TODAY'S WORD: avoir la niaque (also: avoir la gnaque)
French: Être très motivé, être capable de soulever des montagnes. (Wikipedia)
English : To be very motivated, to be capable of moving mountains
ECOUTEZ – Listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's French word:
Avoir la niaque. Aujourd'hui, je n'ai pas la niaque pour continuer ce projet de vignoble au Mas des Brun.
To be motivated. Today, I am no longer motivated to continue this vineyard project as Mas des Brun.
JEAN-MARC'S OPEN LETTER
Kristi's last post about our interrogations on our future have generated a lot of comments and we would like to thank you for the kindness and thoughtfulness of all of them. Even if some of you have supported us in our thoughts, true is that some of you did not understand the reasons of a potential move to the US which can actually be questioned and debated for many reasons.
But first things first : Why do I feel the high need to discontinue this wonderful venture with Mas des Brun ? Well, to summarize it, this is the story of somebody who somehow thought that most difficult part of the job had been done when we moved here (after a lot of searching, we had finally found the right place) and who has been totally blinded by the enormous amount of work needed to create this winery. I have so wanted to root down in this area that once we found this "promise land" and had the chance to create a vineyard, I did not see the immensity of the work needed. Because I was in a sort of "euphoria" phase, I kept telling myself that one way or another, I would find the solutions, all the while discovering the immensity of the tasks. After 4 years of working hard, most of the time taking bad decisions on problems to solve, I have the feeling that I totally burned my wings, especially when, since last year, we are having to face a very difficult and potentially very big problem with administration after the decision I took to clear a parcel (removing many trees) in order to plant vineyards so as to move on with this difficult project to build a vineyard. This case has also corresponded to when I broke my elbow and when the first signs of depression hit me as I started to realize that I was meeting more and more problematic issues on my project.
After almost a year of thinking black and even some very low moments, I now realize that I am 50 years old, that I don't have the financial means to make this project happen (at least to reach its initial goal which is to plant 10 acres of vines), I would need to hire somebody to help me which I can't (I am not paying myself already) and that it will take me another 10 years to eventually put this vineyard to orbit. By then, I will probably have totally broken my back, worried most of the time, praying for sun when rain comes in the Spring, for rain while the summer drought hits the vines… And then, I tell myself : I hopefully have 25 years to enjoy life on this beautiful planet… Of course France, and especially where we live, is gorgeous but there are so much more places that I would like to discover. Since I certainly don't want to continue being depressed and anxious ("je n'ai ni la niaque, ni les moyens), I now feel the need to turn the page, while staying positive, which explains our decision to sell. After all, the sweat, the broken back, the worries might be compensated by a little profit since we did pick our first grapes this year, built a small winemaking facility and made our first official wine to now have on the ground 10 000 vines when there was nothing growing 4 years ago.
Now, why the US ? Well, because this is also our family's culture. Even if we have always lived in France, we feel the US is home too. Kristi's family live there and we have not seen them often. We want to be able to enjoy them more often. We also have very good friends and it is indeed a country where I could express my wine knowledge. I only had great times while visiting with our family or touring the different States with Domaine Rouge-Bleu.
I know well that social security is not the same but we have the chance to still benefit of the French social security in case of serious emergency. Some people tell us that USA is not secure. Well, I am not sure, which is safer: Europe (situated at the door of a potential third world war that can happen in Syria, Israel, Turkey…) or the US. I am not mentioning here the potential issues with war migrants and terrorism which I think is much more worrisome in France than in the US.
Some readers are concerned about our kids : Our plan to is to bring Jackie with us and find her an Art School to develop her fashion skills. Max is currently in a Business school with one year to spend overseas and he is almost 22… About my own family and my Mom, my sister now lives 30 mns away and my brother 1 hour away. I have taken care of my Mom since I was 20 and I don't feel bad if I have leave her, coming to visit her probably once or two times a year.
