How did Nancy and I meet? Well, it is a rather unique story. We have both been sellers on ETSY for many years, but our paths crossed, online through ETSY, when I sought to buy some old French soaps for my shop. In my communication with her, she came across as a warm and kind individual. We took our conversation to email, and through these discussions, we both discovered we had a deep love and interest in similar things. We talked and talked, eventually moved to FB messenger. Nancy invited me to attend a brocante in her hometown of Albi the next time we planned to be in France. Adam and I had never been to Albi, so about 7 years ago, with Adam’s support, I took the leap, and decided to meet up with this friendly woman; sort of a friend, sort of a stranger, in Albi. The first time we met in person, it was as if we had known each other for years, and we have remained connected all this time.

For this solo trip to France I decided it had been too long since seeing Nancy. I took the TGV from Paris to Toulouse. I switched at Toulouse to get a commuter train to Albi. I was back in Nancy’s neck of the woods in no time, and she had plans! We laughed and talked, just like always. We drank coffee and ate regional foods to include ice cream. We shopped, and shopped and shopped! We spent time exploring brocantes and a vide grenier. We attended a Pastel making class together. I spent time with her family and had a wonderful dinner at her beautifully-creative home.

Did I find treasures? What a question, I was with Nancy! Did I shop for anyone but me? Nope. I found divine littles, nothing big, but enough littles that will remind me of a wonderful, sunny weekend with a dear friend in Albi.

A’bientot, Anastasia