Today's snapshot was taken during our mother-daughter trip to Milan. The modern sculpture wonderfully illustrates today's verb! Also, help me answer the question "Should this journal go out once or twice per week?" Comment here, and enter to win today's giveaway, details below.
Beautifully renovated and decorated home in the Luberon. 4 bedrooms and a study with a sofa bed, each with ensuite (full) bath. This villa comfortably sleeps 7-9 adults.
TODAY'S WORD:
tordre
: to twist, to wring, to contort
se tordre = to sprain
se tordre de rire = to laugh so hard your stomach hurts
se tordre la cheville = to twist one's ankle
se tordre de douleur = to writhe in pain
AUDIO FILE: Listen to Jean-Marc
Download MP3 or listen to Wav
Deux fois par semaine, Kristi va chez le kiné qui lui tord le bras afin qu'il revienne droit.
Twice a week, Kristi goes to the physical therapist who twists her arm so that it will straighten.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
"Twist My Arm"
Two days a week the local kiné tortures me. "Aïe!"
"Ça fait mal?" The young, bearded man says, more as a distraction than a question. And, as I respond, he gains more ground–twisting my arm a few more centimeters. Le diable! Aïe! Aïe! Aïe
It's been two months since the freak accident I had, hours before boarding my flight. I still shake my head at how a ten-second mishap can lead to a season of rehabilitation. Even more amazing is how lucky I was to s'en sortir with no more than a dislocated coude instead of broken bones.
My elbow is back in place, but things are still crooked when the kiné releases his grip during our third séance. Pushing both arms before me, level with my shoulders, one arm meets the horizon in a straight line while the other, held parallel to the first, is still bent.
"Do you think this will ever straighten out?" I ask Vincent The Torturer.
"It will never be as it was before," he says. "But only you will notice any difference."
Different? Will it be off by half an inch? An inch? Forever slightly akimbo? The kiné's next question hushes my mind.
"Is there anything you cannot do with your arm now?"
True! There is nothing I can't do now that I could do before! Looking down at my bare arm it was no worse for the wear… if a little puny. Time to lift some weights, or I'm headed for bingo wings!
Which reminds me. Yes! There is still something I cannot do…
Fly!
BOOK GIVEAWAY
Benjamin Houy of FrenchTogether.com, is giving away a copy of his book! He writes:
I am passionate about learning languages and wrote a guide to help French learners learn French in a fun and effective way. It's called Upgrade Your French: The Ultimate Guide to Learning French on Your Own, and I believe it could be useful for your readers.
ENTER TO WIN: Help me to answer a question that's been on my mind lately: Should I send out this French word journal once or twice per week?
COMMENT HERE and help Kristi decide how often to write!
The backyard kitchen garden in January. It looks sleepy but it's rumbling underneath (I've been planting seeds!). In the foreground, out of frame, is the permaculture garden, as wild as a jungle. Smokey thinks he's Tarzan. And, when I'm done with these rehabilitation sessons, I'll fly beside him like Jane!
See Tarzan and Jane's Make a French Yogurt Cake video
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
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I would simply love to read two posts (or even more) a week. They would be like my (daily) French fix of TV5Monde but enough about “moi meme” Kristin had a whole host of needs to be taken into account in this conundrum.
On the one hand, I know that if my inbox is overfull I can fall a few days behind in my reading but Kristin has a deadline to meet twice a week, without fail.
On the other hand I know they (whoever “they” are) say that the discipline of deadlines sharpens a writers writing skills, or at least the ability to pump out material .
My Advice is to use permaculture principles —-starting with observation and interaction with all aspects of the situation…
While I hope the posts remain twice weekly I trust that your decision will be a balanced and fair one.
Regards
Seosamh
You are the writer. I thoroughly enjoy your blog and will read it however many times a week you post. As a beginner in studying French, I love the comments, vocabulary and insights into French customs.
Hello, your garden looks beautiful this winter!
Of course I would like you to write twice, but do what you
Can. Think of yourself first.
Take care. Glad arm is better.
I think once would be ideal.
Once a week please. I love reading it but my inbox gets jammed with newsletters and sometimes they all pile up. If yours was once a week it would become a priority!
I love to see your blog in my inbox and sometimes I even wait to read it after processing all my other mail – it’s like a reward for getting life’s little necessities out of the way. I do enjoy a couple of other blogs, primarily about something happening in France, so probably once a week would be ok, although I think I might miss reading about your life and seeing your photos and learning some vocabulary with it just once a week!!! But, if it keeps you going to cut back, then do it. None of us can begin to think of you not being there with us regularly! You have so many other interests and responsibilities, I think you must decide. Do it once a week and then if you feel like writing something more that week, just do it – we’ll be grateful! AND, it doesn’t have to be written in stone how frequently you publish! You can change it up, no one is going to track you down if you don’t write one week , we will just miss it and then be ever so grateful when we next see you in our inbox!! -j
Bonjour,
It would be wonderful to have this twice each week. I use the word a day of tern with French IV,and V students for their journal writing and share your stories with lower level classes. They love your pictures and stories,and some former students now subscribe to your site too.