Colorado ? OK, no more sea urchins but Nature is just splendid there and I love the mountains as much as I love the sea. Also, global warming will certainly make the winters smoother. Heidi and her kids live there and it is very central to go visit family in other States with even a direct flight to Puerto Vallarta where Jules lives. But if it was my call, I would choose Portland, OR which is my preferred city in the US. The only restriction for not moving to the US would be a total unexpected and very worrisome election result on November 8th….
But we are still here, thinking about options in our lives and so far nobody has made an offer to buy our place. You, Dear readers with your kind comments are helping us make the eventual decision. Nothing will happen if we don't sell this place and we might not sell it if we don't get the price we want. We also might ending up 2 miles away if we sell (see this update written 10 months later…) and we also might live here forever. Only God knows, let Him guide us.
In a field of ancient olive trees, Jean-Marc waters his baby vines during the drought
RELATED POSTS: Click on the titles, below, to read the blog entries
If We Left France, Where We Could Move
To Come to a Decision: On Turning the Page of Our Vineyard Dream
Accidental Cassoulet : An update on Depression
Photo of me and our daughter, Jackie, taken behind our home.
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That was a beautiful and sincere letter Jean-Marc. As you say, only God knows where we will eventually end up…wherever it may be, I know that God will bless you, Kristi and your family.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Very brave of you. I am just curious… what is the price you are asking for your house and vineyard? Do you have it listed on the internet?
To you and your family, all the best.
OMG! Life is complicated! Just sending you all best wishes.
Jean_Marc and Kristi:
Thanks for your awesome letter. I would just lack to add my voice to those who would be disappointed if you end up leaving France, but please know that you are NOT letting down your readers, who wish only the best for you and your family. Whatever you decide, God bless…
Dear Jean-Marc…. so soulfully expressed! I truly believe that you will succeed in whatever place you two decide to go. We are both 75 and have been married 55 years and during that time we made 18 moves , including to Hong Kong, France, Hawaii and Alaska. All were upward moves for my husband, an architect and urban planner. We have 2 children, 11 years apart and it was not easy on them. They are 55 and 43 now and look back on their youth as a grand adventure. They are both nomads like we were also! Life is and adventure each and every day and one must take their chances and hope and pray for the best. If you decide to come to the USA, we welcome you all with open arms and wish you all the happiness and success in the world. There are many opportunities for all of you here, just waiting to be discovered! Keep your courage and resolve up and there is nothing you cannot do! My fave saying is ..’Man plans, God laughs’!, however, he will look after you and your family and a year from now, you will see and understand that life is change and it can be wonderful! Carpe Diem! Judi Dunn, Tallahassee, Fl.
May I encourage you to check out Oregon? The Willamette Valley has a temperate climate and is only 2 hrs. from the coast. Colorado is not far for a visit.
I applaud you for having the sense to realize what an endeavor that you undertook in creating a vineyard, and to take pride in the vines that are in the ground.
My earlier comments about the Willamette Valley still stand and the area around Salem is beautiful. My granddaughter graduated this year from Willamette University and I visited often. Plenty of moisture there.
My family will be attending a dinner on Friday night with a dear friend from Balleroy, and of course we will be full of questions about her safety concerns. I do not think she would leave France but her only son just married and her grandchildren are here in California.
From your writing and Kristin’s I feel that, together , obstacles will be overcome.
Dear Jean-Marc & Kristi – God’s blessing and covering to you and your family. He will provide a way when you put your trust in him. It sounds like you are seeing this as an adventure instead of a loss – what a wonderful outlook! It’s ok to change your mind and your plans – run with it!! And if you end up moving to America – Bienvenue aux États-Unis. ♥
You guys are wonderful! Totally understand! Can’t help but mention that I have seen the film Jean de Florette probably 20+ times and there are some reminders here in your post of Jean Cadoret’s plight which did NOT end well! If you haven’t seen it recently I recommend to watch it!
