American, 59, originally from Chicago, I have been living in France with my husband of almost 35 years, Paul, who was my French pen pal when I was in high school. In every way and manner we consider ourselves true soulmates who have come together after a long absence to complete our karmic mission for this incarnation. We have four children, two girls 30 and 25 and twins girl and boy, 20, and live in a small country town about 45 kilometers south of Paris. In 1998 I obtained the French nationality, and now have both. I travel to the U.S. once a year to visit my American family.

I am partially deaf, with a hearing loss of about 80%, and wear two aids. This hasn't prevented me from learning the language and culture of my adopted country, which due to circumstances I have learned entirely on my own. I don't work and like to write short stories and articles, with a challenging poem from time to time, and also like to travel as my husband works for the airlines (ticket agent), be outdoors, learn about other countries and cultures and work in my kitchen. I like to listen to jazz and blues, instrumental, some classic and especially native American flute and drums. I have taught myself to play the guitar and piano, and play just for myself. Although I was raised in a close knit Roman Catholic family, since coming to France I have opened up to other ays of thinking and am more openminded, feeling more attuned with pagan and Native American spirituality, as well az Zen Buddhist principles, which I am teaching myself, especially through Zen meditation. I am also veyr interested in learning more about Japan, its language and culture.

I have joined this community because I would like to share my experiences and learn with other members of the group.