I would have never met GUS, had he not entered to win one of these blog contests. Proof that the best part of these giveaways is getting to know readers! (Pictured: wrapping for the antique key that Gus won. Click on the hyperlink in the first sentence to see Gus receiving it!)
TODAY'S WORD
tirer (teer-ay)
: to pull, to draw, to close…
Word etymology: Related to tear. Alternatively from a reduction of Old French martirier (to torture). –Wikipedia
EXPRESSIONS & THANKS!
Thank you all very much for your helpful and very encouraging feedback. I'm deeply touched! Your comments inspired me to be more consistent in posting all sections of this French language journal. Here is one section that fell by the wayside, years ago: Expressions. Another section was "Word Etymology"…and another "Quotes"… Though it is not always possible to get everything in, owing to time constraints, I will try a little harder. Sometimes it is impossible to include every part (ex. no sound file when Jean-Marc is away). But I am finding ways around some of these challenges… (now only if my dog Smokey could speak French! But then he'd need a smartphone to record the words….)
tirer au sort = to draw lots, to draw a number i.e. for a prize
tirer à pile ou face = to toss a coin
tirer la langue = to stick out one's tongue
tirer un trait = to draw a line
tirer son épingle du jeu = to make it out unscathed
AUDIO FILE: Listen to Jean-Marc: MP3 or Wav
Tirer au sort: Les gagnants de ces prix sont tirés au sort.
To randomly choose: The winners of these prizes are chosen randomly.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
You may be wondering: Why is Kristi having all these prize giveaways all of a sudden? Well, sit back and let me tell you une petite histoire…
A few years ago, while photographing Smokey in front of my Wall of Keys, it occured to me: tu pourras en donner une…. You could give one of these away (a key, not my dogs!)
It was exciting to think that a centuries-old clé would soon be travelling far away: to a reader in Perth? or maybe even someone in Phoenix? I hurried to my computer to post the giveaway at my blog, adding a suspenseful twist:
"The trésor is currently a secret," I wrote, "but here's a hint: anyone would love it: young or "wizened", man or woman. If you like French antiques, you'll love this historic memento, one from my collection… one I adore and would love to offer you!"
A total of 1537 readers entered the giveaway, after following these simple instructions:
"To win this antique simply leave a greeting here, in the comments box, along with your city. Example: 'Hola from Jules in Puerto Vallarta!'"
How exciting it was to see my comments box come to life. One by one, readers delurked!:
…Hello from Rio de Janeiro! hi from Nova Scotia! Salut from Manchester, England! Hello from sunny Melbourne! Best wishes from Cape Town! Bonjour de Sidi Bou Said, Tunis, Tunisie… and from Alabama, New Jersey, Illinois!!!…
And then came the first critic. As go most vitriolic messages, this one came privately, in my inbox:
"Quit self-promoting!" the reader complained. "And unsubscribe me now!"
The words stole my breath away. Next they pierced to the core, producing a bubbling up of doubt. Then my curiosity crept in, and I googled the email address of the person who had sent such an abrupt and upsetting note.
I discovered the complaint came from a published writer… of French-themed books (the same genre that I write). Looking at her book listed at Amazon I thought, What a shame. My readers would have enjoyed this person's work. Rather than writing me off, why didn't this author at least GET something out of me–if not a "thrice-weekly" vocabulary word. She might have written in asking me to mention her book in my blog's sidebar–where I list French-themed books).
Meantime, self-promotion? Was that was this prize giveaway was, après tout? Did I have an ulterior motive–apart from livening up my comments box? I had to think about all this. And I did, for three long years during which time I never mentioned another prize giveaway.
And then, little by little, my skin began to thicken. This morning, while preparing today's post, I clicked back to that first giveaway, and tried once again to see where I might have offended anyone. What had I done to provoke such a reaction from this person?
My eyes pored over the post. And then it struck me. I had book-ended the update with pictures of myself! The angered reader wasn't criticising the giveaway, she was irritated by my portrait. (Gosh, even I was irritated by my portrait, now that I look at it. If you didn't know me personally you'd swear I didn't like hugs or mud or roller skates!