Merci mille fois for this cultural enhancement!
I followed your ‘thrice weekly’ blogs when I was looking for connections to France several years ago. As a result of your stories and pictures and inspiration from your blogs I visited Normandy last September, having not been abroad for 30 years! I don’t think that you should commit to a schedule. You might do a regular once a week blog and then think ‘I’ll write an extra one this week’. That way its a nice surprise for all of us as we only get one blog anyway. Some weeks might be more prolific than others. Take time to smell the flowers.
Salut.
Please don’t “close shop”. I look forward to reading your blogs.
While I think twice a week would be great, in reality once a week is probably all I need or perhaps you would be able to write. It is a difficult question and is ultimately not up to me.
I too agree that that is a question only you can answer. But I for one would miss the column terribly.I lived in France for over 10 years,I went to school there and had planned on making my life there. Paris for me was le numbril du monde! And then my mom got sick and I was an only child. Fille unique in french sounds so much better.So I went back to NYC. At least it was NYC!! Your blog keeps me up with my french (I keep up other ways too!! Many French friends in NY) and I love reading your stories.You decide, but sob!
.
I have been following your blog for several years, bought all your books, and have met Chief Grape twice on his USA tours. I someday hope to meet you in person. I feel as though you are part of my family. You remind me of my own daughter; the two of you are a lot alike in ways and looks.
As for the number of blogs, you must do what is right for you at this time of your life. I will be here no matter what you decide. I loved it when it was daily. But life sometimes needs us to do other things.
I love you, your family, and your blogs.
Peggy Wright
Kristi- it does seem like your decision. Personally I read each post amd enjoy them all. Like you mychildren have grown and they are now both out of the home, and I feel like I and my life are being reborn. So do what your heart tells you.
I really enjoy reading your blog, so for me “more is better”, but it is time consuming for you. Perhaps once a week with extra surprise blogs when you feel a need to write, or have some extra time. As a reader it would be wonderful to have an unexpected blog to read and for you as a writer, you would not need to commit to twice a week.
I agree with Linda, though, ultimately it a decision that you need to make for yourself and your family.
Twice a week please, you keep my head and heart in France, every time I read your blogs. I understand it is a lot of work. Possible one of them could be a short blog or even a teaser blog for what is coming…!
Merci Beaucuop
Whoa, so many adoring comments! I would ditch the schedule completely, and post when you have something to want to say or show. As Keb Mo said in “Dangerous Mood”, “if one ain’t enough well we’ll just have to do it twice”.
I would love your blog however frequently or infrequently you write. I save them when I don’t have time to read them so that I can catch up later. Could you change your ‘advertising’ and say that you will write ‘at least once and as much as three times a week’ and then decided week by week? Anyway, I’ll stay a subscriber no matter what you do. Just don’t close shop!
I would do what feels right for you Kristin, but I’m guessing once a week might just be perfect!
Do whatever is best for you. I hope your therapy continues to go well!
If time permits, twice weekly would be great!!!!
I print out the lesson and study from it. Having the vocabulary in context makes it easier to learn.
Bonne chance et merci beaucoup..
A little late getting this out, Kristin, but as I said in another post, keep up the good writing and photography. If once a week is better for you, then so be it. We hungry readers love hearing from you. Be well and send on as much as you can manage.
Priscilla in La Nouvelle Orleans.
Once a week would be fine, Kristi. It would make your life easier and maybe I wouldn’t get so far behind with reading. Just please keep writing and posting photographs about life in France.
Please feel sorry for your followers who love you so much and are addicted to your content. You HAVE to post twice a week. I’m begging you.
I’ll make you cookies.
So many fans…so little time. Seriously, I can’t believe how long it takes just to read all these comments.
I love reading your blog and sometimes miss them if I am too busy. But clearly the overwhelming majority has chosen twice a week.
It’s your life, blog, and decision. I will respect whatever you decide and will remain a fan. It’s been several years now that I’ve been a reader…and for sure before your latest book came out…but I’m afraid I can’t remember the year. Bonne Chance.
Well. Albeit I am most likely too late for the book, I would like to comment. The huge commitment to continue the blog is most definitely your choice to make. Weekly would be just as inspiring as daily. I still go back to your archives and catch those I’ve missed or reread my favorites. Definitely to review recipes and most often to imagine myself in one of your pictures. Regardless of winning the book, I will surely look for it as I prepare for a trip to France. Thank you for all you give.
