A giant arbre (a Banyan tree?) in the market square of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Today's Word: le rivage     : shore, bank, coastlineClick to listen to Jean-Marc read the French example sentence: Tu ne traversera jamais l'océan si tu as peur de perdre de vue le rivage.You will never cross the ocean if you are afraid of losing sight of the shore. A DAY … Continue reading Le rivage: Mother-Daughter adventure in Beaulieu-sur-Mer

Years ago I had dinner at a friend's in Bandol and wrote about the musical evening–but never posted the story (it needed work). I found the written draft this morning and reencountered one of the characters from that night: Harry Rabinowitz. Today's column is in memory of the endearing British composer and conductor who was born in South Africa and died in France. Today's French … Continue reading A story lost (but not forgotten): In Memory of Harry Rabinowitz

Our daughter, Jackie (center, at her father's wine shop) reunited with her closest friends during her recent visit.  Bienvenue to those who have just signed on to this French word journal. And a warm welcome back to longtime readers. Heureuse de vous retrouver! To get the most out of this language blog, be sure to read beyond the featured word–to the personal column about our … Continue reading An update from Kristi + Bienvenue, Sourire, Faire La Gueule

Bonjour from La Ciotat where I am checking in from my staycation to share the good news of Jackie's arrival tomorrow, Wednesday. We are thrilled to see our daughter who we have not hugged since before this pandemic began. We thank you for keeping Jackie in your thoughts and prayers as she navigates 3 airports, traveling from Florida to Paris and onto Marseilles. Also, I'd … Continue reading Exciting News! An update from my Staycation

If you've ever dreamed of living in France, it is not too late! Diane Covington-Carter proved that in her delightful memoir, "Eight Months in Provence, A Junior Year Abroad, 30 Years Late." Covington-Carter headed off to Provence at age fifty and discovered that wisdom and maturity made her "Junior Year Abroad" not, after all, thirty years late. But rather, right on time. A great summer read! … Continue reading L’Oisiveté: Thoughts on Work, Love, and Writing

Gravel is handy for a lot of things–including pétanque (boules)! Read on to learn about another benefit of rocks. (Pictured: family members, including André, who is measuring, at a picnic in Fuveau). Today's Word: ramasser     : to pick up, gather Audio file: Click to hear Jean-Marc read the following French sentence:Rockhounding, ou géologie amateur, est l'étude récréative et la collecte de roches, de … Continue reading Gaga for Galets! Rock collecting: caillou, roche, gravier, pierre and other stones in French

Putting the finishing touches on our new spinning composter…My excuse for not putting the finishing touches on today's post. But if you read through to the end you will pick up a lot of French vocabulary! Edits are always welcome in the comments section. Merci!  A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Our new composteur rotatif arrived! It's a spinning contraption that'll transform … Continue reading The French words are in the story (Some Assembly Required!)