TODAY'S WORD: LA RECONNAISSANCE : acknowledgment, gratefulness A YEAR IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse And just like that, 2024 has come to an end. As they say here in Provence, Bon bout d’an!—happy end of the year. How quickly the months have gone by. Like the gentle breeze sweeping the neighborhood leaves across the seafront, le temps vole! But to where, … Continue reading Adieu 2024: A Year of Lessons and Unexpected Blessings
The following story is a reminder it’s the thought that counts, so don’t stress over gift-giving this season (easier said than done, I know…) TODAY’S PHRASE: C’est le geste qui compte [say-luh zhest kee kohnt] : it’s the thought that counts A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Entering the studio on the side of our house, I find Mom bundled in bed, … Continue reading C’est le geste qui compte: A phrase to remember during gift-giving season
Bonjour, Jean-Marc here—Kristi's husband, aka Chief Grape, and the guy behind those sound files you hear in this journal. From January 6 to March 20, 2025, I’ll be cycling the legendary Carretera Austral in Chile and making wine in Mendoza, Argentina. If you have friends or family in Santiago (Chile) or Mendoza (Argentina), I’d love any helpful connections to make this adventure even more special. … Continue reading The Christmas Dessert with a Rich History: Discover the Pompe à l’Huile
Meet "Ollie," our olive tree, who will soon be dressed for Christmas with baubles, ribbons and warm white lights. Discover the story behind this unique Christmas tree in today's post. Voici "Ollie," notre olivier, qui sera bientôt paré pour Noël avec des boules, des rubans, et des lumières blanches chaudes. Découvrez l'histoire de cet arbre de Noël unique dans le billet d'aujourd'hui. L'ARBRE DE NOËL … Continue reading L’arbre de Noël & A Christmas tree with a Provençal Twist
Le Bon Temps ("The Good Times")—the name of this local brasserie captures the spirit of why my son loves La Ciotat so much. Now, he's committing to a new home and a new chapter. In today's story, read about this exciting milestone. Below: a dreamy night view from Max and Ana's apartment. TODAY'S WORD: La Crémaillère : housewarming party; housewarming PRONUNCIATION: [kray-myeh-air] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:"Ce n’était … Continue reading The First Turn of the Key, A Housewarming, and France’s Quirky Floor Numbers
Beautiful, innocent Italy, where seemingly nothing could go wrong. Do you ever let down your guard when traveling to charming places? Read about our iffy airport transfer after midnight in today's update… Stay connected with me on Instagram or Facebook or LinkedIn. It’s a great way to keep in touch, especially when this blog takes a break or faces technical hiccups. I’d hate to lose … Continue reading Louche: A Shady, Sketchy, and Suspicious Encounter at the Airport
Today’s story unfolds here in La Ciotat, near this lush, green former agricultural estate, now the Parc du Domaine de la Tour… A Note About Your Subscription:From time to time, readers are automatically dropped from my mailing list by a system that flags inactive emails—this isn't something I control! To ensure you stay connected and don’t miss out on these weekly updates, please click on … Continue reading A Visit to the Kiné: French Healthcare with a Cozy Twist
"Woman With the Purple Hair in L'isle-sur-la-Sorgue." Her yellow skirt, red-trimmed bag, black tights, and violet highlights–she makes me want to trade my trusty jeans for something electrifying. Indeed, on the eve of the Day of the Dead, this lady is alive! For me, her tenue speaks of creativity, freedom, sweetness, and determination. Notice, also, the jack-o'-lanterns streaming in the sky… Joyeuse Halloween! TODAY'S WORD: … Continue reading Essayer: Celebrating 22 Years with French Word-A-Day: From Trick-or-Treaters to Timeless Tales
Colorful buildings along the port of Cassis. Also, below, in the first six lines below, I am trying a new format for the word of the day. How do you like it? Do you have other suggestions for this weekly journal. Thanks for letting me know in the comments box. TODAY'S WORD: Laquelle, Lequel Pronunciation: [la-kell, le-kell]Meaning: Which one? Example Sentence:Je ne sais pas laquelle … Continue reading Laquelle? Choices, Drama, & Everyday Life in France
Bubbles in Barcelona: Enjoy the story of our father-daughters’ Mediterranean reunion in today's entry “Papa Chéri.” TODAY’S WORD: PAPA CHÉRISweet Dad, Darling Dad A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse It’s 4:15 a.m., and I’ve just hugged my sister, Heidi, goodbye. She is on her way home to Denver. In another three hours, it will be time to send off our other sister, … Continue reading Papa Chéri: Our Father-Daughters’ Reunion at Sea
