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 $50!
CLICK HERE TO ORDER KRISTI'S BOOKS Mille mercis! I greatly appreciate your consideration and support.
"Indognito," or when Smokey wears his sunglasses in public. Did they fell off when he tried to raid that ice cream stand? Smokey, I told you they were closed for winter!
See you next week with the BIGGEST giveaway yet…. meantime please share this post. It's good luck!
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So many of us remember Gus and the keys – then he and his lovely wife visiting you – I miss his comments. Peggy in Florida
So many of us remember Gus and the keys – then he and his lovely wife visiting you – I miss his comments. Peggy in Florida
I agree w/ Nancy…I’ m guessing your french is just fine and U R able to do audio yourself!
Love the key idea & I,too, am transported to the hands that have used them.
I agree w/ Nancy…I’ m guessing your french is just fine and U R able to do audio yourself!
Love the key idea & I,too, am transported to the hands that have used them.
Hi Kristin,
For those with a kind and tender heart, envy and jealousy are not the first reaction to others’ achievements. The harsh trick, I would imagine, when dealing with the masses, is to somehow Plexiglas yourself to stay transparent enough to keep true to your own self, yet stay protected from the bitter and the bullies.
Just know that your fans adore you and your stories…you truly do help lighten our worlds with your words.
As far as critics go, “Non bastardae carborrundumus”, (homemade Latin for “Don’t let the Ba$t@rd$ Wear you down”!)
Best wishes!
Renée C.
Hi Kristin,
For those with a kind and tender heart, envy and jealousy are not the first reaction to others’ achievements. The harsh trick, I would imagine, when dealing with the masses, is to somehow Plexiglas yourself to stay transparent enough to keep true to your own self, yet stay protected from the bitter and the bullies.
Just know that your fans adore you and your stories…you truly do help lighten our worlds with your words.
As far as critics go, “Non bastardae carborrundumus”, (homemade Latin for “Don’t let the Ba$t@rd$ Wear you down”!)
Best wishes!
Renée C.
Kristin , Your post are fabulous ,i so look forward to them, so informative and interesting and funny. Please keep the lovely photos of your dogs and your family and you. Just take absolutely no notice at all of nasty little messages sent by unkind people . Keep up the good work and I wish you a joyful and happy Christmas.
Kristin , Your post are fabulous ,i so look forward to them, so informative and interesting and funny. Please keep the lovely photos of your dogs and your family and you. Just take absolutely no notice at all of nasty little messages sent by unkind people . Keep up the good work and I wish you a joyful and happy Christmas.
Vous nous donnez quelque chose chaque jour – les mots français et la sagesse. Il n’y a pas besoin d’un prix, mais c’est très gentil. On vous doit une fièr chandelle. You give us something each day, french words and wisdom. There is no need for a prize, but it is very nice. We owe you big time.
Vous nous donnez quelque chose chaque jour – les mots français et la sagesse. Il n’y a pas besoin d’un prix, mais c’est très gentil. On vous doit une fièr chandelle. You give us something each day, french words and wisdom. There is no need for a prize, but it is very nice. We owe you big time.
That’s the right attitude. This French-themed author loves reading every post, learning some new words, and the more photos the better!
That’s the right attitude. This French-themed author loves reading every post, learning some new words, and the more photos the better!
I personally love your blog! Never have seen self promotion just a good ole REAL blog. I like that you show emotional up,downs and trials and be yourself. Keep up the good work. I enjoy the blog whether my French gets better or not.
I personally love your blog! Never have seen self promotion just a good ole REAL blog. I like that you show emotional up,downs and trials and be yourself. Keep up the good work. I enjoy the blog whether my French gets better or not.
can’t please all of the people all of the time….I think it is a nice idea. and you appeal to an interesting group..I think!
can’t please all of the people all of the time….I think it is a nice idea. and you appeal to an interesting group..I think!
Hi Kristin,
The rudely critical responder sounded jealous to me. Regardless, all speakers, writers, etc. need to have evaluations. That is exactly what you were doing. How do you improve? Feedback! It is a lot of hard work and time to write your blog and it obviously has an overwhelmingly positive impact on people.
Keep the good words and photos coming.
Anne Wirth
Hi Kristin,
The rudely critical responder sounded jealous to me. Regardless, all speakers, writers, etc. need to have evaluations. That is exactly what you were doing. How do you improve? Feedback! It is a lot of hard work and time to write your blog and it obviously has an overwhelmingly positive impact on people.
Keep the good words and photos coming.
Anne Wirth
I keep thinking smokey LOVES to have his picture taken…he just rushes in to smile for the camera.
I just ordered all three books…for myself! But I plan to share them with my FRENCH Conversation group where we force ourselves to speak ONLY French for 1+ hours each week.
