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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What a wonderful surprise graced this morning, Kristin. So glad that you are resilient and are offering once again a moment of quiet interlude as we move through life’s daily challenges. As one of
your readers who had the great fortune to
join you on this indescribable journey down the Seine, I will never be able to wholly
express our gratitude to you, Jean Marc and Susan for investing so much time and effort to make it happen. Jean Marc has left us with a new understanding and appreciation of making and tasting wine. My husband and I were so excited to be back in France… floating down my favorite river brought a heavenly sense of serenity. What we did not anticipate and what turned out to be the best part of the trip was sharing it with the three of you and all the nice, genuine people you mentioned above. Really, really nice, genuine people. You brought together something very special there. Your posting today captures the shared memories beautifully. The last photo is overwhelming…so poignant. I smiled all the way through this post, savoring all that you described. Then, a twist at the end that came with the last photo. Wham! Tears..as you remind us (as you often do) of what is really meaningful in life. So glad you are back!
What a wonderful surprise graced this morning, Kristin. So glad that you are resilient and are offering once again a moment of quiet interlude as we move through life’s daily challenges. As one of
your readers who had the great fortune to
join you on this indescribable journey down the Seine, I will never be able to wholly
express our gratitude to you, Jean Marc and Susan for investing so much time and effort to make it happen. Jean Marc has left us with a new understanding and appreciation of making and tasting wine. My husband and I were so excited to be back in France… floating down my favorite river brought a heavenly sense of serenity. What we did not anticipate and what turned out to be the best part of the trip was sharing it with the three of you and all the nice, genuine people you mentioned above. Really, really nice, genuine people. You brought together something very special there. Your posting today captures the shared memories beautifully. The last photo is overwhelming…so poignant. I smiled all the way through this post, savoring all that you described. Then, a twist at the end that came with the last photo. Wham! Tears..as you remind us (as you often do) of what is really meaningful in life. So glad you are back!
Dear Kristin,
How happy I was to see your post this morning and to learn that the trip was so wonderful for you and Jean Marc. Coincidentally, my husband and I were just recently in Paris, where we stayed on the Ile St. Louis, and in Normandy. We, too, visited the D-Day beaches (Omaha, Pont-du-Hoc, and Utah) which was one of the most moving and humbling experiences of our lives. Perhaps we crossed paths without even realizing it. Welcome back!
Dear Kristin,
How happy I was to see your post this morning and to learn that the trip was so wonderful for you and Jean Marc. Coincidentally, my husband and I were just recently in Paris, where we stayed on the Ile St. Louis, and in Normandy. We, too, visited the D-Day beaches (Omaha, Pont-du-Hoc, and Utah) which was one of the most moving and humbling experiences of our lives. Perhaps we crossed paths without even realizing it. Welcome back!
What a treat to see you appear in my emailbox today! As always, I waited to open your written and photographic gift until a quiet moment with a steaming cup of tea–so I could savor. Don’t stop, but do take restorative breaks! Thanks for the thought-provoking posts you send around the world. Cheers from chilly upstate New York.
What a treat to see you appear in my emailbox today! As always, I waited to open your written and photographic gift until a quiet moment with a steaming cup of tea–so I could savor. Don’t stop, but do take restorative breaks! Thanks for the thought-provoking posts you send around the world. Cheers from chilly upstate New York.
Great to see you back in my mailbox today! So glad you took a break though. Maybe a good idea to do once a year?
The photos are wonderful and the one of Omaha Beach, very moving. What a lovely gesture.
Great to see you back in my mailbox today! So glad you took a break though. Maybe a good idea to do once a year?
The photos are wonderful and the one of Omaha Beach, very moving. What a lovely gesture.
Coucou!
Welcome back!
Now the season is REALLY festive.
I think we have to seize and protect the ways we rejuvenate and take care of ourselves. I feel as if there is more of a rhythm of this and an understanding of it in France than in the U.S.(think August vacations!). What is your impression? When we are our own bosses it’s doubly important. Brava!
Coucou!
Welcome back!
Now the season is REALLY festive.
I think we have to seize and protect the ways we rejuvenate and take care of ourselves. I feel as if there is more of a rhythm of this and an understanding of it in France than in the U.S.(think August vacations!). What is your impression? When we are our own bosses it’s doubly important. Brava!
What a delight to wake up to your return this morning! You were missed! Amazing, moving picture on Omaha Beach! Welcome back from beautiful Tucson!
What a delight to wake up to your return this morning! You were missed! Amazing, moving picture on Omaha Beach! Welcome back from beautiful Tucson!
As Laura stated earlier, you have been missed! We look forward to your regular posts once again and may you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
As Laura stated earlier, you have been missed! We look forward to your regular posts once again and may you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
Welcome back, Kristin,
I have missed your posts.
I have take that exact same River Cruise albeit with a different company. That was when I was in Paris to mail the painting to you. After Paris we got on the ship and headed north and stopped at the places you were at also. Just looking at your photos takes me back to my trip. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I highly recommend it to anyone who is slightly curious. It is a wonderful part of the country. I’m interested to find out where your next River Cruise takes you.
Welcome back, Kristin,
I have missed your posts.
I have take that exact same River Cruise albeit with a different company. That was when I was in Paris to mail the painting to you. After Paris we got on the ship and headed north and stopped at the places you were at also. Just looking at your photos takes me back to my trip. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I highly recommend it to anyone who is slightly curious. It is a wonderful part of the country. I’m interested to find out where your next River Cruise takes you.
Hi Kristn! Thanks for mentioning John and me in your message. I’m happy you got our note on the cruise. I loved your pictures of the cruise — they look very much like our own! I especially liked the one of your friend writing “Thank You” in the sands of Omaha Beach. Wasn’t the American Cemetery one of the most moving places on earth? I’ve missed you and your word of the day! Though we’ve never met, I feel like I have a friend in France. Joyeux Noël!
