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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Chere Kristi, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts for years, and I particularly love the photos.There’s only one way to describe the woman who made the nasty comment about self-promoting: JEALOUS! And besides, isn’t that just part of the territory with blogging?? If she doesn’t like it, she can very easily click on “unsubscribe”.
I finally had the opportunity to meet you and Jean-Marc and Smokey and Max this past September, and taste some wonderful Bandol rose, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Keep doing what you’re doing and forget the toxic people.
Chere Kristi, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts for years, and I particularly love the photos.There’s only one way to describe the woman who made the nasty comment about self-promoting: JEALOUS! And besides, isn’t that just part of the territory with blogging?? If she doesn’t like it, she can very easily click on “unsubscribe”.
I finally had the opportunity to meet you and Jean-Marc and Smokey and Max this past September, and taste some wonderful Bandol rose, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Keep doing what you’re doing and forget the toxic people.
Love you! Love the blog! Love your books!! Love your photos!! So many of us look forward to your emails and updates. I feel sorry for the negative person as she’s the one she chooses to live with and spend each day with. Sad, really. Totally her choice. Totally her loss. I missed a clef giveaway??!! Bummer. I completely adore the keys on the old board and old lock. Would love to create a mini version some day. Big hug to dear Kristi!!! 😊 keep spreading your JOY!!!
Love you! Love the blog! Love your books!! Love your photos!! So many of us look forward to your emails and updates. I feel sorry for the negative person as she’s the one she chooses to live with and spend each day with. Sad, really. Totally her choice. Totally her loss. I missed a clef giveaway??!! Bummer. I completely adore the keys on the old board and old lock. Would love to create a mini version some day. Big hug to dear Kristi!!! 😊 keep spreading your JOY!!!
Glad you had a joyful trip after all. I appreciating the insight into the “critic”. Whatever the story about it, it’s just a story. Enjoy the sunflower and thanks ~
Glad you had a joyful trip after all. I appreciating the insight into the “critic”. Whatever the story about it, it’s just a story. Enjoy the sunflower and thanks ~
Just keep doing what you’re doing. While you may occasionally stumble and do something that puts off someone, you never have anything but the best intentions. We’re blessed because you’re willing to share your life with strangers.
Just keep doing what you’re doing. While you may occasionally stumble and do something that puts off someone, you never have anything but the best intentions. We’re blessed because you’re willing to share your life with strangers.
Ah yes, making up for lost time here too! Dear Kristi, as a friend of mine reminds me “Don’t stand in front of the arrows”. Good advice especially for those so tender of heart like you and me. 🙂
Love your generous, kind and beautiful heart what an extra gift that you share it with us all! Thank you!!!
Ah yes, making up for lost time here too! Dear Kristi, as a friend of mine reminds me “Don’t stand in front of the arrows”. Good advice especially for those so tender of heart like you and me. 🙂
Love your generous, kind and beautiful heart what an extra gift that you share it with us all! Thank you!!!
Kristen, I have no idea how can anyone find a negative vibe in this blog. I was reminded of this quote I read on ArabicQuotes:
No one knows the tiny moments when your soul died, no one knows when was it revived or how, and no one knows why you smile when you’re alone! Be strong for you.
I see you as a wonderful strong woman, I remembered this quote because of me! Whenever I encounter inexplicable hostility or rudeness, I let it get to me and bother me for too long. Your way of handling this sort of people is really inspiring. Keep this blog alive, I rarely comment but I always visit.
Kristen, I have no idea how can anyone find a negative vibe in this blog. I was reminded of this quote I read on ArabicQuotes:
No one knows the tiny moments when your soul died, no one knows when was it revived or how, and no one knows why you smile when you’re alone! Be strong for you.
I see you as a wonderful strong woman, I remembered this quote because of me! Whenever I encounter inexplicable hostility or rudeness, I let it get to me and bother me for too long. Your way of handling this sort of people is really inspiring. Keep this blog alive, I rarely comment but I always visit.
love your blogs. They are perfect and so interesting to read of your life in France and of your French family.
love your blogs. They are perfect and so interesting to read of your life in France and of your French family.
There’s always one negative thinking person . Ignore it .You demonstrate you have a strong personality ,witness your trials on your journey & your stoicism in dealing with them ;
I am,by the way ,about to start reading my prize “Flirting with French”,now I’m back from San Francisco!
There’s always one negative thinking person . Ignore it .You demonstrate you have a strong personality ,witness your trials on your journey & your stoicism in dealing with them ;
I am,by the way ,about to start reading my prize “Flirting with French”,now I’m back from San Francisco!
