Throughout this whole adventure, so many wonderful people had my back. Family, friends and workmates made me feel that it would all be okay, that I was okay, that I had a safe harbour to return to if things went wrong. They didn’t judge, they didn’t lecture — they waved me off with such generosity and goodwill I felt exceptionally humbled. I will forget to mention some of these fantastic individuals, no doubt, but here goes:
My former workmates Leigh, Cherise, Chelsea, Cess and Nadine. Despite me leaving the full-time role after just six months because a man waved his water-mill photos at me, they couldn’t have been more accommodating. (Special shoutout to Cess and Nadine, for urging me to write. Nadine, your feedback on those early chapters was so valuable).
My ex-hubby Lindsay, for taking the dog and daughter to live with him when I left for France. There was initially some understandable grumbling. About the dog, that is; the daughter can take herself for walks. Two years on, he and the whippet are inseparable.
Mary, she of the Venice jigsaw. She listened, read, expressed delight and encouragement at my initial efforts, gently suggested and edited, and was there whenever I felt lost and homesick. It never ceased to amaze me how she always, always picked up the phone. All of this despite the fact we had floated the idea of going to Europe together. I ditched her for a man and she hasn’t just forgiven me; she has been one of my biggest supporters.
Becky, a piece of scaffolding in human form who has stopped me from collapsing in on myself more times than I can count. Her ‘how to be a friend’ philosophy should be part of the national curriculum.
Ditto for Erica and Bill — who made their home my home while I was in the UK. After some five days of wining and dining me like an empress and not letting me pay for a thing, Erica said ‘Do come back any time’ and didn’t flinch when I returned about a week later. She fuelled my creativity with cups of tea and biscuits and was unselfish to the core. Nicky, the true friend she’s always been, also said I had a home with her if my French adventure imploded. The amazing Tricia and Clive, whose company was a miracle tonic during a particularly hard episode, despite having their own grief to contend with. That’s what almost five decades of friendship will do.
Liz and Howard — thank you for your kindness; you are the best. Side note: my mission was actually redundant; you had already proved that love is possible at any age. Philippa for being a champion listener. Kate for standing by me despite having known me so briefly.
Eleanor Black for her encouragement, sage advice and generosity with her knowledge and time. Michelle, Leonie and the team at Allen & Unwin for placing their trust in me, and being amazing to deal with every step of the way. Emma, who edited my ramblings with so much intelligence, delicacy and wisdom. Sophie, the illustrator, for creating a cover that beautifully captures the spirit in which I embarked on this whole affair.
My dear longtime friend Joanna for always, always believing in me and being the sister I never had. You told me you’d drive to France to get me if I said the word, and I know you absolutely would have.
My French friends and neighbours. Merci for all the apéros and kindness.
William and Fiona (and Colin). You are and always have been my guardian angels. The knowledge of ‘Ma’s upstairs room’ galvanised me no end. You are the kindest and best people I know. And Guinness (RIP) — you were the cutest kind of therapy, my little friend.
Last but so not least. My daughters. It was you, not the watermill photos, that set me off on this adventure. I wanted to show you that life doesn’t have to follow anyone’s trajectory but the one you choose. That a little madness is key. Still, I worried you’d see it as selfish. But your generosity of spirit blew me away. You are my constant inspiration and joy, and I love you all the way to France. And back.