Sam de Bretagne

Pacsed to a Frenchman and living in Bretagne since 2003, this is the story of my life.

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Previous Posts

• Overwhelmed
• The one in which my life becomes one big, French c...
• This is my new favorite song: Des spaghettis, de...
• For whatever reason, one night while we were at th...
• Confession time
• Don't mind me....
• What a week in England looks like
• Petrified quiche
• Silence is golden
• I'm really pumped, we just got done visiting Stone...

Overwhelmed Sam- you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. I do not know in person only through your blog. And I have to chim and say that you are right about being a pinball in life and the bumpers that come along... they come out of no where and then you're set back or off course and you have to go on again. You will be fine. There will be hard days and let yours experience those, cry, get mad, yell, express... it's all completely normal.

Again, if there is anything I can do. Let me know. I've got a comfy couch for you to crash on anytime. Hope to see you soon. Sam, you will get stronger and stronger with every passing day, and it's already clear here in this post that you have come a long way in such a short time. But give yourself plenty of room, and of course more time, to breathe and to feel things through step by step. I think your approach here, and what you said about life in general, is very true -- and it's a good philosophy to live by, to not regret any decisions you've made. I know I haven't always been the wisest in my decision-making -- not at ALL! -- but I'm doing the best I can to learn from everything that I've done or that has happened to me over the years. And it sounds to me like you've ALWAYS done that, so that's an excellent start!

It's amazing the connection you have made with so many people out here in the blogosphere, and I am so glad that everyone has been able to help you out, at least a bit, in taking those first steps toward a new start, a renaissance of sorts! And please let me know, too, if I can do anything to help. I have an extra room (with a sort of bunk/mezzazine bed for the moment...) in my apartment too, but I'm out in the 'burbs, so I just don't know how tempting it would be! :-) But don't hesitate to contact me if you need to crash at any time.

Hang in there, and continue being your strong self. We are all behind you! Sam, you don't know me from Adam but I have been slavishly reading your blog for a few months now. Even to the point of going back to your first post and moving forward !

I respect you and your bravery, honesty, tenacity ... ! I am involved with a Breton from Brest who is lovely but I must say my blood ran cold when I read your post the other day .... I could not imagine the pain and shock that you were going through ... so far away from "home" ...(which I know has hazy meaning now !)

I do see as being very grounded and I am certain, certain that once you run the gantlet you will come out victorious at the end. Stay true to yourself ... Fabrice is the loser here, he will miss out on spending his life with a wonderful, strong, caring woman ... you.

I am happy to hear that you will keep on with your blogging. Besides having mastered two languages outside of your native tongue, moving to a strange land and successfully establishing yourself there, you are a gifted writer.

Yeh, I would very much enjoy following your saga. I am addicted and in awe.

BTW .... if you eva are in New England and need a place to crash let me know. We'll have lobsta', chowda, chocolate and drinks !

Thank you for sharing yourself and *fingers to temples* I'm sending waves of strength and peacefullness your way ....

Sue Of course i would like your private blog address:):) We're worthy, no??:) afterall, we've been through blogging battles together hand in hand:)

I had no doubt you would see things the positive way, you are a glass half full..and overflowing...

and IF fab is reading this, just know that you set this girl free and just you wait and see what happens with her:) with that said, I do have a feeling that later in life, you will be friends and he will forever regret letting you go, but in your life Sam, this is a necessity, you're destined for great things:) Sam with her plan:)
Take care my friend, we have a nice futon to crash on, won't you have business one day in upstate NY?? :)
good luck!
Kim and Thomas I am so glad to see a new post from you....I've been checking breathlessly to see if maybe, just maybe, all of our comments could bring you back. It's really good to have an update from you; as strange as it is, many of us who do not know you personally, but have followed all the details of your life for months or years, really care for you and want to know that you're okay.
I do hope you'll continue to write, since I honestly believe that the most interesting part of you life is right up ahead--and we want to share it with you!

Take care of yourself and do keep up the wonderful writing--for your friends out here in this strange virtual place, and for yourself. Good luck Sam! I've really enjoyed your blog and your great writing style. You really did help a lot of us expats out there, thanks to you I learned about the Democrats Abroad global primary! If you can survive French Admin. you can survive anything right? :) Your analogy of the pin ball machine is perfect, that really is how life can be, I'm sure no matter what road you take, you will do very well. I'd love to read about your adventures stateside, if that is indeed the road you take...and remember the saying, "that which does not kill me only makes me stronger". Voilà you are that much stronger already! Take care and bon courage... I believe a Sam de Bretagne II would be great, que ce soit ici ou ailleurs.
I could not find the right words the other day after reading your post and after seeing so many comments.
All this support shows that you touched many people in the last few years and this all experience was for the best. Remember this during the hard times.
I don't know if I told you this the first time I sent you an e-mail (maybe the only e-mail:) back when we were still in the US but you should write a book! As a French going back to France your blog helped a lot but surtout made me laugh quite a few times.
So take good care of yourself and when you're ready we'll be here to read the posts and leave comments:) Hi!I am glad you start doing better. I felt sad when I read the last post and I did not really know what to write you because it's always awkward moments. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Bretagne and I am sure you'll live fantastics things in the future and experience happiness again. I wish you good luck to readapt to your country because I had a hard time readapting to France after only one year in the US. I would like you to allow me to read your next blog as I like reading you too. Bonne chance et kenavo! I can really feel the love on this blog, it's beautiful!

