Adrian Leeds Nouvellettre®
Your taste of life in France!
Subscribe and don't miss an issue!
Deeply Worried, But Full of Hope
For those of you who have followed the saga of my hospital stay to battle and convalesce from the attack of Flu A, I was released last Wednesday, but not without their final testing to ensure I was well enough to leave and could manage at home on my own.
The last few days, I shared a room with a 99-year-old French woman who had all her faculties and was too adorable for words. Unfortunately, she stayed hospitalized while I packed up my things to return home. The hospital officials armed me with a package of documents from the stay, including a couple of prescriptions for blood tests to be taken in the future so they could monitor my progress. They also explained that someone would call me to arrange a housekeeper to come four times during the next month to clean and get groceries and a physical therapist to get my lungs back in working order…all covered by French social security. My eyes must have lit up in surprise! What amazing service!
I cannot give enough praise to the French healthcare system after having gone through this ordeal. I just wish the French themselves knew how spoiled they really are! I don’t think they do when I hear some of their complaints. Nonetheless, if you have get sick, this is the place in which to do it!
I spent a lot of time watching the news during my stay at the hospital and then at home while resting. Keeping up with what’s going on in the U.S. has become more and more acute since leaving the U.S., although you might think there’s not much reason to care anymore. “Au contraire,” being so far away and looking back across the Big Pond has heightened my interest in American politics and how it affects my family and friends, all Americans, France and the rest of the world.
I was glued to the screen from my hospital bed all during the inauguration of Donald Trump, watching all the players and what they had to say or how their faces reacted. Melania Trump did a good job of hiding her eyes with her wide-brimmed hat so no one couldn’t read anything into them. At least, that was my take on it since otherwise, it seemed so out of place.
The powerhouses in the room, the three wealthiest Americans, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, sat together and almost as close as the immediate family. That was a sight! And I loved watching the past presidents all lined up, working hard to keep their poker faces—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama—alongside former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former First Lady Laura Bush. Former First Lady Michelle Obama, was notably missing.
I know a lot of people who couldn’t bear to watch any of it at all, but I was fascinated by the entire scene and thought of it as a moment in history not to be missed. Never before has there been such a non-traditional cast of characters as at this inauguration.
Within minutes of having taken the oath, that big black aggressive signature of his was put to many executive orders, as he promised. I got curious about his signature from a graphologist’s analysis and discovered one from just a few days ago published by the TimesNowNews.com by Sheila Lowe, a forensic handwriting expert. Paraphrasing, she uncovered personality traits such as a strong drive for power, a need for control, and possible dishonesty. Her findings included: “stabby strokes” in letters like “O” associated with dishonesty; large, blocky letters reflecting a need for authority, security, and unresolved emotional issues, and a signature resembling “barbed wire” suggesting arrogance and self-destructive tendencies.
So, if you didn’t know the man, you might say she nailed it.
And with those stabby strokes, he destroyed a lot of lives and the future of many. He signed orders: deporting undocumented migrants and their families and other immigrants; withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement (taking no responsibility for being one of the world’s biggest polluters) while expediting fossil fuel projects and limiting renewable energy initiatives; restricting recognition of gender identity and protections for transgender individuals; ending policies addressing racial equity; freezing federal hiring, except for border enforcement and military jobs; making it easier to fire federal employees, emphasizing loyalty to the administration’s policies; establishing the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk; repealing many Biden directives on Medicaid, Affordable Care Act, and COVID-19 (but left statutory drug pricing caps intact); withdrawing from the World Health Organization; aligning foreign policy under an “America First” agenda; re-designating Yemen’s Houthis as terrorists; lifting sanctions on certain Israeli groups; restoring the name “Mount McKinley” in place of “Denali;” ordering flags at full-staff during his inauguration, reversing Biden’s mourning tribute for former President Jimmy Carter; directing the DOJ to explore re-imposing death penalties commuted under Biden; encouraging aggressive pursuit of the death penalty at federal and state levels; pardoning individuals convicted for roles in the January 6th Capitol attack; ordering investigations into alleged weaponization of government agencies during Biden’s tenure; revoking security clearances of intelligence officials linked to the Hunter Biden laptop controversy.
