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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Please don’t stop. How will we know what you are doing.
I believe I began following your blog a little before your Shakespeare and Company post.
I too am a late bloomer to gardening and I love it. I listened to my grandfather talk about gardening, but I did not really begin to do as I learned from him until about 8 years ago. I am a fanatic about gardening. And, if there is a workshop for it, I am there!
As far as your blog goes, I say to do what is best for you and your creative juices. If once a week is good, do that, if twice weekly is good, do that. We will appreciate and enjoy anything. And, if you need to take time off, do that too!
I have enjoyed with you and sometimes cried with you since before my husband and I went to Paris in August 2011 – so at least since then. I also say a firm NON! to stopping this blog but in the end, it is yours to do with as you will. My life is richer for having ‘met’ you 😀
I can;t even add any more to what the others have said although I am so happy that everyone wants you to continue. I can certainly understand how you feel after all these years, but your words DO matter! YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE- in all the lives of us who dream of living a life in France but never will. Kristi- we have shared all your joys and woes, frustrations and exclamations- you put into words what so many of us can’t find the words to say. Please don’t leave us!
Pay no attention to that mean bully. Please keep your blog going — I’ve been a subscriber for nearly a year and I love reading what you have to say.
Dear Kristi, I totally agree with so many who are urging you here to continue with your wonderful in so many ways, and entertaining in not less many ways, blog to support people’s needs and wants with your never wavering word of Truth and Grace, with your warmths and humour, with your often helpful remarks on the language intricacies and with your joyful state of art pictures.
It has been a pleasure receiving your emails for a few years, and I hope you would continue.
Great essence, remarkable writer — I am sure many more new readers who wish to learn about France and its language, or those with the good memories of any French connections they have had in their lives, would be joining your blog. ..as long as you keep writing.
Love,
Francesca
Kristi, I don’t even know how we found you, K and I, but it must’ve been over 10 years ago. You have become our friend. Please keep it up.
I began reading your blog soon after a river cruise on the Rhone River in 2012. One of the tour directors told me about your blog. Since then I have bought your books, enjoyed reading them and your writing each week!
Tonight I am bone weary tired after taking care of my three grandsons for a couple of days, yet here I am reading your blog because I enjoy it so very much! Once again, my day’s labor is brightened by your words and pictures!
Keep going, please!
Kristin, please don’t close up shop! I feel like you are a friend. You probably don’t remember, but your blog (actually your book) was instrumental in reuniting me with my childhood friend, Sandy Yolofsky (now Zeoli), and you featured us in a blog! (By the way, we are still in touch.)
I don’t know when I first started reading your column. However, I made an email folder and have been saving your columns for years. The first one I saved is dated 03/03/10, but I’m sure I started following you long before that.
So please stay with us, at least awhile longer.
I have been reading your blog since October, when my father was first recovering from surgery and we Googled your name to see if you’d written a sequel to “Words in a French Life”…..You had, and now we have the blog, too! THANK YOU. Eileen Burns
Kristi,
Just another example of your openness – share with your countless number of readers what’s on your mind.
I was introduced to your blog and Bonjour Paris by my good friend – and yours, Anne Woodyard, when I was making a permanent move to France. Have been reading you faithfully since 2007. Your family, including your Mom and the dogs are all part of my world now.
It would be sad to lose you all, but as several people have said “it is your decision” and no one can take away all the great stuff you have shared over the years.
Good Luck with this difficult decision.
Jill, Lot, France
Don’t even think of ‘closing shop!’ I have been subscribed for a few weeks and your blog is very important to me.
I am a South African, living in Hanoi with my Vietnamese wife, and we intend buying a restaurant in Lyon, where my step-son is a prof at Lyon University, so I need to learn to speak ASAP!
Your blogs are charming, informative, and give one the feeling that you are a personal friend!
Bonjour Kristin,
Just before we moved to Paris from Poulsbo, WA (near Seattle) in October 2011 I began searching the internet for interesting blogs about France and found French Word A Day. I was fortunate enough to meet you this year at an event sponsored by Adrian Leeds in the Marais. I love your books and your blog and photos and add the new vocabulary words and phrases to my list each week. Your writing inspires me to write too. Thank you! And keep up the good work. Bisous
I’ve followed since about 2005. I feel as if I’ve watched your beautiful family grow up. Thank you for sharing your lives (and French vocabulary) with us! xo
I’ve always loved your prose – the sincerity and wit of your writing. I’ve been following you for many years now and remember sending you an email about 5 years ago asking about the life of a blogger – and you so kindly responded 🙂 Your stories are insightful and joyful and always bring a smile, so please don’t stop writing and sharing!