I don't have an appartement yet but I wanted to invite you to crash at my place too! If you time it for the beginning of May then you can sleep in a brand new IKEA bed chez moi, somewhere! woooooo!

I really do hope you stay somewhere in the blogosphere whether it's here or elsewhere (if it's somewhere new please, please let me know as I'd really love to follow the new-and-even-more-exciting chronicles of Sam).

When I thought it was the end of Sam de Bretagne I realised I'd taken your blog for granted; I hadn't gone back into the archives and read from the beginning. I am now in the middle of doing this. (So if you see some loser on your stats spending hours on your blog that would probably be me. Ahem...) As I read more and more I realise what an inspiration you are to so many of us. You are forte and intelligente and genial. We all know you can and will get through this and you will come out so much happier on the other side.

Samanta on t'aime! I am so glad you're back! I wanted so much for you to keep writing and keep sharing your adventures. I couldn't believe what loss I felt when I thought you had stopped writing forever. I have been following your adventure since the beginning and it matches my own transcontinental struggles in so many ways. I AM SO GLAD YOUR BACK!!!!!!!! I know you will succeed in life. Sam - I have also been reading your blog for some time now and have really enjoyed your writing. I was so sorry when I read your post on Monday and equally sad that you would not be writing anymore. I'm glad to hear that the support has buoyed you a bit. I too hope to see your blog's new incarnation, and to know how you are faring during this difficult time (and more to the point in the GOOD times ahead as well!). Sam, I'm one of the lurkers who has been reading your blog and admiring you from afar for some months. I'm so so sorry you've been hurt just when it felt like everything was coming together at last. *big hugs*

Bonne chance, Sam de Bretagne!

I look forward to reading your new blog, who knows, perhaps we will learn that you love life back in the U.S. and you've bought that cute 4x4. OMG, this is what happens when one misses a few days of Google Reader!

Sam, I am heartbroken for you, but actually not that surprised. It may sound brutal, but I often wondered if you would "make it" in the tough life of being a French farmer's wife...I thought you might be the first to go...how ironic that it happened this way.

I think this is a cold reminder of how much we put on the line when we move our lives to a foreign country. Yet, keep your philosophy: regret nothing.

And why stop the blog? So many people want to know what you will do now...you may need to change the name, but I hope you won't leave the blogosphere.

Gros bisous from Betty in Aveyron... I am glad to hear you are deciding to forge on in the blogosphere. Hang in there kiddo, life will go on. These type of things challenge our lives and make us who we are you. You will come out of it stronger, wiser, and an even more incredible person. You might not be able to see it now, but trust me... it will come.

Take care and best of luck!

Justin awww, honey, i just read your previous post. i'm so sorry.
love, and i'd love to follow your adventures. Hi Sam,

You have soo much spirit and good energy flowing through you! You are surrounded by so many who care about you.... You will come out of this even stronger than you ever thought you were! I am am sooooo delighted to see that you are conitinuing on with your blog- I really believe that "everything happens for a reason," No matter how shitty it is! I have been there below the bottom so I can totally relate!! I will catch you over there and look forward to seeing you up in my neck of the woods this summer. I know you will love it here! Big hugs!!-Leesa
-Leesa Hi there Sam. My wife writes the blog "La Vie Echangee". We live in Mougins, near Cannes, with our four children. Just today, by total accident and for the first time, we ran into the people that write "Frenchforawhile". As we know these people solely through their blog (and they through ours) we talked about you. So tonight I looked at your blog and was very surprised at what I read. I'm sorry for your pain.

Why don't you come visit the Riviera for a few days and stay with us? You may think my wife and I are strangers but we've read plenty about you the last few months. You can sleep upstairs by yourself and have your own part of the house to yourself enjoying the sunshine and a warm beach. As opposed to the rock beaches in Brittany where it's 8 degrees and raining in July. We know, we've been there.

If you want to come anytime in the next month or so, let us know, it would be a pleasure to host you for a few days. Like you, we're Americans but we know this country (and love it). Not everything is perfect, but down here in the south it can be awfully good at times. Email my wife at stasha@gmail.com.