Then again, qui sait? Who knows what the critic thinks? We can't always understand what causes people to lash out. Meantime, we've got to go ahead with our own party! And as long as most people are dancing, chances are c'est une bonne fête!
There will be lots more rumba around here — confetti and prizes and who knows what kinds of surprises. There will be dull and awkward moments too. Whatever the mood, please stay for the ride. Your seat balances this writing vessel, and your words and comments (or silent positive thoughts) are the steam that moves it forward.
Amicalement,
Kristin
P.S. I never got to the question I set out to explain: Why all these prize giveaways? Answer: Just making up for lost time! I hope you are out there doing the very same thing today. Thank you and bonne journée!
COMMENTS
To leave a comment about today's post, click here.
Provence Dreamin'? Maison des Pelerins, Sablet. A Vacation Rental Dream in the heart of the Côte du Rhone. See photos here.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
petit, petite = little
une histoire = story
tu pourras (pouvoir) = you could
une clé = key
en donner un(e) = give one away
amicalement = warmly
bonne journée = have a good day
I noticed some confusion in the recent comments, what with all those "have a nice time with Mom in Mexico" wishes. (Thank you!) I returned to France last Thursday, after a lovely visit with Mom in Puerta Vallarta… and my sister in Denver:
Here is Heidi making me another delicious meal… but it was hard to quit eating all these crackers (hard to come by in France. Update: try My American Market!)
That a seed blew from one of the sunflowers, landed in the gravel and sprouted is hard enough to believe. That it is about to bloom in December is absolutely incroyable!
Behind The Scenes of this French Word-A-Day
These photo stories continue at Instagram or Facebook or Twitter. (And now at Tumblr, too!)
No giveaway prizes today. In life, everything needs a balance and it's time to recharge. When you buy a copy my book, your purchase is a great support to this free language journal.
"Faire d'une pierre deux coups"
Please consider buying a copy as a gift for someone this holiday season–and "kill two birds with one stone" (much prefer the gentler French expression above!): support this educational blog and tick off one more item on your gift list!
View a selection of my books. You can even buy all three in the "Frequently Bought Together" section–and tick three loved ones off your gift list! Three gifts at under $50!
CLICK HERE TO ORDER KRISTI'S BOOKS Mille mercis! I greatly appreciate your consideration and support.
"Indognito," or when Smokey wears his sunglasses in public. Did they fell off when he tried to raid that ice cream stand? Smokey, I told you they were closed for winter!
See you next week with the BIGGEST giveaway yet…. meantime please share this post. It's good luck!
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Kristi, just continue doing what you are doing, we love you and we love your blog!!!
Kristi, just continue doing what you are doing, we love you and we love your blog!!!
Your writing and photos provide a lovely mental vacation. Thank you for the brief respite!
Your writing and photos provide a lovely mental vacation. Thank you for the brief respite!
Thank you for your wonderful blog/posts and the lovely photos. I always love to hear about your life in France! Be well.
Thank you for your wonderful blog/posts and the lovely photos. I always love to hear about your life in France! Be well.
Kristin,
I seldom write comments here, but you know how much I enjoy your blog and your books (I have them all). Reading your post today about someone objecting to your past post as being self-promoting reminds me of how there sometimes seems to be so much negativity these days, particularly on social media, comments on news articles, etc. Personally, I find it distressing to read so much vitriol on a regular basis. We are all entitled to our own opinions, of course, and it has gotten to the point that I’ve stopped reading comments on Facebook or appended to news articles as it upsets me too much. It would seem that it should not be that hard to just support one another, be kind to each other, etc. I guess all we can do is steel ourselves to the negativity and try to lift each other up as much as possible. So with that, I love your stories and hope that you never shy away from writing because of negative emails or comments. Your blog has brightened many tough days for me, and I appreciate that you share your life, your family, and yoyr photos!