I’m part of the ‘silent majority’ that read your blog but rarely contribute. I also keep a blog of my own.
It’s YOUR diary of YOUR life, just as mine is of my own. Other people enjoy it as well—that’s great. Just keep YOUR diary going as long as YOU want to. It’s really got nothing to do with us. Sooner or later you may just have to stop and a lot of people will be disappointed, including me, but hey…………….people………..aren’t we lucky to have had so much so far?
I have followed you since very early days and still love to read what you write about your life. Love the trip down memory lane with the photos.
Honestly, I don’t get people who tell YOU to stop writing because they don’t want to read it anymore. All THEY have to do is stop readiing it and it is gone for them. Usually negative people have a whole battery of other issues not at all related to the current thought.
I wish them well and I say tata to them. Hope they find what they are looking for (ie–NOT YOUR PROBLEM!!)
Bisous
Robyn France
Carry on Kristin
Follow your heart, as you always have! This is what we all love about you!!! Love and greetings from Aimée & the Mareneck’s, to JM as well
I began following in 2012, when I started working for Arizona State University. ASU gave me a chance to make my dreams come true – LEARN FRENCH! My teacher, forwarded your blog to the class and I fell in love first with your blog and way of life. Now I have a love for you Kristin, you have such a sweet, tender heart.
BLOG ON! Bless you!
In 2008 in an intermediate level French course at Penn State, a professor encouraged us to choose an email subscription to help enrich our vocabulary. You never stop learning a 2nd language and I look forward to reading and learning from your posts. Even if I’m too busy to read them when I get them in my email, they go into their own tab on my gmail and I read them whenever I’m longing for a little bit of French culture. Thank you for all you do!
I gasped when I read that someone had said that to you! Oh please don’t go away! Write more not less – I have been reading and learning my French and life lessons with you for 2 years now. Please don’t listen to the either insanely jealous or just plain insane that try to discourage you – keep on keeping on! I enjoy it tremendously!
I found French Word A Day when we returned from our first trip to France in 2006 (where we experienced a beautiful family wedding in the Dordogne). Ralph and I were hooked on France and I, for one, couldn’t get enough of it so I started following several blogs (Eric Tenin’s Paris Daily Photo was one also…which I now sorely miss since he has just recently discontinued it.) Then, after reading “The Book”, Words in a French Life, and corresponding with Kristy for a few years I was thrilled when we actually got to visit the vineyard at St. Cecile les Vignes and taste some wonderful wines. Helas, while ‘the book’ travelled to France with me TWICE, for the author’s signature, it never made it as far as the vineyard on either occasion! LOL…We are currently planning our bi-annual visit to France and will be staying in Marseilles and environs this April. Maybe we will get a chance to view the new ‘digs’ and finally get that signature. Oh, and don’t you dare give up on this blog–it is a lifeline to my most favorite people and places! xo Nancy
I began reading these in 2008. I actually have a file folder in my email where I have stored ALL of them for future reference. I don’t speak French but I wish I could. I love France.
Hi Kristi, I think I found your blog in early 2005, and have read it faithfully since then. Don’t you dare stop! Also enjoy J-M’s postings about the vineyard, etc. We have enjoyed meeting you and Jean-Marc on several occasions as you’ve moved around. Hope to be in France in October and to see you again. Cheers, Annabelle and Bill
Kristin, I have been following your blog from the beginning and I love your stories, your family, your dogs, your vinyard, and the bits of French, and France that you share with us. Please continue to share as much and as often as you wish. (From New York City, Europe’s loveliest suburb).
I’ve only been reading your blog for only a year or so and hope that you never stop writing it! Wish that I had discovered it sooner. As for the nasty person who would write such a thing to you, pay no attention to such a jealous and mean-spirited person. Strange that someone who thinks you should stop writing it would be reading it in the first place.
As a former blogger, I understand the work that goes into this oeuvre. Thank you for that! Do what you must for your time, sanity, and family, and know that you’ll be missed should you choose to step back.
As for me, I’ve been following you for at least 5 years. Merci mille fois!
Are you kidding …don’t you dare close shop! Your photos alone transport me from my condo in DC TO THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE.
