"The Spiderman of the 18th" speaks with the President. Mamoudou Gassama's selfless act awarded him more than citizenship, a job, and a bravo from the President, it has given him–and all of us–l'éspoir in humankind. Let's hope that after the media invasion, this former refugee will be left in peace–to grow and to find happiness, and, finally, a bit of rest, in France. Read about … Continue reading Escalader: the story of Mamoudou Gassama, “The Spiderman of the 18th”

Halfway in? or halfway out (like Smokey here)? To continue receiving these updates via email simply click on this link for your subscription to be automatically validated (the link takes you to the latest post). Today's phrase: avoir la dalle  : to be hungry Click here to listen to the following sentence: J'ai la dalle. J'ai la dalle. Maman, j'ai très très faim…il n'y a … Continue reading French Mothers Day + J’ai la dalle – my son keeps saying this. What does it mean?

Continue reading Sunrise in La Ciotat

A wasabi plant beside our fountain… Dear Reader, please note, as of today: Inactive subscribers must be removed from my French Word-A-Day email list in order to conform to the latest GDPR internet privacy laws. =>To be counted as an active subscriber: click on any link in today's post (this one, par exemple!)  Today's word: dacodac     : Okie dokie (OK)  Click here to listen to the … Continue reading Darling reader, I need your “dacodac”! If you want to continue receiving this homespun letter from France, action is required

An all-French edition, comme ceci, caused a few of you to head for the hills last time. Relax! Even if you don't read French, tell yourself, "of the 1000 most frequently used English words, some 50 percent come from French." Well, maybe this is an exaggeration (as was that sudden exodus to the hills, or collines… speaking of which, look at the beautiful scene, above). Thanks to my … Continue reading Escapade en Lozère + A hike and a surprise encounter in Cevennes National Park

My precious Mom usually puts on her makeup lying down. In a pinch, she'll do things the conventional way. What I love about this picture are all the familiar items: her fish purse, her Panama hat, her compact mirror…. Something you don't know about me: I am (superstitious is not the word) very disciplined about not working or writing on Sunday. For me, it is a day … Continue reading C’est La Fête des Meres quelque part. Somewhere, it’s Mothers Day (Just not in France)

My old man, who records the sound files for this word journal. Merci, Jean-Marc! If only we'd stop trying to be happy, we could have a pretty good time. -Edith WhartonSi seulement on essayait d’arrêter d’être heureux, on pourrait peut-être profiter de la vie. Today's Words: Profiter de la vie     : to enjoy life Audio File: click the words below to hear the … Continue reading Profiter de la vie

We're meeting our neighbors, thanks to our local fishmonger. Read about this endearing personnage (seen in the last photo) in today's story.  le voisin     : neighbor Example sentence & Sound File Click here to listen to Jean-Marc read the soundfile Quand la maison du voisin brûle, c'est ton affaire aussi When your neighbor's house burns down, it is your business too. A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE     … Continue reading On the positive side: after the attempted break in, getting to know the neighbors (including somebody famous!)

Many people wonder how would their dog react should a break-in occur. I now know the answer. This picture says it all. Today's word is "effraction," for "break-in". The following is a sentence by sentence account of a chilling run-in with an intruder on Thursday night–while alone in my home. After you read it, I would like to know your tips on securing your home–and yourself–as … Continue reading Alone & Face to face with a burglar! Seule et nez à nez avec un cambrioleur!