I would love to see you write this as frequently as possible. That said- I agree with others in that you should keep your balance and enjoy what you do.
I agree with others, it is a question only you can answer. I am greedy to hear stories of your life and in some small way connect with France and French life on a regular basis. However, I see how you are growing and have other interests like your gardening that are important to you. You must be true to yourself otherwise everything will suffer. I support the choice that you make and will continue to read your blog faithfully.
I missed this blog and I hope I’m not too late to enter for the book drawing. I am a French student and would love ANYTHING that would help to perfect my French!
As for the blog – I say you do what you need for your family and life and we will live with it. But if you’re asking is twice a week too much for us, Non! Blog on!
Much love to you and yours!
Hi- I always right “in my own time” (ie, a little later- so contest might be over), however,..I would say you should write at least twice a week, but maybe only on time is for this blog, and the other times(s) are for getting started on that long- put off project you’ve been meaning to get to. Good luck- just keep writing!
If you can manage – twice per week is great!
I may be selfish, but I’d love you to continue twice a week postings. I learn something new all the time! And I get to live vicariously in the south of France! I also love your photos.
I think once a week is good. with twice a week there may be days when it begins to be a large demand of your time and that may diminish the quality. I would hate to see that happen because you are doing an awesome job so far.
Twice per week would be wonderful if you can!
Twice please….that’s double pleasure for the greedy reader.
I so love reading your blog Kristi. It transports me from little world to a place that I can only think about travelling.
Ultimately you can only decide whether to write once or twice a week. I selfishly love to get your news. Your family and your experiences have become an extension of my life. But, I would like you to feel that you can put the time and effort into your writting so that you can produce well written pieces and still have time for your family and your sanity. The latter being most important!(:
Kristin, how many times you post each week is entirely up to you. I will eagerly read and take to heart and mind whatever you write, however often you post. Unless you want or need the “deadline effect” of declaring that you will post a given number of times per week, why don’t you post whenever you feel like it, however often that is? With every supportive wish for your writing and your kiné (which I’m doing weekly to straighten out an injured joint too), Leslie
I agree with those who say to write once a week. Although I would be happy to read your writings more often, I think that once a week would be enough for your followers, and would help you keep your quality up, your level of interest in completing the task good, and at some point, when things are really hectic help you maintain your sanity. Whatever you decide, keep up the good work!
I enjoy your blog immensely. Please write it twice a week !
If you have the time to write it
there will alwaysnbe someone with the time and inclanation to read them.
Just always keep the vocabulary list and the example in audio.
Merci! Courage!
Jk
I’ll be happy to go help you. It would be a dream come true to spend time in France with good people. 🙂 Marina Garcia
I am always so glad to see your blog in my e-mail. I go through and delete so much, but your blog always, always makes the cut! Thank you for all you do. I would be an ingrate of the first water to want you to do more than you can. Once a week is fine; twice would be lovely, but we want you to have a well-rounded life! All the more to share “avec nous!” Mille merci, Kristin!
No matter in what form it takes, your words are always welcome and looked forward to.
Un fois par semaine est assez. Vous avez besoin de bien le temps pour votre famille, les chiens et les jolis jardins. 🌻🌻🌻
DEFINITELY once a week. Yo have entertained us faithfully for years, and now it’s your turn to enjoy more time with your garden, your pups, your vines, and your many guests, not to mention your family!
All your readers ( and I didn’t count the huge # of responses) adore you and your blog, and are happy with whatever you have time for. Just think of how many more wonderful pictures you can take with more time! Bon courage, et fais ce qui est le plus confortable pour toi!
And are you coming to NYC in April with Chief Grape? I’ll make a trip up to see you if you are, no trips to France anytime soon with Lil in college now.. ( $$$$ !!!)
Bisous xox
J’aime bien tes pensees et des listes de vocabulaire…deux fois par semaine est parfait pour moi
Oh, twice a week, please! I love your stories and photos! But, if twice is too much these days, I understand!
Twice a week is better even if shorter than one longer. Enjoy the posts and the visual display encourages me to read.
You know, I love it however you decide to publish! I was one of your very first subscribers, years ago, and remember using your Word a Day post with my French students as their opening lesson every morning! Keep doing what you’re doing! 🙂
Twice, please. One can never know too many French words. Plus, I love your writing style.
As often as you wish! We enjoy very much your writing and the great photos you include. I suspect after a few years the blog can be a chore instead of being fun. We will enjoy whatever you send our way.
John Schofield : Missouri