Keep your head up, there are a lot of people thinking about you and rooting for you!
Love,
The Ashtons
Dave, Stasha, Abby, Sophie, Sam and Carter
www.stashaslife.blogspot.com Sam - I've been out of it for a while and haven't read your blog in a few weeks. I'm so sorry and wish you whispers of serenity in the coming weeks. If you need anything at all or help or a place to stay or just want to talk to an American or anything else, please send me an email (on my blog). Be as gentle with yourself as you would with your best friend. Sam, I am so sorry about what happened. I haven't been good about keeping up with blogs and I am just reading this now. God, I am sorry. Sam, I haven't checked in for a while, but Ken has been keeping me informed. I know you'll bounce back and I'm looking forward to the new adventures of Sam, wherever they may lead you. This post has been removed by the author. Dear Sam,

I hope that you will take some time for yourself to privately reflect upon what you really want to do at this crossroads in your life--BEFORE you do anything irrevocable--and not allow shock and confusion to push you into choices that are motivated by hurt, embarrassment and/or anger with no real long-term benefit.

It is devastating to have someone desert you and it will take time to regain your equilibrium, but everything that you have done to create a life in France, all the adaptations that you have made, the extra-cultural skills and new language that you have acquired, the new friends in your daily life and in the blogosphere are all your own accomplishments and successes and are not dependent in any way on your role as part of a couple.

Even the new furniture that you purchased is a reflection of your enthusiasm and your commitment to your life abroad. Don't give it up and don't back up until it is completely clear that that is in your best interest.

You do not have to abandon anything integral simply because a loved one took a powder. Quietly and calmly review your options. If the area in which you live is interesting to you, above and beyond its significance as the setting for a long affair of the heart, don't give it up, don't allow someone else's cavalier behavior to deprive you of the life that you have built in Brittany or in France. You deserve to reap the rewards of your efforts, regardless of the condition of your vie intime.

Given that you are in France, I suspect that you have rights and protections associated with your Pacsed status. You have become integrated in your community due to your own efforts. You have come so far that it would be a shame to get derailed by anything but your own deliberate desire to do something drastically different.

I hope that you will take advantage of the great affection in which you are held by your in-laws, your family, your friends, and your blogmates and allow them to support you, encourage you, and brainstorm with you to make your immediate decisions about the future rather than withdraw and give up hard won successes such as your new job, simply because a man has had a change of mind.

Your accomplishments matter. You matter. You are perfect exactly as you are and you will triumph over this disappointing turn of events and come through it stronger, wiser, and clearer about what your own values and desires in life are.

I promise you that the quality of the break up and the way you come through it are totally in your hands. Be the very best friend to yourself that you can be. Love yourself as much as you ever loved Fab, and then some. Believe in yourself exactly as you have always done in spite of how your beloved is currently behaving.

Hold your head up high. Be assertive and be courageous. You did not do anything wrong, anymore than if he had walked out the door and had not come back because he was hit by a car or had a heart attack. In a way he has had a "heart attack."

Give yourself the benefit of the doubt, take your time, make sure he's really gone, so that you can plan your future without being pulled back into something that is not quite finished.

Please find out your status relative to your French citizenship plans before you throw in the towel. That citizenship represents access to not only France but the entire European Union. It is, in some ways, your future.

The United States of America will be here--in a week, in a month, in a year. It is not going anywhere and it will most certainly welcome you back with open arms and no decent healthcare. You can always have that, but you might not be able to recreate your own hard won accomplishments in France in the future if you allow a thoughtless young man to derail your excitement, enthusiasm, love, sense of self-worth, and certainty that you have made the right choices for Sam.

Please forgive my long post but I wanted to make sure that someone expressed these particular ideas and encouragements to you.

Amitiés chaleureuses... Wow, I too haven't been to your blog for a while.

Anyways, I just wanted to know you have another person rooting for you. I had to break up with my long time bf back in California before I went to France for a year. It's hard, it sucks and it takes time. (Though, I'm not comparing what happened with me to your seven years!)

I know one day you'll be happy and appreciative again. Eat ice cream, read girly magazines and keep other important people close in your life.

My thoughts are with you!! And do keep writing, (as someone who professionally gets paid to do that) it does help a lot. If nothing else, you're keeping people close, which is always important. I haven't been here for a while and am terribly sorry to hear your news. Hang in there! Hello Sam
I'm a late-comer to your blog - left my first comment on your previous post, and have now begun reading your older posts ... I would very much like to read your new blog (if you'll let me!)
best wishes in all your future endeavours!
SG ps my email is stratfordgirl@hotmail.co.uk - thanks! Sam, oh my gosh ...*big2 hugs from me*. All the best to your new stage of life. Your blog has inspired me a lot, thank you for sharing all your great stories and thinking. I hope I will be able to read your stories again. Again, good luck, SamdeBretagne *hugs*. Hi Sam - I don't know if you ever look at this anymore, but if you do, I've lost your new blog address due to a pc meltdown shortly after we arrived in Paris. Could you send it to me again, please? The one in which my life becomes one big, French cliché i know i know. god does my heart go out to you sam.
big big hugs My heart stopped for a moment when i read your first line. Now i'm crying for you. God, Sam, i'm so sorry things turned out this way.

