Chère Aunt Liddy,
I saw your email this morning and was saddened to learn that you needed to sign off from French Word-A-Day, due to difficulty seeing the words. Smokey and I have made you this video, in hopes of being able to read you a story or two, so that you may continue to enjoy this column—even if you can no longer see it.
Update: Sadly, the story was cut off after the video recorder ran out of room! But you will still see the two minute introduction. (The story transcript is here)
Love,
Kristi
P.S. For those who are unable to see the video (in your newsletter), click over to the website, here.
To comment on the video, thanks for clicking here. Would you like to see more videos? Thanks for the encouragment and feedback on this project.
Regarding the video backdrop: The scene was filmed at home, with the cabanon in the background and the olive orchard just beyond. Enjoy. (language tip: at the end of the video, before it cuts off, I am telling Smokey to "Sit down!" (Assis!) and when that doesn't work, I insist he lie down (the command is Couché!). After that the video cuts off….
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Chère Kristi,
I think you have to be one of the sweetest people on this planet. This was so kind of you to do! And I agree with Maman Jules : finally, another video! (I always think of you when I cut into a moldy onion and the penicillin — selon Jean-Marc — that it contains!). Gros bisous et à la prochaine vidéo,
Mélanie
You’re a natural. And you looked so pretty, as well. Loved it!
Our dear Kristin,
This just wrapped my heart in smiles and love.
How kind and caring you are!
Aunt Liddy–and all of us– are so blessed to have you in our lives!
THANK YOU!!!!!!
Love, Natalia XO
Your voice is so lovely. It’s just what I thought it might be! You and Smokey are a dear pair. How generous of you to make a video for a reader.
Dear Kristi,
Tish Tyler’s comments above describe my sentiments exactly. I was so happy to see you reach out to Aunt Liddy in such a caring way. And we’ve just celebrated Thanksgiving in Virginia – and your kind video for Aunt Liddy, and many others, continues to add to the special spirit of giving thanks. Merci!
You really are lovely in every way, and Smokie is headed for stardom.
Kristi, this video is a riot! Tout a fait le début propice et nous vous souhaitons “Bonne Continuation! Bises.
Hello Kristin,
That was wonderful. I’m sorry the video was interrupted. It was such a pleasure. Smoky is just too cute and you interact so well.
Please make more videos! And let there always be at least one of your dogs in each video, please!
Happy Holidays and best wishes,
Dave L.
Hi Kristin, I was laughing out loud at Smokey! Loved the video, and I look forward to hearing the story someday. Oui, please make more videos! (And I love seeing Jean-Marc’s comment.)
Love the video Kristin!
I was so disappointed when the video ended – I wanted MORE! Loved it. That was so sweet of Jean-Marc to comment about his beautiful wife! Such a pleasure for us all to see you, makes for an even closer community! I’m looking forward to a story from you, written or video, whichever you decide to do, it will be wonderful (and Smokey can be the star again or even a not-so-innocent bystander)!! Maybe it will be Braise’s turn next time! I’m glad to see you looking so happy and healthy!
Bravo! Loved it! Smokey gets the Academy Award!
You are a fine reader, if Smokey gives you a chance … he just loves you to bits!! … what a sweetheart 🙂
You can get software to read websites aloud to you at http://www.browsealoud.co.uk (and undoubtedly many other places as well). In the UK, the RNIB provides support and advice for visually impaired people, and this can also be useful for dyslexics.
Excellent attempt at story-telling! I agree with the reader who thinks Smokey does not want to hear a story about a cat. Or maybe he was just very excited about the story-hour special. 🙂 Keep up the good work!
This is a great idea. Mina cut off after “couchez”, as you said it would. Not sure where the cat story is. Fpr some reason MY dog nudges my hands whenever I’m typing on the computer. Very funny
Encore! Encore!!
Hi Kristin,
Funny! It’s like Smokey knew you were going to start reading and stop petting! He’s cute with his little tongue hanging out.
Have a nice Sunday!
Hi Kristin,
Videos are a great idea. And as for Smokey, seeing him is always a joy.
Laurie
Too hysterical, Smokey wants ALL your attention, and thinks he’s a lap dog…You may want to try sitting in a chair next time! Love the video..though I never saw the cat story…and please keep doing them, it’s a wonderful idea, and you look wonderful, as always.
Hi, Kristi. Your video is an even more creative dimention to your blog. I’ll bet other readers like me envision you living out the stories you share with us. To see and hear you from time to time is just pure delight! It’s also a sweet reminder of the time I met you and your family a few years ago while vacationing in Provence. Having had a Golden myself, I know what charmers they are and how much they thrive on our love and attention. Clearly, Smokey is one happy and lucky chien.
I loved the video! How very funny and just like a dog to want to be center of attention. Thanks for the laugh and please do more!
Andy
I love the video. It’s so nice to hear your voice, in French and English … and so nice to see how much you and Smokey R Dokey love one another. To have that is a huge comment on your character.
