I’m holding on to a house, knowing the time to let go is coming. This gives me strength. My husband and I were in Georgia recently and he makes maps of our favorite places. If you want one I will send it your way. I visited Uzbekistan a few years ago and it is a hidden gem!
Hi Frances, We sold our home in the US a year ago to live full time in Italy in the countryside near Pistoia. For us, the conditions in the US have made that decision more comfortable. And, after a year, we have never looked back. We appreciate living a simpler life, which is what Italy is all about. And maintaining two homes in two different countries, with the insurance, real estate taxes, utilities, etc didn't feel like a commitment to a simpler life for us at this stage. (75 and 72). As you imply, when you know you know. And it isn't burning a bridge. You can always change your mind! By the way, thank you so much for all the years of beautiful reading! I adored your last book - A Great Marriage. Saw you at the Charleston Library speaking about it and your writing life just before we moved to Italy. Godspeed!
I do know how attached you become to your homes because I am the same way but I think it is an amazing idea. I when you think how little time you actually spent in the beautiful home, it does not make sense but who cares about practicality?? But there times you need it?? For. so many reasons, to store what you love and hit the road is wonderful. You have another home base and it’s So much easier to see all the great spots in the world from Italy. Our home in San Francisco is so much kore manageable and we bring our dog with us. We love both places. I am emotionally very very attached to San Francisco. It was a childhood dream to move here when I was 8 and we were living on the Presidio. As soon as I finished graduate school, I got in my red VW and drove to San Francisco with a job & an apartment waiting for me. I never ever regretted that decision about San Francisco or Italy!! Will see you soon in Italia . I think you both are so brave to do it.
so many things in common, and which I can relate to.....as I started following your Insta feed in India (where we often were just a day behind you on a very similar itinerary..) and now from an entirely west coast base, I know how hard decisions and practicality can weigh. Your storage idea is brillliant and we nearly did the same before eventually leaving South Carolina and leasing in Sonoma for a year to 'try it on'. The US is hard right now, we waffle regulary about re-installing ourselves in Europe. I also have kept many/most of our treasures, and find they can just be repurposed in a different setting. But that only seems 'practical' if we stay here. SF is home, but my heart will always be in France (as your is in Italy...) so enjoy your freedom from all things put away in storage, and I look forward to your next chapter. We had the Egyptian trip all planned out before this chaos started, so that has been postponed a bit...maybe you will inspire us to go in a very different direction. bonne route, in every sense of the phrase.
Thank you for sharing this news and your spirit. We're cleaning in preparation for what is next for us. We don't quite have the vision yet, but we've definitely talked about storage. And we don't want to get rid of all our books, dishes, furniture, tools, bicycles . . . but we definitely don't need as much as we have acquired. And as you note, friends are among the important items to visualize having nearby when you make the eventual return.
You will have moments of melancholy and moments of relief. I too am transitioning having sold my Montana home, a Florida home and then a Florida farm that I decided was too much after all. I am currently living with all my memories packed up in storage wondering where is next. Ah freedom....melancholy and relief all mixed up in a hopeful bundle.
We are in the same process right now. Leaving or little piece of heaven in the Texas Hill Country to our new home we bought in Abruzzo. Our 3 cats also know something is up since are of their favorite hiding places are vanishing. They are coming with us also. We been traveling 5-6 months out of the year since 2021 by motorcycle. Out of all the countries (65 and counting) we keep coming back to Italy, so we decided to pull the trigger. We’ve been to Cortona 3 times. Though we love Southeast Asia also. Packing is emotional and cathartic at the same time. Wishing you many new adventures.
I continue to delight in all you have written...went to your book signing in Boca Raton long ago when you toured with "Bella Tuscany." [ I believe we are sorority sisters, though that was long ago and I wonder if it would seem important these days] I am a constant reader.... I have loved being a traveler but now, due to advanced years and arthritis, am contented at home. Therefore, have become an arm chair traveler with you these days. Your move makes perfect sense at this time. And now I learn you are a cat lover. I have been a cat lover since I was a child in Wisconsin. Over the years I have had as many as three, but chose a rescue, Daisy, three years ago who is a delight. [All previous cats had literary names or favorite artists, i.e. Claude, Bonnard, Ernest...] Please report on the transition of your two when the trip is over! We have a new authentic Italian restaurant in nearby Boca Raton, named Cultura. The owner imports his ingredients, including flour, from Italy. I have ordered your incredible olive oil for many years and have friends who now order as well. Bon voyage!
