This special edition includes two videos. If you’re reading via email, click “Read on blog” (top right of this newsletter) to view all media. Merci!
TODAY’S WORD: le discours : speech, address
PRONUNCIATION: [luh dee-skoor]
Example sentence:
Le discours du président a touché tous les invités.
The president’s speech moved all the guests.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
In Memory of Bernard Duhaime
Five years ago, out of the blue, I received some very exciting news. I had been nominated to receive an award from La Renaissance Française. The ceremony would be held that spring in Washington, D.C. Would I be able to make the journey to receive it? president, Bernard Duhaime, wanted to know.
Saperlipopette—yes! But to whom did I owe the honor of this great honor? Who exactly was La Renaissance Française? A little online scrolling, and I began to understand the remarkable history behind this century-old French institution.
La Renaissance Française is a non-governmental organization, authorized to award distinctions, and operates under the high patronage of several French ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Defense, the Interior, and Public Education. Founded in 1915 to promote peace through the French language, heritage, and shared humanist values, it quickly grew into the first international Francophone initiative of its kind. Today, it continues its mission around the world by fostering cultural exchange, advancing education, and preserving regional traditions. Under the leadership of its current president, Denis Fadda, and with the support of dedicated members and delegates worldwide, La Renaissance Française honors those who uphold and promote Francophone values.
“For your efforts in promoting the French language and culture, you have been chosen to receive La Médaille d’Or des Valeurs Francophones,” then president Bernard Duhaime explained, in that unforgettable courriel. I sat back from my laptop, there at the kitchen table. Patting my golden retriever on the head, I let the message sink in before jumping to my feet and announcing, “Smokey, we’re going to Washington D.C.–for a ceremony!”
The news was surreal–unbelievable–yet I shared it far and wide. The soon-to-be bestowed honor seemed to validate my work, lest, deep-down, I felt illegitimate as a writer or teacher or French speaker. It quieted the voice that says, “You’re but a dreamer!” Don’t we all feel that way when practicing our most desired or admired skill?
My excitement grew and grew—but if there was one person more excited than I, it was Mom. Jules swiftly hurried out the door and down the street to buy me a suit for the ceremony. The black linen ensemble—with gold elephants dangling from hot air balloons—was a bit flashy, but that was nothing to worry about considering what came next…
Almost as soon as that gold medal was decided, the ceremony was canceled owing to a rampant virus circling the globe. Soon the world was in the grips of lockdown, and further attempts to reschedule the event were similarly thwarted. The flying elephants remained in my closet, collecting dust. In time, my dear dog passed away, and blog readership waned as social media took the world by storm. Perhaps, after two decades, French Word-A-Day had run its course.
From time to time someone would ask, “Did you ever receive that medal?” I began to wonder if it was all a dream. Was it even legitimate? Was I?
Then came a letter as unexpected as the first, this time from the new president of the American delegation, Margot Steinhart, who was sorry to report that Bernard Duhaime had passed away. With a heavy heart, I remembered how hard he had tried to set up another reception, no matter how small. He mentioned the possibility of a meeting at Le Musée d’Orsay, where he was part of the AFMO (American Friends of the Musée d’Orsay). “Or, if you can’t travel, it could possibly take place in La Ciotat, where we have a delegate,” he had said, doing all he could to see the medal bestowed at last.
Two more years passed…
“We have not forgotten you…” Madame la Présidente continued. The new ceremony would now take place in Paris, for two honorees—myself, and Armelle Courbon, who would be receiving La Médaille du Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite. Also enclosed in this bittersweet note was a word from President Denis Fadda:
“I read with great interest what was written about Madame Kristin Espinasse. A remarkable person who truly deserved to be honored. Bravo to the delegation for having nominated her. I completely support the idea of a medal ceremony that is worthy of the occasion. Such ceremonies should always be dignified, but in the case of this person, it is even more justified; she must know that the delegation has not forgotten her.”
J’ai lu avec intérêt ce qui a été écrit sur Madame Kristin Espinasse. Une personne formidable qui méritait vraiment d’être distinguée. Bravo à la délégation de l’avoir proposée. Je vous approuve tout à fait de vouloir une cérémonie de remise de sa médaille qui soit digne. Il faut toujours que ces cérémonies le soient mais, dans le cas de cette personne, c’est encore plus justifié; il faut qu’elle se rende compte que la délégation ne l’a pas oubliée.
