Our Jackie turned 5 when this word journal began. Here she is at eleven (two years ago) helping Braise (brez) get dressed for today's birthday party!
: cheerful, merry, joyful
Listen to my daughter's message, and to the French word "joyeux": Download Wav or MP3
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
I have another confession: I have never been good at événementiel (or "event organization"). Jean-Marc planned our wedding, each and every detail (contacted the French priest, ordered the fleurs, selected the menu, had les bagues engraved, and all but tried on the long white robe & satin-trimmed veil for me).
The "big day" found his blushing bride-to-be tripping over a street grate, late for a very important date! I have been trying to make up for that unforgettable entrance ever since: by continuing to réviser a simple lesson from my husband: relax and enjoy life and, especially, celebrate the milestones!
Today marks the 8th anniversary of this French word journal and I am ready to celebrer this joyful event. I've ordered the flowers (okay, I swiped several from "Mama Jules"), and selected the menu: a sweet and savory buffet of words.
Now listen up: this is where you come in (and not as a clumsy bride!):
I would like to ask you to share a word or two… about yourself. Are you an 85-year-old collector of Southwestern art? Or a new mother, up to her ears in dirty diapers? Are you in a marching band? Do you read this word journal in school? Are you famous? …or infamous? (or related to someone who is?). Do you speak more than two languages? Can you make your ears move? or can you do the splits?
Do you suspect you are the youngest on this list–or the oldest? Are you a tattoo artist or do you dabble in watercolor? Have you invented something? Do you like frogs legs or are you carrément contre la cuisine des cuisses de grenouilles? Do you have an unusual skill? Do you decorate your window sill? Are you involved in a charity? Have you written a book and do you want to "buzz it" here? Are you shy? Ever won a prize? Or eaten an entire pie? Are you on a mission? Do you have a blog or a website and where can we find you on the web?
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Late 50’s, female who gets to indulge her gypsy blood by traveling domestically and abroad with husband. Have stopped by France three times within past few years. J’te adore France. Vive La France! And, three times a week, I love learning new things about you, your family, your dogs and French words and phrases. Merci, Kristin!
Congrats Kristin,
Enjoy your stories and your books (bought two). By the time you prepare your next story, I should be living in France (or at least in transit). Hope to close escrow on the house in Calif by then and relocate to Cavaillon. Once there, I will look around to see what area suits me the best. Hopefully, we can meet sometime.
Larry (near Sacramento)
Í’m a 40 year old academic adviser at a small college in the states. I took Latin and Greek when I was younger, and first tackled a living language — French! — one summer when I was 23. I hadn’t formally studied it for 17 years, although I had done some reading. This year I took the plunge and enrolled in Intermediate French at the college I work at — a nice perk of the job. I’m having a lovely time and found your website a few weeks ago.
Good Morning Kristin
Congrats on your blog anav.
I am a Glass artist here in the Napa valley of 30 exp.
http://www.napaglassart.com also a avid traveler and Photographer .
http://kb.napaglassart.com/index.php
As long as you write it Kristin, I will read it .
Ken
I am probably one of the oldest reading this site. Barely remember when I didn’t read it. Since Kristin will let us plug something, okay . . . I’m a proud mom of two grown sons. One is an aspiring musician. Watched him perform in front of an audience for first time last night. Check him out on Youtube: Jeff Houston Sober and Serious. Thanks Kristin!
Debbie, Lilburn GA US
I live in New Jersey, am semi-retired. Studied French in school, but malheureusement, have only been to France once. Learned about your blog from your book, Words in a French Life, earlier this year and signed up immediately.
Try to keep up my French by watching French movies on DVD. Love both the new words and those I know from your blog.
Please keep writing; am visiting France vicariously through you.
Bonjour Kristin!! Happy Anniversary!!
I live in Girona (north of Spain). I discovered French Word-a-day about 6 months ago, while searching unknown words and expressions in French. Your “journal” helps me to improve my English and French, at the same time, which is perfect!