Kristin,
I seldom write comments here, but you know how much I enjoy your blog and your books (I have them all). Reading your post today about someone objecting to your past post as being self-promoting reminds me of how there sometimes seems to be so much negativity these days, particularly on social media, comments on news articles, etc. Personally, I find it distressing to read so much vitriol on a regular basis. We are all entitled to our own opinions, of course, and it has gotten to the point that I’ve stopped reading comments on Facebook or appended to news articles as it upsets me too much. It would seem that it should not be that hard to just support one another, be kind to each other, etc. I guess all we can do is steel ourselves to the negativity and try to lift each other up as much as possible. So with that, I love your stories and hope that you never shy away from writing because of negative emails or comments. Your blog has brightened many tough days for me, and I appreciate that you share your life, your family, and yoyr photos!
Kristin, I am sure you could stand in for Jean-Marc and create the audio files yourself, when he is away. Obviously, you speak French, too! And I am guessing we wouldn’t mind hearing your voice, too. 🙂
Kristin, I am sure you could stand in for Jean-Marc and create the audio files yourself, when he is away. Obviously, you speak French, too! And I am guessing we wouldn’t mind hearing your voice, too. 🙂
That critic obviously “got up on the wrong side of the bed” that day she verbally attacked you. I don’t see how anyone could see your blog as anything other than perfectly delightful! Please keep ’em coming!
That critic obviously “got up on the wrong side of the bed” that day she verbally attacked you. I don’t see how anyone could see your blog as anything other than perfectly delightful! Please keep ’em coming!
Kristin, I smile every time I read your posts. I feel as though you are a friend, and I am not simply a ‘fan’.
Kristin, I smile every time I read your posts. I feel as though you are a friend, and I am not simply a ‘fan’.
Nancy, thank you for the encouragement to do the recordings when JM is away. I had almost forgotten that was an option 🙂
Denise, It is so true what you say. Hard to read those social media comments when people are being attacked by others. And good idea to quit watching most of the news
Marika and Faye and friends, thank you for these warm comments.
Nancy, thank you for the encouragement to do the recordings when JM is away. I had almost forgotten that was an option 🙂
Denise, It is so true what you say. Hard to read those social media comments when people are being attacked by others. And good idea to quit watching most of the news
Marika and Faye and friends, thank you for these warm comments.
Keep posting your picture – we read to get to know you and your family’s life – including the dogs, and your mom, and your dad and his wife, and your guests, and your neighbors, and….That is what life consists of.
Keep posting your picture – we read to get to know you and your family’s life – including the dogs, and your mom, and your dad and his wife, and your guests, and your neighbors, and….That is what life consists of.
I subscribe to your posts, not just for the French vocab, I’m desperately trying to learn French, but for the wonderful images. I don’t always have time to read the blog but the images transport me to France in all it’s glory. So because of the picture of all those antique keys I did read on this week. A wonderful tale of generosity, on your part, and party pooping by someone else. Oh well you can’t please everyone:)
I subscribe to your posts, not just for the French vocab, I’m desperately trying to learn French, but for the wonderful images. I don’t always have time to read the blog but the images transport me to France in all it’s glory. So because of the picture of all those antique keys I did read on this week. A wonderful tale of generosity, on your part, and party pooping by someone else. Oh well you can’t please everyone:)
Dear Kristi,
I remember the key giveaway! I enjoy all your posts and your sharing your life with us as you do. Smokey cracks me up – I just love him!
Hope you are on the mend and glad you were able to visit your mom and sister and family.
Dear Kristi,
I remember the key giveaway! I enjoy all your posts and your sharing your life with us as you do. Smokey cracks me up – I just love him!
Hope you are on the mend and glad you were able to visit your mom and sister and family.
Hi Kristin,
I enjoy the blog and also love all your books! I clicked back to the post on Feb. 15, 2012 and I love the photo of you! I like seeing photos of you and your family and it makes it more personal! Love it! Sometimes you just can’t please everyone so just keep doing what you’re doing! I love the photo of Smokey and the keys. I love imagining who the keys belonged to and what doors they opened. One of those keys would make a lovely Christmas ornament tied with a red bow on the tree!