Any doubts melted away with those generous words. That is, until I remembered the ceremony wasn’t in Washington D.C.… but in Paris—and I’d be giving a speech in French. There’d be no hiding my underdeveloped French accent behind a computer screen this time. I practiced endlessly, only to discover that pronunciation flows better when I speak off the cuff… but my brain behaves better when I stick to notes. In the end, I chose the written words and the wobbly accent. C’est la vie—et c’était moi!
Finally, last Thursday in Marseille, after standing in a long line of immigrants to renew my carte de séjour (the fourth in four decades), I was on a train to Paris to receive the not-so-forgotten médaille. After five years (and an extra inch or two…) I’d swapped the golden elephants suit for loose navy pants—fit for the Paris heatwave—and a tailored veste by Souleiado, its emblematic “mouche” a playful nod to Provence.
(Now, you may be thinking, “From gold elephants to white flies—wasn’t your mama right?” But then you’d have to use the same reasoning: “From chicken wings to frog legs.” It’s a cultural thing. The mouche on Souleiado linens and garments is a symbol of Provençal textile heritage, I reasoned. Still, I felt bad for ditching mom’s black suit with the golden “accents,” but the afternoon rendez-vous called for business attire.)
Jean-Marc accompanied me all the way from La Ciotat—by jeep, TGV, and RER—to the Champs-Élysées and on to 15 Rue La Pérouse, where the historic Académie des Sciences d’Outre-Mer stands. There, in a gilded salon, dressed in my fly veste and seated in the front row beside fellow honoree Armelle Courbon, I clutched the two-minute speech I had prepared to deliver following President Denis Fadda’s introduction. His thoughtful discours traced my entire parcours, bringing it vividly to life. I listened, teary-eyed, as he took the time to polish every single milestone on my path:
Je m’adresse à Madame Kristin Espinasse…Votre vie est une aventure—une grande et belle aventure…
The président went on to describe how my lettre électronique began, how it grew, how it evolved into books, and eventually led to a long-running column, Le Dernier Mot, in France Today. He even mentioned my dear readers—including a certain 96-year-old who, inspired by the weekly journal, made the heartfelt decision to return to France.
President Denis Fadda’s discours moved me deeply, and I began to realize there was more to this reconnaissance than a gold medal. A palpable altruism filled the room. Looking around—toward Margot, Armelle, to where Bernard would have sat had he been with us today, and to the many ambassadors of the French language and culture from around the world—I could almost see a heart on every sleeve. To think how nervous I’d been at the idea of such a stately, formal, and distinguished venue, when in reality the room radiated warmth, sincerity—and kisses.
“Congratulations,” said both the American and French Presidents, each extending la bise. In that tender moment, any lingering doubts—like whether family and friends imagined I spent my days in pajamas, playing games on the computer—disappeared. With the encouragement of La Renaissance Française, and with you, dear reader, ever by my side, I can carry on with dignity and joy, honoring this vocation: to share the ups and downs of life in France—with humor, with heart, with elephants, and with mouches.
I’m happy to share two short videos with you: the first is a heartfelt discours by Denis Fadda, in French, and the second is my own two-minute speech. Thank you so much for watching and sharing in this special moment.
(If you’re reading this via email, just click over to the website and scroll down to today’s post to view the videos.)
I’d love to hear from you—feel free to leave a note or share the post with someone who enjoys stories of France and francophonie.
REMERCIEMENTS
Thank you to the following readers for your donation this past week to this journal!
Daria S.
Robin G.
Andrée M.
Laura & Jim
Bob, Mariebeth, & Nixxi
If you would like to leave a donation, please click here
FRENCH VOCABULARY
La Renaissance Française = the French Renaissance (a cultural organization)
Saperlipopette = gosh! good heavens!