I don’t comment very often, however I love your contribution to my lessons in French. I have all your books and in the words of Mary Poppins, “never explain anything”
I don’t comment very often, however I love your contribution to my lessons in French. I have all your books and in the words of Mary Poppins, “never explain anything”
Dear Kristi, envy or jealousy (what is the diff?) can be destructive emotions….
Sometimes the feeling of “I could have written that” can overcome manners and write things one would never dream of saying to one’s face… Pity her… and maybe, she might have regretted her outburst. I wonder if she ever thought about apologising…?
Here’s some spell-check:
1/ Then my curiosity creept in: crept
2/ Did I have an alterior motive: ulterior
3/ My eyes poured over the post: pored over
Finally, as the modern Aussie saying goes:
I love youse all!!!
Jacqueline in hot, humid Brisbane
Dear Kristi, envy or jealousy (what is the diff?) can be destructive emotions….
Sometimes the feeling of “I could have written that” can overcome manners and write things one would never dream of saying to one’s face… Pity her… and maybe, she might have regretted her outburst. I wonder if she ever thought about apologising…?
Here’s some spell-check:
1/ Then my curiosity creept in: crept
2/ Did I have an alterior motive: ulterior
3/ My eyes poured over the post: pored over
Finally, as the modern Aussie saying goes:
I love youse all!!!
Jacqueline in hot, humid Brisbane
Ne t’inquiete pas. C’est tres impoli de critiquer quelqu’une qui est si genereuse.
Ne t’inquiete pas. C’est tres impoli de critiquer quelqu’une qui est si genereuse.
Kristin, how is your elbow feeling, and how is Breizh doing? Don’t think of the look in her eyes as sullen; the phenobarbitol probably is leaving her quite dazed, as it is, after all, a barbiturate. Has she developed Addison’s Disease, as one Instagram commenter posited? Mango, a wonderful Golden on our street, was diagnosed with Addison’s a couple of years ago, and she is doing very well since she began (medication and diet) treatment. Wishing both of you the very best, Leslie
Kristin, how is your elbow feeling, and how is Breizh doing? Don’t think of the look in her eyes as sullen; the phenobarbitol probably is leaving her quite dazed, as it is, after all, a barbiturate. Has she developed Addison’s Disease, as one Instagram commenter posited? Mango, a wonderful Golden on our street, was diagnosed with Addison’s a couple of years ago, and she is doing very well since she began (medication and diet) treatment. Wishing both of you the very best, Leslie
Keep on doing what you’ve been doing. I love your posts, photos and the insights. Many, many days I feel like I’m the last tree standing in the forest. I have become used to it–finally; I know who judges me in the end.
I send my very best wishes.
Keep on doing what you’ve been doing. I love your posts, photos and the insights. Many, many days I feel like I’m the last tree standing in the forest. I have become used to it–finally; I know who judges me in the end.
I send my very best wishes.
That writer was certainly jealous of both your talent and your beauty, and perhaps also of your happy life in France, too. Glad you finally overcame her baseless criticism. I love all your photos. You’re a good photographer and keep getting better. I love your blog and your willingness to share your life with your readers. I’m in awe of what you have achieved. You have a brave and big heart, Kristen. Don’t let anyone ever make you feel ashamed of yourself or your work. You wouldn’t have so many readers if what you do wasn’t very valuable. Merry Christmas and bonne année du Canada!
That writer was certainly jealous of both your talent and your beauty, and perhaps also of your happy life in France, too. Glad you finally overcame her baseless criticism. I love all your photos. You’re a good photographer and keep getting better. I love your blog and your willingness to share your life with your readers. I’m in awe of what you have achieved. You have a brave and big heart, Kristen. Don’t let anyone ever make you feel ashamed of yourself or your work. You wouldn’t have so many readers if what you do wasn’t very valuable. Merry Christmas and bonne année du Canada!
Kristin,
I enjoyed reading your “Elvis in the Troisième Âge” article in France Today’s Le Petit Journal. He is still the King here in Memphis, of course!
I always love to see evidence of your fame in other publications. Ignore hateful comments – just continue keeping the main thing the main thing.
Warmest regards,
Betty
Kristin,
I enjoyed reading your “Elvis in the Troisième Âge” article in France Today’s Le Petit Journal. He is still the King here in Memphis, of course!
I always love to see evidence of your fame in other publications. Ignore hateful comments – just continue keeping the main thing the main thing.