In effect, he undid Biden-era initiatives, restricting immigration, bolstering nationalism, and reasserting conservative principles across governance. Of course, let us not forget, many policies face legal challenges and significant public scrutiny.
Thank the lord! Or should we thank our democratic system?
Then, when he wasn’t looking, Mariann Edgar Budde, an American prelate of the Episcopal Church, who has served as Bishop of Washington since November 2011 before being elected Washington’s first female diocesan bishop, and who served 18 years as rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, nailed him from her pulpit during her sermon with her sweet quiet tone to ask for mercy: “Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you and, as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now….”
We didn’t know who she was before, but we sure as hell know who she is now. If he had just let it go, it might not have exploded into such a nuclear mushroom. After he returned to the White House, Trump said, “I didn’t think it was a good service” and “they could do much better.” But later, in an overnight post on his social media site, he sharply criticized the “so-called Bishop” as a “Radical left hard line Trump hater. She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart,” he said. “Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job!” he further went on to say “She and her church owe the public an apology!”
In all honesty, it gave me hope that some of us still have compassion for humanity and the willingness to stand up to unleashed authority. One commentator remarked that “she had more ‘balls’ than all those rich billionaires at the inauguration put together!” No joke. She put herself out there without fear of repercussions. Does it take a woman to stand up to a white male supremacist such as Donald Trump?!
Mark my words. This is just the beginning of the backlash. It’s going to come from far and wide—to all the points of his big black pen tentacles. It’s going to be fascinating, frustrating, infuriating, frightening, and challenging for the next four years. But, maybe this is what it takes to wake up Americans, and the entire world, to reject ideas that are designed to control “other people” (whoever “other people” are to them), greedily make more more money while “others” just get poorer or lose their rights, and are contrary to what Christians preach as their values.
After having recently experienced French healthcare, that is completely covered under the social security taxes I pay, and provides for everyone regardless of whether they paid into the system or not…I have a more well-rounded point of view than someone who has never experienced the benefits of living in a Socialist Democracy, such as France.
Don’t be deeply worried. Remember there are still people out there who have the ‘balls’ to stand up to bullies, and be full of hope instead.
A la prochaine…
Adrian Leeds
The Adrian Leeds Group®
P.S. You can have my point of view, too…just by spending the rest of your life here. You will never regret it. If you are interested in learning more about moving to France, contact us today!
P.P.S. I don’t expect all of our readers to agree with my points of view. I’m entitled to have them, and I am entitled to offer them to my readers in my own missive. You are free to unsubscribe by clicking on the link at the bottom of this Nouvellettre®.
69 Comments
Leave a Comment
Let Us create a custom strategy for you
You can live or invest in France-now.
Join us at our monthly Après-Midi.
Become a part of the Paris community.
Property for sale
Read & Subscribe
Dive into more by reading the French Property Insider
Better yet, subscribe to both and get the updates delivered to your inbox.
Global Money Services
Our contacts will help you invest in France.
See Adrian on HHI
Join us on Youtube
Dive into more on how to live, invest & escape to France
Be sure to subscribe!
To read more, click the links below.
Way to go, Adrian!!!’ Glad you are feeling better, and sending appreciation for your brave post. Deborah H, Chicago
Brilliant!
Thank you, and keep a good thought for those of us who continue to fight this orange menace so that we are not a TOTAL embarrassment to the rest of the world! (Damage done?)
PS-my husband and I traveled to the south of France, starting in Perpignan and ending in Avignon last summer-it was amazing! Please consider the area for an upcoming epidode😉
Beautifully and thoughtfully written Adrian! Merci.
Be well,
Richard L
Cagnes sur Mer, 06800
So, let me summarize. You like France but you don’t like Trump.
Brilliantly said, Adrian; thank you for sticking to your guns, so to speak. Wishing you a continued full recovery.
I agree with your every word! Thank you!
Thank you for this. Brilliant essay. Millions of us are organizing and fighting against these monsters. There will be a backlash. We hope sooner rather than later. So glad you are getting better. Please do not publish my comments. They are for you alone.
