I discovered a new sport-hobby while trying to keep up with Jean-Marc on vacation: vélography! One hand on my wobbly vélo, I photographed the fast-moving scenery—including island vineyards, hollyhocks, cornfields, grandmothers, cats, and—whoaahhh—oncoming traffic! I even experimented with over-the-shoulder photoshooting, awkwardly repositioning the camera all the while steadying my bicyclette. It didn't take a circus performer's agility to succeed, and the sloppily executed stunt felt as freeing as it was exhilarating!
After recently losing the passion for photography, this accidental discovery–vélography–rekindled my love for the art of snapshooting. (A note about today's photo: that's my bike's panier in the forefront. The pink towel inside is for the beach, where we are headed for an early morning swim, after I wrap up my camera in my shirt–lest one grain of sand scratch the lens! )
indice (an-deece) noun, masculine
: clue, indication
Audio file: listen to Jean-Marc read his letter addressed to you just below: Download MP3 or listen to the Wave file
A Day in a French Life…. by Jean-Marc
Note: today's entry is written by Jean-Marc. The English version follows.
Bonjour amis lecteurs,
Bien amicalement,
Jean-Marc
Hello Dear Readers,
We'd like to sincerely thank you for all of the good luck for the future messages. Today I would like to give you a clue about this great "secret". You should know that Kristi is dying to reveal it to you but, voilà, it is I who am preventing her and I am, therefore, the person you can blame. Nevertheless, you will know by the end of the month of August the nature of what it is our life reserves for us in the future.
I will take advantage of this post to announce some very good news. Our Mistral 2010 wine just received 89 points and our Lunatique 2010, 91 points in the Wine Spectator… and, one more clue, this has nothing to do with our secret…
Cheers,
Jean-Marc
To comment on Jean-Marc's letter, click here. You might also follow Jean-Marc on Twitter.
Vive la vélographie! Here's one of those over-the-shoulder shots. Almost swerved off the path, and into the cornfield, while taking it.
Popular modes of transportation on the island of Ré. A lot of hats there too. This woman's "bucket" hat is perfect for protecting the ears from harmful rays (read: skin cancer). Recently, my dad had a small piece of his ear cut off … and you are already familiar with my own skin cancer surgeries.
Remember to protect your skin this summer. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day and wear it on cloudy days too! P.S. look for a sunscreen without cancer-causing chemicals, so as not to defeat the purpose! Share your favorite sunscreen here. If you know of a good chemical-free sunscreen, share the info in the comments box. Thanks!
Exercises in French Phonics is…
" a great book for learning French pronunciation"
"useful and practical"
"high quality material, good value for your money" –from Amazon customer reviews. Order your copy here.
Another shot on the île de Ré, where islanders show respect for their hollyhocks… it seems some homeowners would rather step aside than uproot a wayward flower!
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french/news/crossword/flash/index_vendanges.shtml
A puzzle to play
Could it be a home re-modeling project. Could it be delayed (as they all are) and it has left Kristin with no office until late August?
Congrats on the Wine Spectator ratings.
Kristi, you are a tease, by not telling us. Love the pics.
Congrats on the ratings…it was your destiny!!! plus lots of hard work. We are all such fans, but now we know that the “experts” agree!
I, too, have experienced the fear of discovering 2 BCCs on my face (Basel Cell Carcinoma); one on my lower eyelid, and the other on my upper lip. Just think where the sun falls…. I found a wonderful daily sunscreen at my Wegman’s grocery Health Section. It is from MyChelle, Sun Schield SPF 28 with only Zinc Oxide (ZinClear) 11.6% and Titanium Dioxide 0.67%. No retinyl Palmitate or any chemical absorbers like oxybenzone or PABA. It’s unscented and includes Aloe and Vit E….my dermatoligist was very happy to see my choice! Please try to find it, or I will send you some. http://www.mychelle.com
Much love and Happiness for whatever good news you send our way. Susan in Oakton
Congratulations on the great scores on the wines from Wine Spectator. Sure wish I could buy the wine here in Napa. The West Coast office for WS is here in Napa – maybe I’ll stroll over there and ask for a bottle. Hah! I love Rose wine in summer, and I sure wich I could taste it. Frances in Napa, California where the grapes are ripening as we speak!
A movie?
Been reading all the guesses about THE NEWS & thinking. Is that you are opening a cave in California or elsewhere States Side??
Felicitations Jean Marc et Kristi on your ranking in Wine Spectator. You should be so proud after all of your hard work.
I’m dying to know what the secret is just like everyone else. So many funny guesses. Thanks for the laughs FWAD readers!
http://www.wotnot.com.au/wotnot-family-products.htm
I realise I am a little late with my reponse but I am only sitting down now, and catching up with my inbox as I watch the replay of the closing ceremony!1 (Did not really feel like waking up at 5.30am on a monday morning to see it live!)
The above link will take you to a very natural, safe and Australian sunscreen…i think you will like what you find.
Vanicream (SPF 60) is a very effective, safe sunscreen for sensitive skin. The ingredients are enert – physical blocks (titanium oxide & zinc oxide). We have used in at our children center here in LA at a major university for over a year with young children ages 6 mos – 5.5 yrs and adults. 2 of our parents, who are dermatologists, “vetted” this product before we chose to use it. The company’s website is: http://www.psico.com (1.800.325.8232).
Kristin,
Changement…ah oui. Ma mere est dans l’hopital depuis 2 semaines. She is improving day by day but it sure is difficult.
I love your wayward hollyhocks! I would love to paint a painting of your photograph. It is simply lovely.
I am interested in posting an ad for “Thyme in my Pocket” on your blog. What do you think? Can you advise me how go about that?
I sure hope I can get back to France soon! Your trip to Isle de Ré looked wonderful!
Bises,
Alison