Hi Kristin,
I enjoy the blog and also love all your books! I clicked back to the post on Feb. 15, 2012 and I love the photo of you! I like seeing photos of you and your family and it makes it more personal! Love it! Sometimes you just can’t please everyone so just keep doing what you’re doing! I love the photo of Smokey and the keys. I love imagining who the keys belonged to and what doors they opened. One of those keys would make a lovely Christmas ornament tied with a red bow on the tree!
Kristin — I love your blog!!! IGNORE the haters and keep up the wonderful work.
Kristin — I love your blog!!! IGNORE the haters and keep up the wonderful work.
sometimes, like your nasty critic, people are just angry. remember: YOU ARE NOT THE TARGET!! thank you for all your wonderful posts ~ i enjoy them so.
sometimes, like your nasty critic, people are just angry. remember: YOU ARE NOT THE TARGET!! thank you for all your wonderful posts ~ i enjoy them so.
Hi Kristin,
i’m going to guess that your critic, complaining of your self promotion, wasn’t criticizing self promotion itself, after all, that person as a writer knew that you have to play that game or vanish, but was disturbed by your looks, which had the effect of throwing a mirror to the writers own face.
Keep up the good writing; i for one enjoy it.
Hi Kristin,
i’m going to guess that your critic, complaining of your self promotion, wasn’t criticizing self promotion itself, after all, that person as a writer knew that you have to play that game or vanish, but was disturbed by your looks, which had the effect of throwing a mirror to the writers own face.
Keep up the good writing; i for one enjoy it.
I had forgotten about the phrases. I used to love them and be happily frustrated by them. How could one word have so many meanings. More reason to be careful how you use a french word ;=) My all time favorite one was “ceci et cela”. And I remember in your first book the one that really got me was the word “string”. You must have had at least six different phrases using the word. I will have to go back and look that one up. Keep it up and have fun with it.
I had forgotten about the phrases. I used to love them and be happily frustrated by them. How could one word have so many meanings. More reason to be careful how you use a french word ;=) My all time favorite one was “ceci et cela”. And I remember in your first book the one that really got me was the word “string”. You must have had at least six different phrases using the word. I will have to go back and look that one up. Keep it up and have fun with it.
Bonjour Kristin!
I love reading your posts each time they arrive in my in-box! I retired from teaching French for 36 years two years ago and the transition has been far from smooth – heart surgeries, hip replacement, challenges with helping my Dad deal with Alzheimer’s and my own frustration of trying to find what I can do to help others once again! Through the past two years your posts have been a light for me to hold on to to try and brighten the challenging journey I have been traveling! Merci beaucoup! This is one reader from Hastings, Minnesota who truly benefits from each story you write! (The fact that your name is spelled exactly as my daughter Kristin spells her name is a small connection I’ve hung on too as well! Bonne Journee et Bonne Semaine!
Bonjour Kristin!
I love reading your posts each time they arrive in my in-box! I retired from teaching French for 36 years two years ago and the transition has been far from smooth – heart surgeries, hip replacement, challenges with helping my Dad deal with Alzheimer’s and my own frustration of trying to find what I can do to help others once again! Through the past two years your posts have been a light for me to hold on to to try and brighten the challenging journey I have been traveling! Merci beaucoup! This is one reader from Hastings, Minnesota who truly benefits from each story you write! (The fact that your name is spelled exactly as my daughter Kristin spells her name is a small connection I’ve hung on too as well! Bonne Journee et Bonne Semaine!
There was just so much positivity here that I am smiling! Merci Kristin for all that you do…you share a lot of light with a lot of people…
If you would give Mr. Smokey a bisous or a scratchie from me, I would be so appreciative. 🙂
There was just so much positivity here that I am smiling! Merci Kristin for all that you do…you share a lot of light with a lot of people…
If you would give Mr. Smokey a bisous or a scratchie from me, I would be so appreciative. 🙂
Kristin,
I remember that key giveaway, too. And what fun it was to read where we all come from! That negative private message was totally out of line. Giving away an antique key that was long ago separated from what it unlocked was almost whimsical, certainly not self-promoting!
