Last month's sabbatical began in Paris… More in today's letter.
We will be back to the regular format of French Word-A-Day soon. Meantime, there's a letter waiting for you, just below, and a few ways to say 'hello.'
You know the word for "hi" in French. Here are some other oft-heard salutations. Have fun changing up your greetings next time you see a friend.
- salut (hi!)
- coucou (hey there!)
Bonjour! When last we spoke I talked about a one-month sabbatical. What I didn't tell you was how nervous I was about taking it. There was that risk of never coming back….
For decades (since young adulthood) I've lived with this belief that I am an all or nothing person. That, for example, if I dared keep this gig as a writer, I'd better keep on track–or veer off to The Land of Flake forever. (Flake–flakiness…).
But I have also secretly suspected that, deep down, I'm NOT an all or nothing person. That there is a resilient, flexible, can stop and start again soul at the helm of my personcraft, or being. Sometimes we just have to throw off our life jackets and test the waters. Thank you, dear reader, for waiting there on the raft for me! You promised to be there when I swam back. If you are reading now you can see my outstretched hand. I'm ready to get back on dry ground. Are you still ready?
One, two, three… heave!
Before setting off for a new season of writing, I'd like to take a moment to thank those readers who joined me on the one week AmaWaterways Paris to Normandy cruise last month. What a warm-hearted and fascinating group you were.
Thank you Joan and Glenn, Jean-Marie and Mark, Chris and George, Celia and Martha, Julie and Brad, and last but not least, thank you Nan and Tom and Charles and Martha (these two showed up for a surprise visit when we docked outside of Paris!). Thanks also to readers Julie and John (who were on the cruise just before us, and who took the time to leave a message in my room. I was delighted to read it!).
I would also like to thank my best friend Susan Boehnstedt (aka "Rouge-Bleu") of Critics Choice Vacations. Susan invited Jean-Marc and me to host the cruise, after highly suggesting our candidature to AMAWaterways! (Thank you Denise, at AMA, for making this possible!)
Going on this cruise was the best chance to see a beautiful part of France. And while it is hard to pinpoint a favorite endroit, or place–or a favorite thing about the cruise–I will share a comment by Jean-Marc, one that wonderfully captures the gift of cruising with AMAWaterways:
C'est bien reposant! How restful this is! (This, coming from an overworked winemaker and business man, is the best compliment one could give. So thanks to the hard workers at AMAWaterways for keeping an impeccably run boat. We enjoyed our chance to travel with you!
I leave you now with a few pictures from our cruise along the river (more photos to come). I hope these images will inspire you to travel the waterways of France. For more information, contact Susan at Critics Choice Vacations: Susan@CriticsChoiceVacations.com Phone: 480-831-9076
There were so many breathtaking landscapes along the waterways. We stopped in Les Andelys for a view from above.
In Rouen we stood where crowds witnessed the demise of Joan of Arc (flames once went up where now you see the plaque on a bed of flowers.)
I didn't get a picture of the irises that grown on these traditional rooftops. But I did get a snapshot of this little Norman boy as our tour bus cruised past.
Taken with Susan's camera (that's her, left, me, right). I think Linda took this photo. Linda is Susan's longtime friend from their days in Douglas, Arizona. It was a pleasure to meet Linda and spend pre-cruise time together in Paris. I especially enjoyed our lunch together in Île Saint-Louis where we chatted about Susan (were your ears burning, Rouge-Bleu?). The picture was taken in Honfleur, where we froze. Thankfully Celia (mentioned in the Thank you section, above) had this handmade bonnet on hand.
Here's Linda with Susan, in Honfleur.
The most touching moment of the trip was our visit to Omaha beach. I leave you with this image (more to come). This is Janet, whom I met on the cruise. I found her all alone. Lowering her umbrella, she spoke to the lost heros. Her gesture puts words to the gratitude in all our hearts.
