In our Great Pause Revisited series, we connect with fellow Great Pause author Mary Ann Waterman, whom we were unable to connect with last summer. And boy, does she tell a fascinating story.

A Connecticut native, Mary Ann and her daughter live in Northern France, where she works with children in the Montessori school system. She shares what it was like to go through the Covid-19 lockdown in Europe and how things were handled differently. She also shares how her work changed during the shutdown, as well as how her relationships grew and flourished.

Mary Ann is an American expatriate in France, yet she speaks with an Irish accent. During our conversation, I kept thinking, "Didn't Joni Mitchell write a song about her?"

I am a trained Montessori teacher with an M.Ed. and an M.A. in English Literature from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. I currently reside in Metz, France, with my boyfriend and daughter, where I teach English, travel, and contemplate the wonders of life.

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(0:00) Introduction and welcome with guest Mary Anne Waterman

(1:37) Personal growth, life changes, and background

(5:20) Mary Anne's life and work in France, including education philosophy

(9:41) Experiencing the pandemic in France

(14:11) Personal impact of quarantine on life and relationships

(19:01) Post-curfew life and reflections on the pandemic

(28:17) Finding peace and starting a theater group during the pandemic

(33:30) Creativity and the Impactical Life blog

(37:11) Conclusion and the story behind the green waffles

(38:31) Sponsor: Royal Hearts Coaching