Adrian first I’m so thankful to GOD that you are feeling better and received such exceptional care during your hospital stay. I’ve loved your content on HGTV & always said, if I ever relocate to France, Adrian HAS to be my agent;) Your style?!? Love! Your straight forward approach to keeping it real w/ client’s budgets versus their living expectations?! Spot on. Let me not forget to add your expertise and attention to detail in the entire process shown making sure your clients get more of what they want/need while making sure they don’t go broke achieving their dream living situation. You are top tier of your field Adrian.
Anywho, I want to say I love this article you penned talking about our current state here in the US in comparison to France and just your empathy towards us here. My trust is in GOD so I have my faith in him to protect us no matter what while we experience the lows of a very broken political and healthcare system here. Girl, it’s nuts here right now. Prayer keeps my stress so low and allows me to still have joy and hope in the days I’m gifted to see:) Healthy perspective is key so I find your content super refreshing:)
Thanks again Adrian for sharing with your peeps how you are and your thoughts from abroad. May GOD continue to keep you healthy and when I’m ready to make that move with my family, you’ll be my first call💖
We are on the same page, Adrian, and brava for your courage in speaking out. Moi, I have not read or watched the news since November 7, so I had to skip over much of your post (because I really don’t want any details of the coronation!) But I got the gist of it: we are in for a world of hurt in the US. You are so fortunate to be able to experience our demise from afar. Maybe I will join you one day. Cheers, Natasha
Great to hear you have made a good recovery, thanks to the fantastic French healthcare, all of us reading your blog are happy to read your recent update, to see you looking radiant at the bottom of this blog and heartwarming to see the Bishop’s picture too. Nice commentary from you overall with your precise reflections.
Iron authority will falter till it breaks apart compared to a democracy that’s resilient, hopeful and restores liberty and justice.
Take care, Best wishes, Ranga & Vanita
Adrian, I so admire your ability to marshal your energy to create this post after what you have been through. Everything awful that can be said about this man is true, yet I am thankful that you drew attention to those who will reject and resist him in whatever ways, large or small, they and we can. Please stay well. Spring is coming!
Good morning from the North Shore of Boston – I hadn’t realized how anxious I was when I first read of how ill you had been. Grateful you’re now well on the mend and able to be back home. Your detailed experience only highlights the vast differences between a country that considers healthcare a right and for the other nothing short of a privilege. The contrasts are more than stark – and not in a good way. As one who has just returned from being out of the US, I can say, though my interactions unscientific, people are aghast at what is happening in America today. They simply DO NOT trust us in any way shape or form. That he, who shall not be named, has been elected again has them, notably, shaking with the knowledge the world order has changed significantly. Dare I say, we, as well as the rest of the world are already experiencing seismic shifts in our landscapes. Thus far, quite sadly in fact, our democratic leaders are rudderless. As frightening it is to watch those in high positions of power from all sectors of our society immediately kneel to profess their loyalty to the once and future king, it is more frightening to realize no one is coming to save us. Unless that is, we, as a collective, decide we are worth saving. Anyway, glad to hear you’re well. Best – Debbie
So enjoy your comments. May you continue.
Thank you for your positive message during these dark times. I fear it will get much worse.
THANK YOU!
Couldn’t agree more with your comments on the US. You are giving us even more reasons to move to France for the next 4 years. Glad to hear about your very positive experience with their health care system.
Your essay reflects my feelings! Sadly many potential voters also agree but with a distorted perspective they failed to vote to keep Trump from office.
Right On, Adrian!!!
Adrian,
First of all, I’m so sorry about your flu bout. I didn’t get the flu shot but maybe I should!
After receiving your first email, I found you nailed it on Trump!
Thank you!
I know the world is watching and he’s one of the many reasons I want to get the hell out of here!
No place ur government is perfect. I’ve been reading and watching videos of folks that have moved to many different places around the world and they say that if you ask people about their government, they all complain!
But this situation in the US is really out of hand.
It took a while to subscribe to your nouvellettre because it landed in my junk folder!
But I finally got the first one and look forward to future emails!
I’m learning a lot and need to learn much more!
Thank you!
Pam
Adrian- in your opinion, do you think most American expats in France share your political views on President Trump and his supporters?
Yes, 99% in our experience!