Frances, after my husband’s death I sold our big home and downsized to a 250 square foot cottage in one of the best beach towns in Maine. Not a week goes by that I wonder what would happen if I had rented it out the big house. But reading this post I see that I made the right decision because I can now travel more. I plan to spend 3 months in Europe in 2027. Good luck!
So inspiring to read about your traveling aspirations!
We traveled a great deal in our 50’s and 60’s - to South America, Asia, Africa, and to India. We’re in our early 70’s now, having two small houses in Western NC (Asheville) and Quebec, for almost 8 years. Our cottage in Quebec is our heart place: a historic house in an amazing place. So, we’ve gravitated to our 7 months in Quebec (2 months in winter to cross-country ski, then mid-May through mid-October).
We traveled to Vienna, Salzburg and Munich last Christmas, honoring my husband’s recent Austrian dual-citizenship (and my ability to speak German!)
We have a lovely 5-yr old Golden now (our 4th), so we’ll see if short trips are in our future.
All wonderful wishes for good times for you and Ed ahead.
We are leaving a home on the coast we love (Tuesday is the closing) for most of the same reasons……taxes, upkeep, etc. As melancholy as we feel about it, I am reminded of your words from A Place in the World. Home can be many places all at once or one place at a time. Your book really helped me see things in such a clearer way years ago. A peace, if you will, about the idea of letting places go when they no longer serve you or if the ease of a simpler life calls! Alas the memories stay! This new chapter for us isn’t scary or sad because of your words. Thank you and wishing you well.
You have made a very wise decision, good luck to you and your beautiful cats.
I’ve enjoyed reading your Instagram for many years and you have given me so many good ideas about travel, reading, and food. Many thanks! This is why I’m dismayed to not be able to access it, as of yesterday. "Sorry this page isn't available. The link you followed may be broken or the page may have been removed."
Sorry to bother you at this busy time. Has any one mentioned the same problem? Help with this is appreciated.
Frances and Ed - it’s a bold move, but one that seems logical given the times and circumstances. As I’ve spent more time thinking about “home,” I’ve begun to have a more complete understanding of my connection to place and what constitutes a home. House is one thing, home is another, and I’ve found that I need less “stuff” and more ability to move freely without encumbrance. Buon viaggio - ci vediamo a Cortona!
Good decision, especially at the present moment. Perhaps we will finally meet in person. (the conference in Cortona doesnt count). I'm also cutting back on travels as cruise speaker, now that the new Terme just 7 minutes from home have opened, I don't need to be on a luxury cruise ship to have my " private" swimming pool. Ci vediamo in Tuscia!?
What a courageous decision. Staring at my painting of our “Bramasole” I cannot blame you. Simplifying and looking forward to new chapters makes so much sense. No doubt the love and adventure you and Ed share will make it all the more exciting and fun. We always say we will escape to Italy one day. We shall see. Moves are daunting. We’ve moved so may times and across the country twice (with our kitty) but never over the ocean. As a Realtor, I help people do this daily but your upcoming move has so many components. May your sweet kitties adjust well. We recently made the decision to downsize in a few years and move to our country retreat near Roanoke to be with Mom, and the challenge is real to cull our curated belongings. We wish you both the absolute best. Life is about relationships and you have forged and nurtured many of them. You will be surrounded by family and friends and that is critical. Enjoy your travels! We hope to see you one day soon in Italy! I will say my stomach got a little pit in it knowing you will not be down the road anymore ;-)
Is this the North Carolina house? We just made a big move across the country to California. Not quite what you're doing, but we can sympathize. We gave away most of our things to kids and neighborhood friends. Packed up two dogs and hit the road. Your cats will be at home at Bramasole as I am whenever I read your books.
I’m holding on to a house, knowing the time to let go is coming. This gives me strength. My husband and I were in Georgia recently and he makes maps of our favorite places. If you want one I will send it your way. I visited Uzbekistan a few years ago and it is a hidden gem!
Intrigued by your mapmaking! Also that you've been to Uzbekistan...
And to Turkmenistan. Don’t recommend!