Your writing is charming and clear. Your narratives let us peek into a life that is so different from our own. Ignore those naysayers…
I never write comments but I felt compelled to write this one.
Mary Liz hHiggins
Hi Kristin, I started reading “French Word a Day” in 2010 and delighted in reading about your day to day life as an American in France and experiencing all your photography of the French way of life — you captured stunning visuals!! Actually, i was very HAPPY it was NOT an “every day” blog — i don’t have time for that — yet once a week or every other week is fine. You mentioned the question of whether should you close up shop on your blog. . . and i feel that is a call only you can make — life changes and interests change. If you feel the need to spend your valuable time elsewhere (in the vineyard, or studying painting, or creating a B&B or whatever your fancy dictates)then i support your endeavors elsewhere. There is only so much of a person that can go around — sometimes in order to have new life things happen we need to open the space for them to come to us. I had a blog for almost 3 years and after weekly posts, then monthly, and little readership (i started too late in the information craze) i viewed is a nice writing experiment that i had tired of. ~heather
Hi Kristen
I began reading your blog in 2013 when someone suggested French Word-a-day to help improve my French. I looked for word-a day, and found your blog. Have to confess the French phrases have long since taken second place to news of you and your family. I especially loved your account of your mother’s trip home after staying with you. The news of the events, changes, ups and downs in your lives is a welcome reminder of how important families and friends are, no matter what part of the globe we live in. It’s also a tantalising snippet of another place and culture, please don’t stop, and keep up with the photos.
I started reading your French words in 2006/2007. Wow, that’s when I returned to school after staying home with my two girls, from 1996 until 2006, just when I began learning Le français. However, I don’t always read everything because of time…so I love the words, listening, and pictures. I am hoping to bake the yogurt cake soon!
Je pense que vous vous deviez établir votre propre magasin là!
I see that I registered in March 2009, but I had been reading your blogs before that. Can’t remember exactly when I started; I just know that I don’t want to stop. There’s nothing else that comes my way that gives me such pleasure, both reading what you write and admiring what you photograph. I would understand if you wrote less often – your life is clearly full. But PLEASE don’t stop, s’il ous plaît. Your blogs are addictive.
Hi Kristen,
I have already commented above that i started reading your blog in 2010 and adored “seeing” the life of an American in France through your wonderful photography… but i wanted to add another thought/comment and hope you don’t mind. 🙂 The majority of comments i have read above in response to your question are strong words against closing up shop — words along the lines of “don’t you dare quit” and this made me sad. These comments do not allow for the space that YOU and/or your soul may need to guide you toward what is best for you.
However, one comment by a psychologist, Micki Simms, resonated with me. She wrote on January 19th (@ 5:34) the most wonderful understanding words to you. I hope you saw them. She said sometimes a person is just “done” with something and needs to move forward. I AGREE WITH HER (thank you Micki) and the whole idea of simply being okay with yourself if you want to move on. YES, you have a large following on your blog, which is a nice, they are there for support and they are a worthy audience for your blog. But ultimately, it is your time, your life and your choice. Don’t do it out of guilt, or “nothing better to do” or a “should do this for my public” mentality — you will only be resentful. Listen to the clues from your body, soul and emotional state — they should let you know if the “affair” is over and it is “time”. And who knows something equally as creative may come to the fore one day. You will ultimately know what will be the next idea, vision, or project which you can fall in love with again. AND to finish my comment. . . just “being” and experiencing life for a while, instead of “doing” or “working” on something is a wonderful way to live life as well.
Salut Kristi! Trying to remember exactly when it was that I started reading your blog. I think it was 2003… Have enjoyed feeling a part of your and your family’s lives. Et en francais! Quoi de mieux?? Can’t believe how quickly a family grows up! It’s no time at all, is it…? Sending affection your way.
Virginia
Los Angeles
I don’t know when I started reading your blog…many years now. I’ve walked side by side raising (my grandson)with your son as they’re the same age. I don’t read every entry, every day…but you’re like an old friend online. Just to balance out when someone posts a negative comment…try this: the next time you read a nice post online, follow to the bottom and read the “comments”…there’s always going to be idiots with too much time and negativity on their hands, and they all love to read their own words online. A lot of times, they aren’t even related to what they’re commenting on…Write your blog if you feel like it, if it becomes like a job instead of a joy-reconsider how often you feel like you “have to” post? I know it’s called word-a-day…-maybe you could post “French Words” and make writing a joy again instead of a job? Ignore the ignorant. Keep up the good work. Your blog is great.
