tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post4130463301866010822..comments2024-03-28T22:30:17.628+13:00Comments on How to be Chic: An intentional life – and our changes coming upFiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-62654428935124661392016-09-26T13:20:29.796+13:002016-09-26T13:20:29.796+13:00Hi Amy, our situation sounds identical to yours, a...Hi Amy, our situation sounds identical to yours, and I have to say your life sounds blissful now. I love nesting at home. I agree that not having children makes a huge difference to this choice - kids are expensive!Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-45180925900751610792016-09-26T13:08:19.120+13:002016-09-26T13:08:19.120+13:00Hi Fiona,
Congratulations! It sounds like the per...Hi Fiona,<br />Congratulations! It sounds like the perfect authentic life for you. My husband and I just moved into our dream house in a tiny town - we moved from one of the largest cities in the States - we planned this for 9 years and were able to start over completely, as you are, in your mid-40s. Like you, we're also in a position where I don't have to work, so I'm enjoying nesting at home and planning a large garden in the spring. We don't have kids and I think that helped us financially to make this drastic move. We've been married for 14 years and feel grateful that we can lead the most authentic lives for us.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15758211474505618515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-56508819618730087752016-09-22T07:42:49.042+12:002016-09-22T07:42:49.042+12:00Thank you, None!Thank you, None!Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-27393984678135795752016-09-22T07:42:31.327+12:002016-09-22T07:42:31.327+12:00Thank you for sharing your inspiring thought proce...Thank you for sharing your inspiring thought process, Gail. I hope you enjoy both of your trips - they sound incredible :)Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-79590695565371843232016-09-22T02:29:36.644+12:002016-09-22T02:29:36.644+12:00This looks a very good book.I would to read this.T...This looks a very good book.I would to read this.Thank unonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03843996069730904064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-476803844646812112016-09-09T05:04:17.331+12:002016-09-09T05:04:17.331+12:00Thanks! I will go do that (Brian/YouTube). Hubby a...Thanks! I will go do that (Brian/YouTube). Hubby and I are both early 60's and are having a blast but there is much we want to do and have been studying the lives of successful people! Now I'll add Brian to that list (you're on there, too). NanLBDDiarieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12095130599361379113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-38765303516021411542016-09-08T06:50:20.933+12:002016-09-08T06:50:20.933+12:00Fiona, you are very wise to live intentionally and...Fiona, you are very wise to live intentionally and to have the courage to make this transition now, and not wait. How lovely that you and your husband see eye to eye on this and both want the same thing. I had a little medical issue a month ago that, had it not happened when it did (and in time for me to heal from the surgery), I might have not been able to leave next week for my two-week trip to the South of France. That certainly reminded me that at 64, I can't assume that I'll be in good form for travel indefinitely, so I've already booked another trip for March, this time to Cornwall, England, where -- thanks primarily to Daphne du Maurier -- I've always wanted to travel. I'm going while the going is good, even if it's a budget stretch. Frankly, I think that is a good philosophy for anyone at any age. Live the life you want NOW!Gail Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967478936546065192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-52622193417024130222016-09-07T17:53:49.481+12:002016-09-07T17:53:49.481+12:00Thanks for coming for a 'visit', dear Rose...Thanks for coming for a 'visit', dear Rose. xxFiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-21379333147238166502016-09-07T17:53:02.339+12:002016-09-07T17:53:02.339+12:00It totally is worth it, Mrs Shockley. And I'm...It totally is worth it, Mrs Shockley. And I'm excited to have the time to travel too, once we've finished with our business. Europe is on the list :)Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-45580255667659688602016-09-07T17:52:10.889+12:002016-09-07T17:52:10.889+12:00Oh, your life sounds fabulous! I can't wait :...Oh, your life sounds fabulous! I can't wait :)Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-54887010694433784042016-09-07T17:51:44.630+12:002016-09-07T17:51:44.630+12:00Hawke's Bay is definitely a great wine area, K...Hawke's Bay is definitely a great wine area, Kristien. I know what you mean about public transport in the cities, and Boston looks wonderful. I'd love to visit there one day.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-2257484741239937432016-09-06T15:20:41.202+12:002016-09-06T15:20:41.202+12:00Dearest Fiona, I've had a lovely catch up over...Dearest Fiona, I've had a lovely catch up over the last little while and shall follow this plan with interest. So lovely to read your inspiring words again. xxxRosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14751315680374413649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-77999878665633261822016-09-06T02:43:02.333+12:002016-09-06T02:43:02.333+12:00Oh me, oh my Fiona! You are speaking my language! ...Oh me, oh my Fiona! You are speaking my language! A couple of years ago I talked with my husband about traveling overseas. I really want to see Europe. My husband served in the military so he has been all over. I am hoping that in about 2 years we can take a family trip to Europe. I want to see Florence, Tuscany, Paris but most of all the South of France. I would love to buy a 14th - 18th century chateau and restore it! That is my dream! Thank you for this post! It helps others to know that striving for "something different" is worth it. Mrs. Shockleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13096874352420168568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-56462291620194322742016-09-06T01:28:53.983+12:002016-09-06T01:28:53.983+12:00Eight years ago my husband and I did just this and...Eight years ago my husband and I did just this and we'very never regretted leaving the rat race. Our "new", small hometown was a great place for our son to grow up and I love my quiet, quiet neighborhood of only 9 houses on 75 acres. Good luck and enjoy.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16436030854417497621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-5474016915409417222016-09-06T00:28:59.414+12:002016-09-06T00:28:59.414+12:00Congratulations, Fiona. So exciting for you and yo...Congratulations, Fiona. So exciting for you and your husband. Where you are moving sounds lovely. I love New Zealand wines and would love to visit the area where you are relocating to.