Something I hope to do in my life

Day 5/Topic 5: Something I hope to do in my life---- wow.  I could spend an entire month just outlining the top 30 things I want to do.  I feel like this topic lends itself to a list.  So- here goes:

1. I desperately, passionately, secretly, openly and truthfully want to own a home in France.  Negotiable as to whether it is a farm house in Provence or a pied-à-terre in Paris.   I was born in Versailles (just outside of Paris) and have always been drawn to that part of the world.  I just feel like having a home overseas would be such an adventure and would allow me to dream in so many new ways.  And live in so many new ways.  And be excited in so many new ways.  And laugh in so m.....well, you get the point.  (I also understand it would be a huge money-suck but what better way to be financially stressed than to say the following statement - "Christmas gifts were a little smaller this year because I had to repair the 200 year old plumbing at my Parisian apartment near Sacre Coeur")!

2. I want to publish one piece of writing-- even for like $100 bucks.  Just once.  Just to say I was once a paid writer.  And- I could add that $100 bucks to the Parisian apartment fund.

3. I want to raise super fantastic, loving, talented in their own, unique way, considerate, smart, excited, genuine kids who are not afraid of life but want to grab life and shake it just a little harder than I have.  (and maybe they will be rich and famous and help me buy a farm house in Provence)

4.  I want to teach music.  I've been through a lot as an artist and I think I have soooo much to offer to students- especially younger students.  You shouldn't be scared to learn how to play an instrument.  It should be the extra 'lovely' in your life that you look forward to and embrace.  (and maybe I will find a French student who needs help in Europe...with something....that will provide me with an excuse to buy property in France...just to help them of course).

5. I want to wear a really cool scarf - not just because it's freezing outside- but because I've learned how to wear a scarf as an accessory and it doesn't look like I'm trying too hard......and preferably in Paris when I'm apartment hunting.

6. I want to be married for a really really really long time.  Because I love my husband and I love our life and love our squabbles and our children and our future and our passion for figuring it all out.....need to double check that he wants to retire drinking espresso and exploring in France.

7. I want to travel the world... all over...and end up in France.

8. I'd like to read every book on my Amazon wish list (It would help if I quit adding 5 books a week to it), see every movie on my Netflix list (same problem), ride a horse (I know this is an easy fix but I haven't found a chance to ever actually put my butt on a horse- and my son has been on a pony 3 times already), turn off the TV (but I have to catch up on Mad Men & Breaking Bad), get Lasik eye surgery (I think about this every single morning), have a date night with my hubby (gotta make time for that) and take a photography course so I can take really beautiful pictures of my kiddos --- course I hear the lighting in Paris is the best to be found!

9. I'd like to wear a bikini....in public....without horrifying people and small children.  This is a legitimate hope for many mommies.  I'll give it a shot next time I'm in Cannes.

10. I should probably become fluent in French.....for obvious reasons.

Just a few small hopes from a woman in South Carolina who dreams a little bigger than whatever space she happens to be in........