Hi, Adrian – I’m so glad you are well enough to go home and that the follow-up will be so thorough. Take good care of yourself. Nancy and I were among those who couldn’t stomach tuning in to the inauguration; we watched the Food Network all day! We are sick at heart and it’s very hard here in the DC suburbs to hold on to any hope. I’ve started to work with a grassroots organization to elect democrats in the 2026 elections, so fingers crossed there will be enough people who wake up after the horrors that will occur over the next 2 years to give Congress back to the Democrats. If we were younger, we would have you looking for an apartment for us! Take care.
Dear Adrian,
Well said!!! I have so little hope now since his election and ongoing tantrums, but encouragement from you and others helps me keep my head above the water. I truly can’t imagine what this country will look like in 4 years. It makes me wish I could live my fantasy life in France right now. Thanks for keeping us updated, and know we are wishing you a speedy recovery.
Kathleen
BRAVO!!!
Adrianne, well said and thank you for sharing your point of view. It mimics many of us, he did not win in a popular landslide and he does not have mandate! Hopefully I can get to France, sooner, than later. It’s madness here, so many of us want out.
Of all the events of the first few days of Trump’s latest swing at our democracy, Bishop Budde’s words, and her courage, gave me hope. Fully agree with you and can only add a loud AMEN. And Adrian, be careful. Musk seems to be coming for Europe.
Adrian, I have loved you since I saw your first episode without knowing anything about you.
Thank you for sharing your point of view. I 100% agree.
Adrian-
I am so glad to hear you are on the mend. It sounds very serious and I hope you fully recover quickly.
I enjoyed your take on the inauguration as I could not bear to watch it on my own. And that hat!
I don’t believe we Americans at this point can even imagine such good healthcare available to everyone. Maybe this “_____ show” will push us to find our way back to being the great country we once were!
As an American, I subscribe to your newsletter because after many years of visiting France and especially Paris, I hope to be able to buy a small home/flat there one day. I also very much appreciate your thoughts and insights. Thank you especially now for your views on what is happening her in America. I am so very sad and angry, but also not without hope. There are so many good people fighting for kindness and justice and it is in fact bringing all of us closer. Thank you for speaking out.
Merci Adrian. We have been on the same page for soooo long now. I hope you recover rapidly !
I cannot wait to move! I have become so disheartened with the USA – going backwards in so many ways, taking away human rights… I fear to think what will come next. Heading to France in October to check out the Rennes area as it looks like a great spot for our future move. Thank you for speaking your mind because it gives me comfort to know that we will find like minded people in France.
Bravo !!! You watched more of the inauguration than I could stomach. You were spot on with all! 🙌🙌
Adrian,
First Gwen and I wish you well in your recovery and we are looking forward to working with you in our move to Nice. Also, thank you so much for your comments. It is good to stand together as we go through this dark period.
Thank you for this! I am one of those that are very worried about what more he might do but am going to try to be hopeful. This blog is laid out with fact and I love that. We move to France in June of 2026. Sometimes I wish we were going sooner.
Dear Adrian,
I’m an American who has lived in France for over ten years, now living permanently in Le Perche, about two hours west of Paris. I have no plans to ever return to live in the US. Today’s column really struck a chord with me. I’m trying to be hopeful about the future of our democracy but right now that’s very difficult. I have joined The Contrarian on Substack (you may be interested in it) and work to oppose some of the vile things that DT is trying to do. I’ve called my senators more in the past week than ever before, mainly to demand that they not confirm the idiots that DT has put up for the cabinet. We have to do all we can to resist his pernicious influence. He has already violated the oath he took to uphold and defend the Constitution but no one is surprised by that.
I echo your praise of the French medical system. It has been nothing but helpful to me for several serious health issues. I’m going to have a hip replacement at the end of March in Le Mans by the same surgeon who replaced both my knees nine years ago. I think my out of pocket expenses were about €50! I wish I could get across to friends in the US the benefits of universal health care instead of a system run by big pharma and insurance companies. I remember debating “socialized medicine” when I was in middle school – even the name was designed to discourage support of a fair and equitable health system!
Thanks for an excellent column. If you or anyone you know has need of an executive coach with over 20 years of experience, I’m your girl!
Bien cordialement,
Linda L.