You know yourself better than anyone else! Follow your instincts, guided by your own inner light! Just because it is “un reve” for some Americans/English folks to set up house + a magical farm in France doesn’t mean it has to be your “reve” anymore!
Much love, encouragement, and all the best from this world and world after to you all!
-a reader from Seattle
Such a thoughtful, contemplative, measured letter. Thank you, Jean-Marc and Kristi for the gorgeous language, the heartfelt message and the absolute candor.
Together, JeanClaude and I (who still split our time between la belle France and NY because of family and financial ties) wish you all of the elements necessary to arrive at an informed decision for your family and for yourselves.
You are young, healthy, talented and inspired: you will be successful and find happiness no matter where you settle and what you next undertake.
Ayez la frite!
Jean-Marc,
Ce n’est pas necessaire d’expliquer vos intentions de faire quelque chose. Nous sommes les lecteurs du blog, pas votre famille.
Je vais prier pour vous et votre famille…Kristi et vos enfants. La vie est difficile. Dieu vous benisse.
DearJean-Marc:
75 years ago my parents and I were living in France when the Nazis invaded. My mother thought the French would protect us,but my father felt we had to leave. It is true that those were horrible times for Jews but had we not followed my father’s advice I would not be alive today. I believe that you will know exactly what your next move will
be and not question it. You will make the right decision. My Dad always said “follow your gut” and you will make the right decision.
I am sending you and your family my heartfelt thoughts and prayers.
Dear Jean-Marc,
Change is good. Those of us who have come to feel we know you and Kristi wish you the best–you are both still young, why not try something different??? Oh, and I live in Portland OR–I remember when you came to our little wine shop near me–you would both love it here!!!
Wishing you well in a new adventure
Joy
Even though you are a total stranger to me. I’ve followed you and your family for about 4 years. I am happy that you have regained your focus on life and charted a new course. It must be difficult to leave France. It’s such a beautiful country. I live in California and we love to visit Oregon too, Ashland area of Oregon. Lots of wine making in the Applegate Valley and that area. If Trump is elected on 8 Nov, then I will move to France! Salut!
It is truly wonderful that you want to share your decisions and why you are deciding to move. But in reality you both don’t owe us any explanation. It is your life and you have to do what is right for your family. I must admit I find it “sad” that people have to question what you both want to do. I know sharing your life on this blog opens up to comments, yet I always hope that it would only be supportive. Wherever your family goes I will be here to read the adventures.
Sending love
What a beautiful, heartfelt, open letter – we are all wishing your family the best
Others have commented on emotional and spiritual issues. I’ll make some practical comments.
Nothing like getting sea urchins directly from the sea, but Denver (and I’m sure Portland) has many restaurants with good sea urchins on offer: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Sea+Urchin&find_loc=Denver%2C+CO
and Seafood Landing (https://www.yelp.com/biz/seafood-landing-denver) sells fresh ones.
Ironically, in my opinion, there is more difficulty finding good Provencal rosés.
Jean-Marc,
It appears you have thoughtfully considered your options and are
waiting on direction. You are in a good place. You said, “God knows..and
“may He help me”. You have turned to the right source and perhaps are
asking, “What is God up to?”
Jeremiah 29:11 has helped me personally in guidance for the future when
it seems my dreams have been dashed to enlarge my vision..”For I know the
plans I have for you, “declares the Lord,”plans to prosper you and not to harm
you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I have forwarded a study on Jeremiah to the web site and possibly you would
enjoy walking through it. It is poetic, like you and Kristin, and talks of lands, crops,
joys and losses!
