The chaotic scene above reminds me of the things we do for love, whether cycle up walls or publish books.
une remise (reuh meez) noun, feminine
: discount
Audio File and Example sentence: Download Wav or Download MP3
Je suis désolée, mais la remise que j'ai mentionnée hier, n'était pas valable.
I am sorry, but the discount that I mentioned yesterday was not valid.
.
A Day in a French Life…
by Kristin Espinasse
Yesterday I published a book. Thanks to modern technology, I was able to launch un livre amidst a bustling, barking home life: the kids, the dogs, the dust, the dishes, the traveling husband (away, in Montpellier) and the ever-hopeful housewife. I decided to consider the chaos as the proverbial "glass half full"—of champagne—with bubbles that, when liberated, push their lodged captive forward and upward—in high-flying jubilee. Weeeeee!
But a tickling jolt of liberation has its end, for physics dictates: ce qui monte doit descendre.
While that chaos was busy adding to the adrenaline push that I needed in order to get things done, I made a few mistakes—et c'est le cas de le dire! For one, I had not planned on making my book available so soon… but when I surfed over to the book-making site—and saw that a discount was available through Dec 1st!—I raced into rédaction, finishing up edits and launching the book immediately so that all might take advantage of the discount, right along with me—as I went about ordering copies for my family.
Only, I did not realize that the page I was viewing was designed for my eyes only. Never mind that I had typed in the book-publisher's homepage address (because I had not logged off after my last visit, my personal "dashboard," where the special offer was mentioned, automatically popped up and I mistook it for the site's homepage, a page I thought that all customers were seeing along with the "specials" notice).
Soon, the emails began to flood in ("trying to buy your book, but not receiving the discount…" "want to order, but the coupon isn't working…").
I quickly contacted the book company, which only confirmed what my readers were reporting back to me: that the discount is for authors only.
I spent the rest of yesterday responding to customers, all of whom were very understanding. To all of you who visited my book page and tried to buy a copy: I am sincerely désolée for my mistake. Thanks to those who wrote in, with cheers, telling me you'd ordered the book anyway.
Thank you for believing in me, trusting me, and allowing me keep on truckin' even when the champagne cork hits the floor, the newly propelled publisher landing beside it, the bubble-boost having fizzled out.
*** For those of you who would like to order my latest book, même sans remise (makes a great holiday gift!), click here.
And to those who ordered a book on Dec. 1st, mille mercis! Please send along your order number (if you haven't already) and I will send you your Cinéma Verité bonus. It might take a few days… but I will eventually get back to you!
Comments and corrections are always welcome, helpful, and appreciated. Thank you!
le livre (m) = book; ce qui monte doit descendre = what goes up must come down; et c'est le cas de le dire = and that's the least one can say; la rédaction (f) = composition (editing); désolée = sorry; même sans remise = even without the discount
A Day in a Dog's Life…
by Braise and Smokey
We may look bored… but when the lights go out and the house goes to sleep…
We jump and jump like giddy sheep!
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Hello,
It looks like a wonderful book. I checked out the previews.
I had used the same book publishing for a cook book this summer. I was pressed for time, to cook and photograph all the recipes and get it sent before the wedding. My editor (husband) did not do a great job. Oh well!!
Did you celebrate Thanksgiving. We had two, and I appreciate it so much more here in France. The Thanksgiving dinner lingers over 5-6 hours. That is the way it should be appreciated.
Sue
I love this photo! It’s so French. When I prowl the streets with my camera in that country, I never hesitate to look up because that’s where I find many of my best shots.
Kristin,
I, too, tried to obtain the discount (20% is nice!), but I ordered the book anyway, since I wanted to buy the book for Christmas. Here is my order number: 806716.
Would love to meet you in Phoenix in December (my hometown), but alas, I’m not able to go there this holiday. Enjoy the lovely weather, and especially, enjoy your visit to Vincent’s!
–Catherine Burnett
Leesburg, VA
39F/4C warming to 56F/13C and rain later 🙁
Ah, those computers, they often “outsmart” even the best of us (my wife would not use the word “outsmart”, but then she has spent her life trying to avoid computers and the “improvements” they make to our life).
What a great picture of Smokey and Mom! He looks happy-tired, and no one is going to get his bone.
For those who haven’t been over to Jean-Marc’s web site lately, there’s a great picture of Kristin and Jean-Marc with the Dentelles de Montmirail in the far background.