Congrats on your blog and merci beaucoup!!!
Bonjour Kristin,
In 2003 I visited Paris for a week with 9 friends and was charmed as I knew I would be. My goal now is to go again, but with my husband this time.
I am an American, a Texan, and a retiree who completed three years of college French since retiring from my job as a computer systems analyst. While take the classes I read your book “Words in a French Life.” My daughter was at the time a newspaper editor who received your book and knew I would like it. And that brought me here!
I have so much enjoyed not only the French lessons but also your life in France. You and your family have charmed all of us, and that does include your interesting and sweet Mother!
Thanks, Kristin, for sharing this with us.
Bonjour Kristin!
I am a 29 year old mother-to-be in a few short months who has been reading your word-a-day for several years now in an attempt to keep up with my french. I am a criminal prosecutor in Texas who desperately loves all things French and lives vicariously through your American-turned-French life and your beautiful pictures. Felicitations on the blog anniversary!
Congratulations on the milestone:
I clicked over from Corey Amaro’s blog just as you were moving to the “wine farm.” My wife and I have been marshals (commissaire de piste) for the LeMans 24 Hours sports car race for the last eleven years and use that as part of three weeks in France each year. We met you and Jean-Marc in Portland, Oregon for the first wine tour and have two bottles laid down from that year. On our travels around France we obsessively photograph dolmens and lavoirs wherever we find them. We find that as we dine in small restaurants in small towns in France we order in French, but the servers answer in English. This is a good deal for those learning another language no matter which. We are rapidly approaching retirement.
Happy anniversary, Kristin! I am a 35 year old French teacher currently on maternity leave, a mother of a beautiful 6 month old daughter, and completely and utterly in love – forever – in France (especially Provence) and all things French. Thank you for your wonderful words… you bring a little corner of the blue provençal skies to my home every day!
Dear Kristin,
Congratulations on this milestone! Just letting you know that you have a reader here in Massachusetts who’s a scientist-in-training (a.k.a. grad student). I speak 2 languages (English and my native tongue, Filipino) and I took a college course in French some years back… and promptly fell in love with the language and culture of your adopted country. I’ve read Peter Mayle’s “A Year in Provence” (loved it!) and I look forward to visiting those vineyards soon.
Congratulations on the anniversary of your blog! I started reading your blog after I purchased your book at Barnes & Noble with interest in increasing my French knowledge. But, it’s the sweet family stories, beautiful pictures and your generous spirit that cause me to click on over to French Word A Day. Now, about the assignment you’ve given to your reading audience today… I fell for France in the 80’s, and I’m finally writing a book. My children and friends have encouraged me to do so for a long time, but it definitely isn’t easy since I already work a 40-hour work week. I’m a “Cubicle Francophile,” surrounded by French calendars, pictures of castles and travel souvenirs. My book tells the story of a young girl from Alabama (me) that dreams of travel beyond her means and journeys to many destinations with the love of her life, Jim. I thought I could call it “Sappy Stories by an Ignorant Old Lady” and then I could admit it right up front, beating the critics to the punch. Actually, I have two names in mind: “From the Front Porch Swing to France” or “France and More with Amour!” The front porch swing refers to my time sitting and dreaming about travel when I was younger. The “Amour” part would mostly refer to our 43- year marriage, not so hot and steamy except when I have a hot flash. I hope someone wants to read it when I’ve finished. Kristin, thanks for the opportunity to “buzz” my impending book and thank you for sharing your stories with us.
Hi Kristine,
I love your blog. Quite a story. I read the blog because I read your book.
I’m an interior designer with a very successful career of 35 years behind me. About
6 years ago I went to Paris for the Maison et Objet exposition. I was frustrated because my high school French got me nowhere! I decided to take up French language study in France and have been working at it now for two years. Twice a year in France at different language schools and home stay study experiences. I have just returned after a month in France and every time I go I learn more French and more about the French life. I confess I am envious of your life in France though my children and grandchildren are here in Victoria, B.C. Canada so it will always be my home, France has my heart. I continue the French language study at home with l’Alliance Francaise and I am making progress. I’ve made friends in Paris and in the little village of Jouhet and it’s been a wonderful experience at this time in my life.
