New Year, New Plan

Bonne année tout le monde! I hope every one’s New Year has started off exactly how you have wanted; whether cozy at home or ringing it in with a sparkly bang. Ours was interesting in true Le Petit Village fashion and I’ll be rehashing the tale soon, but for now it’s on the back burner because I have something très important to tell you…

Today, I have a confession to make, a BIG one. I’ve been keeping something from you guys and it hasn’t been easy, but I had a plan, and my plan was always to tell you today, New Year’s Day. A fresh start with fresh news for you because it’s a game changer… We are leaving Le Petit Village. We are leaving Provence and we’re leaving France (told you it’s a game changer).

After four years here, and ten in Europe, it’s time for me to return to the States with my French husband and dog in tow. It wasn’t an easy decision, and it’s one we’ve been struggling with for awhile now but what it comes down to is what’s best for us, and that seems to be setting down roots in the good ol’ U S of A. So at the end of February, I will be hopping a plane to Texas where Gregory and Fifty will be joining me a month later. After a few a months of getting our American bearings, we will be moving to Massachusetts to start our new life in the Berkshires.

The decision to leave The LPV was made at the end of summer and I decided to keep it to myself because I wanted to focus on truly being present in France for my last few months here. I knew that if I told everyone and posted about it, the conversation would change to the move and our new life and I didn’t want that. I had to suck every bit of expat life out of France that I could, so the secret was kept.

So there it is, it’s out there now. In two months I will no longer be Sara in Le Petit Village, but I will still be Sara, and I will still be here, and I will still need you, your friendship and support, probably more than ever, because as excited as I am about this new chapter, I’m more than a little terrified as well, and I’m hoping that you will still be right by my side, holding my virtual hand.

Happy New Year my friends, may your 2014 be filled with nothing but wonderful!  

With much love,
Sara in Le Petit Village

Bisous!
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72 responses to “New Year, New Plan”

  1. Of course I'll be with you wherever to go, because you and Gregory will make it fun to follow your adventures. Something you said a while back set off little questions in my mind . . . I wondered if, whether . . . So I just knew at the words “game changer.” I'll miss living the vicarious expat life through you, since you do it with such joie de vivre, and I'm too old to do my own expat life. Unless of course I win a mega millions lottery and that's fat chance since I don't even play. And, you'll be doing a whole new adjustment back in the US. Is Gregory ready? 🙂

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  2. Wow, a big decision indeed, but one I'm not entirely surprised by given recent events in your life. A scary and exciting decision and event, but I'm sure you've made the right one for you all. And of course, we'll be right by your side. Ooodles of love. xxx

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  3. AHHHH! SUCH BIG NEWS! I definitely wasn't expecting that, I was thinking you were getting another dog or something! That's very exciting for you, we've only been living in France for 6 months and we're both ready to get back to the US. I hope the next couple of months go smoothly for you guys!!!!! 🙂

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  4. Oh wow! Big news!! First, Happy New Year!! And I wish you the best of luck with your move and everything else that follows. 😉

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  5. Very exciting news! I wish you both (+ Fifty, of course!) well in the next chapter of your life together. What are you going to do for work? (Come to think of it, I have NO idea of what either you or Gregory do!) Will you be near family? Happy, happy New Year to you – may 2014 be full of love, laughter and adventure for you! God bless

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  6. Wow – Very exciting news! So happy for both of you. Excited to read about your new adventures in the USA. (I will be fascinated to see how you find life back in the States after living abroad for so many years.) I attended college in Western Massachusetts – beautiful area – especially the Fall! So Happy New Year to both of your – may 2014 be full of adventure, peace, love and joy! Best of luck to you and I'll still be following along the journey!

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  7. I am shocked but not surprised, if that makes sense at all? I've just googled “the berkshires” and it looks beautiful, so it seems you will still have snow and mountains, just with an American flavour. Or should that be flavor…I think Gregory should now take over the blog and write as the poor confused Frenchman getting to grips with American culture!best of luck with it all x

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  8. As others have said, both Happy New Year and wow! I wish you all the luck in your move and transition to your new life although I'm sure it will be equally fabulous and with just as many tidbits and anecdotes to share! Bonne chance!