You two have been a blessing in my life as you have allowed your personal journeys
to encourage my life..Thank you for your transparency! It is a great gift!! Of course I
love France too😘
Grandma Mary from Colorado
(We would love you to come to our favorite place👍)
Kristin, you may remember me, and my friend Alice. We had lunch with you 3 years ago when I was in St. Saturnin for an extended stay. I live in Colorado, in the far SW corner in Durango. If you make the decision to move to the US, this is a wonderful place to be. And Denver is so vibrant, if you want a large city it is one of the best. If you want a smaller town, with a wonderful, welcoming community, but still big enough to have a college and many restaurants, come see us down here in the 4Corners area. We have spectacular scenery, welcoming people, and local vineyards
Good luck with whatever you decide. You can be happy wherever you choose to be, and have a life that is full of friends, commitment and community. Trish
JM, bien dit. ; )
Wishing you the best where ever you land! Don’t leave your blog
behind, I do look forward to your words and insight! Love
That you share with us! Perhaps the best is yet to come!
Best-Linda
Dear Jean-Marc
Your note left me a little unsettled, in a good way, as it hit very close to home. I am a little older than you are, and have been in the wine industry most of my adult life. I can think of no other business to be in. To take a product of nature and create something that could bring joyful memories to people’s lives was a gift.
I was a winemaker in the Napa Valley during the crazy days, only to eventually open a small winery in southeastern Washington in 2004. It was growing until the financial crisis hit. It was clear that this project was not going to make it. It hurt. I was a casualty of the recession, but never a victim.
As I took some time away from it to heal my wounds and regroup, I noticed that my country was not what it once was. I questioned whether I still wanted to be surrounded by the division and hate that I saw (we’re currently in Florida). We had planned to move to Dordogne once we sold our house, hoping to find a nice village to grow old in. We wanted to escape the dark times that seemed to be looming, the suppression of freedom that could come with a Supreme Court that would take us back to the Stone Age. Then Bataclan occurred. My fiance, who had never been to France, said she would not go until it is safe – whenever that would be.
After much soul-searching, we came up with criteria that would satisfy our concerns. (1) We had to be near the wine industry, even tangentially. We love the business, and we love the people associated with it. This is Life with a capital “L”. (2) We had to be in a location that was viscerally appealing. That meant hills, trees, agriculture and small towns. (3) For business reasons, we had to have an accessible airport within an hour or so. (4) Housing prices had to be reasonable. (5) It had to be socially accepting of different viewpoints. (6) and most important – there had to be room for a terrain. There a couple of Petanque clubs in the Portland area.
As it turned out, we found McMinnville, Oregon as the place to move to. It is about an hour south of Portland. The area can be gloomy from the rain, but as long as you are with the ones you love, and have plenty of firewood, it can be a rich and fulfilling life. Please be informed however, that the dominant cepage is Pinot Noir as opposed to Mouvedre. Always one to literally keep his hands dirty and stained, we can legally make three barrels of wine a year for home consumption.
It is a hard lesson to realize that not all of your dreams can materialize. I know it was for me. Your dream in Bandol sounded absolutely wonderful! I am sorry that you could not finish it, but I also feel that maybe the next adventure will be even better.
With best wishes, and hopefully we will see you in Oregon.
Jeff
i strongly wish you would not move to france!
Dear Jean-Marc,
It was good to read your story. Thank you for sharing. Sometimes life brings unexpected choices. It’s interesting that you and your family may move to the US and I am moving to Southern France next year! I am sure everything will be okay for you and yours and for me!
Take care!
-Diane
Come to Oregon! You can be surrounded by vineyards and the wine culture and get involved at many levels…or just sip and enjoy the wine, the beer, the sake … in gorgeous surroundings.
thank you for sharing your heartfelt story, you don’t have to though.
whatever you decide, by now most of the readers all come to know, you will do your best wherever you are.
again, really appreciate your open letter.
glad to know i am not the only one that is struggling with life.
Jean-Marc, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Best of luck to you. Good wishes to you both and bon courage! It is daunting, I am sure, but it is also exciting. A new chapter. Whereever you “land”, you will find happiness and comfort in each other as you have shown us through these little peeks into your life.