So glad you’re recovering well and plaudits to the French health care system.
Brilliant commentary on the Inauguration! i especially appreciated your including the handwriting analysis (which I enjoy doing myself).
A la prochaine,
OMG Adrian. First of all, we send you our VERY best wishes for a total recovery. My hubby and I are TOTALLY ready (in every, possibly prepared way) to emigrate to France (from Oregon). We just do not yet have the final chunk of cash needed to complete the move (believe me, we have everything massively planned out & documented and thus we KNOW. Meanwhile, our being “stuck here” (in the United States of Assholes) (as a gay couple, in particular) makes us feel a bit like . . . AWAKE Jewish people must have felt in 1937 Germany. It’s not that we are “scared,” but rather FURIOUS to AGAIN having to exhaustively put up our “mental screens” against the wall of irrational hatred of The Other — that Heil Trump spreads and feeds on. Stay tuned — when we’re ready, we’re SO on board with your company helping us. Best wishes.
Well spoken, Adrian. 👏🏽👏🏽 My feelings are aligned with yours. The only other thing I will say is that I am moving to France by end of this year, and I cannot wait. I just pray that he doesn’t not restrict travel to EU or impose any further tariffs. I have an appointment to speak with you in March in Los Angeles. 🙌🏽 Also, glad to hear that you’re out of the hospital and recovering. Please take care.
Thank you for this post! I could not watch the inauguration, I could never imagine how the American people could re-elect him. It was so inspiring to watch Bishop Budde’s homily. I also found the handwriting analysis very interesting. I’m hoping we only have to endure two years and have more blue victories in the midterms. I’m happy to hear that you’re feeling better and can enjoy your new grandchild!💙💙💙
I am super glad you’re better and at home!!!
I appreciate your perspective and your words of hope, I really do. I’m afraid we will be in a much worse position four years from now. I thought the pandemic would be what got Americans back on their feet. Be aware, verify what you’re reading, and take action. This response – or lack thereof – is just as bad. We’re in a lot of trouble.
Thank you, Adrian!! I love this post! Thank you for daring to say what so many are thinking. That inauguration was some spectacle, and not in a good way.
Glad you are being supported by a wonderful health care system in France. Be well and pace yourself. We
Will all be standing up for what we believe in and appreciate your analysis and comments on the political change that has been thrust upon on all…
First: I am glad to hear you are on the road to recovery and are being looked after as well.
Second : I agree with your views. Well stated and hopefully will make some think about what they have done.
Third: I have been thinking for some time and inquired about a consultation for I am looking for a happier, safe, beautiful life.
This seemed to come my way at the right time …. for timing is everything and not in our control.
I usually do not take the time to read articles, options, reviews but seem to feel a kinder spirit here.
Thank you and look forward to more thoughts and ideas.
Get fully well, Adrian. I love reading your blogs! And I sure agree with you politically. This is a tough time right now! All the values I grew up with are being stomped on and it’s very depressing. We sure like hearing your perspective, being overseas.
I was an au pair in Paris in 1962-63 and have many fond memories of living in Paris. It sure was a different time, under Charles de Gaulle.
All my best to you and get well!!!
Sue S., Oro Valley, AZ
Bravo Adrian! Hope you are feeling better. You provided a very well-articulated summary of what we are facing now.
Whilst I do not watch or listen to anything trump related, I was able to read your post today….somehow coming through a filter made it bearable. There are many things that I am worried about happening during the next four years, the main one is that he will not willingly leave office when the time comes.
Congratulations on becoming a grandma! We all need to fight for those who will come behind us.
Kathy L.
We have made the decision to move to France to escape “1937 Germany” as history seems to repeat itself if even in a different country. France has always fascinated me and we look forward to some real democracy. Will be scheduling with you very shortly! Thank you for all you do!
Nothing to say to your comments, Adrian … except … AMEN!
Get better, dear friend.
Keith and Dee
Great newsletter–so glad you are recovering and got such good care.!
Well said, Adrian. The backlash can’t come soon enough!
He is deporting illegal immigrants who committed rapes, burglary, murder etc. have you read and seen about all the young girls and females being raped and murdered and trafficking throughout the big cities in the U.S. These are public safety threats to the law abiding citizens.
