This week we SHINE the Spotlight on… Kate Petersen, a fabulous Brisbane lady who packed up her life to follow a dream by taking her family to live in France for twelve months. We stumbled across Kate’s book and oh my, what a read… whether you are a Francophile or interested in what it would be like to have a European adventure (and I mean a serious extended adventure) then this is the book for you. We caught up with Kate to have a chat about the experience and the impact it had on the whole family!

For those that haven’t read it yet – tell us a little about your book ‘Am I French Yet?

Am I French Yet? is a memoir of sorts … when you’ve spent ten years running your own business and then life catapults you into eight years as a stay-at-home-mum (3 babies in 17 months!), running away to live in France seems logical, right? It delays the inevitable questions that come at you in an identity crisis … who am I again? What am I good at? What’s the next chapter look like for me? Eighteen months of staring at the Pyrenees and gorging on chevre, gives you plenty of time to put all these questions on paper … and attempt to answer them.

You were very brave to move to another country for a period of time, and to take the kids and set up a completely new life – what skills or qualities did you draw on whilst you were there?

Twins and a toddler taught me to be very organised. But it was less “bravery” and more “determined to fulfil a crazy dream” that drove me to make this experience happen. That, and a very supportive husband who transformed our business into a location independent operation that bought us our freedom. Speaking French obviously helps, but there was a force within me that wanted to inspire other people to achieve their dreams. I kept thinking, “If we don’t do this, we’re not offering hope to anyone else.” It wasn’t always easy, but it was more than worth it.

So now you’re back in Brisbane and I’m assuming in the work force, how did you adapt back into regular Aussie life?

Before we left France, Michael and I pondered life back home … would we move to Maleny and open a B&B? Would we find a country town that replicated the simple, village life we’d become accustomed to? Or would we settle back into suburban life and dig up our backyard to create a huge vege garden? The only thing we could decide on was that we wouldn’t make any big decisions for six months. Needless to say, I completely obliterated that promise. Within 8 weeks of moving back, I’d accepted a full time position as an Executive Assistant. Sorry honey!

You can obviously speak French? Can you speak any other languages or has it always been a fascination with French only?

Just French … it was always about the love of the French language, it’s incredible produce and romantic, ancient architecture. I’m sure I was French in a past life.

How do you juggle being back in the work force, writing and being a Mum – how do you fit it all in?

My life is a spreadsheet, and I’m not sure where I’d be without online shopping. I outsource all sorts of things and I guard my weekends fiercely. I am enjoying focussing my efforts on fewer projects … there’s a great sense of purpose in having less to think about. I invest time in my work and my family … and we love to entertain, so socialising comes next, when there’s time.  We are very intentional about booking family holidays … but of course the truth is, it gets a little crazy sometimes! Like most busy mums, I don’t always get the balance right.

And what’s next for Kate Petersen? Do you have any other adventures or books in the pipeline?

I see life as an adventure … there is always a next chapter. In ten years, the kids will finish high school and Michael and I may just take off again … we’ve often talked about spending six months of the year in France and six months in Australia. Working towards that seems like as good a plan as any. Yes, I definitely have more books in me … but I’m not sure I’ll have the time again until I choose not to work full time. I’ve written a couple of children’s books so one day, I’ll get organised and find an illustrator and publish those.

What is your favourite thing that reminds you of France?

Cheese!

Coast or City?

Neither … country.

What book are you currently reading?

The Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse (set in South West France, of course!)

To check out Kate or to purchase her book – head to:
 www.amifrenchyet.com.au