Every Francophiles Favorite F Word + 2 Days in Paris!

In the enchanting evening of Paris, the author reflects on the joy of flânerie—strolling without a specific destination. Surrounded by Montmartre’s beauty, particularly the Sacré Coeur Basilica, the author’s journey with her daughter Jackie unfolds as they ponder their limited time in the city. While planning activities like dinner and a cabaret, uncertainty arises about their options. Ultimately, they embrace the idea of wandering, highlighting the allure of exploration in the City of Light. The author contemplates the importance of savoring moments together before Jackie’s departure, expressing a desire to share more stories about their experiences in Paris. Continue reading Every Francophiles Favorite F Word + 2 Days in Paris!

What to serve our Guests? (and “Bob’s Your Uncle” in French)

The sign says “Open.” Coucou from La Ciotat. If you are visiting our city, why not stop into Jean-Marc's wineshop? Call ahead and he will be happy to see you at Le Vin Sobre  Bar à Vin. TODAY'S PHRASE: "Le tour est joué"     : that's all there is to it, and Bob's your uncle FRENCH SOUND FILE: Click below to hear Jean-Marc pronounce … Continue reading What to serve our Guests? (and “Bob’s Your Uncle” in French)

“La Douloureuse”: A funny way to say “the check” + A Tourist Trap, Beware!

Handwoven fishing baskets on La Maddalena Island, off Sardinia. Read about how we got trapped in a tourist net in today’s missive, and learn another meaning for la douloureuse. Speaking of pain, my eye surgery went well. Thank you for your kind notes. Today’s (Slang) Word: la douloureuse   : the check, the bill, “the painful” AUDIO: Click the link below to hear the example sentence … Continue reading “La Douloureuse”: A funny way to say “the check” + A Tourist Trap, Beware!

Vadrouiller: 7 updates while we roam around La Maddalena

A serene island cove off the Mediterranean sea coast of Sardinia Her Own Legacy by Debra Borchert: A Woman Fights for Her Legacy as the French Revolution Erupts. Available in paperback or read it on Kindle    TODAY’S WORD: vadrouiller  : wander, meander, roam around    FRENCH SOUND FILE: Click below to hear Jean-Marc pronounce vadrouiller and all the French words in this edition. Then … Continue reading Vadrouiller: 7 updates while we roam around La Maddalena

Piquer: Guess who moved out of our house and stole away with our stuff?

Max, working from his new îlot central. After 8 months of renovation, our son is finally settled into his new appartement.   Visiting La Ciotat or a nearby town? Stop in and see us at Jean-Marc's wineshop. Call ahead and we'll set up a visit. Today's Word: piquer    : prick, bite, sting    : to steal, nab, nick Her Own Legacy by Debra Borchert: A … Continue reading Piquer: Guess who moved out of our house and stole away with our stuff?

Redémarrer: Bonjour. An update from Kristi

In Denver, I got to meet "Sunny", my sister's 5th chien de berger anglais ancestral, and enjoy a longawaited reunion with family. Read on and bienvenue to new subscribers. Delighted to have you with us!  Today's Word: redémarrer     : to restart, start again, to get moving FRENCH SOUND FILE: Click the following link to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in today's post. … Continue reading Redémarrer: Bonjour. An update from Kristi

Adieu Sweet Smokey: French for “Dog Heaven”

Forever in our hearts. Goodbye, Sweet Smokey: August 16th, 2009-July 16, 2022 We take a moment to rise above our sadness to thank you, dearest Smokey, for all the humor, love, and care you so generously shared. We will never forget you. As Jackie said, the hardest part is that this marks a new chapter of our lives. Dear readers, we are gently turning this … Continue reading Adieu Sweet Smokey: French for “Dog Heaven”

Learn what “quiproquo” means via this familiar synonym + Vive Smokey!

Our soon-to-be 13-year-old, Smokey and day lilies from our friends Anne and Kirk. Don't miss a beautiful picture of my Mom, Jules, at the close of this post (if your are reading via email, click on the link somewhere below to continue reading).TODAY'S WORD: "un malentendu"  : a misunderstanding, misinterpretation, misapprehension AUDIO: click here to listen to the example sentence below Un quiproquo est un … Continue reading Learn what “quiproquo” means via this familiar synonym + Vive Smokey!

La Grande Randonnée: Jean-Marc’s GR 20 trek in Corsica: Part II bilingual story + full audio recording

Did you know that "GR" of  “GR20” is an acronym for “Grande Randonnée” or “long hike”? Today, Jean-Marc recounts his recent adventure along this mythical footpath, one of the most difficult treks in Europe—located on the beautiful island of Corsica.    In books: Granite Island: A Portrait of Corsica. TODAY'S WORD: la randonnée     : hike, trek, ramble, walk OUR GR 20 TREK IN … Continue reading La Grande Randonnée: Jean-Marc’s GR 20 trek in Corsica: Part II bilingual story + full audio recording

The French word for “Fellowship” and (a funny term for “Homebody”)

My Mom and her fish purse at our farmer's market. Photo taken 4 years ago, when Jules moved to France.  In Summer reading: From Moulin Rouge to Gaudi's City by E.J. Bauer Today's Words: Fellowship 1. camaraderie (companionship, company)2. confrérie (brotherhood, friary) Bonus Word: Homebody     : pantouflard(e) (from "pantoufle" or slipper) FRENCH SOUND FILE: Click below to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in … Continue reading The French word for “Fellowship” and (a funny term for “Homebody”)