Hello Kristin~
Thank you for your book discount clarification. I ordered your book anyway as I am a recent new “groupie” of yours in Kansas City and an avid French student here. Seeing you in Phoenix would make my month, however we will be in Santa Fe. Going there? Happy holidays and blessings with your latest book. Oh, my order number: 807800. Thank you for being you. Kate in Kansas City
I was wondering if you could let the lucky few who ordered on Dec and received a complimentary gift of the Cinema Verite, how to access this site. I tried and got nothing. Jeanne
Sue: we didn’t celebrate T-Day (sorry to say… but enjoyed watercress soup and pasta!
Jeanne: I’ve just forwarded you some info on the CV site.
Like others above, I ordered your new book yesterday sans discount. I dearly wanted the book as a Christmas gift for my sweet Francophile wife, so the lack of a discount was more a matter of amusement than a disappointment. Keep up the great work!
Oh, and my order number is… 806943!
Hi Kristi:
Ordered yesterday but didn’t give you my order number….it is 806940. Don’t worry about the discount mistake, it could happen to anyone.
Marianne G.
Kristin,
Pas de problème à propos de la remise. I have purchased the book and eagerly await its arrival. My favorite morning routine is to brew a cup of coffee and then sit down to read your post. Merci beaucoup.
Barbara
Hi Kristin,
Congrats on your new book, very exciting! I ordered my copy yesterday, my conf. number is 807948. Thanks for the bonus! And, please let me know if you need more info.
Best wishes to you and yours,
Kelly
Hi Kristin,
Not a problem for me either. I can’t wait to get my book and even ordered two to give away to friends. Congratulations on another work of art and love. I cannot believe all you accomplish with two children, an ailing puppy, and a vineyard en plus!
Safe travels and a happy holiday to all.
Ophelia
Hi Kristin,
I did not notice anything and cannot wait to receive your book. I wish you the best of time in beautiful AZ. And I have to go down to Mission Street in Pasadena to find your wine…Christmas shopping will soon be completed thanks to you.
xx
Love to see those happy dogs and little Smokey!
Love Braise and Smokey’s new post section and hope you keep it up forever. I am in love!
Hello Kristin –
I ordered the book for my sister, who has a dog like yours and I know she will love the photos…! When I noticed the discount did not go thru, I thought maybe it was for another country’s money system perhaps, such as the British pound…so then I consoled myself with the thought that at least I had earned the privelege to view your Cinema Verite, which I’ve always wanted to see…! My order # is 809635. Thank you for your loving spirit, willingness to share, and for your generosity…
– Shelley
Kristen: I love your blog and I ordered your new book. (I love the original!) A couple of comments: I live in Rockville, Md. and I am having trouble finding Marc’s vin. I really want to try it. I’ll be at my brother’s in New York City for Christmas, so I’ll pick some up there, j’espere. I’m kicking myself because I was in Paris last March, and I should have gotten some then! Tant pis! I was wondering if occasionally you might list interesting travel opportunities in France, possibly with an educational twist or that combine volunteering (or paid work) with travel. I long to see and be in France(a French major and very much a Francophile). My children are growing up (16, 15, and 10), so I may have the opportunity to travel by myself in the future. At times my husband might not be able to travel with me. I’m just trying to brainstorm ways to see La Belle France. Any advice? I hope your pups and the rest of your family vonts tres bien. Bonne Noel!! Weather in Rockville has been very very rainy, temperature is seasonable. Au revoir and merci beaucoup for your wonderfully refreshing “French Word-a-Day”.
Dearest Kristi,
I just finished re-reading all of the beautiful comments from your fans over the last two posts. I cannot tell you how much
joy it brings into my heart to know that they always send you such kind words of encouragement – sent directly from their heart to yours. I know that their words are what give you the strength and courage to produce the amount of work you
do each day. I love them for their kindness expressed to you. I, as your Mom,
know how much they mean to your life.
You and I both know that each step you take in expanding your life has been because of their support. Each comment is a precious gift to you and also to me.
XOXO
MOM
Congratulations on your new book, Kristen.
I enjoy French Word-A-Day so much. Hearing about you, your family, your pups, and all things French is a lot of fun. I have not been to France in quite some time now, but this gives one the opportunity to share in what seems like a very idyllic life.
My book order number is #807087, and I am really looking forward to receiving the book and visiting your Cinema Verite.