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
