Wishing You the Best for 2015

Skiing is Fun

How are you, dear reader?

I wish you good health, love and joy in this new year. It might seem like these well wishes are coming a little late, but strike it up to the French in me. In France, it’s tout à fait acceptable to extend new year’s wishes–both verbally and in writing–through January 31. I love how most everyone you encounter in France echoes choruses of “bonne année, bonne santé” throughout the whole month of January. I’m sure that this year those wishes are even more sincere.

After a super busy holiday season teaching skiing day after day at the Telluride Ski Resort during an extremely cold period of time, I finally collapsed from a mega head cold and sheer exhaustion (perhaps partly brought on by my big move the first part of December). I spent a whole week on the couch, one marked by the tragedy of the events that unfolded in Paris. So very sad. Like so many, my heart ached for all involved and for my beloved France. I checked in with my friends in Paris to express my love and support, many of whom attended the demonstration that was held a week ago today. Vive la France! Vive Franco-American friendship and may the French forgive us for the faux pas of not sending proper representation on their important day of solidarité.

The New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade in Telluride

So much has been reported on in the press about these horrific terrorist attacks in Paris and the French people’s response to such loss. Fellow blogger Véronique, from French Girl in Seattle, posted a piece that provides valuable insight into the French perspective on these events and how they were covered in the French and American press.

I’m coughing almost uncontrollably as I write this as I enter week three of this nasty cold. Recovering from any sort of a respiratory illness while living at almost 10,000 feet and teaching skiing/talking loudly out in the frigid, dry mountain air is no easy feat. Yet my woes are so insignificant to those of others. I say this with great conviction because just this morning I learned that a friend is dying from a brain tumor.

It helps to keep everything in perspective. Every day. Stay strong and carry on, dear reader–whatever might come your way in 2015 and forever.

Remember also to go outside and embrace the beauty at your doorstep. In Telluride, I feel especially blessed, particularly in winter.

My New Morning Commute

God bless.

Embracing the Après-Ski Beauty of a Telluride Sunset in Mountain Village

Telluride Alpenglow