Somehow, in all the posts and reflections, I forgot to share what Lori and I are actually doing after graduating from cooking school… and that feels like an oversight worth correcting.
Instead of heading straight home, we chose to keep chasing the spark. We’re staying in France through the end of the year and then launching ourselves into 2026 with the first fifteen days in Florence, Italy. It felt right to begin a new year in a place built on beauty, craft, and centuries of doing things the right way.
Before leaving Paris, I spread out maps, notes, and far too many ideas and designed a southbound culinary adventure from Paris to Champagne, into Burgundy, down through the Rhône-Alpes, and finally Provence. Rented a car and put the GPS to work. The car practically drives itself.
Not a vacation. A culinary adventure for just the two of us! I’ll keep the bougie lodging details offstage as usual, but the gastronomy deserves a standing ovation.
So yes, expect one last week of unapologetic food porn as we close out the year. After that, I promise to bring things back to my true lane: inspiration that nourishes the soul just as much as the palate. 😉
We’ll be spending Christmas in Lyon this year, far from family, but wrapped in gratitude. Watching your holiday traditions and joy unfold from afar reminds us that connection doesn’t require proximity… only presence.
And finally, something that has genuinely humbled me: seeing so many of you gifting “The Inspired Way” to yourselves and others for Christmas and the New Year. You’ve kept my publisher busy packing & shipping, my heart full, and my purpose affirmed. Thank you for walking this journey with me. I hope the words meet you exactly where you are, and nudge you toward your own next great adventure.
