Life often offers us opportunities to follow our dreams, but it takes a bit of obsession to chase them. For me, the dream of living as an artist in France has always been with me, clicking away at the back of my mind, and now is finally becoming a reality. I’m currently preparing for a three-month stay, and the best part? I’m bringing mon confidant, mon amor, my partner in crime, Maggie Mae. I’ll take you through the steps I’ve taken (or will take) to make this journey possible—from logistics on how to get Maggie there, which visa I should get, to managing responsibilities back in the U.S. and what awaits me when I return to Quillan.

“You Ready? Go for a Flight?”

The first and most important part of this journey is ensuring Maggie Mae is well-prepared for international travel. As a huge dog lover and someone who thrives on Maggie’s companionship, I couldn’t imagine making this leap without her.

Here’s what I’ve done to get ready:

Vet Check-Ups: I scheduled a thorough health exam to ensure Maggie is in tip-top shape. She’s received all the necessary vaccinations and has an updated microchip, which is required for pet travel to Europe.

Health Certificate: I obtained a USDA-approved health certificate, which is essential for international travel.

Airline Arrangements: After researching pet-friendly airlines, I decided a flight that accommodates Maggie’s needs with AirFrance. Her crate is spacious and comfortable, and I’ve packed a couple her favorite toys and treats to make the journey less stressful.

Packing Essentials: From her food to her travel documents, I’ve made sure everything Maggie needs is organized and ready to go.

Maggie Mae’s comfort and safety are my top priorities.

Tough Choices: CDG or BCN

Tough Choice, Barcelona or Paris 

A key decision in my travel planning has been determining which city to fly into: Barcelona or Paris (Charles de Gaulle). Each option presents its own challenges, and I’ve carefully weighed the pros and cons.

Flying into Barcelona:
The benefit of Barcelona is its proximity to Quillan. The train ride is shorter, and I wouldn’t need to drive through long stretches of France. However, I am concerned about traveling with Maggie Mae on the train. Even though dogs are generally allowed, the logistics of navigating train transfers with her crate and luggage could be stressful.
Additionally, I’d need to ensure that the train allows large dogs in a comfortable setting, as I want to prioritize her well-being during the journey.

Flying into Paris (CDG):
Paris presents a different challenge: renting a car for the drive to Quillan. While this would give me flexibility and eliminate the concerns around train logistics, it does mean a long drive through France, which could be tiring.
On the plus side, having a car would allow me to transport Maggie Mae more easily, and I could pack more comfortably compared to train travel.

Ultimately, I’m leaning toward the Paris and Air France for the added convenience of 1. A direct flight from EWR. 2. having a car for when we land and ensuring that Maggie Mae’s comfort isn’t compromised. However, I’m keeping both options open until I finalize the logistics.

The Visa Process

A crucial step in planning this trip was determining which visa to apply for. Since my stay this time is only for three months, I won’t need a visa per se. But I needed to ensure I followed the correct process to get the long-stay visa come June. Initially, I explored the option of applying for a talent/work visa, and with the guidance of my advisor, Sasha, I began preparing and nearly completing the necessary business plan and documentation. However, after careful consideration, I realized that pursuing the work visa would likely delay my plans, as I would miss the current season and have to start the entire process again at the beginning of 2026.

Instead, we determined that applying for the long-stay visitor visa would be a better option. This approach would allow me to get everything in order while in France and ensure that I’m ready to hit the market at the right time next spring.

Here’s how I handled it:
• Document Gathering: I prepared documents such as proof of return travel, financial statements, and a detailed explanation of my purpose in France.
• Application Process: I will apply at the nearest French consulate (NY) and schedule an appointment to submit my application. Probably a 5-7 day wait.
• Challenges: The decision making was a bit nerve-wracking, but I’ll stay on top of it and gather all the necessary paperwork to avoid any hiccups come June.

I learned that preparation and patience are key when dealing with international travel requirements.

One For the Money…

As I prepare to immerse myself in life and art in Quillan, I’m fortunate to have a strong support system in place. My friends in New Jersey will handle any issues that arise, and I’ve automated bills and expenses to keep everything running smoothly. A recent month spent with my brother and sister helping our parents downsize in Arizona, (my mother seen here with Elvis) reminded me of the incredible support I have back home, and their excitement for this journey makes it even more meaningful.

With everything set, I can dive into this adventure knowing things are covered back home. Still, Quillan hasn’t taken me 100% quite yet —I’ll be returning to the U.S. in June for several important reasons:

• Family: My parents are incredibly important to me, and I want to check in on them to make sure everything is going well.
• Son: Gerek and I have had deep conversations about this, and he’s very supportive of my time in France. He plans to visit often, and we’re used to video chats to stay connected. Of course, I’ll miss him, but knowing we’re good makes the distance easier.
• Property Management: I’ll be checking on my condo in South Orange, ensuring that everything continues to run smoothly while I’m away.
• Art Network: I’ll reconnect with my South Orange/Maplewood art community, potentially holding exhibitions, collaborating on projects, and continuing to develop opportunities while back in the U.S.
• Visa Application: I’ll be applying for my long-term visa during this trip, which requires my passport to be processed properly. This is a critical step in allowing me to extend my time in France.

This return trip is my way of staying grounded and managing the responsibilities that enable me to follow my artistic dreams while embracing the best of both worlds. For the moment.

Going back to Quillan, Quillan, Quillan. Yeah I think so.

After spending organizational time back in the U.S. in June, I’ll be heading back to Quillan in July to continue this chapter. By then, the renovations at Maison de Mairie will be complete, I’ll be ready for guests and the workshops. I’m eager to dive deeper into teaching and running the workshops at The River Aude School of Painters, with Quillan’s charm and beauty providing the perfect backdrop for creativity.

Quillan also offers the slower pace and stunning scenery that fuels my artistic spirit, giving me the space I need to create and grow. Plus, Maggie Mae is happiest exploring the countryside, and I can’t wait to watch her run free and embrace the outdoors again.

Living between the U.S. and France comes with its challenges, but it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. I’m learning to balance responsibilities, embrace change, and follow my passion—all with the help of careful planning, a supportive network, and the occasional nudge from Maggie Mae.

As I prepare for this next phase, I’m filled with anticipation but am confident everything will fall into place when it needs to. Thank you for following along, and stay tuned for more updates as the adventure continues to unfold!