<br /><br />If I had the means, I would move to Boston. As a senior, it would be spectacular to live where public transport is abundant. I fear losing the ability to drive myself, to stay active. We have a son in Boston and visit frequently. And I grew up in a city. I love the brownstones, museums and restaurants. So much to do. Oh, well. One can dream.Kristien62https://www.blogger.com/profile/04141776821818167047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-40598676017958756122016-09-05T07:25:24.042+12:002016-09-05T07:25:24.042+12:00Hi Ida, I agree, each to his own, and often differ...Hi Ida, I agree, each to his own, and often different seasons of life ask for different priorities which dictates somewhat where you need to live. Your move sounds wonderful :)Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-86122050251786946852016-09-05T07:24:05.706+12:002016-09-05T07:24:05.706+12:00Hi Teresa, thank so much for ordering my book and ...Hi Teresa, thank so much for ordering my book and I hope you really enjoy it! Your life sounds delightful and you are proof that you can live a happy and chic lifestyle wherever you live :)Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-89407106181585517672016-09-05T02:54:16.854+12:002016-09-05T02:54:16.854+12:00Maybe it is getting to be a trend. We've rec...Maybe it is getting to be a trend. We've recently (2 months ago) moved away from the big city to a small town. It was only possible because of retirement though. Now we can walk to the ocean and have a beautiful view. Large cities, with the crowds, crime and traffic can seem almost toxic after a while. But I know some people love it so it's each to his/her own. IdaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-81743116886810941652016-09-04T15:49:42.896+12:002016-09-04T15:49:42.896+12:00Hello Fiona by the way, I loved your interview wit...<br />Hello Fiona by the way, I loved your interview with Shannon. I am waiting for your book to arrive and I cannot wait to read it. I am amazed what a kindred spirit you are to those of us that loves all things french! I love your thoughts on living a intentioned life and I am reading many blogs and books on that very subject. I live in San Antonio Texas that is actually grown into a large city, however because it is spread out if still feels like a smaller town. I am so far from France but like you mentioned in your interview, I ask myself what is it I love about the dreamy thoughts of being in Paris and living as French women do.....I believe it is living a well intentional life. You are right in that you can incorporate this right now into your home wherever you are. It is your blog and Shannon's blogs and others like you that inspire each of us to slow down and live this intentional life! My husband and I plan little trips to small towns all the time and we come home renewed and inspired to bring that beautiful life to our everyday life! Thank you for your beautiful writings! Hugs!!!!!<br /><br />Teresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01278256196589956281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-23888000772332998632016-09-04T09:34:18.405+12:002016-09-04T09:34:18.405+12:00You are so right...it is a balance. We have save...You are so right...it is a balance. We have saved and it is time to enjoy. The decision to move ahead with this was confirmed when a good friend passed away very suddenly - after just downsizing, moving to another state, and building a home with all the features she ever wanted. Did not get to enjoy even two weeks in the new space. That is when I thought of the line from the movie "It's A Wonderful Life" - "wait, wait for what ??"<br />Blessings to you continue your journey !<br />Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00829071005574984785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-27445901545606555362016-09-04T07:07:03.992+12:002016-09-04T07:07:03.992+12:00Hi Ann, how thrilling to be shopping for the next ...Hi Ann, how thrilling to be shopping for the next incarnation of your life! It's quite boggling to think you could go anywhere, and not only are you shopping for a new home but a new neighbourhood (and state!) as well. So exciting.<br /><br />I agree - many don't even make it to retirement, so what have you worked your whole life for? It's a balance of enjoying life at the momement as well as preparing financially for the future (otherwise none of us would show up for work :)Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-84660273215977068852016-09-04T06:59:07.248+12:002016-09-04T06:59:07.248+12:00Thanks so much, Lara. I think where you live soun...Thanks so much, Lara. I think where you live sounds idyllic, but it probably was a culture-shock if you grew up in a big city like Sydney. Good you for taking a chance on love!<br /><br />Yes, I agree, you can be chic - and happy - anywhere.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-7696093872894153372016-09-04T06:57:36.271+12:002016-09-04T06:57:36.271+12:00Hi Lisa, Melbourne is a gorgeous city, however I u...Hi Lisa, Melbourne is a gorgeous city, however I understand how you feel completely. I also believe in blooming where you are planted, so maybe you could reinvent yourself/your thinking? Starting with a list of everything that is great about Melbourne and what you could do there. And, nothing is forever. You can plan out for beyond that like you've said.<br /><br />Go see Brian on YouTube as I mentioned to LBDDiaries above, he's wonderful (I have quite the crush, he's like a kind, wise uncle) and he'll tell you all about zero-based thinking.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-86377924543227630172016-09-04T06:53:38.940+12:002016-09-04T06:53:38.940+12:00Thanks so much D, and I really hope you get to liv...Thanks so much D, and I really hope you get to live in your quiet place too.<br /><br />If YOU keep believing in your dream and your vision, and share it with your husband when appropriate, you never know what might happen.<br /><br />Half of my conversations with my husband (maybe I exaggerate, but just a little) start with 'wouldn't it be nice' 'imagine if' 'imagine when' 'can you picture us doing...'Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-55569402650732412852016-09-04T06:50:05.221+12:002016-09-04T06:50:05.221+12:00You are very kind and supportive, thank you. All ...You are very kind and supportive, thank you. All of those things are true, and I think the readers of this blog are all that you describe and more. That paragraph was directed at my work life. I'd been in a 9-5 office job for the 15 years of my working life before we opened our business. I didn't particularly enjoy it but did those jobs because I knew how to do them. I never even felt confident enough to go for a sales job even though I think I would have been good at that.<br /><br />Still, I am where I am, and I'm changing the future :) Many thanks.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com