Cher Jean-Marc…Thank you for your clear, heartfelt explanation of your family’s situation. You do have many difficult decisions to make. I live in Portland, Oregon and I highly recommend it. My husband and I decided to move here in 2008 from Paris where we had lived for 12 years. We moved to Paris from Texas. I love Paris..and the beauty that is France, but we needed to come “home” to be with family and chose Portland to be near friends. Family are in different states, but we can travel easily to see them. We also love the wealth of beauty the state offers. We are about 1 hour from forests where we can hike and about 2 hours from the Pacific coast and beautiful beaches. There are beautiful vineyards all around Portland–the Willamette Valley is especially good for vineyards. There are a lot of French who live here already! You need to make a decision that is best for your family, of course. I wish you and your family the best in making a decision whatever it may be. Again, thank you for your story.
Dear Jean-Marc,I was really touched by your letter.
My husband is a professional counsellor and psychotherapist who,in spite of all his training, suffered anxiety and depression for some time.Thus, it was in desperation, that we trialled some specially created music for children and adults with auditory sensory dysfunction – a relatively unknown learning disorder. Why am I telling you this? Well, my husband began listening to a CD of this exquisite music (free on Youtube)
for 20-30 minutes per day – and within a day or so, he was a new person – no anger, crankiness, or depression. Mr Nice Guy was back. However, if he stops listening for a few days, he is prone to regress… hmm, we are all wired differently, n’est-ce pas? He subsequently has had similar great results with clients and several other adults and children. It has to be the most effortless option if you are at all interested in giving it a try through this time of uncertainty and decision-making. The process is said to work best with head-phones, while sitting quietly. However, my husband, the rule-breaker, often listens on an iPod while going for walk.Bonne Chance – if you decide to give it a go: it has transformed our lives.Warmest regards, M.
Bonne courage to you both. Keep asking for guidance and I am confident the way will be shown to you. New chapters in life can be very exciting and revitalizing.
Sincerely,
Jan
Yes, we are all affraid of another 4 years of Obama ……………….
Dear Jean-Marc and Kristi,
Tenacity is considered a virtue, but knowing when to change direction is a higher form of wisdom. I wish you both all the best, and by the way, Portland Oregon is a beautiful city with many cultural amenities. Welcome home, Kristi.
What an honest and heartfelt letter. Only you two can say what is best for you, and I think it’s an exciting life change! (I always hear the greatest things about Portland, if you really are considering it.) For sure, if you are going to be in the wine business, being French has a huge benefit in terms of how you’re viewed and accepted. 🙂 Bonne chance à vous tous, ne lâchez pas – vous méritez le meilleur !
After reading the above comments I realize that what i was going to say has been said many times so I will just say that after following you and your family through this site, I care about all of you and know that you will make the right decisions for you as you are all brave, loyal, loving and truly dedicated to each other. Hugs all around.
Merci from the bottom of my heart for your openness with us, Jean-Marc, in sharing all that has led to this exciting hope of relocating in America. Midlife is so often a bittersweet time of new realizations and major shifts. I believe that all will go very well indeed for you and Kristi to ‘make it so’. Since, as Kristi’s readers, we feel like extended family, it is no wonder there have been so many ‘nosy’ questions! In speaking to us with such candour and clarity, you honour us. A warm embrace to you … with welcome in it for your choice of destination. The change you are creating, whatever the result, is a strong and beautiful thing. May you have many more than just 25 years of renewed vitality and joie de vivre. We love, admire, and respect you all.
The link to the COMMENT button for Marc’s letter is broken : Cannot find server.
That being so, if you move to the Etats Unis, I hope you will make Sonoma County, California your wine home. Portland is a good choice also, with lots of nearby wine regions.
Bon chance, a votre sante…
Thank you, Jean-Marc, for your lovely and heartfelt letter. I wish you and Krisi the best in whatever you decide. You all will be in my prayers!
Oops, I meant to type Kristi!
A beautiful letter.
Perhaps you could lease your land/house to another wine company or a person looking for such an opportunity (you have done all the hard part already!)
