Thursday, January 5, 2012

Bonjour Jamie!

Last night I went to our local Enoch Pratt library to hear Jamie Cat Callan speak.  Author of French Women Don't Sleep Alone (which I still need to read) and Bonjour Happiness, she's spent a lot of time really interviewing French women to find out their secrets for relationships and life.

I was one of the youngest people at the event, as many were of the 'femme d'un certain age' category.  Not that I mind in the least as I've found that some of my favorite people whom I admire fit that category, and live lives full of passion.  However, I do wish more younger women had chosen to attend, as I find that the information is so helpful now.  And as I find the lifestyle choices she has written about (and which I extol) to be the path to a better life, I really want more people to hear about them and make the changes needed.

G attended with me, and smiled at me often as she spoke, because as he said later, I already do so much of the things that she spoke about.  In fact when she spoke about using your good china, I laughed a bit because I have a post in the queue that is about a friend commenting that I'm the only person she knows who uses their "wedding china" and my thoughts on that.

Jamie was vibrant, and discussed everything from scarves and lingerie (matching always, something on my to do list...matching nursing lingerie), to dinner parties, dating, and living a slower life.  As I've been reading more francophile books (I just finished up Madame Chic and my review is to come) and re-reading others, this came at a perfect time.  It seemed almost fate that I found out about this speaking engagement in the wee hours of yesterday morning.  It was a delightful evening, and for those who have not read either of her books, I urge you to pick one up soon (or check your local library!).  Good reminders on why a slower, more intentional life is the way to go.

4 comments:

  1. This sounds like it's right up my alley--definitely going to have to pick up this book!!

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  2. Hi Kate,

    I read your blog every day but seldom comment - delurking! Our babies are a few weeks apart so it's been fun reading updates about Nora as I watch my little one grow, too. I saw Jamie Cat Callan when she was in Boston last spring and wanted to chime in about how great she is. Her books are inspiring and she is a wonderful, fun, vibrant speaker. I was also the youngest woman at the event, but hopefully more young people will be inclined to attend such evenings because of posts like yours. (And I also use my wedding china and silver all the time - why not?!)

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  3. I am totally checking out those books - and I just read your goals for 2012, which are awesome! Looking forward to reading everything you have to say in the new year :)

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  4. I would have loved to hear her speak. I really enjoyed both her books. Is she writing a new one?

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