Does one need to hit the road to sell books on French life? Not when your MOM is busy pounding the pavement! Read on… (photo taken in Briançon). Note: the next word goes out in the new year. Meilleurs Voeux! Bonne Année! le baratin (bara-tehn) sweet talk, smooth talk baratiner = to sweet-talk somebody, to chat someone upbaratineur, baratineuse = smooth talker Audio File: listen … Continue reading baratin & baratiner
Have you ever heard an old word… as if for the first time? Your eyes sting; suddenly, you are seized by meaning, when a humble old mot causes your body to form a lump in your throat. Read on, in today's story column. mangeoire (mahn-zhwar) noun, feminine 1. trough, manger (animals) ; feeding dish (birds) 2. crèche (Christ child's crib) Audio File Hear today's French word and … Continue reading mangeoire
The scene was so classic that I wondered, as I snuck up to snap the photo, if it wasn't staged! Notice the underwear: one per "hook". Photo taken in Nyons (next to a chichi restaurant. Well, that oughta show 'em!). It is exciting to watch the numbers as this self-published book competes with the "big guys". At one point, Blossoming in Provence made it within … Continue reading de guingois
Life's merry-go-round. Read on, in today's letter. (Photo of le manège taken in Marseilles) aigre-doux (ehgrh-doo) : bittersweet Bonjour les amis, I wanted to update you on the good news. Blossoming in Provence made it to #31 in the hot new releases at Amazon.com! I returned home from Marseilles, yesterday, to a flurry of excitement in the comments box (please check it out … Continue reading aigre-doux
The book that took 21 44 days to create, publish and put on-line for sale… thanks for your help (and special thanks to Tamara and Erin at TLC Graphics for this book's cover and beautiful interior). .Bonjour! I am on my way to Marseilles this morning. French Word-A-Day will return on Wednesday. Before I leave, I wanted to ask you a big favor, or un … Continue reading un grand service = a big favor
Please excuse this extra email in your inbox today… but I could not wait to tell you that Blossoming in Provence is now available for purchase. To order a copy please click here! Update: the book is now available at Amazon.com, via this link. Also, please support your local bookseller by ordering Blossoming in Provence at the nearest bookstore. Thank you all for your help … Continue reading Get your copy of Blossoming in Provence!
George Whitman's famous bookshop, on the Left Bank. Today, we remember this incorrigable angel. Read on, and prepare to share your own tributes and stories. ange (ahnzh) : angel Some expressions: mon ange = darling beau/belle comme un(e) ange = beautiful as an angelêtre aux anges = to be in seventh heavenun ange passe = an angel is passingêtre le bon ange (or ange … Continue reading Adieu George Whitman, owner of Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris
The little cabanon, the one that makes a cameo in today's story… .habitude (ah-bee-tood) noun, feminine : habit Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronounce these words: Download MP3 or Wave file prendre de mauvaises habitudes = to pick up bad habitsj'ai l'habitude = I'm used to itd'habitude = as a rulecomme d'habitude = as usual French Christmas Music: "Mon Beau Sapin", "Sainte Nuit", "La Marche … Continue reading Motherhood & Max goes to driver’s school
I used to dream of having a writer's room in Paris. Lately, I would rather live life (the stuff of books) rather than dream of writing about it. Writing isn't, after all, a romantic life. Life is a romantic life! Book update: If all goes well, I will upload my book to Amazon.com tonight! Tamara and Erin, at TLC Graphics, are putting on the finishing … Continue reading patate
Reader Gary McClelland shares another speedy French adventure with you today… read on and discover something fun to do in Provence (or maybe chez vous?) Also, an extra sound file for you today: Jean-Marc has recorded the vocab section following Gary's story. Don't miss it! Occasionally I receive an e-mail asking me to tell the story of meeting my French husband, Jean-Marc (affectionately … Continue reading sortie