I live on the Central Coast of California which has a relatively new but very productive wine-making industry.There are many young winemakers who graduate from UC Davis or Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo who are looking for options and opportunities; or even seasoned winemakers at vineyards who would love the experience of working on a vineyard in France. There are a couple of wineries owned by French citizens or co-owned with Americans. One I believe is is Tablas Creek in Paso Robles. Perhaps you could contact them and find out if they know of anyone with such an interest (and of course backing). There are, I am sure, other French-owned properties in Napa or Sonoma.This way you could keep the property and have it pay for itself and still enjoy a respite in the US. (I agree Portland is great). Perhaps you have traveled the West Coast of the US on previous occasions selling your wine so perhaps tap on some of your contacts made while doing that.I wish you luck. PS I have a similar situation of a dream brought up short in Italy (sans vignes) so I empathize.
I ran across this post on Facebook and feel compelled to comment. I believe we met briefly at a wine dinner in Houston several years ago. Sometime after that, we moved to a “paradise” on the Olympic Peninsula. Though our circumstances were different, I too took on way too much. I understand the euphoria at first, followed by overwhelm as the work takes over. We are also in the process of making a big change in order to enjoy life more.
We wish you the best in making what must have been a difficult decision. Congratulations on your willingness to remain true to yourselves and to recognize when change is needed.
Dear Jean-Marc,
George and I have admired your élan, your joie de vivre and your courage and believe that you will approach the next opportunity with the same energy and enthusiasm. As we move through the stages of our lives change is inevitable, defined by the evolution of who we are becoming. New possibilities are born from change and with your education, work/life experiences and work ethic you have a lot to offer. This will be life changing for your whole family and I am confident you will all thrive.
Understanding when change is necessary is a strength in itself that can carry us through the transition. Our hearts are with you as we are experiencing a change ourselves…sudden to me but after a long, well thought out process for George, he is retiring from his second career and more than 47 years of committed hard work. We well understand the uncertainties and the delicate process of moving forward.
Thank you for your reassuring candor. We pray that the ultimate decision ahead for you all will bring peace.
Chris and George
Dear Kristi and Jean Marc,
What has kept me devotedly reading the French Word a Day blog all these years (besides being a Francophile and a gardener like you both) is the tender honesty you have exhibited when sharing your lives. It is a “real” story with all the good, the bad, the ugly and the imperfect. I remember when Kristi posted a photo of her “post cancer scar” on her beautiful face and I thought how vulnerable and brave this was — no vanity there. It helped me with some things i was dealing with in my personal life, and endeared me to her.
So Jean Marc, thank you for being brutally honest about feeling overwhelmed with the workload of planting, building and creating a vineyard in the south of France. Some dreams in life become too heavy to carry and have to be let go. It was very courageous and I honor you. So many times my husband and i have thought about buying land with a peach or apple orchard, and then we realize we would never be able to do the work ourselves or hire the help we would need (we are in our 60s). One great piece of advice I had to swallow is this: a person has got to know their limitations (physically, emotionally and financially)
That said, I want to share that my husband Paul met Kristi’s lovely sister, Heidi, here in Denver for coffee (he is a mortgage loan officer and she is a Realtor). She gave him a copy of Kristi’s book which was so sweet of her! Love it!
I have lived in many places in the U.S.– back east in New Jersey near NYC, Ashland, Oregon (we love Portland too!), and nearly 40 years in Colorado. I want to assure you Denver, Colorado is a great place — sunny and liberal and full of outdoor activities. The skiing or snowboarding is superb in the mountains, and there are bike/walking paths everywhere you turn in town. There are many wineries and vineyards (most are located on the warmer “western slope” of the Rocky Mountains near the Grand Valley).
The “zone” for gardening here in town is a “4-5” depending on the elevation (5280 ft–a mile high and above), but you will get used to it. There is a great botanic gardens here as well. Anyway, I just wanted to put in a good word for Denver.
