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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So glad you are back and that you enjoyed your sabbatical. I was in Honfleur in September but took the train rather than a boat, which sounds marvelous. Honfleur is tres charmante, the weather was lovely, but way too many tourists . . . like me! Planning next year’s France trip and hoping to make it to Provence.
So glad you are back and that you enjoyed your sabbatical. I was in Honfleur in September but took the train rather than a boat, which sounds marvelous. Honfleur is tres charmante, the weather was lovely, but way too many tourists . . . like me! Planning next year’s France trip and hoping to make it to Provence.
you matter to us all, your family of readers, and wlcome you back not just as an author whose column we read, but as a personal friend.
you matter to us all, your family of readers, and wlcome you back not just as an author whose column we read, but as a personal friend.
Glad you are back Kristin! I hope you had a fantastic break
Glad you are back Kristin! I hope you had a fantastic break
Welcome back!! I hope you had a wonderful break.
Thank you for posting the pictures of Normandy– I spent a week in Cabourg with my sister years ago– brought back great memories of that area.
Welcome back!! I hope you had a wonderful break.
Thank you for posting the pictures of Normandy– I spent a week in Cabourg with my sister years ago– brought back great memories of that area.
Welcome back!!!! I really did miss you and your stories. But I kept thinking what fun you and Jean-Marc were having! Beaucoup de bises!!!
Welcome back!!!! I really did miss you and your stories. But I kept thinking what fun you and Jean-Marc were having! Beaucoup de bises!!!
And we welcome you back with open “bras”! (Sorry, couldn’t resist!) Good to see your column show up on my email! We have missed you, ma chere 🙂
And we welcome you back with open “bras”! (Sorry, couldn’t resist!) Good to see your column show up on my email! We have missed you, ma chere 🙂
Hurray!!! How could you possibly not come back Ms-Have-a-Chat??!! So many adventure to write about…so many friends enthralled!! x
Hurray!!! How could you possibly not come back Ms-Have-a-Chat??!! So many adventure to write about…so many friends enthralled!! x
So glad to have you back. When you left, I thought “well, good for her. I’m sure she needs a break, I know I would!” but I had no idea how much I would miss your column. I’ve been reading for years, and enjoy each and every one. I look forward to adding this blog back into my daily (thrice weekly) rotation 🙂
So glad to have you back. When you left, I thought “well, good for her. I’m sure she needs a break, I know I would!” but I had no idea how much I would miss your column. I’ve been reading for years, and enjoy each and every one. I look forward to adding this blog back into my daily (thrice weekly) rotation 🙂
I’m jealous! What a fantastic trip it sounds like. I’ve been to the area – many, many years ago – but a river cruise would be a wonderful way to see it. Any everyone should see the Normandy beaches and American cemetery – most moving place I’ve ever been.
Thanks for sharing, and welcome back!
I’m jealous! What a fantastic trip it sounds like. I’ve been to the area – many, many years ago – but a river cruise would be a wonderful way to see it. Any everyone should see the Normandy beaches and American cemetery – most moving place I’ve ever been.
Thanks for sharing, and welcome back!
Hi Kristin,
What a treat to meet you and Jean-Marc in person. I especially enjoyed our dinner together. Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” doesn’t know how many lives he’s touched for the better. So, a personal thank you from me- because of you we went on the cruise, and the time in France notwithstanding, I met and connected with some of your readers. It was because of you that we were drawn together- and was my favorite part of the trip. Merci, chere Kristin.
Joan in Auburn
Hi Kristin,
What a treat to meet you and Jean-Marc in person. I especially enjoyed our dinner together. Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” doesn’t know how many lives he’s touched for the better. So, a personal thank you from me- because of you we went on the cruise, and the time in France notwithstanding, I met and connected with some of your readers. It was because of you that we were drawn together- and was my favorite part of the trip. Merci, chere Kristin.
Joan in Auburn
Welcome back!! Really missed you!
Welcome back!! Really missed you!
Quelle surprise agréable ce matin d’avoir de tes nouvelles, Kristin. Merci pour les belles photos. On voit bien que vous vous êtes bien amusés pendant la croisière.
Quelle surprise agréable ce matin d’avoir de tes nouvelles, Kristin. Merci pour les belles photos. On voit bien que vous vous êtes bien amusés pendant la croisière.
I have missed you,too, and was very happy when I saw FWAD late this afternoon! Your trip sounded fabulous in so many ways; I’m glad that you and Jean-Marc had such a fine time with old and new friends. You have received so many heartwarming letters which show how much we all love and appreciate the very special person you are. Thank you.
I have missed you,too, and was very happy when I saw FWAD late this afternoon! Your trip sounded fabulous in so many ways; I’m glad that you and Jean-Marc had such a fine time with old and new friends. You have received so many heartwarming letters which show how much we all love and appreciate the very special person you are. Thank you.
