You are getting to know quite a few of my friends! Today I continue the series that gives you a behind the scenes glimpse of French country life; I would like to introduce you to Dana, one of my "almost" French girlfriends. Beautiful, stylish, generous and a good friend.
Dana is mother to four and works in her own upholstery and interior design store in a little market town in the valley.
Her job keeps her busy, but she still manages to keep a relaxed, happy and colour-coordinated look to her home. I dropped by to ask her the questions I thought you may like to hear.
Thank you Dana for letting us peek inside your home and store. I know you are not originally French, but could you explain a little about where you were born and how you came to live in France?
I was born in Poland , I lived in a little village near Cracow, a very beautiful place, I didn't choose to come to France; it happened by chance. I came here for a holiday 23 years ago, met a tall handsome French boy, fell in love ... and the rest is history!
Did you already speak French when you first arrived here?
I didn't speak any French and my English was very very bad! First I learnt to speak in English, because my husband and I spoke in English together and French came afterwards. Today my children have grown up bilingually and I love to speak in French.
Does that mean you feel totally at home here, or do you think you may opt for a change one day?
Yes, my home is in France now. I love living here and I love France, but it doesn't mean that I won't move one day. Maybe to a country with a language I don't know yet! I love a challenge!!
You have four children, all lively and sociable. I know that you love to entertain their friends and yours in your home; would you say you have a French living style or have you kept some Polish influences?
The way of living in France is completely different to Poland. But both of them are charming in their own ways, I love to entertain at home, and to see my house dressed up for a party! Often we have parties where friends arrive with their children too, so the house fills up quickly!
Over the past seven years, we hold big summer parties, often with a lot of people through the whole night. It is our way to catch up with friends from all over the world, many of whom fly into France just for our evening!
Good wine, good food, fireworks, dancing and the party finishes as the sun rises.
How old is your house, and have you done a lot to renovate it?
It's exactly100 years old, built in 1913. We have renovated a lot; taken walls down, added the kitchen, made it lighter and more in tune with modern family living.
How would you describe your interior style?
In my own home I change things around a lot, and it always reflects my mood. At the moment my house is light and colourful, happy and calm!
How do you balance your time between work, family and home?
Everything is important, but family and the children always take priority!
I remember when you first opened your store, and how exciting that was. What is the atmosphere like, being one of the shops in a small French country town?
Yes it was really exciting because it was a dream for me, to have my own little store, and be able to help clients make their homes more beautiful.
The advantage of of being in a small town is the quality of life, I walk through the town from my home to the shop, I know everyone on the way, the children always walked to school and we all came home together for lunch each day.
Could you describe your daily routine in a few words?
I run around a lot!
Your store is very feminine, with a mix of colours and a happy atmosphere. How important is that for you?
As for my home, colour is important. Beautiful surroundings are important for a tranquil life, and I do my best to create that in my store, to make my clients feel comfortable and welcome.
Thank you Dana for making us feel so welcome.
Voila! So dear readers, you may like to know that Dana's house is available on a home exchange site. She is looking for a house swap for next summer! Anyone interested?!
If you are tempted by the idea of exchanging houses with Dana, just drop me a line and I'll put you in touch.
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