A French Getaway and…. Dreams Coming True
Do you have dreams that you would like to have come true? They could be big or little or just plain fun experiences that you wish for!
These dreams may even fall in the category of, "Wouldn't it be nice sometime if..." but then these thoughts get totally forgotten. Or so you think... Hah!
Today I would like to discuss three great fulfilled dreams of mine that I didn't really know were dreams actually, but strong wishes. Apparently God and the universe were listening! These desires totally and unexpectedly fell in my lap, thanks to friends, circumstances and my openness for adventures. These dreams came to life over a span of quite a few years, but the most recent one happened in May.
So never give up on any desire or dream of yours! I suggest heightening your awareness to the opportunities that show up for you...it could turn into a dream come true!
This month’s newsletter has a different style—Below are a few highlights of my trip to France back in May..
*PLEASE READ TO THE VERY END! I would like to share with you part of a conversation with Julia Child from heaven where we connected through my automatic writing practice. She and I have developed quite a nice friendship since contacting her in spirit back in 2020. I am proud to say that we are still friends, kind of like pen pals and pick up right where we left off each time we connect on paper!
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 one 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 my version of a conversation when I can. I also mess up sometimes like going into a bakery and asking for the potato pastry instead of the apple one! Oh well, we all had a good laugh about it! If the people slow down when they talk, I usually can understand them pretty well!! There’s just something about being surrounded by the language, the food, and the history that feels like home to me.
Paying My Respects One of my Dreams
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! Paying my respects made me feel connected in a way I never thought possible.
Champagne at The Ritz (keeping with WWII theme) Another one of my Dreams
On this trip, I was actually able to make an unexpected dream come true… sipping champagne at the Ritz in Paris 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 at that time. Though Coco Chanel had a fascinating life, it was not without controversy. So many of the WWII era books I love 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 there myself, but we were able to sneak it in with a very busy itinerary.
As I sat with my champagne on the summer patio, I just took in all the ambiance of the history that took place there. I asked a concierge person, if they ever offer tours of this legendary hotel, and she totally agreed with me about the unparalleled history there. Unfortunately they don’t because there are still residents there and the Ritz chooses to respect their privacy.
A Cooking Class, A Magical Shop and Julia Child Another Dream of Mine
And of course, no Paris adventure is complete without a culinary experience! 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 the doors of that shop.
Yes, I’m such a fan of Julia’s! I have been connecting with Julia through my channeled writing practice since 2020 and have had amazing success. In true Julia fashion, she responded to my written request 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.
About five 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. I ask the questions and she responds with humor, encouragement, and sharing her 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 quote 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) (see below in red for her recent message)
Thank you for reading this and 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 Dreams 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 dish she ever had in France. This was something that inspired her to start pursuing French Cuisine because she found a passion for it.. While we were visiting the Veuve Clicquot champagne caves in Reims, France, we first stopped for lunch at a restaurant called Little Georgette, 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 with its table side presentation by the waiter was fascinating also!! So it was lunch and a show!
C’est tout! That’s All
Love from,
Cheryl