Questions about Just Imagine: a New Life on an Old Boat
What gave you the idea to live on a 1906 barge in Europe?
The seed of the notion came from a PBS show, Barging Through Europe back in the early 80's. Both my husband, Paul, and I were entranced by the image of gliding down the European waterways, especially in France. We liked the concept of going slowly through a country to get to know it intimately.
Yes, but why an old barge?
Barges don't have the negative connotation in Europe they have in the United States. Many Dutch barges like Imagine originally carried anything from coal to potatoes. Replaced by larger commercial barges after World War II, smaller barges like ours were converted to comfortable live-aboard houseboats.
And while Imagine is almost a century old, her steel hull will probably outlast us!
Why did you write the book about your experience?
I wrote the book to record my personal journey and to inspire others. Momentous change in mid-life can be scary. A conventional woman who worked all my life to rise above my upbringing, as I approached 50, I took on the challenge of living in a foreign country, learned how to operate an eighty-foot seventy-ton boat, and found a new way to earn a living.
Imagine is named for John Lennon’s song and its message of world peace - and for imagining the possibilities in life that could be yours if you’re willing to take a risk.
How did your family react to your move?
None of our parents were still alive to take care of, and Paul's children were in their 30's and on their own. We were healthy and fit enough to handle a boat this size.
It was a perfect window of opportunity.
How are the French people treating Americans these days?
We were in France on September 11, 2001. The French people were incredibly sympathetic and supportive whenever they realized we were Americans. Recent politcal differences about the war in Iraq haven't infiltrated to the average French person. They treat us as they always have: courtious, friendly, and slighly bemused at our French. Most seem impressed that we're living so far from home.
How do you find living in two countries?
Ben Franklin said, "Every man has two countries, and one of them is France." We couldn't agree more.
Who inspired you and what do you like to read?
Colette became a favorite when I was in High School. I fell in love with “Cheri” and “The Last of Cheri”. More recently, I read “My Mother’s House” and “Sido”, both about her childhood in late 19th Century in Burgundy. Her word pictures, especially of nature, are extraordinary. I love M.F.K. Fischer, who writes about French food with unparalleled richness and style.
I also enjoy anything by Barbara Kingsolver, Margaret Atwood, P.D. James, John Updike, T.C. Boyle, John Cheevers, Toni Morrison and James Thurber. And more, too many to mention, since I usually read a book a week. When I’m out of the States, I suffered from FRWS - Fiction Reader Withdrawal Syndrome - before I built a good collection on board “Imagine.”
Memoirs
Peggy Vincent’s “Baby Catcher”, chronicles her 20 years as a midwife in Berkley California. Funny and tender, it’s a must read for anyone who is going to give birth, has given birth, or knows someone about to. Check it out at www.babycatcher.net.
Mary Karr’s “Liar’s Club” is also a favorite.
Non-fiction travel memoirs
Peter Mayle’s series is hysterical, especially his first, “A Year in Provence.” I still laugh to the point of tears when I reread it. I also like France’s Mayes’ books and “Under the Tuscan Sun” is inspirational for anyone who wants to make a home abroad.
Cook books
Julia Child and her “Art of French Cooking” remains my mainstay cookbook on board. I also use A Culinary Journey in Gascony, Recipes and Stories from my French Canal Boat, by Kate Ratliffe. She too cooks aboard a barge, so her recipes are simple, but delicious.
Books about Barging
Roger Van Dyken is our barging instructor. His “Barging in Europe” is the how-to book on buying and handling a barge. Bill and Laura Cooper’s series of barging books are a fun read.
Guidebooks
I always recommend Fodor’s and Rick Steves’ books. I like Fodor’s because of their completeness. We were originally inspired to live part-time in Europe by PBS shows. Rick Steves’ philosophy of “back door travel” - closeness to the people of a country you visit - agrees with ours.