Please stay in touch somehow; i feel like you are part of my European life, even though we have never really met. Take care of yourself, and take full advantage of the MIL ;-) long time reader, first time to leave a comment. god, i am so, so sorry! i can't imagine what you must be going through. your strength through this, though, is evident in your writing-- no doubt about it! you're a terrific writer and i hope you keep up blogging in some form or another-- but only when you're ready. good luck in your transition moving back to the states. even though we never met, i'm sending you warm, positive thoughts!
-nikki c. I was totally shocked by what I just read.....
I can only begin to imagine how upset you must be, how hurt and how angry. Hell, I'm bloody angry on your behalf. I am glad that you're going back to the US though, I think that you will be a lot happier there and you have a chance for a real life now, and hopefully an end to the daily struggles that life here presents. I'm totally shocked...
I really don't know what to say except I'm so sorry that you are going through this and frankly I cannot believe the actions of some people.. I blogged about this, but i didn't link (i know how private you like to remain, so i hope that's ok).

http://www.judithjane.net/2008/04/its-strange.html The truly awful things in our lives always seem to blindside us dont they? Your just left standing there reeling in shock. I'm so sorry Sam that this had to happen to you. You have been my never ending source of inspiration. I swear your name comes up so many times in my every day conversation. You went though it all and I avoided much because of it. I do hope you find your rainbows end. One thing is true, it's better you find this out now then later. I wish you much healing and warm thoughts. Good luck with your life hon and thank you for sharinng a little bit of it with us. Wow Sam...deepest sympathies. What more can I say? I hope you are able to take advantage of your remaining time in France, and embrace American life whole-heartedly when you return stateside. Best of luck. In the wise words of Miss Piggy:

Only time can heal your broken heart. Just as only time can heal his broken arms and legs.

Hope to still see you pop in for a visit every now and again... Samantha, I am so sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you. I echo what everyone else here has already written, sending you good wishes and hoping this turns out to be a blessing in disguise. But even if it is for the best in the long run, that doesn't lessen the shock and the pain.

I *really* hope you keep writing your blog. You are a great writer and as a writer myself, I think the act of writing can be very cathartic. At the very least, keep a journal. But I hope once life settles down you will start blogging again. I think if you do move back to the States, you will have many interesting things to share and write about. Take care of yourself.

Anglofille
xoxo I'm sorry, Sam. Merde.

I hope you'll keep writing, too. That sucks. I would want to kill him. Sometimes I ask myself what I would do if DH and I broke up or he died or something. I guess it would depend a bit on how established I was in my career and whether we had kids. I think you should maybe take a few weeks before deciding what you want to do, whether you want to move back to the US or not. Just so that you are a bit past the shock of it all. Perhaps it is all these changes in your lives that make him feel scared and he feels he needs to back out and be "young and carefree" again? Damn, that sucks!
On the other hand, I've been reading your blog for quite a while and it occurred to me many times, that you are not really happy in France. So maybe the SOB did you a favor. I just thought I'd stop in and visit your blog as I like to do from time to time, because you're always such an honest and plain spoken, no bullshit writer, and I can't believe it. I feel so sad that this has happened to you. Please take care and keep writing, in whatever way makes sense to you. Oh Sam... How terribly sad and frustrating and infuriating. I wish there were words of encouragement that could help ease the pain.
Good luck Sam.
I'll miss reading your site and wish you all the best. Just imagine every curse word you know (in English, thank you), and that's what came out of my mouth as I read this. Sam, I am so, so sorry. Please keep in touch: girlfriends are good at a time like this

Love & hugs
Helen
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx I was hoping this was an April Fool's joke. :*(

I feel sick and frustrated and angry for you. If it happened to me, I'd have no idea what to do. I still can't believe this is happening to you.

Your life in the US will be infinitely better than here though, I promise.

I don't know what else to say. I'm really sorry, Sam. just a thought - for selling stuff, a friend told me about a site called leboncoin.fr where you can sell used stuff, kinda like ebay/craigslist. i'll ask around here too and see if anyone needs anything!

*hugs* Hi sweetie,

I JUST got home and got your email from last week and my heart just broke for you. I really really really am sorry.

If you need a shoulder to cry on, I'm here...

Screw the bisous. Here are some great big virtual anglo hugs from me. Holy effin' sh*t, Samantha.

I can only imagine what you must be going through, and I'm really sorry for your pain.

I will miss your blog (and hope that maybe, after some time has passed, you'll blog about your new improved, ahem life Stateside.

You've made a lot of "virtual" friends over the past few years. I hope you know we all wish you the best.

I'll keep up with you on Facebook.

Take care. Oh Sam, I am so, so sorry. BIG HUGS!!!! Holy Moly. Wow. B has gotten used to my "Sam de Bretagne said this... and she thinks that..." and "Guess what Sam de Bretagne did..." Just stupefied. Hi Sam,

I am shocked and very saddened to read this. Even though we don't know each other personally, I feel connected to you through your blog, as do all of your readers. I know that so many emotions and thoughts must be running rampant now, but as Megan stated, maybe wait a little while before making up your mind on what you really want to do. I think it so horrible that this has happened to you- no one deserves it... I am sending big hugs and positive energy your way. -Leesa Sam, I'm so sorry, and like everyone else sending lots of good thoughts and hugs your way. hey, i sent you a (private) email to your yahoo account, but wanted to post here to make sure you check it.

when you do, please know that i totally mean it. my heart literally stopped when i read this . . . Oh Sam. You have offered so much time and invaluable guidance to the expat community. You will be sorely missed and we are all grieving for you.

