Year: 2024

Jackie, Max, Practical Jokes

Canular: How To Say Practical Joke in French? + Jackie & I have fun at Max’s expense…

Merci for your encouraging notes following last week's update regarding subscribership. Your words revive me! Today's mischief takes place in La Ciotat (photo snapped outside Le Palais Lumière where a patch of daisies looks as innocent as a team of pranksters in hiding. Read on.)  TODAY'S WORD: UN CANULAR     : practical joke, prank, hoax A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse … Continue reading Canular: How To Say Practical Joke in French? + Jackie & I have fun at Max’s expense…

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Jackie

Indice: Jackie’s Airport Layover + A “flighty” Hint or Clue Regarding Something I’m Up To

In this blog post, the author shares reflections on their daughter Jackie’s travels after graduating with her UI degree. As Jackie flies to Paris, the author muses about lengthy airport layovers and the temptations of expensive food and retail options at airports, particularly Charles de Gaulle. They express concerns about their blog’s declining readership due to the rise of social media and ponder ways to adapt to changing times. The author is also dreaming up a side gig while finding enjoyment in simple activities like dog watching at the airport. The piece blends personal anecdotes with insights on modern airport experiences. Continue reading Indice: Jackie’s Airport Layover + A “flighty” Hint or Clue Regarding Something I’m Up To

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Home Improvement/Repair

Pancarte: A Funny Sign Taped to the wall of our W.C.

Valentine's Day is past but an unusual love note lingers in today's story…. Also, a book you might love: Amour: How the French Talk About Love. Find it in the "Books" section" here. TODAY'S WORD: LA PANCARTE     : banner, sign A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse The last moments before Jean-Marc flew to New Zealand for his wine mission were … Continue reading Pancarte: A Funny Sign Taped to the wall of our W.C.

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Cuisine, Culture, Dad and Marsha, Family Life, Heidi, Travel

Calin: A Hug in French, Family Reunions and My Break in the States

Some friendly characters encountered back in the Southwest, USA. BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE BOOK REVIEW by PERFECTLY PROVENCE"The book’s chapters weave through the realities of being a mother, wife, and daughter living in an adopted country with different rules, cultural norms and language nuances." Read Carolyne Kauser-Abbott's review of Blossoming in Provence. TODAY'S FRENCH WORD: Un câlin     : a hug Rien ne vaut le … Continue reading Calin: A Hug in French, Family Reunions and My Break in the States

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Uncategorized

Pompette: French for “tipsy” or “mildly drunk”

While this weekly chronique is on break, I’m celebrating a meaningful anniversary. More in this story published recently in France Today magazine. TODAY’S WORD: POMPETTE "Pompette" is a colloquial French term that refers to a state of mild intoxication or tipsiness, rather than being fully drunk. It's often used to describe someone who has consumed alcohol and is slightly under the influence. THE DANCE OF … Continue reading Pompette: French for “tipsy” or “mildly drunk”

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Uncategorized

Congé: A word for when you take a break from work/business

Vroom! A zippy reminder this blog is on congé, or break. See you in two weeks. Enjoy a few cartes postales from La Ciotat until this Ciotadenne returns…. REMERCIEMENTS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTSMany thanks to the following readers who recently sent in a blog donation during my congé. Your support means a lot! Julie S.Karen F. Betty M.Janice H. Glad to do it. I love your site. Keep it up, please. … Continue reading Congé: A word for when you take a break from work/business

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Celebrations, Jackie, Milestones

Bien Joué! Why Jackie is leaving Lyon

Today, find out why my daughter was at the hairdresser's when she should've been on her way to FINAL EXAMS!  Note: After today's post this journal will go on break thru February 8th. TODAY'S WORD: BIEN JOUÉ     : well done!, good job!, way to go!    : well played A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse I really want to learn … Continue reading Bien Joué! Why Jackie is leaving Lyon

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Kindness of strangers, Ricci

S’Enfuir: To Flee in French: Startled or spooked, our new dog ran away in a panic

S'il vous plaît:To ensure delivery of this weekly letter from France, click here to mark your subscription as active. Thank you! Glad to have you aboard! YOU'RE IN! For those who receive my newsletter and have just clicked the verification link–you're in! Your subscription is taken into account as "active". Thank you. TODAY’S WORD: S’ENFUIR  : to flee A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by … Continue reading S’Enfuir: To Flee in French: Startled or spooked, our new dog ran away in a panic

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Characters

Bonne et Heureuse Année: the language of a new year

With Ricci, New Year's Day 2024. I love her from her nose down to her sweet toes! In today's story, a kindness from strangers gets the new year off to a meaningful start. TODAY'S WORD: Bonne et heureuse année     : Good and happy year A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse ”L’Abreuvoir — The Little Water Trough” “Bonne Année! Meilleurs Voeux! … Continue reading Bonne et Heureuse Année: the language of a new year

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