The post highlights the joy of photography through the experiences of Kristin and her friend Cynthia, a seasoned photographer. They embark on a photo outing in France, capturing the beauty of rustic landscapes while discussing photography tips. The narrative weaves in French vocabulary, reflecting their cultural exchanges and shared passion. Continue reading Do The French Have a Term for Passionate Photographer?
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse When our alarm rang at 5:45 this morning I mumbled “Good night!“ in French. “Bonjour,”Jean-Marc replied. The creaking of our armoire, a wedding gift from 20-years ago, was a splash of cold water to my face and now my mind was percolating away as my husband pulled on his threadbare jeans and searched for a warm enough … Continue reading Jean-Marc Espinasse: The Journey of a French Winemaker
I will never forget watching this American speak to the lost soldiers on the beaches of Normandy. Today we honor those who lost their lives, au champs d'honneur. Memorial Day : jour des soldats morts au champ d'honneur (day of commemoration of soldiers who were killed in action) Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc read the French definitions, recording today's sound file from his … Continue reading We will never forget
Notice the flower bed to the right–filled with hand-picked brindilles! Twigs = free mulch, and they're fun to gather, too! (Had I to redo this picture, I'd put bright fluffy pillows in the garden chair, and hang beaded curtains across the cabanon's entry. Can you picture it?) une brindille (brein-dee) : twig, stalk, sprig ramasser des brindilles = to gather, collect, or pick … Continue reading brindille and a fun and sustainable activity + Winner of book giveaway!
How serendipitous to write about Jane Goodall–on the 215 anniversary of British paleontologist Mary Anning! Cheers to all the dirt-beneath-their fingernails women who help us understand, appreciate and consciously care for the world we live in. Mas la Monaque - Rent this beautifully restored 17-century farmhouse. Click here for more pictures. une place (plass) : seat réserver une place = to book a seat Audio … Continue reading French? No, Jane Goodall speaks Chimpanzee!
Another leafy front porch, not far from the lieu du crime… read on in today's French-vocabulary infused story column. Thanks to French reader, Brigitte, who offered today's vocabulary word. faire amende honorable (fer-ah-mahnd-oh-no-rahbl) : to apologize, to make amends AUDIO FILE: Listen to Jean-Marc Download MP3 or wav file …le coupable doit donc faire amende honorable et dédommager les intéressés.…the guilty party ought to make … Continue reading faire amende honorable
Russian comfrey and letter of sympathy (with misspellings), reads Sir/Mam, I offer all my regrets for the loss of your chickens. I am sincerely and deeply sorry for the pain this has caused you…" (Read on, in today's story column.) se rabaisser (seuh rah bay say) : to humble oneself, to show humility or respect Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc: Download MP3 or Wav Je me … Continue reading To humble oneself + what to give someone you’ve unintentionally hurt
Manigances is not the word of the day, but if it were I'd tell you all about our dogs shenanigans. Instead, read about my prized neighbor, in today's column. une ortie (or-tee) : stinging nettle, white nettle Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc:Download MP3 or Wav file Faut pas pousser mémé dans les orties!Don't push it (don't test grandma's patience!) A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… … Continue reading A lively French expression + a creative use for an old T.V.!
Today's metaphor involves a bowling ball. With no such picture in my photo archives, I offer a not-so-close second: la balle de golf. (In the photo–taken in 2005, near Bandol–our daughter, then 8 years-old, seems to be imitating me. In reality, she's getting ready to roll down the grassy hill. Don't worry about the ball, it won't reach her. I won't even be able to … Continue reading To ask for guidance or advice in French
These elephants were spotted on a French door–and in the window–of a home in Pernes-les-Fontaines. As for elephants in the room, read on in today's missive. "l'éléphant dans la pièce" The English expression "elephant in the room", which literally signifies [in French] "éléphant dans la pièce" but which mustn't be translated as such in French, designates "something very important and very obvious, that we should … Continue reading An Elephant in the Room? Chez moi?