Hi Kristn! Thanks for mentioning John and me in your message. I’m happy you got our note on the cruise. I loved your pictures of the cruise — they look very much like our own! I especially liked the one of your friend writing “Thank You” in the sands of Omaha Beach. Wasn’t the American Cemetery one of the most moving places on earth? I’ve missed you and your word of the day! Though we’ve never met, I feel like I have a friend in France. Joyeux Noël!
So glad to have you back to brighten my day. With your courage and grace. You have been missed,
So glad to have you back to brighten my day. With your courage and grace. You have been missed,
Welcome back! We are planning our first trip to France in 2014. Your wonderful tales and photos make me feel much more comfortable taking this big step! Thanks for sharing. I love it when your husband and children contribute to your stories. Keep up your good work!
Welcome back! We are planning our first trip to France in 2014. Your wonderful tales and photos make me feel much more comfortable taking this big step! Thanks for sharing. I love it when your husband and children contribute to your stories. Keep up your good work!
Great photos – taking a break is good for the soul and welcome back!
Great photos – taking a break is good for the soul and welcome back!
Welcome back and thanks for sharing the photos! I love the one of le petit garcon in the window. 🙂
Welcome back and thanks for sharing the photos! I love the one of le petit garcon in the window. 🙂
Welcome back Kristin,
Thanks for sharing your adventure with us! Sounds amazing. Maybe I’ll try to catch the next excursion!
Bonne journée!
Welcome back Kristin,
Thanks for sharing your adventure with us! Sounds amazing. Maybe I’ll try to catch the next excursion!
Bonne journée!
Hi Kristin
Welcome back. I missed you. Thanks for sharing photos of your adventures, and for the very touching “thank you” on Omaha beach.
We spend much time, over many years, in Brittany and little in Normandy. Widowed and remarried to a retired US Captain I think it’s time to visit Omaha beach.
Welcome back.
Ronni
Hi Kristin
Welcome back. I missed you. Thanks for sharing photos of your adventures, and for the very touching “thank you” on Omaha beach.
We spend much time, over many years, in Brittany and little in Normandy. Widowed and remarried to a retired US Captain I think it’s time to visit Omaha beach.
Welcome back.
Ronni
Welcome back Kristin
x
Welcome back Kristin
x
Welcome Home, and Merci Mucho for poignant photo from Omaha Beach!
Welcome Home, and Merci Mucho for poignant photo from Omaha Beach!
Kristin,
Welcome back! Beautiful photos! Sounds like a wonderful, restful way to see that part of France 🙂
Sandy
Kristin,
Welcome back! Beautiful photos! Sounds like a wonderful, restful way to see that part of France 🙂
Sandy
Reading your post this time I was struck by how much I enjoy reading of your inner thoughts including your doubts and stuggles. Is to me evidence of how living can be a work of art when practiced with the awareness and gentleness you possess.
Thank you so much for your inspiration and connection to my most favorite place!
Reading your post this time I was struck by how much I enjoy reading of your inner thoughts including your doubts and stuggles. Is to me evidence of how living can be a work of art when practiced with the awareness and gentleness you possess.
Thank you so much for your inspiration and connection to my most favorite place!
My heart is happy – You’re BACK! I really missed your French missives in my email basket. And see, you can do it – come and go, start and stop – you’re much stronger than you give yourself credit for! Loved the photo at the end of the post of the words on the beaches of Normandy in tribute to our fallen soldiers. Two simple words. So deeply meaningful. So moving. xx rk
My heart is happy – You’re BACK! I really missed your French missives in my email basket. And see, you can do it – come and go, start and stop – you’re much stronger than you give yourself credit for! Loved the photo at the end of the post of the words on the beaches of Normandy in tribute to our fallen soldiers. Two simple words. So deeply meaningful. So moving. xx rk
So glad to see you back! My husband and I have the Paris to Normandy cruise booked for July of 2014! We could not be more excited. My uncle was laid to rest in the Canadian War Cemetary at Bretteville, July 1944 and we plan a side trip there to pay our family’s respects.
So glad to see you back! My husband and I have the Paris to Normandy cruise booked for July of 2014! We could not be more excited. My uncle was laid to rest in the Canadian War Cemetary at Bretteville, July 1944 and we plan a side trip there to pay our family’s respects.
So glad you had a wonderful trip AND that your voice is back in my inbox! It must be heartwarming to know so many of us, scattered all over the world, feel like we know you and miss you when you’re gone. Welcome back!
So glad you had a wonderful trip AND that your voice is back in my inbox! It must be heartwarming to know so many of us, scattered all over the world, feel like we know you and miss you when you’re gone. Welcome back!
Welcome back – I’ve missed reading your work! This past summer my husband, sister and I visited Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. We found it to be profoundly moving, especially for my husband who is Northern Irish and lost relatives in the war. It was a little unnerving to see swimmers and sunbathers there in the very area where so many men died. We took our shoes off and waded too. Having our feet in the same water gave us a sense of unity.
Glad to have you back!
Welcome back – I’ve missed reading your work! This past summer my husband, sister and I visited Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. We found it to be profoundly moving, especially for my husband who is Northern Irish and lost relatives in the war. It was a little unnerving to see swimmers and sunbathers there in the very area where so many men died. We took our shoes off and waded too. Having our feet in the same water gave us a sense of unity.
Glad to have you back!
I missed you; day did not start cheerfully without. Vivian
I missed you; day did not start cheerfully without. Vivian
So good to have you back, I’ve missed your posts.
So good to have you back, I’ve missed your posts.