First Year Anniversary of Curious Provence!

1 Year Curious Provence Blog Anniversary!

First Almond Blossom! The first image and post on the site last March

As soon as I moved to Provence with Robin it seemed like just about everyone I knew was pushing me to start a blog about our experience here. I stalled for quite some time, which is a shame as I missed opportunities for great content, for many reasons. Firstly, I had always been someone to shy away from technology on principal. There’s a reason I moved to Europe- give me history and imperfection! I had a hard time grappling with the seemingly narcissistic aspect of writing a blog. I still can’t seem to bring myself to take a selfie. Why would people care about me and my little life?

A Provence Blog

I also wanted to make sure that I had a clear direction with good content. I think I’ve got the content down (it takes me ages to write articles because I want them to be detailed and full of lovely photos- but they’re probably too long!). However, I’m still a little all over the place with direction… Food, photography, markets, things to do, local producers– all about Provence. I’ve recently started branching out to include my travels to other places in France and the world. What do you think? I’m struggling with how personal to be on this blog. I’ve seen many well-known blogs that are essentially diaries.

Learning About Blogging

When I started, a year ago, it was certainly a steep learning curve. Not only because I had to learn about how to set up a blog, how to tweet, how to use Instagram (I didn’t even have a phone!!- never mind social media accounts other than Facebook), I also had to learn to get over my stubborn resistance to technology. I think I’ve slowly transitioned, finally, into the 21st century; though, I still obstinately insist on buying actual printed books. I am even happy to lug around 5 at a time while travelling. Having a book nearby just makes me feel better. You can’t change all of me!

An Expat in Provence

I started this blog as a creative outlet. When you move to another country you often find yourself not doing the job of your dreams- so you have to find other ways to get the creative juices flowing. One day, I will start my own florist shop, perhaps with a café?, here in Provence. Or will I have my own artist workshop? Who knows! All I know is that after our first very difficult 2 years here, things are starting to fall into place.

Thank You for Following!

I want to say thank you to all of you that check the site and comment regularly. I am so grateful for the connections I’ve made through this site and hopefully for the many more to come! When you’re in a small town in a foreign country I must admit meeting friends online seems to be the way to go. We’re starting to meet people in the village because they recognise us (i think it’s Robin’s ginger hair) from CuriousProvence posts. Robin was invited by what turned out to be a neighbour to an apéro at a vide maison (garage sale) just the other day!

Now, it’s all up to you. What posts are you enjoying most on the site? What would you like to see more of? If you haven’t already, please share the articles on social media and/or like the CuriousProvence Facebook page! Sign up for the monthly newsletter to see the latest events and progress with the renovation.

Have you checked out CuriousProvence on social media?

www.twitter.com/CuriousProvence (now 2,384 Followers!!)

www.instagram.com/CuriousProvence (my favourite- who doesn’t like looking at pretty pictures?)

www.facebook.com/CuriousProvence (the images from instagram with up to date info on upcoming events in provence)

www.pinterest.com/CuriousProvence (here you’ll see my love of flowers and gardens, beautifully arranged bouquets, shabby chic/french country kitchens, and rustic table settings)

Some photos from the past year: