The sign in the lower left reads: A VENDRE (For Sale). After I posted a question on Friday ("Should I post once- or twice-weekly"), one reader commented that this blog might as well close up shop! The suggestion got me all riled up–which isn't such a bad place to be, when you're sitting on the fence over where you need to be….
TODAY'S WORD
"faire bisquer"
: to get somebody riled, to wind them up
AUDIO FILE
Ever heard the children's taunt: "Bis-que, bis-que, ra-ge!"? Listen to Jean-Marc read the French, below (please check back to the blog for the sound file).
Bis-que, bis-que, ra-ge! Ces mots sont utilisé pour se vanter de quelque chose devant un interlocuteur et le faire bisquer.
Bis-que, bis-que, ra-ge! These words are used to boast about something in front of someone, to get a rise out of them.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
No story today. Just a nostalgic look back in time. And a very BIG thank you for your warm and thoughtful and generous words following Friday's post. I was especially touched by your gratitude and humility. If only you knew how often your words have moved me!
The photos that accompany today's post were inspired by another reader's comment. Michele wrote in to say that she's followed this blog since 8/9/2004! Thank you, Michèle. Here are some snapshots from that time period….
In 2004, our kids were 6 and 8 and this blog was about to turn 2!
I began taking photos to illustrate these posts….
Do you remember some of them?
2004. We were living in the Medieval village of Les Arcs-sur-Argens. I wrote more about this period in my book Blossoming in Provence.
In 2004 Smokey was but a twinkle in his mother's eye (she herself but une étincelle in our family's eyes)
I had recently left my job at a local vineyard (not this one, above), to follow my dream of writing (recounted in great detail, here). I never imagined our family would begin our own vineyard–making my newfound writing time a tug-o'-war between the keyboard and all the vineyard support (my husband needed me more than ever).
I managed to publish French Word-A-Day and write right through it all–experiencing some glorious moments! A book with Simon and Schuster…
And a chance to speak at Shakespeare and Company in Paris!
I kept writing — through births and deaths and health upsets
And when it all gets to be too much, I lie down and let your encouraging words nudge me, bringing me back to life and gently setting me back on track.
Merci beaucoup pour tout!
As to whether or not I should close up shop, or end this blog–you can't get rid of me that easily! Meantime, thanks so much for reading and for the encouraging words you've sent me!
COMMENTS
I would love to know when you began reading French Word-A-Day? I started the website in October 2002, and moved began posting in blog format in 2004. Thanks for commenting here, and see you in few days…
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Cherie Kristi, Your blog is a wonderful contribution to all of us who learn French and love France. For me it is so often a welcome interlude to my week. Those that don’t want to read it don’t have to but I would miss you and your blog very much if you were to stop.
XXXAndrea
Enjoy your postings so much. Twice a week is better for my French as you kindly provide us with new words used in everyday life. Please keep up the excellent work as you brighten the days for me!
I “found” you 1 1/2 years ago – along with “My French Country Home” – and have followed you both religiously ever since. You’re the first two blogs I’ve ever signed on to. I’ve gone back and read so many of your earlier posts. Don’t quit now. It’s your blog and you should post when (& if!) you feel like it. I’ll enjoy your blog no matter how (in)frequently you write!
I started reading your blog after one of our trips to France (about 6 years ago, I think). I found your first book in a bookstore somewhere in Provence, and then when I got home signed on to get your ‘French Word a Day’ blog. It has been great. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning some new French words and learning about life through the eyes of the French. I’ve loved your humor and your transparency. Your honesty is amazing. Being honest is always risky – you will never make everyone happy. That should never the anyone’s goal because it will never be successful. BUT, your insights, your honest reflections about the ups and downs of French life are something I always look forward to reading. Love to open my email and see that I have a note from “French Word a Day’. I agree with others that twice a week is great. I can’t even imagine how you could do it more. I’d certainly run out of things to say. If YOU want to stop your blog, that’s certainly up to you, but please know that most of us are blessed by your writings. God Bless you and your sweet family with whatever you decide to do.
Hello
I feel that you should keep the blog. The stories and photos are amazing. What is the reason you feel that you should stop? What kinds of things would have to happen or change for you to continue?
Se il vous plaît ne quittez pas. Je ai juste trouvé!
I’ve been reading and quoting you for about 10 years. You have provided much joy and entertainment. I studied French for four years in high school, over 40 years ago. I finally visited France about two years ago. I tried out my French everywhere and found the French people to be wonderfully helpful. Keep on writing!
I’m so glad that you are not considering closing up shop! While I don’t often comment, I always read your blog and have enjoyed immensely the tales of dogs and kids and husband along with the move and the vacations and the vendange. Hoping to make my move to Gascony before the end of this year and I will make a trip to Provence and finally meet you in person, chere Kristin! Bon Courage toujours! Et Merci mille fois!
I have treasured your stories here for 5 years.
I don’t think the suggestion about closing up shop was necessarily meant to be negative. I think that should always be on the table because you don’t HAVE to do this. You can, and we will love it. I see something stirring in you, maybe because of the new year, maybe because you are a reflective person, but it is good to re-evaluate and re-commit to the things in your life. One thing that helps me to make a decision is listing the pros of one decision and the pros of deciding something else(rather than pros and cons). It can make the choice seem much clearer.
Hello Kristen. I live in Denver. I know you’ve been here not too long ago. I hope you enjoyed the Rocky Mountains. Thanks so much for your blog and emails. I enjoy them very much. – Don
PLEASE do not leave the blog-sphere. I started following your blog after reading your first book. Your keen observations and wonderfully way with words have put smiles on my face and fed my French obsession. I’ve felt privileged to watch you and your family grow and blossom over the years. Amicalement, Elizabeth
NoNoNo……Kristin,
I’ve been following you for years now and you have been the one way I can stay in touch with a beautiful country that I love. We had a lovely wine tasting under a beautiful tree in your yard a few years back before you moved. That time has stayed with me. Ignore those negative people. You bring me such joy every time I read your blog.
Hang in there!
Diane
I usually read others’ posts before adding my own. Today I decided to comment first. The volume of responses should indicate that, as far as I can tell, your blog SHOULD NOT CLOSE UP SHOP!!!
I began reading FWAD as soon as I learn about it – I believe from a link on A Word A Day – in 2006. I’ve enjoyed it ever since. I admit that I would be immensely sorry to see it fold.
A while back, Kristin, you wrote that you might have to cut back severely on blogging: maybe not quite end it, but reduce the frequency drastically. At that time, the response from your fans was, essentially, “Okay – we know you have a life with limited time, and we are glad for whatever you write, whenever you write it.” I have written here and there since that you should never feel obligated to do a blog post, but when it is feasible for you, we are all very happy to read what you write. If FWAD goes to twice a week, once a week, once a month, or even an umpredictable, irregular “schedule” – we will be grateful to receive whatever you send. We appreciate the gift of what you write, and it should never be a burden.
Thanks, and keep up the good work – as the spirit moves you.
Dear Kristie,
Never EVER close your blog. I love it and look forward to it every week. I think I started receiving it when we moved here to Scottsdale in 2004. I love France, have tried all my life to learn to actually speak French and failed miserably….but I still love French, France and your blog.
I love reading your blog. I would be so sad if you stopped and would miss you. I can’t recall precisely when I started following your blog, but it was after I read your book-which I also loved. Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts in writing.
I just started reading a few months ago when I got a place at university to study French at fifty years of age. One month before I begin (after a 32 year break since high school)! I hope you keep writing your lovely blog – from Australia.
Kristi, I learned about your blog in 2010 and have been receiving it in my inbox and faithfully reading it ever since; but this is my first time posting a comment. When I saw the title of your latest entry, I felt a bit of a panic. I am a Francophile through and through and would certainly miss the connection to my beloved France that your blog provides, in addition to enjoying your lovely photos and the stories about you and your family. I’m still trying to recover from the ending of Paris Dauly Photo so please keep your blog coming! All the best.
Lora
Hi Kristi,
I have followed you since 2004. I really enjoy your posts, and of course, I have come to feel that I know you and your family who lead a seemingly idyllic life. You, of course, could have been in the movies, as they say. I hope that you won’t take any negative comments to heart. Publish when you can, and we will enjoy it!
Your friend,
Pierre Howard
Atlanta
Kristi,
I have been reading your French word a day since before it became a blog, that is before 2004. You were living in Les Arcs-sur-Argens. I have bought all of your books and I never stopped reading your blog. I might not get to it on the day it comes out, but I read it religiously.
So, please don’t stop writing your blog because there will be many,many disappointed people.
Your stories are great, your familyi is wonderful and the dogs are so much fun. We love hearing the stories.
Kathleen
To the blogger who suggested that you close up shop, I would only ask why he is still reading it if it has so little value. In any crowd, there’s always one malcontent, and he’s it in this case. You just have to take what he has to say with a grain of salt (or less)!
I have only been following this blog for about a year, since I started re-learning French seriously, and a friend mentioned your blog to me. I’ve enjoyed it ever since, and would miss it a lot.
My wife and I spent 3 weeks in Aix last summer, and we constantly draw parallels with your blog and our experience. (she also subscribes)
Keep up the good work; it’s worth it to a lot of people!
I have subscribed to your blog since January 2005; can it really be ten years now? You’ve given me a true view of life in Southern France, and I have had the opportunity to visit your neck of the woods three times during that time period and actually meet you and your family three year ago. Please continue with the blog, pictures, and news of the Franco-American family I have grown to love. Carole
PLEASE do not leave the blog-sphere. I started following your blog after reading your first book. Your keen observations and wonderfully way with words have put smiles on my face and fed my French obsession. I’ve felt privileged to watch you and your family grow and blossom over the years. Amicalement, Elizabeth
Kristi
Your blog is obviously cherished by many. I have been following for about 4 years and store most of your postings. It has become like an old friend.
We all seek affirmation from time to time, and I think you have received that, loud and clear.
Best Wishes
Les Cooper, Sydney, Australia
Close up shop? Quelle horreur!!! Even on vacation (I’m two states away from home) I read your blog at the hotel. I’ve been a subscriber for at least four years and have encouraged all my students to subscribe. You’d be tickled to hear them chide others in class who have yet to get on your list! Please keep posting because it means so much to so many!!
A good friend put me on to your blog several years ago, and I enjoy it daily. Of course, it would be your decision, but I would miss your blog if you chose to close down.
Merçi Bien!
Chere Kristi,
To paraphrase Jacques Brel: Ne me quitte pas! I have been following your blog since 2005 and I love every post. I have watched Jacquie and Max blossom into such wonderful young adults and I love JM’s quirky ways (still laugh at the sea urchin catching device). And you, Kristi, are a very talented writer whose warm heart shines through. Keep it up! You bring such joy to people all over the world.
Kristen, I am pretty sure I started reading your blog right after you started it!!! I have watched your family grow and your life adventures have been a joy to follow! And, that is how I found out about Jean-Marc and his amazing wines and we have been lucky to enjoy his wine dinners when we lived in Houston and so fortunate to meet you both for lunch by the beach near your new home! Ahhhh, the adventures!!! I am coveting the last three bottles of Rouge Bleu in my chiller too! Please, please continue to entertain us with your amazing words of wisdom!!! I always look forward to reading them!!! Bisous et amicalement!!!!
It is a very important connection to France for me.
You feel like family. Merci beaucoup.
Non, Non, Non. Do not stop this blog! My husband and I are relative newcomers (about the last 2 yrs) but we love your blog! and have bought books!
Kristi,
An old (for me) saying goes: “Don’t let the Turkeys get you down !” A newbie since 2011 recommened by freiends with a “petite chateau” in Montlaur near Cascasonne. Your blog a great help in planning and accomplishing a wonderful trip in 2012. Remember John Paul Jones.
Russ G
Bonjour Kristen,
I have subscribed to your blogs since late 2002. I teach French, and one of my student’s moms recommended this to me. I then recommended that my students subscribe to your articles. I love the pictures and have enjoyed watching your children and your puppies grow. I was thrilled to be in Paris when you and your daughter spoke at one of Adrian Leed’s events, where I bought two of your books! I’ve also enjoyed seeing the Espinasse wines come into fruition!! Good luck with everything, and please do not let the Debbie Downers of the world get you down:)
Karen Purpura
Kristi, when you have no words left, it’s time to stop writing. When you have no thoughts left to express, then stop writing. Until then find a format that fits your life best and hopefully share your writing with all of us.You would be sorely missed in my home.
Hello Kristi, I have been following your blog since 2010 and have purchased all your books as well. Please continue, I look forward to your postings and to learning a couple new French phrases!!!
Don’t even think about giving it up Kristin. I always look forward to reading your observations on life in France.
Dear Kristen,
I also have been following your blog since you began (it was the Aix-en-Provence connection that hooked me!) I also had the great joy of meeting you in the summer of 2009 with my husband and son. It was such an exciting day for me…and one I share with anyone who will listen to me! I love your blog – slow down, but don’t stop!
I have enjoyed and looked forward to your blog at least six years maybe longer. A daughter in Tx. also. I would miss you very much if you decided to stop. It seems to me there are a lot more masculine names also enjoying your writing.
Hi… I dearly love France and the French, and I dearly love your blog! I am a 45 year-old French major and (at least for now) I am contenting myself to “live” in France vicariously through your wonderful stories and pictures. Honestly, life for me is quite difficult. My mom just had a full-hip replacement and Dad has Alzheimer’s. I’m living with them now… doing my best to take care of them. Some days I think I’m going to explode, but your blog makes my life a bit better. It’s nice to think about something positive. Having said that, I think you need to do what’s best for you. If you want to close-up, then do it. Everyone needs a change once in a while… though I must confess that I hope you will be writing long into the future. You have touched my life in a good way, and I’m quite sure that you’ve touched others as well. Thank you for writing! : ) Amy Jo
I began reading in 2011 before moving to Luxembourg to help me with my French. We have been back in the states for 1 1/2 years now. But I still love to read it & see the beautiful pictures which inspire my love of gardening & Europe. This blog makes me smile and sometimes laugh out loud, by all means do not close up shop, its the only blog I read!!
Julie B
Don’t let the “cons” get you down! I have only been following you since summer of 2014. I was a French teacher part-time for many years and got my BA in French from Boston University. Your blog is wonderful and seems like a dream come true. Hard earned dream come true, I realize.
I can’t remember when I started reading your blog Kristin, but it’s been along time now. Never give up, we would miss you.
xxTracy
I have been following your blog for many years and have enjoyed everything: your posts, the pictures, the vocabulary hints, and your personal touch. Please do not stop. We Francophiles live through you! 🙂
Merci, et Bonne Année!
non, ne nous quittez jamais. J’ai lu depuis 2007, j’adore votre blog. C’est formidable!
DONT YOU DARE QUIT WRITING THIS BLOG!
It will devastate me. I started following you in June, 2007
when I returned from my trip to France. I love it and you
and Jean-Marc and your beautiful children. Please don’t
cut my heart out!
Love, love, love!
Shirley (~,~)
Dear Kristin
This page of comments is a wonderful testament to the deep affection and loyalty you inspire in your readers. I am sure it touches your heart deeply … and so it should. The bottom line is that you must choose to do what you know you need to do. We will all respect that decision … but in the meantime we sit with all digits crossed hoping you will continue to bring us smiles every week … or every month, if need be. I’ve been following you since 2006 … avec plaisir!
I started reading it maybe five years ago or so? Not really sure, but I would not want it to stop appearing in my inbox!
Kristi,
I’ve been reading your blog and books less than two years now. I love your writing, and it was immensely helpful to me when planning a trip to Paris last fall. Life is too short; you should write at a frequency that suits YOU, and know your followers will read your blog whenever you have time to write it.
All the best,
Diane
I have been reading and enjoying your column since 2004. I still remember my joy at receiving your hand addressed envelope with the beautiful French stamps containing your first three books. I also purchased Blossoming in Provence for my e-reader. I took my last French class in 1976, time and life have moved on but my love of the French language and culture have not gone. You have been my connection to that past pleasure. You have also showed me what real personal courage is. I don’t even know what to say about the pleasure of your incredible photographs. I would hate to lose this pleasure but if your needs and interests have changed we would be so selfish to think only of our own desires. Thank you, thank you for everything you have shared over the last 10 years.
I began reading, and with great eagerness, look forward to the next story which began 4 years ago. I remarried 7 years ago to a wonderful man who had no interest in visiting Europe. My French heritage intrigued him, but sharing your stories and landmarks inspired him as well as myself. I originally found you in my search for original and new recipes. I continue to be inspired by integrating culture and cuisine into our lives. Please do continue and thanking for bringing life and blessings to the page.
JAMAIS! Please NEVER give up your blog Kristin! It is such a delightful slice of life of your world in the south of France, something that most of us can only dream about. And your photographs are indeed worth a thousand words. Once a week, twice a week, but please never, never give up your delightful blog. It brings such pleasure to so many of us.
P.S. I have been reading your blog for about a year.
I began reading your blog in 2008. I have always dreamt of one day packing the port and heading to France which we did in 2012 (love, love, love). Your blog is a delight to read, I laugh with you and have cried a few times reading as well but always excited to read each edition. Please don’t stop writing down your joyous words 🙂