la Médaille d’Or des Valeurs Francophones = the Gold Medal of Francophone Values
le président / la présidente = the president (masculine / feminine)
le courriel = the email
Le Musée d’Orsay = The Orsay Museum
la cérémonie = the ceremony
être distingué(e) = to be honored / recognized
la remise = the presentation (of an award)
J’ai lu avec intérêt = I read with interest
formidable = wonderful, great
la carte de séjour = residency card
la mouche = (literally) the fly; here, a textile motif
la veste = the blazer, jacket
le rendez-vous = the meeting, appointment
le discours = the speech
le parcours = path
la lettre électronique = the email / e-letter
Le Dernier Mot = The Last Word (column title)
la bise = the kiss (on both cheeks)
More about Bernard Duhaime from La Renaissance Française website:
La Renaissance Française, USA, is saddened to confirm the death of its president and treasurer Bernard E. Duhaime on January 29, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Bernie was greatly admired and appreciated for his kindness, generosity, and competency by all those with whom he interacted. He was also a leader in numerous French-related organizations, like the Fédération des Alliances Françaises USA, the Alliance Française d’Omaha, Omaha Sister Cities paired with Isigny, France, and the American Friends of the Musée d’Orsay, and served as Honorary French Consul for Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
For his numerous contributions and exceptional service to French language, culture, and the arts, Bernie was awarded the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite and the Médaille d’Or de la Renaissance Française. For more on Bernie’s life and attributes, please see the recognition by La Renaissance Française in Paris and his obituary.
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Kristi — This presentation brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy for you. Congratulations, meilleurs voeux, keep up the great work you do.
xoxo Sue
Quel honneur. Félicitations.
This is beautiful and so well-deserved, Kristi! Congratulations from a fan of many years!! We love you!
Hugs,
Margie
Congratulations! This award is so richly deserved. I listened to his speech and yours. His praise for you was amazing as he truly recognized all that you have done. Your speech was so lovely and gracious. Thank you for sharing with us this honor you received.
Kristi, Félicitations! I am so happy for you. I know that Jules must be happy et very proud too. Bisous et hugs!
Cindy McD
Congratulations! I am so happy for you. So wonderful.
Richly deserved! Blessings!
Felicitations!
Congratulations! You go, Girl! So happy I found your blog and books!
Congratulations! So glad they didn’t forget you! Well deserved!
Kristi, Congratulations, that is amazing! Your family must be incredibly proud of you! Thank you for sharing that wonderful news! 💕
You are a treasure and, now with the recognition you deserve, many more will be informed of your humble wisdom and gracious storytelling. Congratulations! We are all so proud of you.
Truly a deserving award and recognition! Congratulations!
Congratulations Kristi – this is a wonderful honor and well-deserved!
dear Kristi: Your achievement is such an inspiration to women of all ages regardless of race, religion, or even (today) gender. Your wisdom & love of France, its cuture & language, have been recognized. Congratulations! Well-deserved!!! Amicalmente, Ann
So very happy for you, and proud too!
Congratulations, how wonderful for you! And, as another writer once wrote, “all’s well that ends well,” Chapeau!
How exciting! Congratulations!
I was recently in France with a high school group June 9-17, 2025 from Walnut Creek, CA. I was a guest and my daughter came as a guest. I learned about the trip, because I work at the school as a custodian, and thought I need to try using some of my years of French learning, while I can still get around well. The organizing teacher and her daughter came along with seven more teenage girls. Then two more groups from Jackson, TN and Plano, TX joined our group with a tour guide from Ireland, who had once lived a year in France. I am decompressing and thinking of all we did..
Sorry if this gets long.
Our flight left SFO around 6pm on 6/9, and we flew into Charles de Gaulle airport at 4pm on 6/10. Explorica arranged all the bus rides and people to escort us from the airport and to the final destination on our last day; otherwise, we probably would’ve missed our flight home on Aer Lingus. (We had layovers in Dublin, Ireland, which thrilled my 34 year old daughter, who wanted to experience an authentic Guinness, there. LOL).
Our 1st ride took 2 hours to get to the hotel in Palaisseau, and because of traffic, we missed our first dinner reservation in the Latin Quarter. Instead we walked down the street for pizza. I am sure the teens liked it. I practiced my French, and my daughter was pleased to hear me communicate with the waiter.
Thank you, by the way, for your blog and keeping French interesting. I studied it in school, some in college, then adult school, church, and privately, but nothing for years (working two jobs, these days).
Next day on 6/11 we spent a couple hours at the Louvre. My daughter and I almost couldn’t find our way out of there! Overwhelmed by signs saying “Sortie” everywhere, which brought us to the garage. Oh, no! Time to meet group was fast approaching. Panic set in. I was trying to give suggestions to my daughter, but she needed quiet to think. Finally we escaped the maze!