I live in Boulder, CO. Where you daughter wants to go to college. Someday when that happens, I hope to have lunch with you and show you my Monet inspired garden.
I keep thinking smokey LOVES to have his picture taken…he just rushes in to smile for the camera.
I just ordered all three books…for myself! But I plan to share them with my FRENCH Conversation group where we force ourselves to speak ONLY French for 1+ hours each week.
I live in Boulder, CO. Where you daughter wants to go to college. Someday when that happens, I hope to have lunch with you and show you my Monet inspired garden.
It is so sad to think that a critic managed to alter your course for three years. The Bible tells us much about the power of the tongue (and thereby the pen), and that we are to edify (encourage) with our words. That writer, apparently experiencing jealousy over your great beauty and immeasurable talent, lashed out at you and needs your, and all of our prayers. My Pastor teaches that we are to search for any truth there may be in criticism, work to improved ourselves when it does apply, and recognize that sometimes it just doesn’t apply. Regardless, he always suggests thanking the critic for their comments. Love you, dear one.
It is so sad to think that a critic managed to alter your course for three years. The Bible tells us much about the power of the tongue (and thereby the pen), and that we are to edify (encourage) with our words. That writer, apparently experiencing jealousy over your great beauty and immeasurable talent, lashed out at you and needs your, and all of our prayers. My Pastor teaches that we are to search for any truth there may be in criticism, work to improved ourselves when it does apply, and recognize that sometimes it just doesn’t apply. Regardless, he always suggests thanking the critic for their comments. Love you, dear one.
Regarding your observation about the sunflower, determined to survive and bloom in spite of the odds of that happening in December: I had to let you know that your blog is exactly like that for me: a little seed that blows in, takes root, sprouts in my mind and gives me happiness, just like a bright yellow flower. Thank you for your thoughts, your pictures, your travel logs and your kind determination to help and inspire students of French and French culture. Merry Christmas!
Regarding your observation about the sunflower, determined to survive and bloom in spite of the odds of that happening in December: I had to let you know that your blog is exactly like that for me: a little seed that blows in, takes root, sprouts in my mind and gives me happiness, just like a bright yellow flower. Thank you for your thoughts, your pictures, your travel logs and your kind determination to help and inspire students of French and French culture. Merry Christmas!
I too am an author and like you have had an encouraging husband. An anecdote to share that might spark an idea fr another blog on “moral support”. …or living one’s passion…living your “bliss.”
When my husband came home from work he would take one look at me and KNOW whether or not I had done an writing that day. He would announce …”You have not written today!” I would respond, “How did you know?” His response…”It is written all over your face…I can just tell. You look different after you have been doing what you love. You look happier, all over.”
Kristen, whether there was or was not any remuneration for your writing, you would do it….because it is who you are and and writing feeds something inside you than nothing else will. It makes you a “whole” person, a real person, and a growing person. It feeds the soul. And in turn, feeds our souls. Bless you. Do not stop! Ever!
I too am an author and like you have had an encouraging husband. An anecdote to share that might spark an idea fr another blog on “moral support”. …or living one’s passion…living your “bliss.”
When my husband came home from work he would take one look at me and KNOW whether or not I had done an writing that day. He would announce …”You have not written today!” I would respond, “How did you know?” His response…”It is written all over your face…I can just tell. You look different after you have been doing what you love. You look happier, all over.”
Kristen, whether there was or was not any remuneration for your writing, you would do it….because it is who you are and and writing feeds something inside you than nothing else will. It makes you a “whole” person, a real person, and a growing person. It feeds the soul. And in turn, feeds our souls. Bless you. Do not stop! Ever!
Don’t let the nasty, jealous ones with their ulterior motives get to you, Kristin! I love your writing, your trust in us, and your sweet puppies. Thank you for brightening up my week, and keeping me up to date on my French. Someday, I do hope to meet you.
Alyssa
Don’t let the nasty, jealous ones with their ulterior motives get to you, Kristin! I love your writing, your trust in us, and your sweet puppies. Thank you for brightening up my week, and keeping me up to date on my French. Someday, I do hope to meet you.