I feel very lucky to have the opportunity.
Next year I am hoping to have a celebration in France with several of my girlfriends as we’re all having landmark birthdays next year!
Hoping to find a suitable house to rent in the country. There are lots available on the internet but it’s difficult to make a choice from here in Canada. Wishing you all the best and keep blogging.
my website is http://www.robynbryson.com where I started a blog this last trip to France.
Thanks Kristine! keep sending those lovely tid-bits of French life.
Hi, Kristin, I am a retired New York City high school teacher. Yes, I survived thirty years in some really tough schools! Now, I spend my time traveling….mostly to Paris. When I am not in Paris or yearning to be there, I volunteer at The Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey where I work in the archives and also exercise the wonderful, beautiful, lovely dogs that will eventually give blind people their independence back.
Hi Kristin,
I’m a 40 something American married to a French man from Provence. I play the trombone in a small town’s band…between Aix and Avignon, where we live after having lived in Paris, Cannes and Garéoult. My French/Italian mother-in-law lives right down the road in the house my husband grew up in.
Hi Kristin,
Congratulations! I’m new to your blog. I’ve been reading it to help me learn the language. The stories and photos you share are always make me smile and they quell my urge to quit my web design job and move to France today. I’m a 40-something grandma living in Michigan, work for a newspaper and try to incorporate as much of the french philosophy of life as possible. It makes everything so much more delicious. Thank you for what you do! It’s much appreciated.
Bonjour Kristin:
My husband of nearly 30 years and I have been following your blog for at least 5 years. We visit the Cote d’Azur twice each year and your blog has inspired us to improve our French so that one day our dream of living in France may come true. We live in central NJ- hubby is a Master gardener and I work with children with disabilities. I have wanted a dog forever, but since we do not have our own dog, I have adopted
Smokey in my heart! I especially appreciate your stories about seeking the best in others and in yourself. Do not ever stop writing!
Happy Anniversary!
One of my dreams has always been to visit France. When I started taking French classes a few years ago, my teacher told me about your website. I am a middleaged home care and hospice nurse who enjoys gardening, cooking, drawing, painting and bird watching, and I love following French Word a Day!
We had the pleasure of meeting 3 years ago here in Los Angeles where I own one of the few remaining brick-and-mortar bookstores called Chevalier’s! I have been a Francophile since the tender age of eight and first traveled to Paris when I was 16, then studied at the Sorbonne when I was in my twenties. I am lucky enough to travel to France twice a year now where I indulge in my obsession for Marie-Antoinette, French history, food and wine! I have four fur children: Bijou, Chloe, Cannelle and Neige (who all speak French, bien sur!) Mille merci for your wonderful words which keep France alive for me in between visits!
Seattleite lives vicariously in your sunshine!
Bonjour Kristin!
I am retired from the University of Iowa and have taken up art as a second interest. In addition I decided to study French and continue my studies here. That is when your website became of interest. Also, my husband and I travel to France so are interested in French literature, food, topography, etc.,etc. On cold winter days, I enjoy your lovely photos of a far more alluring climate!
You can visit me at: http://www.aliciabrownart.com
Bonjour, Kristin. My wife, Cameo, and I have six children age 23 to 4. I started subscribing last year before we traveled alone together to Paris for the first time in an effort to try to brush up on my 30 year old, D+ efforts in high school French. I don’t know how much I retain, but I enjoy reading each email and as a photography hobbyist, I love the pictures. You have a real flair! I hope you have many more years ahead of you. Congratulations on completing eight.