Gang members, drug cartel members etc. he is not deporting swathes of families. Anyone who broke the law by coming here illegally will be deported next.
Great Blog today……you nailed it. So glad you are out of the hospital.
Take Care
Oh Adrian, you nailed it. Having taught Holocaust Studies (as well as English Lit), therms “mass deportations” and “round ups” make my blood freeze. America, at least the one I have known my entire life, is dying a very painful death. I pray it can survive another four years so that reasonable minds can take a hold once again.
You are a lovely person and I so enjoy your viewpoint on French life. I’m so glad to have met you in person when I participated in your Nice buying property workshop and trip through the south of France…wonderful memories. Joyce
Nice to hear from you Joyce!
LOVED your post!! Happy you’re feeling better!!
I’m one of those who couldn’t bear to watch the circus last Monday but as far as I’m concern you summed it up perfectly Adrian! Time for America to wake up… hopefully it will happen once I’ve moved to France!
Dear Adrian,
I was glad to read of your improved health after such a scare. I hope you keep feeling stronger every day.
It’s been a difficult first week of the new administration here in the USA, with so many changes going on in Washington. I appreciated your words of hope and inspiration. We need them!
Take care,
Marsha L
( Lynn Heyman’s friend and fellow author who accompanied her in October 2022 when she spoke at the Aprés-Midi)
Bravo, Adrian!
I live in Winnipeg, Canada where we also have universal health care and everyone can get care no matter what their station in life. Is it perfect? No. But, there isn’t a cost. I spent 2 nights and a day in a hospital in Honolulu in 2017 for a gallbaldder attack. The cost was 32,000 US$. Would I have gone if I had to pay? Perhaps not. Thankfully it was covered by my extended health care plan from work.
(I love watching you on House Hunters International!)
Adrian, I am so happy that you are feeling better. The flu can be very miserable as well as lead to other complications. I loved your recounting of recent “events” across the pond. It’s increasingly difficult to get a sober, well-reasoned thoughts on what has happened and what we can expect. I’m a former federal employee so a lot of these events hit very close to home. And I know the chaos it will cause. Thank you again and stay well.
Thank you for your posts. I too watched the inauguration in its entirety. Not because I support this new change but because I feel the need to see it firsthand and not depend on third-hand accounts to inform my decision-making.
Adrian – Your insights on the politics of America and the newly inaugurated President are spot on. To all my fellow Americans who voted for a 34 count guilty felon, a person found liable of sexual harassment, a cheat, a pathological liar, a narcissist, a racist, and to sum up a complete degenerate human being, you must share some, many or possibly all of his traits. Thanks to the majority of Americans. As usual, they put the almighty dollar and what the cult leader promises over any type of empathy, morality or humanity. Read Mein Kampf and note the similarities between a dictator and a wannabee dictator. Shame on the American people.
Adrian- I am so happy to know you’re getting better, & that the French Medical System is so thorough & supportive! Keep healing, you are cherished as a voice.
The administration of the orange felon has already shown itself to be cruel, mentally deficient & destructive. I ache for those who have been targeted & for the terrible treatment of our world allies.
We must stick together, care for each other, & fight the fascism.
Sending gratitude to you for years of wonderful content, and wishes for your continued healing!
I’ll be in France again this September, & cannot wait!
Best regards-
Glad to hear that you are doing better!
Heading your way in a few weeks. I don’t think I’ve ever been quite this eager to get to EU. Looking forward to a glass or two of wine and the space to ponder our situations here in the Americas.
Keep on writing! Love it and miss you on HHI
Best wishes for a full recovery! What a harrowing ordeal for you. Thank goodness for the care you received. As for politics- Maybe France will learn what the impact is when a democratic government reels to the far right and avoid the same fate we are now subjected to in the US. So glad my daughter lives in France – my anchor baby!
Just read your Jan. 27 letter. I hope you are feeling better now. Such a compliment to French health care system!
Thank you so much for having the courage to write what you did! I thoroughly agree.
P.S. I discovered you on HGTV. I am too old to seriously think of moving to France (79) but like many many others, I’m in love with Paris and intrigued by France.. Someone said: “Every man has two cities: his own ,a nd Paris.”