Hi Frances, We sold our home in the US a year ago to live full time in Italy in the countryside near Pistoia. For us, the conditions in the US have made that decision more comfortable. And, after a year, we have never looked back. We appreciate living a simpler life, which is what Italy is all about. And maintaining two homes in two different countries, with the insurance, real estate taxes, utilities, etc didn't feel like a commitment to a simpler life for us at this stage. (75 and 72). As you imply, when you know you know. And it isn't burning a bridge. You can always change your mind! By the way, thank you so much for all the years of beautiful reading! I adored your last book - A Great Marriage. Saw you at the Charleston Library speaking about it and your writing life just before we moved to Italy. Godspeed!
Good to hear of your successful move--and I'm not surprised. All the best, Frances
I do know how attached you become to your homes because I am the same way but I think it is an amazing idea. I when you think how little time you actually spent in the beautiful home, it does not make sense but who cares about practicality?? But there times you need it?? For. so many reasons, to store what you love and hit the road is wonderful. You have another home base and it’s So much easier to see all the great spots in the world from Italy. Our home in San Francisco is so much kore manageable and we bring our dog with us. We love both places. I am emotionally very very attached to San Francisco. It was a childhood dream to move here when I was 8 and we were living on the Presidio. As soon as I finished graduate school, I got in my red VW and drove to San Francisco with a job & an apartment waiting for me. I never ever regretted that decision about San Francisco or Italy!! Will see you soon in Italia . I think you both are so brave to do it.
San Fran is the best!!! I always miss it...
so many things in common, and which I can relate to.....as I started following your Insta feed in India (where we often were just a day behind you on a very similar itinerary..) and now from an entirely west coast base, I know how hard decisions and practicality can weigh. Your storage idea is brillliant and we nearly did the same before eventually leaving South Carolina and leasing in Sonoma for a year to 'try it on'. The US is hard right now, we waffle regulary about re-installing ourselves in Europe. I also have kept many/most of our treasures, and find they can just be repurposed in a different setting. But that only seems 'practical' if we stay here. SF is home, but my heart will always be in France (as your is in Italy...) so enjoy your freedom from all things put away in storage, and I look forward to your next chapter. We had the Egyptian trip all planned out before this chaos started, so that has been postponed a bit...maybe you will inspire us to go in a very different direction. bonne route, in every sense of the phrase.
Yes, travels will require some juggling now. Let's hope the war no one wants will be gone soon. Hope your quandaries resolve easily...
Thank you for sharing this news and your spirit. We're cleaning in preparation for what is next for us. We don't quite have the vision yet, but we've definitely talked about storage. And we don't want to get rid of all our books, dishes, furniture, tools, bicycles . . . but we definitely don't need as much as we have acquired. And as you note, friends are among the important items to visualize having nearby when you make the eventual return.
You will have moments of melancholy and moments of relief. I too am transitioning having sold my Montana home, a Florida home and then a Florida farm that I decided was too much after all. I am currently living with all my memories packed up in storage wondering where is next. Ah freedom....melancholy and relief all mixed up in a hopeful bundle.
We are in the same process right now. Leaving or little piece of heaven in the Texas Hill Country to our new home we bought in Abruzzo. Our 3 cats also know something is up since are of their favorite hiding places are vanishing. They are coming with us also. We been traveling 5-6 months out of the year since 2021 by motorcycle. Out of all the countries (65 and counting) we keep coming back to Italy, so we decided to pull the trigger. We’ve been to Cortona 3 times. Though we love Southeast Asia also. Packing is emotional and cathartic at the same time. Wishing you many new adventures.
Let me know how the cats fare. I'm sure you will be fine!!
I continue to delight in all you have written...went to your book signing in Boca Raton long ago when you toured with "Bella Tuscany." [ I believe we are sorority sisters, though that was long ago and I wonder if it would seem important these days] I am a constant reader.... I have loved being a traveler but now, due to advanced years and arthritis, am contented at home. Therefore, have become an arm chair traveler with you these days. Your move makes perfect sense at this time. And now I learn you are a cat lover. I have been a cat lover since I was a child in Wisconsin. Over the years I have had as many as three, but chose a rescue, Daisy, three years ago who is a delight. [All previous cats had literary names or favorite artists, i.e. Claude, Bonnard, Ernest...] Please report on the transition of your two when the trip is over! We have a new authentic Italian restaurant in nearby Boca Raton, named Cultura. The owner imports his ingredients, including flour, from Italy. I have ordered your incredible olive oil for many years and have friends who now order as well. Bon voyage!