The blogs you wrote when you were in the US were filled with light, energy, hope and possibility. In the long run Fab may be right - opportunities seem to abound for you there and you may well be happier.

I wish you all the best.
--carrie I really do wish you all the best. It will be a long road, but you are tenacious. I'm so sorry for your loss. I've only recently found your blog and have enjoyed reading it.

Best,
Chaz My heart broke while reading. Samantha, you have actually gained a lot the 7 years you are here. You show your perseverance and have inspired a lot of people of your adventure.

I would suggest you to take a break during the Easter holiday and go tour places you want to visit in France. Give yourself a chance to cool down, and so do to Fabrice. He might had a hard time to himself.
Come back and then discuss again.

A friend fought with her French boyfriend over the MIL and he asked her to go back to her country. They both cool down and his brother talked to him. They discovered that they love each other and they got married after. I hope there is still a turning point in your relationship. If not, go persuade your other dreams and be happy. Maybe write a book about your adventure.

I will miss you and I wish you all the best. All of the above and more. This bloke still doesn't know what to say or think, certainly not here in the comments box.

Kia Kaha. Oh, Sam.... I'm so sorry!!!
To have things just starting to come together and then this....
If you need anything, a place to stay, whatever, remember we are only about 2 hours away....
Stay in touch, please...
I won't bother with any platitudes.... many, many hugs! Sam, I'm so sorry and words can't say how terrible this is.
Lots and lots of hugs
E x sam, i, too, am so sorry. as i said to yuri earlier, you turned your whole life upside down to be with him. it's really fucking sorry that he had to end it like this.

i wish you the best of luck that things go decently from here on out. big hugs from paris. I can't say anything brilliant or life changing. I think you'll come through some months from now happy, fine, and strong.

Best advice I ever got - keep your head down and your feet moving. Eventually the hardest part is over. Sam, I'm so, so sorry to hear this. you sound really strong, hold onto that... je suis avec toi, de tout coeur!
France is still yours, Fab can never take it away from you. It's still an amazing thing you accomplished over these years.
Best of luck in the future, and do keep writing.
Gros bisous
Lauren Oh my. This is very, very sad news. I'm so sorry, Sam. This is such a huge shock, Sam. I have been reading about your life since you started blogging here (I think), and I've always enjoyed all the discussions in the chatbox. I do sincerely hope that once things settle and you have had time for your feelings, that you will consider blogging again. I know none of us want to lose you!
My thoughts are with you. Hey Sam...I was shocked to read your latest post...I was actually wondering earlier today why you hadn't posted in a while and I'm really sorry it was because of what happened...I don't know what to say because words can't really do much I don't think, but know I'm thinking of you and that you are strong woman who will pick herself up and move on and while it will be hard at first, life goes on....

Keep your chin up. Thank you for writing such a great blog all this time. :) Sam,

Really sorry to hear all this. I'm wishing you nothing but the best. Keep in touch. Sam, I'll miss you!! jeez... I don't know what to say.. my stomach turned while reading. I'm so sorry to hear this and I wish you all the best... I have to thank you for all of your help re admin over the last few years. Your blog was part of my 'computer ritual'. Keep in touch (via facebook) and good luck back in the states. Oh Sam, I don't know you at all just through your blog - but seriously you were always a big inspiration of fighting through the French system with good humor and French relationships as well...I always looked forward to your posts cuz I could always relate to them in some way being in a relationship with a Frenchie, past assistant, fighting for a real job CDI, my 4 and a half years with FB ended a week ago as well :( I'm sorry for your broken heart...it's harder too because you're not only breaking up with a person but a country - it can be overwhelming but it sounds like you're surrounded by friends and even the in-laws are behaving themselves...I'll miss your blog but take care of yourself and best of luck with everything in the future. Liz oh wow sam...I have been religiously reading your blog since I came back to the US after a year in France this summer, and it shocked me to read that this happened so suddenly after all you've been through in France. everything thing you write so well about echoes what I love and hate about France. I do think you will eventually be happier in the US though, since the only thing that ever kept you in France was Fab anyway. I sincerely hope you keep writing, I would love to hear what you think of full-time American life after being away for so long (it was a weird readjustment for me, and I was only gone one year). best of luck in wherever you find yourself. I haven't been reading blogs this past week. Wow, Sam, just wow. I'm so sorry, but in a way I agree that this was the sign you needed. My heart goes out to you because you are hurting, but I'm glad for you at the same time, if that makes any kind of cruel sense.

