French Learning

Un Bel Apprentissage: A Beautiful Learning Experience

TODAY’S WORD: apprentissage : learning; apprenticeshipPRONUNCIATION: ah-prahn-tee-sahj A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse  The first thing I did when Jean-Marc and Jackie left for the airport was to hurry to her room. Our little American shepherd followed, to sniff out anything my daughter might’ve left behind.  Ricci’s nose swept the floor like one of those metal detectors used by treasure hunters here on the … Continue reading Un Bel Apprentissage: A Beautiful Learning Experience

Kristin Espinasse14 Comments
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Étincelle: A Quiet Spark of Faith

“ETINCELLE” This last chapter is the chance to end the year on a meaningful note. Je ne veux pas le rater.  Yet I sit at the dining room table, facing the blank screen, listening for inspiration as the rain falls outside. “Il pleut, Bergère !” Jean-Marc sings. Behind me, my husband is tinkering in the kitchen: pots and pans meet like noisy tambourines as he … Continue reading Étincelle: A Quiet Spark of Faith

Kristin Espinasse43 Comments
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Des Histoires de Noël: Christmas in New York

Des histoires de Noël I had promised myself the evening before that I would attend church. But on Sunday morning, I found myself hesitant about going, as always. This time, though, it felt extra daunting because it was the annual Christmas pageant. I thought a pageant was un défilé. I associated it with glamour, because of the beauty pageants I grew up watching on television in … Continue reading Des Histoires de Noël: Christmas in New York

Jacqueline Espinasse15 Comments
Jackie, Uncategorized

Repartir à Zéro: A French Lesson in Beginning Again

TODAY’S WORD: REPARTIR À ZÉRO : to start over, to begin againPRONUNCIATION: [reh-par-teer ah zeh-ro] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:Elle a tout quitté pour repartir à zéro.She left everything behind to start over. For your holiday gift-giving, pensez à mon livre — a little Provence under the tree. Order here. Repartir à Zéro “Any plans for Christmas?” is the question I got asked at least 20 times this week. Exactly a … Continue reading Repartir à Zéro: A French Lesson in Beginning Again

Jacqueline Espinasse16 Comments
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Confiance: How to say trust in French (a book update)

TODAY’S WORD: la confiance : trust; confidencePRONUNCIATION: [lah kon-fee-ahns] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:La confiance se construit pas à pas, quand on accepte de s’appuyer sur les autres.Trust is built little by little, when we allow ourselves to lean on others. A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Written during the final weeks of preparing this book. Today I’m sweating my way through a spontaneous challenge: … Continue reading Confiance: How to say trust in French (a book update)

Kristin Espinasse11 Comments
Aging, Jules, Thanksgiving

How to Say Caregiver in French (and in the Cosmos)

TODAY’S WORD: l’aidant(e) : caregiver PRONUNCIATION: [lay-dahn(t)] A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Two weeks ago, Mom moved into the house—into Max’s old room. She immediately loved the firmness of the mattress, the cozy space, and the way the wooden shutters blocked out all the light—perfect for nap time. She packed only her toothbrush, in her pocket, and, for the fortnight that … Continue reading How to Say Caregiver in French (and in the Cosmos)

Kristin Espinasse19 Comments
Jackie

Prise de Bec: A Little French Fight in Manhattan

Today’s the day! Or should I say, tonight’s the night? Depending on where you are in the world, my live webinar with The Alliance Française begins at: 1pm PT / 2pm MT / 3pm CT / 4pm ET. Here in France, it will be 10 p.m., and I’m looking forward to speaking with you—live from my kitchen table. Your presence means a lot to me. … Continue reading Prise de Bec: A Little French Fight in Manhattan

Kristin Espinasse10 Comments
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French Oysters & American Weddings: Finding Joy Between Two Cultures

NOVEMBER 19th – Join me (Kristi) for a Webinar vivifiant!This coming Wednesday, I’ll have the honor of speaking with Margot Steinhart, President of La Renaissance Française, USA, and  Renée Amory Ketcham, Vice President of the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA, in a lively conversation about receiving, in Paris, La Médaille d’Or des Valeurs Francophones and my book A Year in a French Life. 👉 The event is … Continue reading French Oysters & American Weddings: Finding Joy Between Two Cultures

Kristin Espinasse6 Comments
Artists, Beach, Travel

A Surprise at the Beach & Ephemeral Art in France

In today’ post, “Éphémère”, a fleeting sand sculpture of La Crucifixion, created by a traveling artist, captivates beachgoers while highlighting the ephemeral nature of art. As Ricci reacts to the artist, the scene underscores the contrast between the temporary artwork and the eternal message it conveys. The artist, identified as a wandering nomad, invites appreciation through a sign that reveals his travels and artistic purpose. Although the sculpture is destined to be washed away or trampled, it momentarily enriches lives and prompts reflection on both the momentary and the everlasting. Continue reading A Surprise at the Beach & Ephemeral Art in France

Kristin Espinasse17 Comments
French Expressions

A French Phrase for Life in the Fast Lane

TODAY’S WORD: coller au cul : to be right on someone’s heelsPRONUNCIATION: [koh-lay oh kew] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:Il me colle au cul, celui-là ! → That person is right on my heels! The French word cul literally means “bottom,” and while it can sound a bit cheeky (or downright rude) in some contexts, it’s also part of many everyday expressions. You’ll see it in perfectly polite phrases like cul-de-sac (a dead-end street) or à pied … Continue reading A French Phrase for Life in the Fast Lane

Jacqueline Espinasse10 Comments