Warmest regards,
Betty
Hi, Kristin. I especially enjoyed your post today b/c I find the study of origins/roots of words fascinating. To take one step further — martyr (one who has been tortured, religious connotation). French and English are so intertwined that if all traces of French words were removed from English, English wouldn’t exist ! (Well, maybe I exaggerate a little.)
Hi, Kristin. I especially enjoyed your post today b/c I find the study of origins/roots of words fascinating. To take one step further — martyr (one who has been tortured, religious connotation). French and English are so intertwined that if all traces of French words were removed from English, English wouldn’t exist ! (Well, maybe I exaggerate a little.)
I love visiting your blog and hope one day to visit France. Don’t stop what you’re doing.
Bonne journee!
Amicalement,
Jackie
(Does that work? I hope to be able to speak a little French for the day I finally make it to France.) 🙂
I love visiting your blog and hope one day to visit France. Don’t stop what you’re doing.
Bonne journee!
Amicalement,
Jackie
(Does that work? I hope to be able to speak a little French for the day I finally make it to France.) 🙂
Kristin ~ keep doing what your doing. We all love what your doing and writing. One bad apple doesn’t have to spoil the whole batch.
Kristin ~ keep doing what your doing. We all love what your doing and writing. One bad apple doesn’t have to spoil the whole batch.
Some people are just negative, angry, unhappy people and aren’t happy unless they make others like themselves. Don’t let them win!! I looked at the original post and still don’t see what would cause him/her to write something like that besides that he/she is just a miserable person.
I’m glad you’re not letting him/her have any power over you anymore!
Some people are just negative, angry, unhappy people and aren’t happy unless they make others like themselves. Don’t let them win!! I looked at the original post and still don’t see what would cause him/her to write something like that besides that he/she is just a miserable person.
I’m glad you’re not letting him/her have any power over you anymore!
Good for you! Get back on the horse and ride away from stupid comments from jealous people!
Good for you! Get back on the horse and ride away from stupid comments from jealous people!
Jealousy is not pretty. The other blog writer needs to give it up. There is room for many on the blog sites,and if she doesn’t like yours,she shouldn’t read it.
I love reading your blogs. They are funny, inspiring, personal, touching, educational and much, much more. Thank you for them.
Kathleen
Jealousy is not pretty. The other blog writer needs to give it up. There is room for many on the blog sites,and if she doesn’t like yours,she shouldn’t read it.
I love reading your blogs. They are funny, inspiring, personal, touching, educational and much, much more. Thank you for them.
Kathleen
Once upon a time I spoke French “assez bienpour une Americaine!” But textbook and dictionary French only go so far. That is why I appreciate the stories which illustrate an idiom and the lists of expressions. Other stories may not teach me as much about France and speaking French, but teach me about life, humanity, and family. Not every story will be perfect for every reader, but every story will speak to someone.
Once upon a time I spoke French “assez bienpour une Americaine!” But textbook and dictionary French only go so far. That is why I appreciate the stories which illustrate an idiom and the lists of expressions. Other stories may not teach me as much about France and speaking French, but teach me about life, humanity, and family. Not every story will be perfect for every reader, but every story will speak to someone.
Please help this imperfect student of French…..
“Tu pourras en donner une….” is translated as
“You could give one of them”
Shouldn’t the French phrase read…..
“Tu pourrais en donner une……” (?)
(Conditional tense as opposed to future tense)
Would appreciate response from Kristi OR anyone
at all.
Merci
Please help this imperfect student of French…..
“Tu pourras en donner une….” is translated as
“You could give one of them”
Shouldn’t the French phrase read…..
“Tu pourrais en donner une……” (?)
(Conditional tense as opposed to future tense)
Would appreciate response from Kristi OR anyone
at all.
Merci
I’m always amazed at the things people get bent about . . . Don’t like something you see online . . . click off from it! Poof! You’ve just made it disappear from your life! What power we have!
Seems so much easier than stopping to write a comment/email! 🙂
*shaking head in puzzlement* 🙂
I’m always amazed at the things people get bent about . . . Don’t like something you see online . . . click off from it! Poof! You’ve just made it disappear from your life! What power we have!
Seems so much easier than stopping to write a comment/email! 🙂
*shaking head in puzzlement* 🙂
I suspect your critic was jealous. You and your family and your dear doggies are precious and delightful. I hope you find it possible to continue this for some years. All the best from a grateful reader.
I suspect your critic was jealous. You and your family and your dear doggies are precious and delightful. I hope you find it possible to continue this for some years. All the best from a grateful reader.