I, for one would miss your blogs,however infrequent they may turn out tobe. I started reading as a way of improving my French. I was a real novice when I stated reading. I emjoy reading about your growing family and how you live in your part of France. You have inspired us to visiy several places which you have mentioned from time to time.. Please keep going as long as you can
2005 for me..did that rude person give a reason as to why you should “close up shop”? I am sure that he has no idea of the vast number of followers that you have. If it is not his or her taste, he can just delete himself from receiving it.
After having been such a long-time reader, I would make an educated guess that your readership is at least 75% female. As a male, I often feel that you consciously or unconsciuosly cater to the female demographic, sometimes leaving me uninterested in the accompanying story.
Just one man’s opinion. I’m not going anywhere as I am in it for the education that it provides to me as a student of French language.
Hi Kristi,
I can’t quite remember when I started following your blog, I just know that whenever you post your poignant stories and beautiful photos it brings a smile to my heart. Looking forward to your next post.
Bisous,
Susan
I’ve been following your exciting, inspiring and sometimes exhausting life for 7-8 years now! I was living in Phoenix when you came over to visit your sister and you invited Mark and me to a wine tasting there. We kept in touch as years passed and I participated in the Vendange at your vineyard in 2010 (an amazing experience). I love following along with your daily lives and would hate to see you close down your blog. I’d love it if you could keep us informed and entertained through FWAD and if the time comes that the responsibility of blogging out weighs the joy you receive from it, then please, follow your heart and do what you are called to do. Thank-you for 13 years (so far) of dedicated writing. We have all been truly blessed to know you!
Hi Kristi,
I have followed your blog since 2009 when I met my husband I was looking for all things French!
I have bought all your books and enjoyed them very much as I do your blog and whoever wrote the mean comment just ignore them. As you know, there will always be haters! To me you are a friend that I have not yet met! I hope to meet you someday….until then your words will continue to inspire me…
Bisous,
Sandy Vichery
I think Max may have been 10….but I can check, because I have saved many, taking out the words and sayings….rather tedious, but…..
It looks like they year Max was ten is how long I have been connected. It has been a fun journey that I hope is not over. You have touched on a little bit of everything in life over the years. Even if you just continued for once a week, you have to know that we would all still be with you. When you finally do decide to venture in a different direction, do it on YOUR TERMS; there will always be someone out there who wants to ruffle feathers. Love, Live and Laugh……Joie
Mon Ami Kristi,
Mon dieu, non. Stumbled upon your blog two years ago and adore reading your accounts of village life. Also, love your teaching style and the wonderful photographs. The person who suggested that you close shop can only be described as a lunatic; possibly needs to increase the dosage of her anti-depressant meds, non?
Dear Kristin
I have been reading you “French word a day” since 21/01/2004 – not for as long as others but long enough to feel that I know you and your family quite well – and enjoyed the experience 🙂
While the decision to publish or not is (and can only be) yours, I for one would be disappointed and miss your twice (or once) weekly missive from France.
I first visited France in 1974 an have been back 3 more times. While Bretagne is my favourite region, I very much enjoy your descriptions of your local life and places.
I wish you well for the future whatever choice you make.
Warm regards
Andrew
I just love the photo of the elderly couple at the table! And also the one of you lying on the ground with the puppies, it is so adorable!
Keep writing. This country is built on the slow and steady…a lot of good years and good writing in front of you, and it’s a pleasure to read. Thanks for inspiring some of us to keep working away on our own projects!
Please don’t stop!
Dear Kristi,
I’ve been enjoying, and learning (French language and so much more) from your wonderful blog since 2010. Please don’t even think of stopping! But if you are stressed by posting twice a week, you could always cut back on the frequency… your loyal readers will understand and still look forward to your new installments. With gratitude and best wishes,
Ellie
Hi Kristin,
I started reading your blog several years ago and got hooked right away. It’s not just your fabulous pictures of a place all of us would like to be, it’s your humble, considerate attitude in viewing the world around you and telling us about its people and customs. Being a generous spirit, you are able to see people and respond to them and describe them without your ego getting in the way. It’s an invaluable quality in a writer.
I don’t often get a chance to comment here, but I love your blog, and no matter how busy my day is, I can’t stop myself from reading it the minute it hits my RSS feed.
Don’t ever stop.
Teresa