Do let us all know how you are doing if you can. And if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I am so sorry! I have read your blog since you started writing and I have been consistently inspired by your hard work, intelligence and caring. I hope you continue to write because you are such an interesting and compelling person. You have a real gift to reach out to literally the world! I wish I could tell you how much your blog has meant to people you will never meet. I wish you all the best things in your new life. Oh dear, I just don't know what to say...I would say I am sorry, but I have a feeling it is Fab that I should say that to...he is missing out, not you, you will prevail and this I'm sure was just a section of your life to make you grow to get to your greater lifes purpose...does that make sense, you said it when you said you were asking the universe for a sign...when you can't make the decision yourself the universe i believe will make it for you, it will push you through that door no matter how hard you stretch your legs out to stop it...I personally can't wait to see where you go from here:) you are on to great things Sam:) This I believe:):)
Take care and if you'd like i can give you thomas handsome brothers number in Bourges...and he's perfect like thomas:):)
take care! hands are all over your heart protecting you...the blogging community is here for you:)

xoxo kim Since I found your blog a month or so ago, I am sad and angry at what I just read. I'm sorry. I hope you decide to return to writing because it can be a great outlet. At first I thought you were joking, april fools and all. Then I looked at the date , then I thought France might do April fools on a differant date. Then I thought do they do April Fools. I wish you the best and I believe we all would love you to continue with your blog. To see where you go from here. To tell you the truth Fab was kind of boring. Take care sweetie. I feel like such a parrot but I agree with every one of the above. I'm SO sorry...

I am so very sad and upset, this should never happen to anybody - nobody deserves this, least of all you, after everything you gave up for the man.

I'm so saddened to hear this news and I wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life. I, like all of your readers, will be upset if you do stop blogging completely but I do understand. Maybe, when time has slipped by, we will see you back in the blogoshpere.

All my love and best wishes to you xxxxxxxxxx OMG. My heart dropped when I read this. I am SO sorry. Seems like you have lots of open arms and ears but if you need another set I'm totally here for you. Come to California! Its sunny! :) You will get through this.
I don't know you very well.
But I know enough having lived the same cultural adjustments that you have to say that if you could deal with living in France, you can deal with this.

You seem like a strong, passionate woman. I wish you the best of everything. Know that even though I don't really know you, we share something: the ups and downs of expatriation, finding love, hate, beauty, and everything else in France.


Gros bisous.

Duane Same here, I feel really sorry. I can just imagine how hard it must be. It sucks. It just plain sucks.

Remember - France is also your country now. You don't have to leave. Take some holidays, some time for yourself and maybe you will feel like coming back? Another city, another job, another life... you'll be fine.

Hugs! Like everyone else who has commented, I can't even tell you how much my heart goes out to you right now. Your words of advice and humor and writings on life in France have been so important to me in my own adjustment to being here and preparing to come over in the first place. Maybe you can find some comfort in thinking about how many lives you've touched through your blog and by posting on the assistants forum. You've been important to and helped a lot of people by being in France. Thanks. Good luck. Sam, I wish you the best of luck as you start the next chapter in your life.

If your flipside is the U.S., well then, welcome home and see you there!

I hope we can keep in touch...sending my love from 5,494 miles away

*hugs* Like everyone else, I am so shocked and sorry to hear this news. You deserve so much better than this shabby treatment.

Your blog has been an amazing help to so many new expats. I will miss your writing.

All the best for whatever it is that lies around the corner for you, Sam

*hugs* Another expat sending hugs to you. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. And I'm sorry to see your blog go. Good luck with your next endeavor! I like many others was wondering if something had happened, but was totally not expecting to here this.

I have no words of comfort to help your broken heart or the betrayal that you must be feeling. So I’ll send you a virtual hug.

I don’t want to start a Fab bashing session but why TF did he let you go on believing that there was light at the end of the tunnel, when his heart was else where. So very cowardly of him to have waited so long.

So I will look forward to hearing when you on the other side of the Altantic and the new life that awaits you. As someone else mentioned higher up you have never really seemed happy here in France so I hope that you find happiness down the line.

Now look on the bright side: no more stick shift cars, and horrible administration staff; incompetent sales staff, non existent customer service, shops will be open on Sunday, Target. . . Now if you were to start a blog on the flip side, you might want to think about starting one with a pun on "Uncle Sam"...

A good old fashioned HUG for you my dear.

This all may be a blessing in disguise; life wake up calls generally are in the movies, but regardless, it must still hurt. A lot.

I wish you many good things and happiness. You deserve them both.

Also? I'm not sure if you got my email, but all of that still stands. Oh, Sam. I know I'm late on replying on your blog and rather than repeat what I said in my email, I just wanted to say that we're all hoping for the best for you and I hope you know how amazing your blog has been and how many lives it has touched. I'm looking at it now and, at this point, there have been 59 comments! You've been so helpful to so many people and you've made such a huge difference. I know this might sound cheesy, but I really do mean it. I'm glad to have gotten to know you in "real life" and I think you're one cool dudette. Lots of hugs, Leah You have SIXTY declared blog friends and even more in real life! This post has been removed by the author. Sam - I'm so sorry. I'm just...speechless.

Minä otan osaa! I won't say anything it hasn't been told already... :-( I can't get over this :(
How many times have I been here, to see this ambitious,courageous and chatty lady take her bites out of France? Many many times.An incredible blog.