Congratulations, Kristin. I have only been reading your blog for about 2 years or so. I originally graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a teaching certificate in French. However, that was in 1974 and there were no teaching positions. So, after substitute teaching for a year,(the day I had to teach physics nearly did me in) my girlfriend and I decided to move to Colorado. I have been here ever since and have been a travel agent for 33 years and still going. I play soccer on a women’s recreational team, and I just completed my first 1/2 marathon this summer(walking not running as I have had 2 knee surgeries). I continue to take a conversation class at the Denver Alliance Francaise just to try and keep up my French. I thoroughly enjoy your writing and your family and your observations of French life. Thanks for allowing me in your world.
Congratulations on your 8 years Kristin!! I am a 50 year old single mother of 2 single young adults living in south central PA USA. I work here in a very large warehouse. I’ve never been west of Ohio (well a brief flight to WI), north of the Canadian border, south of Florida – we’ve all (who live here) been to the Atlantic Ocean and New Jersey or Maryland… I have been following your blog for about one year… French Word-A-Day and Ann Mah are my fun filled excursions into a world that I may never physically meet – THANK YOU Kristin!!
Kristin Congrats! Your blog is the highlight of many days, as I read you at work. I am 54 and love all things French. I am planning a trip to your country next year…Your words to truly brighten many days. I live in Indiana, work for a utility company. I do crafts, read and am writing a novel. I found your blog after buying your first book. Which I loved. I can’t wait to travel to your part of the world…You are truly a gifted writer. Thank you for spending your time sharing your life with all of us Fracophiles. Best Wishes for many more years of your brand of wisdom…we all love it.
je suis américaine, mais j’habite au maroc avec mon mari et nos deux fils. on est aux états-unis pour cette année scolaire. on aime bien votre blog… ca nous aide beaucoup avec le français. j’adore le français! merci beaucoup. que Dieu vous bénisse.
Bonjour Kristen!
I am a French teacher living in Illinois. I enjoyed reading your book when I received it as a Christmas gift several years ago, and I subscribed to your feed while reading the book. I like sharing your stories with my students. It brings loads of cultural and language learning anecdotes into my classroom, and the students enjoy reading them because they are from a real person!
Bonjour Kristin!
I’m a student and working in marketing in the software industry. Not sure how that all happened. But I’m now back in class after work 4 nights a week taking pre-reqs to be a Physician Assistant. I studied poetry in college and grad school. Loved it, and still write when I can. Now I’m loving school again! I think perhaps I am a bit of a nerd 🙂 My dream is to go live on a farm with a big garden and goats and pets while working in a family practice as well. My French teacher recommended your blog a year or so ago and I’ve enjoyed it ever since. Keep it up and congratulations!
~Laurel
Salut Kristin
My sister turned me on to your blog two years ago and I’ve been enjoying it ever since. I’ve been the French teacher at Bishop McNamara Catholic HS in Illinois since 1978, teaching all four levels (and 2 sections of sophomore English for the last eight years!). I have three children and five gorgeous granddaughters with another grandbaby due in 3 weeks. I did a year abroad in France with a group from U. of Illinois (1971-72). My dream is to go back to France with my husband, off-season,and without students. Congratulations on your blog. What a great idea to allow everyone to check in from everywhere today.Joan L.
Joyeux Anniversaire Kristin. I am a writer and a rider. Semi-retired actress translating and adapting 18th French plays and an avid cyclist. I have cycled pretty much all of France (not Bordeaux or Dordogne yet). But I am planning an extended cycling adventure to cover all of France to celebrate my 60th birthday in four years. So, keep an eye out for me, I hope to come help with your vendage.
And merci beaucoup for your delightful insights to French life!
Derin
Kristin, reading your blog takes me to the place where my heart resides. I lived in Paris after college, trying to learn to speak the language in which I majored!! That was long ago. I have been back many, many times. But now, as well as Paris, I love Provence. Not a day goes by when I don’t long to be there. Thank YOU for being there for ME. Happy Eighth!