Kristin,
I remember that key giveaway, too. And what fun it was to read where we all come from! That negative private message was totally out of line. Giving away an antique key that was long ago separated from what it unlocked was almost whimsical, certainly not self-promoting!
If you are doing what you enjoy in life, as long as you are not harming yourself or others, does it really matter what other people think about it? I have to remind myself of this all the time. Who cares if they don’t “approve”? It is my life, and I am doing something that makes me happy. Life really is short, so we should enjoy it while we can. Keep doing what you have been doing! We enjoy it!
If you are doing what you enjoy in life, as long as you are not harming yourself or others, does it really matter what other people think about it? I have to remind myself of this all the time. Who cares if they don’t “approve”? It is my life, and I am doing something that makes me happy. Life really is short, so we should enjoy it while we can. Keep doing what you have been doing! We enjoy it!
Kristin, jealousy is rampant in this world, unfortunately. You are gorgeous, living in a country most of us can only visit for a week or two, if ever. What continues to amaze me is that you give even one thought to this type of junk mail.
Kristin, jealousy is rampant in this world, unfortunately. You are gorgeous, living in a country most of us can only visit for a week or two, if ever. What continues to amaze me is that you give even one thought to this type of junk mail.
Salut Kristin,
Sometimes, as you slide down the bannister of life, the splinters are pointed in the wrong direction! Seems that life has those moments of unpleasantness for everyone.
Bonne journée,
Salut Kristin,
Sometimes, as you slide down the bannister of life, the splinters are pointed in the wrong direction! Seems that life has those moments of unpleasantness for everyone.
Bonne journée,
Well yes, shame on you Kristi for letting us into your life and introducing us to your family with delightful anecdotes and photographs. Shame on you for wanting to sell your books.
And while we’re about it, shame on the writers who do book tours, the artists who exhibit their work, and the celebrities who graciously give autographs to admirers stopping them in the street. Shame on the high school students who write essays to put themselves in the best possible light hoping to encourage universities to give them a place. Blatant self-promotion. Tut, tut.
Most of all — and here I am not in the least ironic — shame on the trolls who hide behind the relative anonymity of the Internet to voice at best ungenerous and at worst vitriolic comments and judgements.
Ignore the idiots, Kristi. They aren’t worth your time. And by the way, there was nothing at all irritating in your photograph, which anyway was a clever hint — you opening a door — of what the prize was going to be.
Well yes, shame on you Kristi for letting us into your life and introducing us to your family with delightful anecdotes and photographs. Shame on you for wanting to sell your books.
And while we’re about it, shame on the writers who do book tours, the artists who exhibit their work, and the celebrities who graciously give autographs to admirers stopping them in the street. Shame on the high school students who write essays to put themselves in the best possible light hoping to encourage universities to give them a place. Blatant self-promotion. Tut, tut.
Most of all — and here I am not in the least ironic — shame on the trolls who hide behind the relative anonymity of the Internet to voice at best ungenerous and at worst vitriolic comments and judgements.
Ignore the idiots, Kristi. They aren’t worth your time. And by the way, there was nothing at all irritating in your photograph, which anyway was a clever hint — you opening a door — of what the prize was going to be.
I love your idea “As long as most people are dancing there’s probably “une bonne fete.” Too many of us forget or tell ourselves that we don’t have time to dance.
Greetings from Kankakee, Illinois to Kristin and all her readers! Let’s dance…
I love your idea “As long as most people are dancing there’s probably “une bonne fete.” Too many of us forget or tell ourselves that we don’t have time to dance.
Greetings from Kankakee, Illinois to Kristin and all her readers! Let’s dance…
Kristin: Don’t let that crab keep you from doing what you are doing. Check your comments and see that you have many happy subscribers. Happy your visit with your Mother was super. I visited Puerta Vallarta once and loved it. Vivian
Kristin: Don’t let that crab keep you from doing what you are doing. Check your comments and see that you have many happy subscribers. Happy your visit with your Mother was super. I visited Puerta Vallarta once and loved it. Vivian