Welcome back, Kristin! I just started learning French about two months ago, discovered your blog, and thought that it would be a help in the process. I was disappointed after receiving only 4 or 5 blog entries to discover that you were going to be gone for a month, but I put the time to good use…I read 2 of your books!! I thoroughly enjoyed Blossoming in Provence and Words in a French life.
Thank you for sharing the experiences of you and your family, as well as your love for the French language and culture. I look forward to reading your posts in the coming year! Merci beaucoup!
Welcome back, Kristin! I just started learning French about two months ago, discovered your blog, and thought that it would be a help in the process. I was disappointed after receiving only 4 or 5 blog entries to discover that you were going to be gone for a month, but I put the time to good use…I read 2 of your books!! I thoroughly enjoyed Blossoming in Provence and Words in a French life.
Thank you for sharing the experiences of you and your family, as well as your love for the French language and culture. I look forward to reading your posts in the coming year! Merci beaucoup!
Oh by the way it!s really YT not Ot.
Oh by the way it!s really YT not Ot.
Kristin, when you signed off prior to your cruise I thought how am I going cope being deprived of Kristie’s emails during November. The days have sped by and here you are back again, I never doubted you would be, you write as if you are talking to each of us over a cup of coffee and a delightful French pastry. The first trip to France I was able to include a trip to Normandy and apart from Honfleur where I would love to return to paint, I was really emotionally overwhelmed when I visited Omaha and the surrounding area. It is good for us all to be reminded from time to time of those turbulent years and the sacrifice of the young men, merci your artiste ami June Qld
Kristin, when you signed off prior to your cruise I thought how am I going cope being deprived of Kristie’s emails during November. The days have sped by and here you are back again, I never doubted you would be, you write as if you are talking to each of us over a cup of coffee and a delightful French pastry. The first trip to France I was able to include a trip to Normandy and apart from Honfleur where I would love to return to paint, I was really emotionally overwhelmed when I visited Omaha and the surrounding area. It is good for us all to be reminded from time to time of those turbulent years and the sacrifice of the young men, merci your artiste ami June Qld
Kristin, Guess I’m just another one in a million to say “welcome back”!
Wish I had been on the cruise. If another is offered, please keep us all informed!
Kristin, Guess I’m just another one in a million to say “welcome back”!
Wish I had been on the cruise. If another is offered, please keep us all informed!
Welcome home! You were greatly missed!!
Welcome home! You were greatly missed!!
So good to hear back from you–glad the trip was a big success as well–we took a cruise on AMA Waterways a few years ago–along the Danube and enjoyed it very much as well.
So good to hear back from you–glad the trip was a big success as well–we took a cruise on AMA Waterways a few years ago–along the Danube and enjoyed it very much as well.
Delighted that you took some time out for you- excellent self-care! Welcome back, and continue to nourish your own soul too, as you do so much for the FWD community. x
Delighted that you took some time out for you- excellent self-care! Welcome back, and continue to nourish your own soul too, as you do so much for the FWD community. x
Kristin,
I will join the chorus in welcoming you back! Looking forward to stories and more photos of the cruise.
Kristin,
I will join the chorus in welcoming you back! Looking forward to stories and more photos of the cruise.
Bienvenue a chez vous! So glad to see the photos and read your report.. Looking forward to more. You have been greatly missed but we were happy you and Jean-Marc got away and had a lovely voyage. Normandie et Bretagne sont tres belles, n’est-ce pas? You got back just in time as I was getting rusty, language-wise.
Bienvenue a chez vous! So glad to see the photos and read your report.. Looking forward to more. You have been greatly missed but we were happy you and Jean-Marc got away and had a lovely voyage. Normandie et Bretagne sont tres belles, n’est-ce pas? You got back just in time as I was getting rusty, language-wise.
So happy to hear from you again and see some photos from the cruise. The final one of the “thank you” in the sand is so poignant. Those dear brave souls are not forgotten, both in Normandy as well as in fields all over the world. Prayers for peace. Best to you and J-M–welcome back and mille mercis for your wonderful blog. Hugs,
Pat
So happy to hear from you again and see some photos from the cruise. The final one of the “thank you” in the sand is so poignant. Those dear brave souls are not forgotten, both in Normandy as well as in fields all over the world. Prayers for peace. Best to you and J-M–welcome back and mille mercis for your wonderful blog. Hugs,
Pat
Welcome back! I’ve missed reading your posts, but am glad you have had some well deserved R&R.
Welcome back! I’ve missed reading your posts, but am glad you have had some well deserved R&R.
Hello,
It is great to have you back! I am glad you enjoyed your time off. It is always nice to step back for a bit, relax and not have to meet deadlines, or be anywhere in particular;unless of course it is a cruise. I am looking forward to reading what you have to share.
Take care
Hello,
It is great to have you back! I am glad you enjoyed your time off. It is always nice to step back for a bit, relax and not have to meet deadlines, or be anywhere in particular;unless of course it is a cruise. I am looking forward to reading what you have to share.
Take care