I know that you will make it wherever you are. Sam, I'm so sorry -- I just read this after receiving your e-mail, and I, too, am stunned... I don't like to use platitudes either, but we as your readers all know how strong, resilient and courageous you are from all that you have shared with us here on your blog. You have been through a heck of a lot, and you have always come out on the other side even stronger. I think that somehow this is a sign from the universe, and although it never should have come about in this way -- and it hurts like hell! -- you may very well find out that you are happier back in the U.S. Once the dust settles, and things quiet down, and you have had some time to work through this and to heal.

You have so much ahead of you, so many possibilities -- this can and will be a new beginning for you. Know that we are here for you, that we support you and we feel for what you are going through. You have lots of friends out here -- and in la région parisienne especially! -- so I do hope you will be able to make the most of your time here in France, whether it be several months or more...

Take good care of yourself! Big American hugs from me, too -- I'm so sorry we never got to meet up last summer, but I do hope we will be able to meet sometime before you take your next big step. As you can see from all these comments you are STILL loved immensely...even by strangers. I pray that you will find your place...be it here or the US. I pray that you wil find comfort, clarity and peace soon. I pray that laughter, joy and even more love come to you. Opal I just sent you a long email but wanted to add my hugs and bisous here, too. The expat community and blogosphere in France supports you.

And it's his bloody loss, too.
Do what's best for YOU now.
If you come to Paris we can have "Breakfast in America" -- the best of both worlds. Dear Sam, as everybody else here, I am truly sorry. You are wonderful and you write so well about my country and my peers... I have the feeling that I know you and I like you very much. You'll see, you will be fine.
Bonne chance Sam,
Corine. Argh!

Like everyone else has said, I'm also very sorry about this whole situation and the rough time you are going through.

I sent you an email.

Big hugs. Between when I looked this morning and this afternoon, there've been 20 extra comments. Just shows how much people, whether they've met you in person or not, care about you and what happens to you. Godspeed. I hope you won't proverbially fall off the face of the planet though. I'm really sorry to hear your news.

Sam de Bretagne is my favourite expat blog. I will miss your daily posts.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do in the future.

Bisous,
Andrea uff...thank you for your sincerity.

Moving into a house May 1?? It seems like he got totally cold feet...
Wishing you happier days to come...!! Je suis sincèrement désolée que tu arrête ton "Aventure" ici et maintenant.
Je lis ton blog de temps en temps et depuis pas mal de temps étant moi-même une Américaine en Bretagne ( depuis 1990).
Sache qu'un homme ne peut jamais être tout dans une vie mais une langue devient partie intégrale de ton cerveau.. une langue t'habite et tu l'habite.
Peut-être qu'aux Etats-Unis tu fera un blog en Français ça sera une belle revanche !
Bon courage à toi. Dear Sam: I am new to your blog and yet the few times I have come here I have been struck by the joy, life and humor you bring to the page.

I am so sorry and I, like the 70+ other readers have said, am so sorry for your pain and your sweet and tender heart.

I really hope that you change your mind. SamdeMinnesota is a blog that I would definitely like to read.

Take good care of yourself---and know that you should you want to return to your "saving grace" we will all be here to read your writing and cheer you on.

Wish you every good thing!
Hugs,
LBR My gosh. I can't believe this happened! Keep in touch with me. What I wrote in my email, I mean it. I really think we can work something out. I look forward to talking with you over tea in May.

Here are some more big anglo hugs to you.... Dear Sam, That just sucks. My heart skipped a beat reading your post. Your blogs have been a saving grace and a wonderful resource for us in our adjustment to France.

I think you would write a wonderful/useful book someday if you decided, and make lots of money and live happily ever after wherever you chose. You have wonderful insights and a gift in communicating them.

I really hope at some point you can blog about your readaption/perspectives back to the mid-west. A friend once said you end up with a hybrid american/ european perspective, not quite at home in either.

Thanks so much for your blogs and emails, matt So Sorry, please keep writing it will help. Positive thoughts are with you. Sam I'm really sorry for your pain. This must be a really difficult time. Shit Sam! I am so sorry to read this. I hope you pause, take stock and decide maybe to stay over in Europe, at least for a while? Please e-mail me if I can do anything to help, maybe a few days in the mud and rain???? Damn men! Damn love! Damn it all! But it does get better, one day. Hope that day comes soon for you I'm so sorry to read this. What a nightmare. I can only wish you the best--you must feel like, on top of a broken heart, your entire life has gone to pieces as well. Don't forget that you are capable, qualified, and adaptable. You have friends, and options.

I've been reading your blog for over a year now, though this is a first comment. I can't tell you how much I've admired you for your patience with France and your success with French, your frankness, your humor, and your openness. You've reminded me that my daily experience (trying to deal with life in France), while frustrating, is also rewarding--and worthwhile.

