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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I’ll be pleased to read the blog or to watch videos, or both – some of each would be great, as convenient for you. You could include family members, too.
I remember the original post about the cat. I think it is high time for you to get a cat. We have two, and they are great company.
darling video — you are the story, mon amie. (smokey aussi). keep up the good work.
Priceless video!! You couldn’t have planned or scripted it better. Wonderful intro to your (hopefully) upcoming video series. You are definitely a natural, and it’s another good dimension for you (and Smokey) to work in. Go Kristin!!!
Kristin:
Pets never perform as we would like them to. Smokey seemed to be enjoying being in the spotlight!
Edie from Savannah
Smokey is just being his lovable self. I loved seeing the video and hearing you speaking. More videos would be fun. Your stories are subtle and graceful, and what seems like a little story goes on to have much deeper meaning if one pauses to really think about what your are saying, so I always enjoy reading or hearing your postings.
I just caught the video (a latecomer to this one) and it made me smile to see you with Smokey, tongue hanging out and ready for anything as long as you keep petting him! I wish I could introduce him to my Golden Retriever, Maintenant elle a deux ans et demi. We hope to breed her in the spring. Is Smokey available??? We are looking for a good suitor.
You are both lovely and the video was a good effort!
Just now catching up, Kristi – Lovely, in so many ways …. even though we didn”t get to mourn the cat, it just goes to show that the journey is more important than the destination. We all owe a debt of gratitude to “Aunt Liddy” for her failing vision, and her foresight in getting you to use the video. Loved hearing the words as well as seeing them, loved seeing a brief glimpse of the farm, loved seeing Smokie Doodle and his tongue (to me, a sign of vulnerability, perseverance, and courage – I love that dog!), and most of all loved seeing you. Stay strong.
Yes, continue with the videos .. you’re a natural .. and so is goofy Smokey. Looking forward to your next one. I can be your new Auntie Linda as I just turned 64 and my eyesight is going too. Pfff
Oh, I loved that video, even though you couldn’r finish! Smokey is a riot and he clearly loves you to pieces! Kristen, I look forward to the next video!
Bon jour, Kristin! Love the video … I hope that Aunt Liddy is able to continue enjoying your posts … Thank you for giving your readers a “live” look into your world. Loved hearing your voice and “meeting” Smokey. Can’t wait to see the rest of the family on the screen! Your asked what we’d like to see … how about a walking tour of your house and gardens?
I was a little sad this morning, no reason why just feeling old and sorry for myself, anyway opening my emails and your word a day is waiting for me with a surprise a video, what a joy to my day, Smoky and yourself, the video is wonderful and thankyou so much for making my day so much nicer. To share so much of your time with everyone is just so wonderful especially when some of us are alone. Bless you
It was so lovely to hear your voice!!!!! Very cute! Smokey just wants to be the star.
Thanks!
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. https://www.tricksehow.com/