New territory.

I can remember the first time I stepped foot in France. A dream of a lifetime had finally materialized, and for a mere moment it felt surreal . . . and then I had to find the correct train to take me to Angers. As I didn't know much French (okay, truthfully, next to nothing), my face was unedited therefore revealing my panic, uncertainty and utter confusion. Somehow I stepped onto the train to take me west (which was where I needed to go), but it wouldn't be for another 48 hours that I would feel at ease. As it was the first time I had had the opportunity to experience jet lag, my body and mind were lagging. 

The state of perplexity, uncertainty and doubt can often accompany the same space in which our dreams arrive. Due to the fact that we've never experienced the reality we have been hoping for, working towards, and predicting would elevate our lives beyond our wildest dreams, this unexpected state of quandary is confusing and unexpected. 

However, having recently gone through this state again as parts of my life are changing in ways they have never changed before, it is upon reflection to past experiences such as my first time in France that I gain comfort. After all, it is France and that first visit to study abroad that awoken appreciation for the lifestyle I share now on TSLL blog. It is the French culture that had I not experienced first-hand, been introduced to something different than what I had always known, my perspective and my appreciation would have been minimized.

In many aspects of our lives and along our journey, it is patience that we need in order to allow the new flavors to mingle and reach the full magnificence they are capable of. And if we neglect this step, if we turn around and walk away because it is not what we expected, we miss out on something wonderful. If I would have hopped back on the plane and refused to allow myself to experience France because it was intimidating, I would have lost out on an amazing, truly life-changing experience. 

So today, if you find yourself in limbo, wandering between what you used to do and what you hope to do, do not turn back. Have patience. Give the pieces, players and people time to sort themselves out and eventually everything will fall into its proper place. 

An example of patience paying off is revealed in a new Bend, Sweet Bend post as dining at a restaurant I have been curious about since I moved to Bend finally took place. Be sure to check out my experience at Ariana's in the post below. 

Also in this week's newsletter is a new recipe for the fresh spring and summer fruit begging to come home with us at the farmer's market. It is a combination of two recipes with a simply luxurious touch, and I think you will find it scrumptious.

Don't forget to send me your questions for the June 26th Ask Shannon episode.  Make sure they arrive by June 21st, and your question just might be answered on the air. 

Have a beautiful weekend whether you are tending to your garden, watching the French Open, checking out the full moon or doing whatever your heart desires. Thank you for subscribing and until next week, I'll see you on the blog.​​​​​​​