki, your blog is a wonderful gift that keeps on giving, and I am so happy to count you as a blogging friend.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family a joyous and healthy holiday season and a magical 2012!!
Merry Christmas!
The feathered mask is so passionate and romantic ~ what a gorgeous touch. Being in the present moment is a treasure we can all bless ourselves with. Thank you for adding countless beautiful moments to my days, dear Vicki... enjoy your holidays with your darling ones. See you when you're ready. Love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful .. and you're right, it is a clunky word!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Christmasy photos ... I love the mask!
Merry Christmas!
Merci mille fois ma chère V,
ReplyDeleteIt's perfect and joins my cherished collection of la tours. Parfait!
xx
V
Have a very happy Christmas, Vicki and as ever thank you for your wonderful inspiration !
ReplyDeleteAnd yes you're right there's nothing like being in the moment :-)
Happy holidays to you and yours filled with laughter and bubbly !
xo
Lala
HERE HERE! Oh Vicki, I so agree with your about Blogland, blogging and the FRIENDS behind all the words and images. The last four years of blogging for me has literally changed my life. With two dormant dreams (to use my art to some capacity and to WRITE), blogging is bringing out little by little, these dreams. But it is not just because of the practice and motivation, but I realize now, that it is because of THE PEOPLE who read, comment, send gifts, MAKE AN EFFORT to MEET with me...you are so right. I wish you much continued success in your writing and publishing, for you bring us much charm and grace. My next book store purchase will be your book, FRENCH ESSENCE for I can never have enough French décor books.
ReplyDeleteThank you for making me one of your DAILY CLICKS!!! I am honored! BE WELL et JOYEUX NOËL! Anita
Beautiful photography! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! I'll look forward to your daily posts in 2012.
ReplyDeleteThank you Vicki, so beautifully said - and we thank you for sharing your life with us!! Merry Merry Christmas and best wishes for a fabulous 2012!! ;-)) xoxo
ReplyDeleteMerry Merry Christmas Dear Vicki to you and your beautiful beautiful family! You have been the warmest souce of french essence to my heart when I am not in France. Thank you for filling my fix with a simple image, a simple thought or a sometimes just a simple word. You mean so much to me.
ReplyDeleteA Big Warm Hug~
Janet
Dear Vicki
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post and echoes my sentiments exactly; both about blogging and your aspirations for the past and coming year.
Blogging (You are right-what an ungainly word-we should invent a new one!) has brought me untold pleasure and creative fulfillment in a world I scarcely knew existed just a couple of scant years ago.
Living in the moment is a constant challenge for me but I continue to be "a work in progress" and for that I am also grateful.
Wishing you and your family a beautiful holiday and Blessings and Good Health in the New Year.
xx
S.P.
To you and yours Vicki, all the best in the year ahead. Your friendship is indeed enduring.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Thanks for a year of great posts - you give me a lifeline to France and I almost feel like I am there for a few minutes a day. Have a well deserved break Vicki.
ReplyDeleteWell, it's lunchtime here in Sydney, the miserable grey, rainy weather has gone and there is blue sky, warm weather and a lovely cool breeze. Merry Christmas!
Happy, Happy Christmas, Vicki.
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled and honored to be one of your many readers. You and your blog are a joy.
... it was a great year for your readers ... best in the new year ... we love you Vicki for your positive outlook and for bringing new ideas to our table ...
ReplyDeleteVicki,
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! Hope you enjoy living in the moment in 2012 ~ have a Happy New Year!!
Julie
Oh Vicki. Sharing this bloggy caper with you in 2011 has been an unmitigated pleasure. I revel in your approach to life and the way you share your quotidian delights with us. I'm looking forward to walking this road with you in 2012. Have a gorgeous break. J x
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteDear Vicky:
ReplyDeleteThank you for beautiful, perfect post to end the year, and for all the pleasures you have giving me this year with all your thoughts, ideas, perspectives and humor.
Looking forward to 2012,
Merry Christmas,
francine
Merry Christmas Vicki. Thank you for a wonderful year...looking forward to coming back here after the grand celebration, between leftovers and long hikes and short naps...to check out your links! Trish
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas. I am following you from Rome, Italy.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful, blessed Christmas to your and your family Chere Vicki!!!
