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

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

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

TODAY’S WORD: tout doux  : gently; easy now; softly PRONUNCIATION: [too doo] TOUT DOUX, LE LOUP by Jacqueline Espinasse  I wanted to follow up on my two-week “cette fois-ci, c’est la bonne” challenge. Well… c’était pas trop la bonne. The Great Gatsby wasn’t so great after two chapters. So, while walking through Prospect Park, I called my mom—my guru, and the only person I trust … Continue reading Tout Doux: How to be Gentle to Others and Oneself

TODAY’S WORD: cette fois-ci, c’est la bonne : this time it will work; this time’s the one PRONUNCIATION: set fwah see say la bun CETTE FOIS-CI, C’EST LA BONNE by Jacqueline Espinasse Here is a French saying you use when you’re convinced it will work this time—even if you’re a little delusional. Let me give you some examples. • You are trying to score at … Continue reading Doomscrolling in French & New and Better Habits

Before I begin today’s story—Jackie’s story—a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already ordered a copy of our newly released book. Seeing our mother-daughter stories gathered together in one place, along with your positive feedback, has been such a joy. With your help launching this colorful series—books teeming with photos and French—we will be able to reach readers who have yet to discover A … Continue reading Plouf! A Big Little Leak in My New City

Dear Readers, Our book is ready! After a last-minute hurdle getting this bébé up onto the bookshelf, ça y est — a beautiful paperback edition, brimming with full page photos, is now available for purchase. This is the second volume in the series A Year in a French Life—a lively chronicle of language, family life, and love in France and beyond. Thanks to the wonders … Continue reading Ça y est! Our New Book Has Arrived