Again, I'm sorry, and you have my support. Oh, Sam, I'm sorry and shocked and angry. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know. Sam,

I only know you through your blog, but I was shocked and hurt by this new news, in an echo of the world of frustration and pain you must be feeling right now. I've enjoyed your writing style and your humor, and I just wanted to post my own few words of support. Best to you as you start over. I just wanted to add my condolences to the rest... it is extremely difficult having the life you thought you were going to have swept out from under you. But know that people have and do recover. It will take time of course, probably more than you'd like, but you must use this opportunity to go after what YOU want. Good luck on this next adventure--my thoughts will be with you. Oh my Sam. I feel so sorry for you. Life will eventually go on so stay strong and try to keep positive. You have had such a large influence on all of us and your posts show how incredible you are... the 84 posts before me should help to confirm this fact. I hope you take up another blog because I would love to see where life takes you and what great things your accomplish. Having survived a traumatic (although much less so) breakup, I can say things will eventually turn around so be patient. Take care!

Justin I am not sure what to say. I just want to wish you the best in whatever path you will decide to take after that. And if you do decide to open a new blog after that... let us know. I think it is just as interesting to see someone coming back to their own country. I'm so sorry. I've been reading your blog for a while now and I have been so impressed by how tenacious and competent and open you always seem, and how well you cope with good humour in the face of what seems like relentless adversity (the fonctionnaires, the MIL etc). I hope you can use those really excellent qualities to help you now (and for my own sake I also secretly hope that you carry on with the blogging!).

Good luck. If Fab has lost what it seems to me he must have, he will no doubt rue the day. Hi Sam, This is the first time I have read your blog (I found you through Princesse). I am so sorry that things didn't work out for you and Fab. Good luck in whatever you do next. I am sending you cyber hugs xx I thought about your post all the way home from Nice today. I only managed to read the first part before getting into the car and I really felt like hit hard in the stomach.

I'm so, so sorry to learn this. But from your blog the past two years I've got to know a strong girl, a girl who knows how to deal with life and to tackle obstacles - big or small. It'll take time I'm sure but you'll get through this!

My heart and thoughts are with you and I hope you'll get back to blogging soon. I'll miss you :) Don't worry everyone:) I've been thinking of this for days now...and as I have said before (if you remember sam) ...."Sam has a plan"...she just may not know it...push gently open the doors and see which one swings open the greatest...you are on to better things...i never did see you down on the farm:)
I am sending you cyber hugs too:) and so is Thomas:) you could come visit NY:) or judging by the other 89 comments, everywhere else too:)
take care Sam, it will all work out for the best!
Stay strong, what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger..sometimes things have to get worse before they get better...last cliche', everything happens for a reason!
xoxoxox Hi Sam,

I'm sorry to hear about you and Fab. I am your silent reader and expat residing in MN. From all your other posts I have read, you are a very strong young lady who does not deserve a chicken like Fab!

I wish you all the best and hope I can still follow your journey in life. You do write great posts.

Dawn Just wanted to add my condolences as well. I'm so sad to hear that life has thrown you this unexpected and difficult curveball, right when things were just pulling together. But even so, I know that whatever your future plans hold, they will lead to bigger and better things.
Your blog and your writing have obviously been an inspiration not only to me but to so many others out there. I do hope you continue with it, as there would be a big gaping hole in the blogosphere without your voice. I would love to read your new blog if you decide to set one up.
All the best Sam I just wanted to say how very sorry I am: I've been travelling so haven't really had any internet access. Yours was one of the first pages I loaded as soon as I sat down just then and I'm completely blown away. Everything you've written shows you have great strength of character and whilst this must be damn painful right now I definitely know you're one of those people who turns bad situations into positive ones. I would love to keep reading anything new you start to write. Even though we've never met I feel just as shccked as if we had. Good luck with everything Sam xxx Hi Sam,
"les mots me manquent mais le coeur y est..." and never forget
"la fin d'une histoire donne la vie à une autre..."
Bon courage :) dear heart. i am so truly sorry, there are real tears in my cynical old eyes.
xxx Wow. I only imagine. I'm so sorry. Good luck with the wrap-up here in France and bonne chance with the next adventure you embark on! Hi everyone - if you've sent me an email requesting to an invite to my new blog and I haven't sent one yet, please get back to me - I've got about 200 emails in my inbox now and I'm starting to get confused about who got one and who didn't. I also think I've sent some out twice, so sorry about that! Wow. I am so sorry to hear this, and I'm a bit late on the uptake. I know what it feels like to be left, and to have a broken heart. So I send you bunches of good vibes and hugs and chocolate and whatever else you need. Your life will expand and grow and you will learn more about who you are, and what you are capable of. If you figure out how to add more private blog members then send me an email at omywordblog at gmail dot com. But whatever the case, I wish you the very very best. holy cow, Sam. I have tears in my eyes as I write this. Be strong. You will be fine, it might just take a while. Will email you... I'm so sorry Sam.
I haven't been reading blogs this week...or I would have gotten in touch sooner. Surround yourself with good friends and try and ride it out. I am sure someone like you will come out on the sunny flip side, wherever that maybe. I'm totally clueless about French music.