13 Comments
User's avatar
Lorraine Tilbury's avatar

One of the biggest life challenges I faced was when I left my parents (in the throes of marital crisis in their home in Greece) to go to France & attempt the French vet school entrance exams, a brutally selective process to distribute the approximately 600 seats in the schools among the 3000 candidates who take the exam. I might take a stab at writing about it.

Expand full comment
Judy MacMahon—Fondatrice's avatar

Oh yes Lorraine please do write about that experience. I for one would be interested to read it.

Merci

Judy

Expand full comment
Lorraine Tilbury's avatar

Merci beaucoup Judy de ton soutien ! I'll do that 🙂

Expand full comment
Maurice Clive Bisby's avatar

Hi Judy ! One has to set challenges to self-develop, even at the risk of a degree of danger. I have done a fair bit, and am currently prepping for a 5,500 Kilometer Bicycle ride, passing thru Perpignan. Wave to me as I pass your window ! Also considering buying a derelict property along the Spanish border. Two projects to keep me occupied in retirement. Life has to be fun, n'est-ce pas !? Peace, Maurice...

Expand full comment
Judy MacMahon—Fondatrice's avatar

Yes, I agree with you. Oh, that sounds so good. what a fabulous challenge. How can we follow you on your 5500 bicycle ride - oh, and the derelict house project, these are the stories I appreciate, Maurice.

Expand full comment
Maurice Clive Bisby's avatar

The easiest way to keep up to date would be to freesub to my new second stack, launching Fri 30 Aug. Not sure yet if "Trike Trek" will be in the 1st pub. Will send you the link in good time. A bien tot ! Maurice

Expand full comment
Feasts and Fables's avatar

Wonderful reflections … and a lovely nod to our wanderings. We are holed up in a quiet retreat on the coast of Wales, listening to the rain hammer into the roof from the coziness of the bed. We’re on a ferry overnight Monday and excited to start pedalling on Tuesday. We’ve missed the gentle simplicity of life in our little corner of France.

Expand full comment
Judy MacMahon—Fondatrice's avatar

Wonderful, Barrie, I look forward to a chat once you've returned and have time to reflect on your cycling adventure.

Judy

Expand full comment
Feasts and Fables's avatar

Fabulous. Thank you for the support and interest in our potterings! Happy Sunday

Expand full comment
Rachel Kaplan's avatar

In 2019, I challenged myself to write my first novel which I completed in 2024, while running my Paris based tourism and events company. I am now working to get it published in the US and France. Next goal is to prepare conferences on extraordinary women and female leadership, while winding down my business

Expand full comment
Judy MacMahon—Fondatrice's avatar

That's a sort of reinvention Rachel, and a lot of work. Congratulations, I look forward to hear that you've secured a publication deal soon.

Judy

Expand full comment
Greg Nathan's avatar

Thanks for that thoughtful commentary, Judy. I have just been watching our home affairs minister Claire O’Neal debriefing the nation on this IT issue. It’s great to see our leaders showing a calm, respectful, rational response. In terms of how I challenge myself, I’m always looking for new and better ways to serve our clients, and not just accepting things as they are just because they work.

Expand full comment
Judy MacMahon—Fondatrice's avatar

Thanks for your kind words Greg. Yes, I too am constantly challenging myself... How can I continue to offer fresh and interesting stories, videos and information about France beyond the cliché. There is a surfeit of information being published daily... my challenge is to find fascinating stories, inspiring people, and superb places, often off the beaten path and to tell the stories in a human rather than clickbait manner. My other challenge is to constantly stay on top of technology, especially if it can add more and energy to MyFrenchLife Magazine.

all the best

Judy

Expand full comment