ReplyDeleteMuch love and joy in the New Year...
Warmest wishes,
Bisous,
- Irina
Vicki,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful Christmas! Thank you also for the sweet little bird ornament! The perfect addition to the tree this year..
Christina
xo
Hope you had a wonderful day yesterday! We had a beautiful sunny Christmas day down here in Oz. The Moet was popped, too much food was consumed & wonderful gifts were given.
ReplyDelete~ Clare x
Merry Christmas to you too. I found your post very inspiring and intend to put some of the suggestions into practice, starting with over-use of my phone!
ReplyDeleteI love the top 10 for inter joy.....
ReplyDeleteAll of my work I do with my clients and my self work is to come back from the past to the present moment, and the gains are really about being truly ok with what ever is in front of you and knowing there is a deep place with in that we can tap into for our own strength and peace, as every thing else is with out our control...
Enjoy your truly beautiful life with your children and wonderful husband...
xoxo
m
Looking at the comments you should Run for congress, My, My are you popular. I know you would be better that most of them.. Anyway
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, to you dear lady..
yvonne
Happy New Year
ReplyDeleteVicki....thank you for the gift of your beautiful and inspirational blog. I love hearing, reading and seeing all about beautiful France through your eyes. You have a beautiful way of telling even the simpliest of stories and its always a pleasure to visit you. Wishing you an even better 2012!!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, love your blog. Please do check out mine if/when you have a chance www.segur-le-chateau.blogspot.com,happy holidays x
ReplyDeleteBonjour Vicki!
ReplyDeleteBonnes Fetes... Happy New Year... we'll see you in 2012..
Thank you for a wonderful year of French Essence and inspiration!
xoxo
Kit
Very green and red. Very Christmas. Happy New Year too!
ReplyDeleteHello Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI truly hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and that 2012 in an incredible year for you and yours.
I truly find your blog an inspirational and enjoyable read and look forward to reading more about you, the Olive Grove, family and of course more about France in the New Year.
Love,
Lou xo
Happy New Year Vicki - I hope 2012 is a wonderful year for you and your family. Leigh XX
ReplyDeleteHello my dear friend. Happy New Year, new days of happiness.merry chritmas www.evhome.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a new year filled with love, laughter, and all things good and wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhere ever your creative mind leads you, ...
we will follow along to cheer you.
Hugs and happiness,
Patti
your blog is very interesting, chic, beautiful ... I will follow you for some time.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year
Happy New Year and New Year's Eve!
ReplyDeletehugs from Poland!
M.
Dear Vicky, It's been a pleasure visiting
ReplyDeleteyour blog and you in 2011, From the bottom of my heart, I wish you and your family all the best of everything for 2012. Happy New Year/
I have shopped a lot and 3 parties and yes SICK every holiday. My nose is runny, OOOOOH!
here it comes....
yvonne
Bonne Année, Vickie! Your blog has given me so many hours of pleasure this year. Looking forward to another year with you!
ReplyDeleteBisous
dawne
Happy indulgences and all the very best in the new and beautiful year, Vicki. You are such a bright light in my world, and I thank you for all that you are and all that you do.
ReplyDeleteI love your resolutions and am striving for many of them myself.
Peace, joy and happiness in each moment. Happy New Year.
xo isa
I hope all your dreams for 2012 come true. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Vicki! Wishing you so many moments of joy in this new year! You inspire so many with your talent (and as someone said, the feeling you evoke). Sending the good feelings back your way!
ReplyDeleteKirsten
Hi Vicki, we had a little Christmas miracle here... your book (which I ordered online in November) was hand delivered to my door by the local post mistress on Christmas Eve eve - she had forgotten to give it to me when I went to pick up other Christmas parcels and felt bad, so I got your lovely book as a Christmas present rather than a birthday present, Sonya
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning winter wonderland!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very Happy 2012, Vicki.
I'm looking forward to sharing another year with you :)
It will surely be inspiring.
Steve and I will be in Provence in July.
Hopefully our paths will cross.
xo
Brooke