Same day as Louvre we went to Versailles and we did a guided excursion, then the gardens. I must say that the cobblestones at the entrance were cumbersome to walk over, especially at the fast pace we were going, because they weren’t even at all. One student said, “The poor horses that had to walk on them!” Thankfully I didn’t fall, nor sprain an ankle. Wearing my comfortable, Columbia tennis shoes was a must, because they’re made for hiking! I wore them the rest of the trip, and packed my dressy black shoes away.
Back in Paris, we went atop a department store for a rooftop view of the City. Then we had dinner across the street, eating a famous open-faced cheese sandwich – croque monsieur, I believe it’s called.
On 6/12 we left Paris for the Loire Valley by bus. We saw Chartres Cathedral, which was amazing. The French teacher from Texas is French and spoke of a time she did a 3-day pilgrimage to the Chartres Cathedral. How wonderful! My daughter wanted some quiet time, alone, there, so I shopped around. The Brassiere was a good place to practice speaking French, our Irish tour guide said, because the lady is very patient. And she was wonderful! She mentioned the thunder and lightning, and I got to share the English word for lightning, while motioning the same Shazam image for lightning as she made with her hand. Smiles shared. Then outside it started raining. Took shelter under an awning, then found more of our group having coffee. I owed the teacher about €5, since I had none. I relied on my credit and debit cards for practically the whole trip. We got reimbursed from Explorica for the 1st dinner we had to pay for on our own (€15, each). So I was able to reimburse the teacher.
Next was the Chateau de Chambord and an authentic French Brassiere dinner. Here I start to forget, so I look at the pictures and remember. We didn’t go inside the chateau, but took pictures outside. It was a hot day, so I stopped at an ice cream stand and bought some sorbet, there, near the gardens.
Next day on 6/13 we saw Azay-le-Rideau and then the Chateau de Chenonceau. The tour guide made the stories interesting on board the bus. She used the Spice Girls to help us remember the ladies of the castle, and make it more interesting.
Then we took a Troglodyte Village guided tour, showing us how they dug out the cave and made building material for castles. Also, we learned about growing mushrooms, among about three shown, were Shitake mushrooms. Guess what we ate for dinner. In the cave is a restaurant called, La Cave aux Moines, or the cave to the monks. (More stories about harvesting mushrooms out of season, so someone could have mushrooms in November, or something, is how it all got started). They served small pita breads with mushrooms and a white sauce with cheese in it. There were white beans and other healthy dishes passed around. Of course the adults had wine with dinner. The kids said the water tasted bad, but I filtered mine through a Brita straw.
On 6/14 we left the Loire Valley for Saint-Malo. That day people were dressed in breton costumes and doing skits, lady on horseback doing tricks, and a final precession out of the walled city at the end of the day. We were given a task to see as many sites as we could find, there, like the statues of Jacques Cartier and Robert Surcouf, and the St. Malo Cathedral, Tomb of Jacques Cartier… I did get turned around in there and almost missed the rendezvous. Then we spent time on the beach. It got chilly that afternoon. I loaned my jacket to a student, since my vest kept me warm enough. My daughter stayed in the hotel with a cold, which was probably for the best. A few people got a cold during our vacation in France.
We stopped in Tours, France, though I didn’t see it in our itinerary. We got medicine at the pharmacy. I used more French, there, and even remembered the word for knee. I needed a wrap, I thought, but ended up giving it to the French teacher from Tennessee.
Next day 6/15 we were off to Normandy. First we saw Le Mont Saint-Michel, which Disney (d’Isigny) used as a model or idea for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. I couldn’t make it up the steep steps, because my knee started to feel funny, clicking or popping from the strain, so I left the group and headed down to the shops and restaurant, meeting another from our group, who did the same.
Then we went to two Normandy beaches, Arromanches, where the D-Day Museum is located, and Omaha beach. I put sand in a pill box from each beach in two compartments for rememberance. Red poppies are worn from June 6th as rememberance of the sacrifice made in Normandy. I bought a shirt and cap with poppies on them. Besides being souvenirs, I was running out of clean shirts and my daughter said my head was getting sunburned.
On our last full day in France 6/16, we left Normandy and traveled to Rouen. We saw the place where Joan of Arc was burned at age 19. The place is “marked by a concrete-and-metal cross (which my daughter said looks like a huge sword) in front of the Eglise Jeanne-d’Arc” (from Fodor’s France 2011 book). The roof of the church is very unusual. Upon first approaching the church, I saw a pigeon enjoying water coming down a slide. On second glance it appeared to be a dragon’s mouth. The roof is sort of mounds and waves, which gives the feel of movement, and lowers towards the back, where a statue of Joan faces the giant cross/sword in the garden of the church. It’s unique, to say the least.
