Aging, Family Life, French Learning, French life

Polka dots, aging, and a fresh new perspective

The view outside just got prettier.

This happened quite by accident after I pulled open the bedroom windows and settled back into bed to enjoy the morning breeze. Looking at the angled window, I suddenly noticed a whole new scene reflected there. Way off in the distance was the rocky cliff! I could only see the edge of it, but I recognized one of Les Trois Secs. Closer to home stood our massive cedar and—quelle surprise!—two baby squirrels chasing each other through the branches. Continue reading Polka dots, aging, and a fresh new perspective

Kristin Espinasse12 Comments
Childhood Memories, French Learning

Some People Build Roots. Others Wander. Can Fulfillment Be Simple?

Back at the vineyard in Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes, Max and I were in middle school. Once the hot days were over, Dad no longer needed our petites mains for the harvest and our petits pieds to crush grapes, and when we weren’t swimming in the river with Braise and Smokey, there wasn’t much left to do. So in winter, we spent our weekends and evenings playing a game on the computer. The goal was simple: make your character as powerful as possible. You started by creating a character, choosing its powers, name, gender, and colors. Continue reading Some People Build Roots. Others Wander. Can Fulfillment Be Simple?

Jacqueline Espinasse8 Comments
French Learning

A Year in a French Life: Memoir Writing Insights

This week I’m sharing a draft of the introduction to A Year in a French Life: Volume 3. As Jackie and I continue shaping the manuscript, I thought it would be fun to invite you behind the scenes. Also, Joyeux Anniversaire to Max, who recently turned 31! (Video follows). “À PROPOS“ At the time of this writing, we are nearly halfway through the manuscript for … Continue reading A Year in a French Life: Memoir Writing Insights

Kristin Espinasse12 Comments
French Learning

Quotidien: Breaking Out of Daily Life: From Broadway to the Pompiers—a Hot Show and a Fire!

Kristi here. It’s my daughter’s turn to write today so you’re sure to get a spicy update! Today’s special includes a little cabaret, some trendy press-on nails, and… another glowing spectacle outside Jackie and Vin’s apartment. Don’t miss a word! TODAY’S WORD: le quotidien : daily life; everyday routinePRONUNCIATION: [luh – koh – tee – dee – ahn] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:Certains jours nous sortent du quotidien … Continue reading Quotidien: Breaking Out of Daily Life: From Broadway to the Pompiers—a Hot Show and a Fire!

Jacqueline Espinasse11 Comments
French Learning, Motherhood

La Tendresse: Love and Care for Mother’s Day

For this coming Sunday: Happy Mother’s Day to all mamans, whether here in our homes or forever in our hearts. TODAY’S WORD: la tendresse: tenderness, affection PRONUNCIATION: [lah tahn-dress] EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Il y avait tant de tendresse dans le regard de ma mère que tout semblait soudain plus léger. There was such tenderness in my mother’s gaze that everything suddenly felt lighter. A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE … Continue reading La Tendresse: Love and Care for Mother’s Day

Kristin Espinasse31 Comments
French Learning

Pastis & Bagels: A Foot in Each World

A warm bonjour from sunny La Ciotat. A mini update before we begin reading our chapter du jour. Today is Ana’s 30th birthday: Joyeux anniversaire, chère Ana. Also, Jean-Marc and his sister are about to begin this year’s “carénage” (sanding and repainting of our old wooden boat). I’m about to head off to the gym after editing this post. Enjoy the pictures that accompany Jackie’s … Continue reading Pastis & Bagels: A Foot in Each World

Jacqueline Espinasse14 Comments
French Learning

Six Days Together in La Ciotat: A Sample Itinerary

TODAY’S WORD: revenir : to come back PRONUNCIATION: ruh-vuh-neer On revient en juillet pour entendre les cigales.We’ll come back in July to hear the cicadas. A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse It’s Jackie’s turn to write, but as she and Vinny are en route to the airport—on their way back to New York—I’ll step in with a brief summary of the week. Let’s call … Continue reading Six Days Together in La Ciotat: A Sample Itinerary

Kristin Espinasse17 Comments
French Learning

The Mailbox in the Tree: a Metaphor about Belonging

TODAY’S WORD: “la cousinade” : a family gathering of cousins and extended relatives, often spanning several generations EXAMPLE SENTENCE:Depuis plus de trente ans, nous participons à la cousinade en Provence.For more than thirty years, we’ve taken part in this family reunion in Provence. Taxes? Même pas peur! Not even scared! If you’re living abroad and tackling your 2025  impôts, try ExpatFile. It’s straightforward, efficient, and costs … Continue reading The Mailbox in the Tree: a Metaphor about Belonging

Kristin Espinasse18 Comments
French Learning

A crowded house, a bold thief, and our new roommate, Surly

A few weeks ago, Jackie and Vin had a run in with some nonchalant thieves. Don’t miss the story. What a relief—I’ve filed my taxes! If you’re living in France or anywhere abroad and tackling your 2025 impôts, I’ve had a good experience with ExpatFile. It’s straightforward, efficient, and costs significantly less than many alternatives—and they’re currently offering a $40 discount. You can visit ExpatFile … Continue reading A crowded house, a bold thief, and our new roommate, Surly

Kristin Espinasse16 Comments
French Learning

Rayol-Canadel: A Postcard Perfect Destination You’ll Want to Write Home About

This week my mind is busy with a few to-dos: write today’s story for the blog and get started on taxes! For those of you living abroad and beginning your taxes, I’ve had a good experience with ExpatFile. It’s straightforward, efficient, and costs significantly less than many alternatives. Visit ExpatFile for more info. Now, onto today’s chapter. Enjoy! TODAY’S WORD: le pigeonnier : dovecote, pigeon … Continue reading Rayol-Canadel: A Postcard Perfect Destination You’ll Want to Write Home About

Kristin Espinasse17 Comments