Sorry i ran on and on here. I wish you the absolute very best (and clear) decision making coming up over the next year. It can be an exciting adventure — and of course with all transitions there will be a tiny bit of sadness in letting go. You have a community out here delighted to support you in any decision you make.
Blessings to you, Heather
Jean-Marc,
You are a man with much depth and wisdom. To be able to face your foes and make the decisions necessary for you and your family takes courage. I applaud you. Denver is nice. I have close family in Boulder which I love. Portland is a great city as is Seattle. I was sort of hoping for North/Central California as a settling point. Even found a job that could use both your wine knowledge and your accounting background.
And Kristi, even though the growing season is shorter at the high elevations, everything seems to grow fast and big up there. Learn to freeze and can because you will have lots of veggies.
Whatever your final decision turns out to be I know that life will treat you well. Remember the “journey” is more important than the destination.
Joie
Thank you for your honesty and openness in your letter. The important thing is that you attempted your dream and worked hard to achieve it. I am 53 and will be quitting my job this year. It pays well but I am ready for a new challenge and there is no growth for me at this company. It is a little scary but I believe we are never too old for adventure! Best of luck to you and Kristi, wherever you decide to settle!
Salut JM & Kristi,
wherever your hearts take you, enjoy the journey and your time with loved ones……..
Blessings,
Lorna
South Portland, Oegon
As a native Oregonian and one whose growing up years were spent in Portland OR, I was pleased to read that Marc’s favorite city is Portland. Alas, it is also an expensive place to live. Perhaps too many people move there who want to “keep Portland weird”? But the whole of the Willamette Valley is a beautiful place to live (I have lived in Corvallis for 51 years), and it is also great wine country. I am a newcomer to wine, but everything I read and taste praises our pinot noir. The valley puts you close to the ocean (from Corvallis to Newport is about a 45 minute drive), to the mountains (great skiing, I’m told) two to three hours to the east. The Columbia River gorge is one of my favorite places, and we have traveled in much of western Europe and spent a year in Denmark.
I’m sure everyone has offered recommendations, and only because I noted Marc’s love for Portland did I offer my support for my native state. Portland does have art schools, though I do not know much about them. The city itself has many art venues. Better schools would likely be in Seattle, San Francisco or Los Angeles (not my favorite city). Portland State University (my alma mater) is a robust urban school; Corvallis has Oregon State University (oriented toward engineering and agriculture, but offers liberal arts as well); the U of Oregon in Eugene is more a class liberal arts school as well as the sciences.
We often complain of the rain, but as immigrants from the colder Midwest say, “You don’t have to shovel it.” We avoid the humidity during summer heat and really cold temperatures in the winter. So what’s not to like.
Kristi and Marc,
Best wishes for the next chapter of your lives
together. You both have a lot to offer to wherever you
decide to move. Change is good.
Thank you for sharing your journey with
your readers. Love your sincerity and candor.
With love and admiration.
Marti
Dear Jean-Marc,
I had a hard time reading your beautiful heart-felt letter through my tears. Your positive realistic attitude will help you make the right decision as to where to relocate. My prayer is that will God guide you and your family on this journey.
Bisous,
Linda
Dear Jean-Marc,
Thank you for trusting us with your fears, your disappointments, and your hope and continued spirit of adventure as you consider gracing the U.S. with your very special family. You have exhibited more courage and determination than most of us with your previous choices and your willingness to reconsider your path. Thank you for sharing this journey, and be assured that your character will pave the way to future successes and much happiness. As others have said, with your health and your beautiful family, the hardest part is already in place.
Fully understand your concern with our elections; mercifully, the problem seems to be imploding on itself (the only question being ‘how on earth did it take so long?’), but should worse come to worst, we will head to New Zealand. Another great wine country with great beaches and mountains!
Dear Jean-Marc and Kristi,
You are so brave to look clearly and realize that changes must needs be made. God will show you as you said. Step by step with Him.
God bless you dearly, C-Marie