We walked down the street “Rue du Gros-Horloge, Rouen’s most popular street” and saw the Old (Renaissance) Clock. It was big. Underneath it were sheep and I guess the shepherd with inscriptions.
We saw the Rouen Cathedral and I got more cough drops in the pharmacy. My daughter stayed outside taking pictures of all the details on the Cathedral.
For lunch our tour guide took us to the best looking McDonald’s we would ever visit. Some chose to go to the Burger King, instead. After I ate at McDonald’s, I left the group to find my daughter at Burger King. A woman came out a door, and I held it for her. She asked if I was coming in, and I said, “Oui”, thinking it was the entrance to Burger King. I walked in and noticed mailboxes to the right. The door closed behind me, and I began thinking that I was in the wrong place. The hallway led to an elevator and a door to stairs. I pushed on the door, but it didn’t open. I started to panic. I pressed to two buttons on the left, but the door didn’t open. I tried calling my daughter and another person, then the lights turned off. I calmed down. Went back to the switches near the door. Top one turned on the lights. Bottom must be for the door, but there wasn’t a knob or handle, or was there? The long metal 4″-wide “decoration or moulding” from top to bottom of this large wooden door on the left side WAS the handle! After I pushed the bottom button, I put my fingers just under the “molding/handle” and the door opened. I escaped my brief captivity! I went around to the correct entrance to Burger King and saw no one familiar. Breathing increased as heart raced. I walked down the street we came and saw the tail end of our group. I thought I would be stranded in Rouen, but I made it back to the bus. Whew! That was frightening.
We took the metro to another tour bus in Paris to see more sites with a lovely Englush tour guide, who sounded like Mrs. Doubtfire. She was so witty, and her voice was calming. The bus took us around Ile de la Cite, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ile St. Louis, Latin Quarter, Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs Elysees, Eiffel Tour, Les Invalides, Opera House. Finally we took a Seine River cruise, where the Eiffel Tour was easier to see. We took a lot pictures from the bus and the kids cruiser boat.
All-in-all it was memorable and fun. The last day was probably my worst day. I don’t know if the panic in Rouen threw me off, but all the big buildings seemed overwhelming to me. I was happier in the Loire Valley, where it’s greener and places are spread out. By the way, I hear there’s 300 or so castles to see there. I enjoyed seeing France. My great, great grandfather came from southern France. Maybe I will explore it, one day.
Merci beaucoup for your help with my learning of the French language!
Thank you for sharing this experience and honor with all of us who have followed French-Word-A-Day and your journey. This was wonderful.
So thrilled for you. How lovely to receive this recognition from the French government. Enjoy every minute.
Carol
Félicitations!! How wonderful to have your work and passion recognized in this way! We, your readers and followers who love France but are not lucky enough to live there, are grateful to be able to live la vie française vicariously through you. Encore, bravo👏!
Congratulations Kristi! I listened to both speeches. What a beautiful impact you’ve made and will continue to make on the world of those who love all things French! It all started in the desert and ended up in the south of France. What a beautiful life you have my friend!
Congratulations! Well deserved. What a heartwarming story. Thank you, again, for sharing.
Bravo Kristi, très bien méritée et merci pour de nombreuses années de French Word-A-Day,
Cordialement, Pauline C
Wow! Congratulations, but you deserve it and I am so happy for your family.
My dear friend,
I know that it is a bit late to congratulate you for this medal, but never to late to say good things about someone. I have “known” you for a long time now and I have always enjoyed your writing. I have used your book with some students and I have given a copy to a friend who wanted to improve her language.
I agree with La Renaissance Francaise, you have done your part to promote the French language in France, in the Usa and probably in other countries of the world, Canada is one of them.
When you look at the medal, you are justified to feel good about you and think, “it is my contribution” to the French world.
Again, my friend, congratulations.
Bises.
Jean Barrucand.
You friend from Edmonton Alberta, Canada.
My friend,
On 21 September, I sent you the email below to share with your mother.
But my email was not working well and I wonder if you received it.
I enjoy reading about your daughter and reading her words.
Be well.
Jean.
From Edmonton, Canada.