For a little while now, I’ve been getting a feeling that it is time for me to make some changes in my life. I’ve become quite fascinated by the idea of increased simplicity, and the associated concept of ‘quality over quantity’.
My longing for less but better has manifested itself in all sorts of changes at home and at work. I’ve upgraded furniture and I’ve overhauled my wardrobe (both the physical space and the clothes in it). We’re eating better food and I’ve completely cleaned and redecorated my office. I’ve ruthlessly sorted through drawers and cupboards and I can’t tell you how pleased I am with the results, both in terms how things look but more importantly, how I feel.
Now my intuition is telling me that the time’s right for me to apply these very same principles to Distant Francophile.
My intention is to explore subjects more deeply and deliver more quality and value to all of you who take the time to read and engage with this blog. This isn’t to say that we’ll be taking everything super seriously – no, no France is way too much fun for that. But you will be seeing more in depth articles a little less frequently. I want to ensure that I’m sharing useful, interesting or thought provoking content that either helps you out in some way or provides you with deeper insights into France.
It will obviously result in changes to our posting schedule – I haven’t quite worked out what a higher quality posting schedule looks like but I know I’ll still be posting regularly.
Other ideas I’m playing around with at the moment include:
- More guest posts. The response to the posts that Jan and Claire authored has been fabulous and I loved being able to share alternative perspectives on France and French travel.
- More tools to help you plan that perfect French trip. I’m also looking at ways to supporting your French dreams and dilemmas more interactively.
- Changes to the weekly update. This will only be noticed by those Distant Francophile readers who have subscribed for weekly emails. If you haven’t already subscribed, and you don’t want to miss a post, you can sign up easily by popping your name and email address into the form below.
One thing that won’t be changing is the use of Scotty’s photos on Distant Francophile. They were one of the main reasons we launched Distant Francophile in the first place and we love sharing all of our favourite shots with you. And that’s another exciting element we are exploring – how we might make our favourite prints available for purchase.
While we wait for that plan to develop, if you are a photography fan make sure you follow us on Instagram where I post regularly. Lately I’ve been playing with shots of France that really inspire me, and I’d love to have you join in the fun.
Your turn now. I’ve shared some of the things I’m considering changing here on Distant Francophile and I’d love to hear your thoughts on what you’d like to see when you visit our blog. Please let me know what you’d like to see change here. What would you like to see more of? Less of? Are there any subjects you’d like to see covered in greater depth? I’d really appreciate you sharing any feedback you might have.
And until next time – au revoir.
16 thoughts on “Time For A Change”
Maybe it is something about the year, maybe the way the world is so complicated today, but simplification is floating around my brain as well (not that I’ve done anything about it – yet). Quality over quantity – long a French woman’s wardrobe ‘must’ – really resounds. Reducing your blog posts is a great idea – not because I want fewer, but because I need time to read, absorb and put them into practice! I sometimes feel I am being left behind (maybe I really am slowing down!). Your posts are always of a high quality and absolutely delightful and instructive to read. I think where you are heading is the right way. Personally, I suppose I am interested in learning about places to see and visit, but also stories about them, plus a little bit of style, travel hints – and of course the photographs.
Thank you so much for the feedback Jan. I really appreciate it and will definitely look at writing articles that meet your needs. And no, I’m sure you are not slowing down…it’s just that everyone seems to need a little more space at the moment. xxx.
I like your blog because it’s original. But that takes work! I’ll come back as often as you post. I follow via Bloglovin’.
Thank you Taste of France. I’m really touched by that comment. So grateful.
I smiled when I read this – exactly the same thing has been entering my mind – I just got back from five weeks in France, mostly in Paris, where I rented a studio apartment with a lovely garden – and five weeks in a studio, with very limited ‘things’, was perfectly fine. As you have often pointed out, the French live in much smaller spaces then we do and self-curate on a regular basis to keep from being overwhelmed by their belongings.
I spent today making 10 large bags of items for the local charity shops, and that is just the beginning. I want to whittle my six closets of clothing down to no more than two (in season and out), and then I will move on to the kitchen and the rest of the house. Thank you for the encouragement!
Wow Alisa you are really inspiring! Go girl! You are really on a mission…
Lovely to meet you, albeit virtually 🙂
I’d like to hear your story about your five week sojourn! I’m sure that you’re aware that you’ve been living every one else’s dream life! How many times have you been to Paris/France? How did your interest in France start? Oh I’m having soooo much trouble stopping – there are so many things I’d love to ask you 😉 But that wouldn’t be very polite not very ‘French’.
Warm regards
Judy
Alisa, I have to agree with Judy. Wow!! So wonderful that your trip inspired you to make changes – it’s definitely a great example of bringing France home!
It all sounds intriguing – and everyone needs a change now and again, so why not you!
Perhaps some in-depth articles about interesting French people – both historical and modern? And not necessarily those that we’d all recognize but lesser knowns (i.e.. a seamstress from one of the ateliers – or a woman who has worked for years at one of the famous dept. stores). What about interviews (or guest articles) from those who live in France (or who did live there for many years) about real everyday life including all the day to day frustrations that perhaps we gloss over when travelling?
Maybe we could pick a book to read and then have some input over a month’s time? All would be about France or a French person or by one – just some suggestions off the top of my head. Good luck with it all.
Thank you for reading and for taking the time to comment Margie. I really appreciate it. The interview ideas are excellent and I just love the book club idea!! Merci!
I’d love to guest post 🙂 If you’d have me. I’m not French but I am with one.. 😉 And I visit often.
Oh my goodness – yes please. It would be fabulous to have you guest post! So excited!
The only thing I can think of to change would be to just add some stories you both must have from travelling in France. I’d like to hear some details of your trips and the places you went to and experiences you had.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts Kylie. I know you’ve asked for similar info/detail before, so I will let you in on a little secret. Thanks to your previous comments/suggestions, I’ve been working on a book of our experiences for a little while now. As a blog reader myself, I don’t get too excited when bloggers seem to rehash all of their blog content into books so I’ve been super careful to keep these stories for the book alone. Can’t wait to share the finished product with you.
What a fabulous find. My sister alerted me to this blog and forwarded your wonderful thoughts and experiences. A friend and I are thinking of using retirement at the end of next year to travel to France and your tips were very timely. I will put much more effort into my weekly French classes from now on but learning more about the actual day to day culture is most useful. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the kind words Pam – and I’m so glad you found us and that the info on Distant Francophile might be useful to you as you plan for retirement. Please let me know if there is something specific you’d like me cover for you – I’m always keen to ensure the blog is both informative and entertaining. Next Wednesday we head back to France for another 5 weeks – I really hope enjoy the stories I’m planning to share on the blog.