I find it intriguing the way some people creatively make a living. Imagine having an unfulfilling job only to leave it (after careful planning) and going to Paris? That is exactly what Janice MacLeod did and as a result, she wrote her first book and memoir, Paris Letters.
This is a book you continue to ponder long after the last page is read. Without giving too much of the story away, the author decides to change the course of her life. In doing so, many unexpected gifts occur along the way.
Her journey leads the author to establishing her own business~~creating and writing “Paris Letters”~~yes, the snail mail kind. You can sign up to receive your very own Paris letter from the author~~either just one letter or a 6 to 12 month subscription.
In the day and age of social media and the internet, it is such a gift to receive a letter in the mail. Excitedly, I signed up to receive a year of Janice MacLeod’s monthly Paris letters. This can be done through Paris Letters Press on Etsy here.
If I didn’t read this book, I would have never known that a monthly subscription like this even existed!
I must admit I was waiting for the mail to come every day since I signed up…..and my painted letter arrived yesterday!
The envelope felt very Parisian, with lovely stamps.
Of course, how can one read a letter from Paris without having some French wine? It’s been so hot in Phoenix that only a very chilled bottle of rosé will do. Not the sweet one, but the dry version from Provence.
Isn’t this just beautiful?
Janice does the illustration in watercolor that accompanies the letter.
Wouldn’t this be a lovely gift for a relative or friend? If you know of someone who would appreciate getting a beautifully illustrated letter in the mail, this is perfect!
Since I enjoyed her first book so much, I just completed her second book, A Paris Year.
Unfortunately I read it on my Kindle while on vacation, therefore didn’t get to appreciate all the color pictures and illustrations in the book. If I were ever to go to Paris, I would bring this book as my guide. Janice goes through each day of the year detailing the sights, activities, and the nuances of Paris.
I received 3 things from this experience. 1) Found great books to read and lessons to contemplate; 2) Discovered Paris Letters and subscribed; 3) In my own way, I am helping a small, creative, business owner.
Happy Tuesday!
Sandra at Maison De Jardin says
Mary, oh how I love this post. And I signed up to receive the letters, can hardly wait for one to arrive. If I had not found you, I would not have found Janice. I have also ordered her books. I do so love your blog and I am thrilled to have found you. Isn’t it wonderful how it seems as though we are meant to find someone or something ~ I love that.
Enjoy these summer days, they are passing too quickly.
debbra-lyn @ property matters Western Cape Winelands says
such a wonderful find – it was something i wanted to do in my part of the western cape wine lands – our country is filled with many such gems too that need to be discovered by the world and those who love adventure … thanks for sharing.
Mary Crozier says
I will have to look up the Western Cape Wine Lands….sounds so beautiful and intriguing. Thank you for commenting on my blog. I love to hear feedback as it encourages me to keep going!
Janice MacLeod says
Hey hey hey. Thanks for your kind words about Paris Letters. It took a long time for me to reply. I blame the toddler in my life. I’m loving your blog… Life at Bella Terra… that’s a dreamy title.
Mary Crozier says
Yes, a toddler can make life far more interesting and exciting! So looking forward to my next Paris letter. Love everything you do!
debbra-lyn @ property matters Western Cape Winelands says
absolutely brilliant … keep them coming … toddlers can take up so much time but it’s wonderful to see them grow with open minds. they also keep us fresh and alive with ideas…
Gabie - Tea End Blog says
Ok, I absolutely love this and thanks for the reading suggestions! I have placed both of them in my “Future Reads” Amazon to-buy list. I love inspirational reads such as this and snail mail is so enchanting! Thanks for sharing this!
Julie says
Love this! Will check it out, thanks for sharing!
Carol Murphy says
Needless to say, Mary, I loved this entry. I’ve been going to (and sometimes living in) Paris since 1969. A lot has changed but I have almost 50 years of memories. My oldest friend will turn 99 in October!