Frances, after my husband’s death I sold our big home and downsized to a 250 square foot cottage in one of the best beach towns in Maine. Not a week goes by that I wonder what would happen if I had rented it out the big house. But reading this post I see that I made the right decision because I can now travel more. I plan to spend 3 months in Europe in 2027. Good luck!
Ciao Meow! It works!
So inspiring to read about your traveling aspirations!
We traveled a great deal in our 50’s and 60’s - to South America, Asia, Africa, and to India. We’re in our early 70’s now, having two small houses in Western NC (Asheville) and Quebec, for almost 8 years. Our cottage in Quebec is our heart place: a historic house in an amazing place. So, we’ve gravitated to our 7 months in Quebec (2 months in winter to cross-country ski, then mid-May through mid-October).
We traveled to Vienna, Salzburg and Munich last Christmas, honoring my husband’s recent Austrian dual-citizenship (and my ability to speak German!)
We have a lovely 5-yr old Golden now (our 4th), so we’ll see if short trips are in our future.
All wonderful wishes for good times for you and Ed ahead.
Charmed life!
We are leaving a home on the coast we love (Tuesday is the closing) for most of the same reasons……taxes, upkeep, etc. As melancholy as we feel about it, I am reminded of your words from A Place in the World. Home can be many places all at once or one place at a time. Your book really helped me see things in such a clearer way years ago. A peace, if you will, about the idea of letting places go when they no longer serve you or if the ease of a simpler life calls! Alas the memories stay! This new chapter for us isn’t scary or sad because of your words. Thank you and wishing you well.
Buon viaggio!
Dear Frances,
You have made a very wise decision, good luck to you and your beautiful cats.
I’ve enjoyed reading your Instagram for many years and you have given me so many good ideas about travel, reading, and food. Many thanks! This is why I’m dismayed to not be able to access it, as of yesterday. "Sorry this page isn't available. The link you followed may be broken or the page may have been removed."
Sorry to bother you at this busy time. Has any one mentioned the same problem? Help with this is appreciated.
Gail, I haven't heard about this... I posted something today and it seems alive and well. Please try again... Thanks for your note, Frances
Frances and Ed - it’s a bold move, but one that seems logical given the times and circumstances. As I’ve spent more time thinking about “home,” I’ve begun to have a more complete understanding of my connection to place and what constitutes a home. House is one thing, home is another, and I’ve found that I need less “stuff” and more ability to move freely without encumbrance. Buon viaggio - ci vediamo a Cortona!
Good decision, especially at the present moment. Perhaps we will finally meet in person. (the conference in Cortona doesnt count). I'm also cutting back on travels as cruise speaker, now that the new Terme just 7 minutes from home have opened, I don't need to be on a luxury cruise ship to have my " private" swimming pool. Ci vediamo in Tuscia!?
Most certainly!
What a courageous decision. Staring at my painting of our “Bramasole” I cannot blame you. Simplifying and looking forward to new chapters makes so much sense. No doubt the love and adventure you and Ed share will make it all the more exciting and fun. We always say we will escape to Italy one day. We shall see. Moves are daunting. We’ve moved so may times and across the country twice (with our kitty) but never over the ocean. As a Realtor, I help people do this daily but your upcoming move has so many components. May your sweet kitties adjust well. We recently made the decision to downsize in a few years and move to our country retreat near Roanoke to be with Mom, and the challenge is real to cull our curated belongings. We wish you both the absolute best. Life is about relationships and you have forged and nurtured many of them. You will be surrounded by family and friends and that is critical. Enjoy your travels! We hope to see you one day soon in Italy! I will say my stomach got a little pit in it knowing you will not be down the road anymore ;-)
Wise words. Thanks, Paula.
Is this the North Carolina house? We just made a big move across the country to California. Not quite what you're doing, but we can sympathize. We gave away most of our things to kids and neighborhood friends. Packed up two dogs and hit the road. Your cats will be at home at Bramasole as I am whenever I read your books.