Through My Eyes

I wanted to share a few highlights about an unforgettable trip to France that  took place back in May.
Explaining about three different dreams coming true for me that were never expected, but over a period of time, the right opportunities just showed up.  I suggest heightening your awareness to the opportunities that show up for you...it could turn into a dream come true!

*PLEASE READ TO THE VERY END!  I would like to share part of a conversation I shared with Julia Child from heaven where we connected through my automatic writing practice..

France Through My Eyes                                                                                              France happens to be my favorite place on earth! I have been fortunate and am grateful to have had four trips there in my life, each just as magical.  The fact that my ancestors originated from France and landed in Canada might have something to do with it! While my French isn’t exactly fluent, I love finding chances to sneak in a phrase or two when I can. If the people slow down when they talk, I usually can understand them!! There’s just something about being surrounded by the language, the food, and the history that feels like home to me.

Paying My Respects
For the last two decades I’ve been more than a little obsessed with France during WWII.  I have read countless historical and historical fiction books about France's history from 1939-1945 and find it fascinating when the same event is captured in more than one book.  A few years ago, I had the deeply moving experience of walking on Omaha Beach in Normandy, one of the landing sites during the D-Day invasion. Standing on that very sand—where American troops came ashore 81 years ago—was something I will never forget. It was humbling, powerful, and emotional. While the loss was great and tragic; I feel such pride for what they did for France, us and the world!
 
Champagne at The Ritz (keeping with WWII theme)
On this trip, I was actually able to make an unexpected dream come true… sipping champagne at the Paris Ritz with my friends!! I couldn’t help but imagine what it was like during the hardships of WWII  —yet Coco Chanel and Hemingway found their lifestyles connected so strongly to the Ritz in Paris. Though Coco Chanel had a fascinating life, it was not without controversy.  So many of the WWII era books I loved reading seem to lead right back to that iconic place.  If only those walls could talk! Having just read a book about Coco, I wouldn't have even given it a thought to go myself. But we were able to sneak it in with a very busy itinerary. 

A Cooking Class, A Magical Shop and Julia Child
And of course, no Paris adventure is complete without a culinary tour! After attending a croissant-making class nearby at La Cuisine Paris, I decided to stop at E. Dehillerin, Julia Child’s favorite kitchen supply shop. Their shelves were stacked high with copper pots, cutlery and every kitchen tool imaginable. Everything is labeled, categorized and organized with care. This iconic store was a full-circle moment on my Julia Child journey. I couldn't help but basque in the culinary wisdom that has walked through those doors.

Yes, I’m such a fan of Julia’s that I have been connecting with Julia through my channeled writing practice since 2020 and have had amazing success.  In true Julia fashion, she responded with warmth and wit—and even offered messages of encouragement to keep her love of France and French cooking alive. 
 
My interest in Julia didn’t stop at cookware. Over time, I became more and more intrigued by her life—so much so that I started reading everything I could find and even watching old episodes of The French Chef.

Over three years ago, I tried something quite personal and special: using my automatic channeling writing technique to try to connect with her spirit. To my amazement, Julia came through warmly and graciously—just as you’d expect her to do. She’s been like a pen pal from beyond to me, for a while now answering my questions with humor, encouragement, and sharing a deep love for French cuisine. We have both agreed, we would have been the best of friends if we ever had met in person.
Here’s a little message from Julia for all of you:

"Don’t be afraid of cooking or life. Both are meant to be savored with joy, butter, and a sense of curiosity!”
  Julia Child (channeled)

Thank you for letting me share this journey with you.  Whether you are a fellow Parisian wanna be, a history buff or just someone who loves a good glass of champagne, I hope this story brought a little sparkle to your day.

With love and champagne ribbons,
Cheryl

***BONUS Material**  An Authentic Channeled Spiritual Message from Julia
 
Last week I was doing some spiritual writing for myself and it came to me to ask Julia if she had any message for me since Paris was going to be the theme of my article this month. When I am guided to check in with her every once in a while, she is always there and happy and willing to share her thoughts...

My question: Does Julia have a message for me?

Her Message: Good morning, Cheryl,
Well how nice to think of me and share my message with your audience.  I appreciate that.  Yes that cooking store was a place I frequented often during my time in Paris and my kitchen was filled with all of the best authentic equipment.  Some things make a big difference, others.. not so much.

For anyone who has followed my life's story, it was an interesting one.  For a long time, Paris was the hub of my universe and I treasure each day that I was there and each person I met.
Cheryl, thank you for thinking of me in the restaurant in Reims when you ordered the Sole Meunier,* in my honor! I was there right with you that day. Cheryl, keep up with your research about fascinating history in France during WWII because the individual stories are many. Also keep up with your inspirational work.  You have lots more fun, French adventures to experience, my friend.  Always continue to write to me and we need to finish that article that we started together.
                            Love, Julia

Thank you, Julia!

*Sole Meunier was the first French dinner she ever had in France.  This was something that inspired her to start pursuing French Cuisine because she loved it.. While we were visiting the Veuve Clicquot champagne caves in Reims, France, we stopped for lunch first and the Sole Meunier dish was on the menu. So I had to have it in honor of her. It was spectacular to experience this delicious dish authentically in France!
The dish presentation table side by the waiter was fascinating also!!  So it was lunch and a show!