Congrats Kristin. That kind of longevity in this fast changing world is impressive! I’ve been a francophile since 1967 when I was a student in Paris. I’m a professor in Colorado who tries to spend at least a month every other summer in Provence. In both Colorado and Provence, I try to spend as much time on my road bike as possible. My statistics textbook was recently translated in French. You can order it at http://www.amazon.fr/Lanalyse-données-approche-comparaison-modèles/dp/2804108090/ I can read it but could not have done the translation. I’ve been a regular FWAD reader for many years and an occasional contributor and commenter. Always enjoy seeing a new word, a new story, and new photos in my in box. keep up the good work!
Hey there – another de-lurker. I’m a 47 year old Canadian business analyst. I’m ok at French and am a beginner at the Finnish language. I do have a blog where I journal the dream that my hubby and I have to live on a boat. It’s http://boatlady.wordpress.com/ come check it out.
Thanks for the entertainment over the years!
Hi Kristin: Happy Anniversary. I am a retired management consultant; a former militray brat that grew up in France (Paris – 4 1/2 years); and a bit of a traveler. Our most recent trip was to China (last month) which was a real eye opener. Very modern ‘with it’ place—not what we expected. I enjoy your blog very much because it brings back memories of coming of age in Paris (15 1/2 to 20 years old). Not the worst place to start on the path to maturity. Thanks for all you do and keep up the good work!
Barry
I studied French for 7 years (in high school and college) and have visited France a number of times. I don’t have a chance to read or speak French much anymore, so I love reading your blog (which I’ve been doing for at least 6 years)!
I own a sports car racing shop in Auburn, Washington with my husband (visit us at http://www.tcmotorsports.net) and have two little ones, ages 3 and 1.
Thanks for sharing your piece of the world with us. I look forward to more!
Bonjour, Kristin, bon anniversaire! Moi, j’habite Floride, j’étudie française depuis presque 50 ans, je lit votre journal depuis 6 ans et j’aime surtout voir l’agrandissement de vos enfants, vos chiens, les travails de Jean-Marc dans son vignoble, et l’épanouissement de votre écriture et de votre esprit. Bonne continuation. Mike
Bonjour Kristin,
I studied French through high school and college, but really started to learn the language during my junior year in Provence. After graduating from college I moved to Brussels and worked at NATO, where I could use my language skills and visit Paris easily. I lived in Europe several years before returning to the U.S., where I am a stay-at-home mom of two pre-teens. We travel to Germany regularly to visit my husband’s family, but my heart is still in France. I have lost most of my French after 15 years in the Midwest without any exposure to the language, and miss being able to speak it. I thoroughly enjoy your blog and photos, and enjoy the memories they stir up. Thank you!
What a wonderful accomplishment to bring such joy to so many on a regular basis…….you bring sunshine to our days no matter what the weather.
Felicitations!
I am a veteran high school English and U.S. history teacher in a small town in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I took two years of French in college, forgot most of the little I learned, and have now been working the last couple years to learn it back and go beyond. It’s difficult for an old dog but nevertheless fun.
Congratulations Kristin! I have been reading your wonderful, delightful blog for many years. First your book, then blog, then having the pleasure of meeting you and your family when you visited your hometown of Phoenix. It has been such a joy for me to call you my friend.
I am a yoga teacher, professional organizer, sometime writer and I dabble in sketching.
Again Kristin thank you for the wonderful stories you share with all of us.
Bonjour Kristin,Congratulations on 8 years! I,too, am a wannabe francophile. I live in Canada and my belle-mere is French Canadian so I have been practicing my French in preparation for a family reunion in New Brunswick next year. My husband and I spent our 18th anniversary in Europe last month. We flew from Toronto to Paris to Nice. We rented a car in Nice then drove through Monaco,Italy and Switzerland en route back to Chamonix to ride the cable car to the top of Aiguille-du-Midi. What a spectacular place!We thoroughly enjoyed our drive through the Alps,especially the drive up some of the tour de France climbs.And I have to say, it was the first time I’ve had to stop for sheep on the road. At the Italy-Switzerland border my husband took a picture of me standing with one foot in each country.We made oue way back to Nice and flew back to Paris where we spent the last few days of our trip.I have enjoyed your blog and have learned so much. I wish you continued success and can’t wait until your next book makes it’s way to Canada!
