Total Art Soul - for artists

Oh Cathy! That's so upsetting to hear...I hate (1) hearing about how foul humans can be to each other and (2) having a stereotype reinforced So sorry you're both not feeling at home where you live, I do so hope that fate is kind and presents some much more positive experiences in your paths.
sx

Thanks so much for your kind words Hayley. I also get much from this site, it's really not one way.

I also came here to give my kids a better life and my son is now in his final at uni doing his masters. Next year he goes to Sweden for his doctorate so I could not be prouder. All this he did in a foreign language too.

My daughter is now at uni in Liverpool, UK. She decided to go back but speaks fluent French and gained a different perspective from being in France a while.

I do not regret bringing them here so I think you are doing the right thing. Meanwhile though, you have a right to be happy too. I don't believe we should be martyrs to our kids so it's important that you don't forget your needs. A happy mummy makes for happy kids who will study better.

I think you'll have to be a bit brave and step out of your comfort zone a little by going out and about more and seeing what opportunities you have locally. Even start your own groups etc. Do you get to talk to other mums much? Could you help out doing something at the school?

Sand, I'm past caring much what they think of us now. we keep ourselves to ourselves and we make the most of what we have. One day we'll move so I know this is not forever. I think myself lucky that I can move because they are not able to. In 20 years time, they will still be living the same lives whereas we will have moved on to bigger and better things.

Glad you're able to be positive about it
Your daughter's here? Gosh! Hope she likes it, lol what's she studying? (don't say music coz that would just be too weird...)

yes, Cathy, you right. I guess I have to just get out of my comfort zone and just try groups etc. I think I feel sorry for myself because so much is expected of me here and so much to do that I dont want an added thing.

But in the end, having friends will make it much easier than what it is now.
I will keep you updated.

Thank you for sharing!

Hi guys,
we lived in france for a while but we were lucky- the bit we were in was full of nutters and we quickly became part of the ongoing amusements. We did have a lot of expats in the area, so I guess the locals were more used to it- the general rule seemed to be, if you were prepared to stay over winter, you were one of them, it was the summer visitors they hated- which now we're back in Cornwall, is much the same here

I think the advice Cathy gave is spot on- there are good people wherever you go, sometimes it just takes a bit longer to find them. Be brave, get out there and it will get better. In the meantime, there's always us here

Karen and Rich

Hayley, don't be afraid to say no to people. If you can't manage to do things, just tell people you can't do it. You have a little one and enough on your plate. Put your own happiness first.