Everyone loves this holiday CD! Listen to A French Christmas and "Mon Beau Sapin", "Saint Nuit", "La Marche des Rois", "Petite Ville Bethléem", "Il est né Le Divin Enfant". Order CD here.
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Welcome back! I’m eagerly awaiting your stories of this past month’s adventures.
Welcome back! I’m eagerly awaiting your stories of this past month’s adventures.
Hi again Kristin!,
We have a cottage in the very south of Normandie and my neighbours always say “coucou”.
Great to hear from you again and thank you for the photos. Makes me feel like leaving my office,grabbing my passport and heading for the tunnel.Glad you had a good trip.
Angela
Hi again Kristin!,
We have a cottage in the very south of Normandie and my neighbours always say “coucou”.
Great to hear from you again and thank you for the photos. Makes me feel like leaving my office,grabbing my passport and heading for the tunnel.Glad you had a good trip.
Angela
Welcome back! It’s good to have you back again.
Welcome back! It’s good to have you back again.
You were missed!
Your cruise through Normandy from Paris brought back many fond memories from 20 years back . My husband was a Navy captain and was so moved by the site of 10,000 crosses I had to escort him away. He was also descended from Vikings, which settled Hon Fleur and thought Sven could have done a better job. ;o)
Since then, we’ve cruised the northern European rivers from Amsterdam to Budapest and enjoyed a Med cruise from Barcelona to Dubrovnik. Loved every lovely minute and appreciated every mile.
Thanks for sharing, Bob and Fay Butler
You were missed!
Your cruise through Normandy from Paris brought back many fond memories from 20 years back . My husband was a Navy captain and was so moved by the site of 10,000 crosses I had to escort him away. He was also descended from Vikings, which settled Hon Fleur and thought Sven could have done a better job. ;o)
Since then, we’ve cruised the northern European rivers from Amsterdam to Budapest and enjoyed a Med cruise from Barcelona to Dubrovnik. Loved every lovely minute and appreciated every mile.
Thanks for sharing, Bob and Fay Butler
YAY! Welcome back!
YAY! Welcome back!
you were VERY much missed! welcome back!
you were VERY much missed! welcome back!
Honfleur looks amazing! The place where many of my ancestors set sail for New France in the 1600s! I just learned about my long roots in New France and then France, and I am still amazed to know the names from 400 years ago. Were any of those buildings in your photo standing back then?
Love to see even more photos of Normandie from the big boat.
Glad you are back, I missed your posts.
Sarah
Honfleur looks amazing! The place where many of my ancestors set sail for New France in the 1600s! I just learned about my long roots in New France and then France, and I am still amazed to know the names from 400 years ago. Were any of those buildings in your photo standing back then?
Love to see even more photos of Normandie from the big boat.
Glad you are back, I missed your posts.
Sarah
I was so glad to see your post in my mailbox this morning! Thank you for returning!
My husband and I spent 8 days in Normandy in mid-October. It was a wonderful yet humbling experience to walk in the footsteps of so many brave soldiers. Thank goodness our American Cemetery re-opened while we were there and my husband was able to assistance with the folding of our flag at the end of the day. Everyone should visit Normandy, walk on those beautiful beaches and be reminded of what took place.
So glad to be receiving your posts again! I will order that Christmas CD – I speak almost no French but I love hearing the language and the songs are sure to bring back fond memories of my two visits to France!
I was so glad to see your post in my mailbox this morning! Thank you for returning!
My husband and I spent 8 days in Normandy in mid-October. It was a wonderful yet humbling experience to walk in the footsteps of so many brave soldiers. Thank goodness our American Cemetery re-opened while we were there and my husband was able to assistance with the folding of our flag at the end of the day. Everyone should visit Normandy, walk on those beautiful beaches and be reminded of what took place.
So glad to be receiving your posts again! I will order that Christmas CD – I speak almost no French but I love hearing the language and the songs are sure to bring back fond memories of my two visits to France!
Welcome back.
I missed your daily missives.
Bob
Welcome back.
I missed your daily missives.
Bob
Welcome home, Kristie!