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  9. I think 2014 is going to be fantastic for you both. Happy New Year, guys, and all the best for this new adventure x x x

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  10. Happy New Year! and wow wow wow! That is a great news, moving backhome. That will be a huge change,I've been through that lately too. I'm excited for you, I want to continue reading about your adventures backin states. Bisous!

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  11. Happy 2014!!! What a big event for you guys, from personal experience I can say the return to the US is hard, but exciting. I wish you a wonderful last two months (and yes! live in the moment, in France!) and good luck with the move. We'll still be here!

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  12. Wow!!! Happy 2014! Sounds as if the year will be a fabulous adventure. I look forward to following along 🙂

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  13. Oh my goodness! First off, Happy New Year! I will so miss your posts from France….but I am so happy you will be moving here to my home state!!! I hope the move is easy and I just know 2014 will be a good one for you and your hubs! Congrats!

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  14. Such exciting news. I would be lying if I said I wasn't jealous!!

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  15. Oh Sara – what a HUGE decision! It gives me hope that perhaps at some point my partner will consider moving back to our home country. I hope that things go well, definitely will be keeping in tune to read all about your new adventures!

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  16. So exciting for you all! Sending happy thoughts your way, and wishing you best of luck in your repatriation. Can't wait to hear all about it!

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  17. What exciting news for you and your family! Such a big decision when your in a relationship that involved two countries and it is never an easy one. I hope your move goes smoothly and best of luck while you transition back to the states. Enjoy your last few months in France and happy new year!

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  18. We're moving back in February, so I know just how you feel. I'm a little scared of the adjustment! I can't wait to see your Massachusetts adventures 🙂

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  19. Happy New Year! Having just gone through a major move this year, I can certainly relate to all your feelings. Moving is never easy, but it's definitely better when you have a supportive partner like you do in Gregory too. Wishing you all the best as you make this new transition back to the U.S.! And looking forward to hearing about all your adventures. 🙂

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  20. Wow! That is great news! I hope everything goes smoothly for you all. Moving is happy and stressful! Oh my, Starbucks and shopping at your finger tips. I'm slightly jealous thinking of all the Texmex you will be able to eat and I hope there is still a Zara near where you live!

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  21. That is huge! Will you be Sara in the Berkshires? This is exciting and I look forward to seeing all this play out. Please keep blogging! Your tales will be fun and charming no matter where you live. Bon courage!

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  22. Holy cow! That is big news!!! Congratulations!! It sounds like you've made the right decision for your family and I hope the transition isn't too hard on either of you…or Fifty!

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  23. That takes a lot of courage Sara – I can't imagine that 'going back' is easy after 10+years away. If it's not too personal, it would be great to read a post on how you came to this decision and what prompted you to pick the Berkshires (which, from looking at Wikipedia, has some breathtaking landscapes). So Happy NEW Year and the best of luck.

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  24. I admire you not making your departure public until now. It's exciting, scary, personal and if you “leave” too early, mentally not physically, you rob yourself of enjoying your daily life as it is. Congratulations! May 2014 and your move bring you y and happiness, coupons and Mexican food!

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  25. Aww, now I'm extra sad I missed you in the summer! Still, I wish you all the best in your next adventure, and your challenge is to find the craziest village you can in Massachusetts to move to ;o)

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  26. Happy New Year to you both! And how exciting! Looking forward to reading more about your adventures stateside!!

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  27. Sarah, we moved back to the US from Argentina this past March and guess where we live ?In Upstate NY, a stones throw from the Berkshires ! In fact, we spent our first 3 months in Egremont Ma .. we will be neighbors !! I am still wanting to live in Egremont. Happy New Year .. good plan !

