Of all the words that come to mind when you say ‘Paris’, ‘simpler’ and ‘less expensive’ are probably not frontrunners. The news media consistently lists Paris, London, Tokyo, and New York City among the Top Ten most expensive places to live. What’s more, Paris is often promoted–and often promotes itself–as one of the more glamorous … More The Simpler, Less Expensive Life in Paris
We’ve spoken frequently about the importance of awareness as we adopt and maintain an Old Money way of life (I’m hesitant to use the term ‘lifestyle’ as that term seems to denote something less substantial and more surface.) One of the things we can be aware of is the way that advertisers constantly look for … More Is Someone Co-Opting Our Culture?
It’s easy to discuss, debate, and discount the merits of the philosophy and strategies presented in The Old Money Book. I’ve articulated general principles. People have individual experiences. I’ve detailed basic fundamentals. Life is nuanced. The book was written in 2013. We live in 2021. Some things have changed. Given these realities, it can be … More Old Money: The End Result
As I mentioned, our indefatigable comrade-in-arms, C.V. sent a couple of links that I thought worthwhile. This is the second of those, an article that discusses the psychological impact that wealth has on the human emotion of compassion. It’s a meaty read. So, pour yourself a hot tea, put your feet up, and find it … More Emotional Distancing: Old Money and Compassion
A quiet, reflective pause takes place each August in Paris. The Parisians take off for the countryside or the beach. The city is left to misguided tourists (it’s hot and half the stores are closed.) Those of us who find the tranquility welcome, nourishing, and productive (misguided writers) get to enjoy empty streets, long conversations … More Elegance: Not Available In Any Store
I received an email the other day from an acquaintance. She had been introduced to some Old Money Guys and Gals who habitually wore jeans and t-shirts, were very casual in their socializing (pizzas and beers on the coffee table with hardly a cloth napkin in sight), and even expressed a measure of disdain for … More The Many Paths
I may have mentioned in a previous post the challenges faced by those of us who try to be polite as we make our way through a world sometimes populated by other people who couldn’t spell the word ‘polite’. It’s one of those things that we are required to do, and most of the time … More Manners Among The Masses
Reluctant as I am to give an inch to prevailing trends, I do acknowledge that sometimes people do wear T-shirts…without a polo shirt or dress shirt worn over the said T-shirt. I am also painfully aware that sometimes words or images (or both!) are printed on the exposed T-shirt. The intent is to convey a … More The Inevitable Old Money T-Shirt
July 14th is Bastille Day in France, the date which the country celebrates its independence. Unlike Americans who threw fought to gain their freedom from a foreign ruler an ocean away, the French struggled to gain their liberty from home-grown rulers (royal heirs and self-appointed emperors) who often lived down the street. And it wasn’t … More Bastille Day: An Appreciation
He did his duty. He did his best. He gave more. He took less. His actions spoke volumes. His words carried weight. He was educated. He was considerate. He did right, even if no one else would have known differently. He opposed wrong, even if it cost him just the same. He had purpose. He … More The Very Definition