Wonderful…can’t wait to see more. You are very composed and professional for a new movie star!
Kristi,
I was able to see only the introduction of the video but not the story (couldn’t find it or it was cut too short).
I think this is a great idea. I loved hearing your voice and it will be great to my ears to hear your stories in French (and English). I need to ‘hear’ more French.
Smokey is a Star. My husband knows he is my secret boyfriend and is okay with it. Please continue to have him and his mom in pictures and future videos.
The best to you with this new idea. I think it will work great. I truly enjoy your website and newsletters. You are an inspiration to all of us that love French and France.
Best regards, Rhina (Glen Ellen, CA)
I love all of the comments–Mr. Smokey just wants his MOM all to himself. Have a wonderful Smokey-filled day.
Mary
I was delighted to see and hear you, i’ve followed your newsletters almost from the start. Yes please do continue I love the sounds of the countryside and look forward to more.
Tell Smokey that he has to start a show of his own…he definitely doesn’t want to share you!!
Jan (Edmonton, AB. Canada)
I loved the video. It’s great to see you and hear you – along with Smokey!
Hi – I have been following your posts since a customer of mine who was getting her masters degree in French told me about it. I love it more as I am a golden retriever owner and fan and I have to say, that seeing a live video of your little Smokey, with his tongue hanging out from his puppy attack and his ever so golden personality shining through so clearly in just two minutes made me smile this morning. Thanx for including him and give him a ear rub for me!
Just adding my voice to the growing chorus of people who want to see more videos on your blog. Keep up the excellent work!
Wow, so many posts and so many kudos – the video was wonderful, you really are eye candy, dear Kristin, a very beautiful woman….Will we get the cat-mourning video this coming week?
I am still smiling. First how beautiful of you to consider someone who is having trouble seeing. How very much like you that the explanation of why you were making a video would take up the whole time. And Smokey was true to form wanting to be the star of the show. I hope you realise how wonderful your life really is. I think it would be delightful if every so often you did a video story. Would it be in french and then the transulation written? Joie
I echo the sentiments of those who have said how thoughtful of you to consider your reader’s plight and want to ameliorate it! I enjoyed the video and would love to see more! You could add acting and cinematography to your list of talents. 😉
Next we know, you’ll have a contract for readings on TV. I agree with Marc and many of your other readers, you are beautiful. Additionally you are authentic; you write familiarly with heart, honesty, clarity, in a naïveté. that invites your readers to respond. Your following is family–yours and ours. Thanks, Kristin. -julie-
Awesome first video!! how fun to “see” you again. Courtesy of Smokie we even were treated to a bit of French which I’ll be passing onto our dog. Oui..keep them coming!!
Loved it! Thank you for the dog training video demonstrating the commands “assis!” and “couché!”. As my wife and I learn French we are teaching our dog to respond to commands she already knows translated to French. Who says you can’t teach an old dog a new language?
Very cute! Fun to see and hear your voice on video. Loved seeing Smokey at his best. Don’t stop writing but keep experimenting with the video. And thanks for the tip about Cntrl +. Who knew! It definitely works, as does Cntrl – for making the print smaller.
Perhaps it is best that the video cut off when it did. For how in the world could you have read that heartfelt story without grieving (and tearing up!) all over again? Then you would have had video of beautiful Smokey kissing away your tears on camera!
Would love to see more videos. A very creative idea and one that you do very well.
Great idea ! Great video ! All of us who have dogs and cats can identify with your loss and also your wonderful Smokey. Thanks for sharing part of your life with all of us.
Tom, Portola Valley, California
great idea, i acually love it! It is a great way to practice, for us obviosely, and for you, before u know ull be great at reading out loud 🙂 i cant wait
That made me smile! Smokey wants to be a film star…Great to hear your voice Kristin and kind to make the video.
Hi,
Mara from Wisconsin is right, a lovely colleague here at work helped me with this seeing the words problem on work related items and I find this so very useful all day long no need for additional glasses. It does work on your French Word A Day. Yippee!
I get by with a little help from my friends… off to see your video : )
The video idea is great and it is a terrific solution!
How do you say DITTO in French? Loved the video. And I also love the beauty of your creative nonfiction. Hope you will continue both.
Delightful. Smoky had me giggling………However, I love the manner in which you write so please be flexible with the media you use – you have so many fans to please!
Bonne semaine
There is a software program called Jaws that will read aloud text from a computer screen. Perhaps someone can help Aunt Liddy explore that program or other text to speech programs?
That, of course, would not preclude more videos from Kristi.
Smoky! Cute
Quelle belle voix! Comme je suis content d’entendre cette voix.
Your voice matches your face, your heart, and your lovely writing.
Merci!
Loved the short clip of you and smokey. I hope you do more in the future.
It was so lovely to hear your voice!!!!! Your dog is wonderful…..I do enjoy listening ….it has added a dimension to you that i had not met yet……nice!!! susan
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the video! Keep up the good work! I love your writing but it’s so nice to see and hear you too!!