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  28. Congratulations. As long as we still have you, it doesn't matter where you are! I understand your feelings, I think, because I've been living overseas for almost 13 years. You are headed to one of the most beautiful places in the world (MA native here) which I miss at least a little every day. Can't wait to hear about your w adventures

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  29. oh wow! that's a big change ahead for you guys in 2014. I wish you so much good luck with your move. I'm sure that no matter where you live, with Gregory and Fifty around you'll be surrounded with happiness and zany stories. 🙂

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  30. Oh wow! What a fantastic adventure! I can imagine it wasn't an easy decision to make and I absolutely appreciate that idea of drinking it all in before you move back home.I've made a decision to absorb and appreciate everything in London too because things aren't quite working out for my husband careerwise and I don't think it will long before we return to South Africa either. Good luck with the move!

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  31. Wow, that is big Sara. Nothing is set in stone. But what about the Londons'?

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  32. Happy New Year! Good luck with your move. I look forward to continue reading about your new adventures. 🙂

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  33. This really is big news. I wish you the best of luck on your new adventures and I am looking forward to reading about how Gregory & yourself settle into life in New England.

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  34. What the what?? That is some big news, but very exciting. Here's hoping for a smooth transition and an excellent Mexican restaurant in your new neighborhood. 🙂 Can't wait to hear more adventures, and how the “repatriation” goes. Sending warm New Year fuzzies from across the border!

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  35. Happy New Year! Big news. I am also contemplating moving back to the States, with my Spanish husband. Shh!

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  36. Mr. Kinne is from the Berkshires, and we live not too far down the Turnpike. If you ever want to know anything about the area, let me know!

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  37. Wow! I didn't see this coming although I've lived overseas and know how much you start to miss even the smallest things in America. Of course, we'll all be right here because we love how you write about your adventures wherever you are. Good luck with all your planning for the big move.

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  38. Sara!!! Wow, what news! Congratulations on your return to the U.S. I'm so happy for you and now this means I'm going to have to take a little road trip to MA to come meet you in real life!! 🙂

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  39. Wow, that's so exciting! I hope your new life brings you everything you hope it will! I don't doubt for a minute that you will find a way of making your American adventures into wonderful stories! Good luck with everything!

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  40. Wow, this is a shock! Big news! This will be big change for you but an even bigger change for Gregory. I wish you good luck with your move and problem free transition back to the USA. I look forward to reading all about your new life in MA. Happy New Year.

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  41. So exciting to start a new chapter! Good luck over the next couple months enjoying the last bits there!

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  42. So exciting for you guys! It seems so many are heading back to the states this year! Wishing you guys the best!

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  43. Wow, how exciting! Congratulations and good luck packing 🙂

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  44. Awesome news! 2014 is sure going to be a momentous one for you 🙂

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  45. I for one, can't wait!! I am going to start searching for hotels to review in the Berkshires!! You and I will be what people consider Massholes. LOL Yay!! xo

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  46. sgkslajgklsjglsdkjgisjgsk oh my gosh! All the best on the next adventure, I know it will be as spectacular as this last one. Now Gregory gets to have his own expat adventure!

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  47. Ah… Sometimes i fantasize about moving back… Good luck with everything!

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  48. Such exciting news, Sara! I hope you will have a fantastic time in the States! I can't wait to read about your new adventures! Have a fantastic time in France now and enjoy every single second of it! Happy 2014, mon amie!

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  49. Oh, WOW! What a huge life change. Can't wait to see what's next for you, buddy. How exciting.

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  50. Bonjour, Je me permet de vous contacter car je viens de lancer le site http://www.aux-cinq-coins-du-monde.com/. Je recherche des francophones vivant à l'étranger et acceptant de répondre à une interview pour partager ses impressions, découvertes et anecdotes sur sa vie d'expatrié.Je vis moi-même en Californie du Nord et je suis curieuse de savoir comment on vit dans les autres coins du monde.Si vous êtes intéressés par ce projet, n'hésitez pas à me contacter sur mon email perso : sarabourg99@gmail.com.Merci d'avance, Sarahttp://www.aux-cinq-coins-du-monde.com/

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