Bonjour Kristin,
I love getting into the office every morning and reading your blog. It makes me smile!
I am living in the Valley of the Sun, so when you mention things about that in your book, I can relate. And by the way, love your book too.
One day I dream of living in France and enjoying the life of the French. I was actually born there and if I can brag a little, I am half French by my mother. She was from a small town in northern France, Caudry.
It must be an amazing life getting to do something that you dreamed of since being a young girl in Phoenix.
Keep up the great work and again so enjoy your blogs.
Hi Kristin, I have always loved the sound of the French language.I did take French lessons for three years in the elementary grades but do not remember much. This site has jogged a few words. I love to read about life in France and learn and listen to my French word a day. I save them to go back when life gets a little quieter. My dining room is decorated in a French motif and I do decorate my window sills. I must have been to Paris in another life! I hope so. Hope to get there someday. I am a 53yr old RN (30 years) from Buffalo NY, currently in grad school attaining my Masters in Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner. I have three grown children and four( of course) beautiful grandchildren. I would love to meet you one day, preferably in France! Thank you for the daydreams…LonnieJeanne
Kristin-I have been reading your blog for several years, after having read your book. I have lived in Milwaukee WI, West Palm Beach FL, Richmond VA, Tucson AZ and now in Minneapolis MN! I enjoy reading about your adventures in France and live vicariously through you. I read your posts at work, in my sales position. I dabble in pastels and oils and love to hear about your charming mother. Thank you for sharing your world with all of us!
I have been reading since mid December 2008 when I returned from my fist trip to Paris which was a 65th birthday present from friends and family. I simple entered a thought French word a day and did not know it was a web site. I feel doubly blessed by you and your writings, but being a dog
person I love seeing the photos and following the stories about mother and son.
‘Allo, ‘Allo, Kristen (I am afraid that even after all your wonderful tutelage, I still sound like the policeman/spy on that Brit-com)! I am an artist and legal secretary, if you can imagine such a thing. Right now I am struggling with learning to print (etchings and such) and building a clay écorché. Wait, that’s French! Happy anniversary and…Joyeux Noel? Yours…
Bonjour, Kristin et tout le monde! I am a retired music teacher, and francophile. Widowed for over 9 years, I am very fortunate to be able to spend Christmas in Gordes in the Vaucluse and New Years in Paris.
We met at the Union Square wine shop a few years back, and I really enjoyed that case of vin rouge! I keep talking up “Rouge Bleu” at Hotel Les Bories and Bistro La Petite France. One of these years, we will make the trek up to Chateauneuf-des Papes from Gordes.
I love your dogs, as I have four Golden Retrievers. Fur is a condiment chez moi.
Félicitations! À 80 ans de plus!
Hi Kristin,
What fun it is to read about all of your readers here! I’m a book editor in Berkeley, California. I tried to refresh my French in Lyon last spring, but am sure I learned more on the street than in the classroom. I love languages, flowers, hiking, food, and wine, and would love to spend another month (or another lifetime) in France. Congratulations on your blogiversary.
Happy Anniversary to you both!
Neither of you look a doay older than the day you were maried. Everytime I see your wedding picture at Betty’s.
To the world at large, I’m a talkative, fifty-something, stay at home, baby sitter, Grammy. I’m the girl who has been married to my Honey for almost thirty five years. Truth is. When you see past my *Klark Kent-ish* disguise, seeing me in my *Real Self* armor, I am a dreamer! A photographer, and author, a prankster, and a pretty poor singer. but I can whistle a pretty tune. I love life and I love people. I’m a little OCD about staying current on my blogs.
http://missysapronstringsnotherthings.blogspot.com
That’s me in a nutshell.
OXOX