Welcome home, Kristie!
Coucou! Welcome back and so glad you enjoyed the cruise!
Coucou! Welcome back and so glad you enjoyed the cruise!
thanks for coming back
thanks for coming back
Glad you´re back 😀 I have missed your interesting reports and great photos. Hugs/Christine
Glad you´re back 😀 I have missed your interesting reports and great photos. Hugs/Christine
Oooh, now that is almost freaky! I was just thinking about you earlier today! I swear! And then I clicked on and poof here you are back from your hiatus. You were sorely missed and I can’t wait to reading your missives again. The cruise sounds just wonderful, so glad that it was a success…
Gros Bisous,
Heather
Oooh, now that is almost freaky! I was just thinking about you earlier today! I swear! And then I clicked on and poof here you are back from your hiatus. You were sorely missed and I can’t wait to reading your missives again. The cruise sounds just wonderful, so glad that it was a success…
Gros Bisous,
Heather
What beautiful pictures of France! I, too, am filled with nostalgia just looking at them. When our three girls were children we used to base our caravan at Le Picard camping Tournières. We would get across to Normandy several time a year. I remember going to the local shops at Le Molay-Littry to buy delicious pastries. The local people were so friendly. There were trips to Bayeux, Caen (William the Conqueror connection) to the local beaches – Omaha with its stunning beaches; Gold with is war museum. Now my little three year old Hannah has turned 23 and is au-pairing in Paris – learning to speak French and hoping to get into a dream job as a writer. She too has a blog – on film. How time flies!! So let’s all make the most of it! Bravo on your own beautiful and very heartwarming blog Kristin. Thank you for all of them.
What beautiful pictures of France! I, too, am filled with nostalgia just looking at them. When our three girls were children we used to base our caravan at Le Picard camping Tournières. We would get across to Normandy several time a year. I remember going to the local shops at Le Molay-Littry to buy delicious pastries. The local people were so friendly. There were trips to Bayeux, Caen (William the Conqueror connection) to the local beaches – Omaha with its stunning beaches; Gold with is war museum. Now my little three year old Hannah has turned 23 and is au-pairing in Paris – learning to speak French and hoping to get into a dream job as a writer. She too has a blog – on film. How time flies!! So let’s all make the most of it! Bravo on your own beautiful and very heartwarming blog Kristin. Thank you for all of them.
Bienvenu,
we have a home in S of France but are having to live in UK at moment, so reading your writings makes me feel we are keeping in touch with our little bit of France. It also helps me with the language (at which I am far from proficient, though my son is of course fluent, after just a year in a French school).
Actually, it’s not just the subject matter nor the inclusion of French words and phrases, I do enjoy reading your stuff regardless, as you craft the pieces well. It’s inspiring.
Thank you,
L.
Bienvenu,
we have a home in S of France but are having to live in UK at moment, so reading your writings makes me feel we are keeping in touch with our little bit of France. It also helps me with the language (at which I am far from proficient, though my son is of course fluent, after just a year in a French school).
Actually, it’s not just the subject matter nor the inclusion of French words and phrases, I do enjoy reading your stuff regardless, as you craft the pieces well. It’s inspiring.
Thank you,
L.
bienvenue de retour!
bienvenue de retour!
Just this morning, I was thinking how very much I’ve missed receiving your communications! You teach me something new with each entry, and I know my conversational French has improved and prepared me for our next trip to France (Sept. 2014). I hope you feel rested, renewed and ready to teach us, your faithful readers, more about life in France. You are a gift to all of us. Welcome back!
Just this morning, I was thinking how very much I’ve missed receiving your communications! You teach me something new with each entry, and I know my conversational French has improved and prepared me for our next trip to France (Sept. 2014). I hope you feel rested, renewed and ready to teach us, your faithful readers, more about life in France. You are a gift to all of us. Welcome back!
