That’s It, I Want to Live in the Woods

Bonjour!

I will tell you what, dear reader. I’m at my wit’s end with the recent bad news and scary world events (just when I was getting over the pandemic too). I want to run away and live in the woods.

My blog typically focuses on joyful living, parenting, and food (and dachshunds, mais oui!). I assume my readers are here for French-inspired lifestyle ideas and tips, not news or politics.

I am aware of and acknowledge, however, the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic or terrorism or climate change or incompetence of the highest order in the U.S. Congress. Things are really hard and people are hurting and feeling helpless. (Check out this Vox article on the polycrisis.)

It seems dumb to write about gardening and decorating at times like these. The main question we must ask ourselves is, How can we show some empathy and compassion?

🌲 Running Away to Live in the Woods

I’ve learned a lot about myself in recent years during the pandemic, pregnancy, and new parenthood. For example, my fight-or-flight response tends more toward the “flight” end of the spectrum as I age. I just don’t have it in me as much to draw myself up and rage against the machine. I’d rather run away and hide, protecting myself and my boys (human and canine alike).

I’ve been jokingly (but not really) telling L’Husband all summer and fall that I just want to live in a house in the woods. And based on how things are going in this particular sociopolitical moment in the United States and the world, I am totally right there. Katie really, really, REALLY wants to run away and live in the woods (le sigh).

🏕️ What Comfort Do You Seek?

For the entirety of 2023, I’ve been overwhelmed by nostalgia while struggling to find my place and voice in the new world order. I’ve been listening to old music (on real-life, tangible CDs) and flipping through pictures (in real-life, tangible photo albums) – not on my blasted smartphone (le sigh encore). Who am I now? Who go I want to be?

I long to feel normal again after so many years of pandemic fear and frustration. I long for simplicity and authenticity when things are changing and moving so fast. I have convinced myself living in the woods is the solution to my problems.

🍁 Staying Put… For Now

I’m not heading for the hills just yet (or, rather, the woods, le wink), but I keep wondering what’s next for me. Ma famille settled into our new home just over two years ago. We’ve poured our hearts (and *cough* money *cough*) into cleaning, organizing, decorating, and maintaining it. And replacing all the blasted appliances (le woof).

Home is my oasis. But I can’t help but wonder…

Should we move back to Vermont? (Woods!)

Should we move abroad to the Netherlands? (Woods!! Right??)

Where will Le Bébé go to school that’s safe? (A nature school in the woods!)

How can I give back more in my community? (Especially if I’m in the woods?)

What terrible crisis lurks right around the corner? (Woods!!!)

It’s a lot to think (worry) about, and mama needs a nap. For now, I will try to rest, be in nature as much as I can, and daydream about my house in the woods.

What comfort do you seek right now? How can you implement positive changes to you daily routine?

Merci for reading and please subscribe and share!

À votre santé,

Katie