Parlez peu, écoutez beaucoup, voyez tout et faites en sorte d'en profiter. Hear this in French and see the translation, below. (picture of my former "writing desk with a view". I just learned, yesterday, that we have an almond tree in our new back yard…after it bloomed this week!) PROFITER     : make the most of    : enjoy Click here to listen to … Continue reading The French are always saying this word. But they’re NOT talking about money!

"To interest oneself in a lot of things, to be surrounded by people who we love–that's the secret to my longevity." -French actress Michèle Morgan. Listen to her words in French and see the translation, below. Picture taken in La Ciotat, where I bumped right into a reader of this word journal. Read Wendy's reaction below. LES GENS     : people les jeunes gens … Continue reading Les Gens are the secret to a long life + faire d’une pierre deux coups

In the decade since he began writing, Marc Levy become most-read French author in the world. To all who dare to follow their dream… may today's interview give you wings! un entretien (ontr-tee-en)         1) an interview         2) management/service (a car check-up, etc…) Audio File: Listen to our daughter, Jackie, read the following sentence: Download MP3 or Wav file Aujourd'hui, lisez mon entretien avec l'écrivain Marc Levy.Today, … Continue reading From Red Cross worker…to most read Frenchman in the world. The inspiring story of Marc Levy

This book recommendation comes to you from…my wonderful dad! We chatted via Skype last night and Dad could not stop raving about Portrait of a Woman in White. If you love history, art, and romance–and are interested in WWII–buy Susan Winkler's book! "Winkler takes a topic of growing interest, the recovery and return of art stolen by the Nazis, and weaves a story spanning 23 … Continue reading Our Current Mess + Une Alerte Orange

This photo was taken years ago, at our vineyard, but it could be our new place here in La Ciotat. We have the same chairs (from my belle-mère), same bougainvillea, same gravel, same dog. Familiarity is comforting, isn't it? If you have read this letter for years, you are getting to know our family. If you are a new reader, Bienvenue! So nice to meet … Continue reading Enchanté de vous rencontrer + rest in a teachable spirit

Bonjour et Bonne Année. Je suis bouleversé par tous vos messages de soutien et vous en remercie du fond du cœur. Un nouveau chapitre de notre vie s'ouvre… Avec ma profonde reconnaissance.   Hello and Happy New Year. I am overwhelmed by all your messages of support and thank you from the bottom of my heart. A new chapter in our life opens… With my … Continue reading Bonne Année