Dear Kristie, The cruise could not possibly have been better. Tom is working on which one we will do next – and we see no reason to change cruise lines. AMA Waterways is excellent. Susan did an amazing job putting every tiny detail together for Old Tom and me; from the moment we arrived in Paris’ CDG airport, until we returned for our flight home, everything went smoothly and effortlessly. Wow. I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know your readers on the boat. But the very best part of the trip was the time spent with you and Jean-Marc. It just feels as if we have been friends for a long time. Partly, I suppose because we heard about you for a few years via Charles and Martha. Tom and I are very happy to be able to look forward to your blog again. It is a great way to start the day. Best wishes on the new book. Love you. P.S. We went back to the philosophy bookstore at The Sorbonne and O.T. got your recommended Montaigne. He is working on the translation. Great suggestion, Krisiti. That should keep him busy for a long time. Ha!
Dear Kristie, The cruise could not possibly have been better. Tom is working on which one we will do next – and we see no reason to change cruise lines. AMA Waterways is excellent. Susan did an amazing job putting every tiny detail together for Old Tom and me; from the moment we arrived in Paris’ CDG airport, until we returned for our flight home, everything went smoothly and effortlessly. Wow. I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know your readers on the boat. But the very best part of the trip was the time spent with you and Jean-Marc. It just feels as if we have been friends for a long time. Partly, I suppose because we heard about you for a few years via Charles and Martha. Tom and I are very happy to be able to look forward to your blog again. It is a great way to start the day. Best wishes on the new book. Love you. P.S. We went back to the philosophy bookstore at The Sorbonne and O.T. got your recommended Montaigne. He is working on the translation. Great suggestion, Krisiti. That should keep him busy for a long time. Ha!
So great to read this blog again! Beautiful photos, Kristin!
So great to read this blog again! Beautiful photos, Kristin!
Glad you’re back. Looking forward to reading your lovely words again!
Glad you’re back. Looking forward to reading your lovely words again!
Hi Kristin,
I did think of you during your hiatus, but I did not worry that you wouldn’t be back, because it is clear that you love what you do. Since I am myself discovering the pull of writing a weekly blog, as well as how to live with the ever-present since of deadline, I fully applaud your decision to take a planned break and return. I am now half way through my vowed one year (www.winonamedia.net)of posting every Wednesday morning, and I am wondering if I can/should/dare take a break in mid-May. So, bravo to you! You are a role model in bravery. And the images in words and pictures of a different climate is wonderful for us who have the dark and cold of Minnesota just now.
Best, Leslie Schultz
Hi Kristin,
I did think of you during your hiatus, but I did not worry that you wouldn’t be back, because it is clear that you love what you do. Since I am myself discovering the pull of writing a weekly blog, as well as how to live with the ever-present since of deadline, I fully applaud your decision to take a planned break and return. I am now half way through my vowed one year (www.winonamedia.net)of posting every Wednesday morning, and I am wondering if I can/should/dare take a break in mid-May. So, bravo to you! You are a role model in bravery. And the images in words and pictures of a different climate is wonderful for us who have the dark and cold of Minnesota just now.
Best, Leslie Schultz
Welcome back Kristin! My cats and I missed you!!!!
Welcome back Kristin! My cats and I missed you!!!!
I’m very happy you’re back and glad you found your hidden resilience a
& flexibility. Here’s a hand to help you to shore.
Jacqueline
I’m very happy you’re back and glad you found your hidden resilience a
& flexibility. Here’s a hand to help you to shore.
Jacqueline
Kristin, Just yesterday Jim and I mentioned how much we missed your blog and when you would return. So glad to have you and your wonderful writing and shared experiences back in our lives.
We’ve been in touch with Susan about upcoming cruise opportunities in France. Hope to see you again and will continue to enjoy your blog.
Laura
Kristin, Just yesterday Jim and I mentioned how much we missed your blog and when you would return. So glad to have you and your wonderful writing and shared experiences back in our lives.
We’ve been in touch with Susan about upcoming cruise opportunities in France. Hope to see you again and will continue to enjoy your blog.
Laura