Alyssa
Dear Kristin,
I had written to you before my first trip to France and now I have returned. Paris was exciting, educational and fun but our week in Provence was where I left my heart. We were guests of the Reynolds at Mas de la Perdrix and it was all that I had heard about and more. It was my 77th birthday and they arranged for Chef Ronald to prepare my birthday dinner. Wow what a wonderful experience and worth waiting the 77 years. Although I do not speak French I tried before leaving to pick up some key words and found that they served me well along with the few I learned while there. However, the words I had learned from FRECH-WORD-DAY were really helpful as they were typical of the locale and not just from a text book. I continue to read your posts and delight in your fresh and original writing. Thank you for being the unique and unpretentious young woman that you are. KaySue Smith
Dear Kristin,
I had written to you before my first trip to France and now I have returned. Paris was exciting, educational and fun but our week in Provence was where I left my heart. We were guests of the Reynolds at Mas de la Perdrix and it was all that I had heard about and more. It was my 77th birthday and they arranged for Chef Ronald to prepare my birthday dinner. Wow what a wonderful experience and worth waiting the 77 years. Although I do not speak French I tried before leaving to pick up some key words and found that they served me well along with the few I learned while there. However, the words I had learned from FRECH-WORD-DAY were really helpful as they were typical of the locale and not just from a text book. I continue to read your posts and delight in your fresh and original writing. Thank you for being the unique and unpretentious young woman that you are. KaySue Smith
Kristi,
There will always be someone “out there” that wants to complain about something, so please don’t let that reader’s comments bother you. You have so many readers that love you so much and love to hear your stories and see all your pictures (especially if you are in them!). Just remember that we all love you and will always follow your stories!!
Kristi,
There will always be someone “out there” that wants to complain about something, so please don’t let that reader’s comments bother you. You have so many readers that love you so much and love to hear your stories and see all your pictures (especially if you are in them!). Just remember that we all love you and will always follow your stories!!
Now, why would your picture irritate anyone? You always look lovely, and that bit of loveliness would brighten anyone’s day.
Now, why would your picture irritate anyone? You always look lovely, and that bit of loveliness would brighten anyone’s day.
Well said! always stay on the Sunnt Side!
Well said! always stay on the Sunnt Side!
Love your blog and books! Keep up the good work! Joyeux Noel!
Love your blog and books! Keep up the good work! Joyeux Noel!
Bonjour, Kristin,
Bon courage!
Amicalement,
Joanne, Carmel-by-the Sea, CA, USA
Bonjour, Kristin,
Bon courage!
Amicalement,
Joanne, Carmel-by-the Sea, CA, USA
So glad you are back Kiristi and hope that your wrist is much better. Shameless self promotion was huge part of my US real estate business so I got used to snarky responses. I am happy to be living in Paris now. Here one has to practically beg to get a business card from a realtor, banker, artist, photographer!
So glad you are back Kiristi and hope that your wrist is much better. Shameless self promotion was huge part of my US real estate business so I got used to snarky responses. I am happy to be living in Paris now. Here one has to practically beg to get a business card from a realtor, banker, artist, photographer!
The great thing about the giveaway that Gus won was I learned he lived in Jacksonville and met him once at an Alliance Francaise luncheon. And, saw him at the airport once when I was going to Atlanta and he was going to France. So thanks for the “key” to meeting people.
The great thing about the giveaway that Gus won was I learned he lived in Jacksonville and met him once at an Alliance Francaise luncheon. And, saw him at the airport once when I was going to Atlanta and he was going to France. So thanks for the “key” to meeting people.
Our dear Kristi,
Only one thing to say: You Are Awesome!And a gifted writer!If you only knew how many times you have brightened the day and brought smiles to your fortunate readers!!
THANK YOU!!!
love
natalia. xo
ps WONDERFUL Dernier Mot today,too!
Our dear Kristi,
Only one thing to say: You Are Awesome!And a gifted writer!If you only knew how many times you have brightened the day and brought smiles to your fortunate readers!!
THANK YOU!!!
love
natalia. xo
ps WONDERFUL Dernier Mot today,too!
Buenos Dias Kristi
This message is coming to you from the Beautiful city of Albuquerque in the state of New Mexico – Land of Enchantment.
No Worries about the negative comments, hope this inspires you to continue doing what you love with even more gusto – hard to turn down a challenge especially when you know that you are sharing some of your journey and it is bringing joy to so many. The photos are delightful – keep em coming.
Thank You for having the courage to share.
Please give Smokey a hug and let him know he has a cousin in Albuquerque and her name is Tater Tot (she is the love of our life)
Happy Holidays
Wishing you and yours Health,Happiness,Love, Friendship, Peace
Virginia Montoya
Buenos Dias Kristi
This message is coming to you from the Beautiful city of Albuquerque in the state of New Mexico – Land of Enchantment.
No Worries about the negative comments, hope this inspires you to continue doing what you love with even more gusto – hard to turn down a challenge especially when you know that you are sharing some of your journey and it is bringing joy to so many. The photos are delightful – keep em coming.
Thank You for having the courage to share.
Please give Smokey a hug and let him know he has a cousin in Albuquerque and her name is Tater Tot (she is the love of our life)
Happy Holidays
Wishing you and yours Health,Happiness,Love, Friendship, Peace
Virginia Montoya
Ditto Marika – the very first comment. Glad you are back and assume once the elbow healed you had a good time. Marry Christmas!
Ditto Marika – the very first comment. Glad you are back and assume once the elbow healed you had a good time. Marry Christmas!