Month: October 2025

French Expressions

A French Phrase for Life in the Fast Lane

TODAY’S WORD: coller au cul : to be right on someone’s heelsPRONUNCIATION: [koh-lay oh kew] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:Il me colle au cul, celui-là ! → That person is right on my heels! The French word cul literally means “bottom,” and while it can sound a bit cheeky (or downright rude) in some contexts, it’s also part of many everyday expressions. You’ll see it in perfectly polite phrases like cul-de-sac (a dead-end street) or à pied … Continue reading A French Phrase for Life in the Fast Lane

Jacqueline Espinasse10 Comments
Camargue, French Destinations, Horses, Jules

Cheval: Jules meets the Wild Horses of the Camargue

Kristi and her mother, who has been struggling with an autoimmune condition, embark on a two-day trip to the Camargue, hoping to uplift Jules’s spirits. Despite initial reluctance, Jules eagerly participates, reveling in family connections and new experiences. The journey brings joyful memories and strengthens their bond, emphasizing resilience and adventure. Continue reading Cheval: Jules meets the Wild Horses of the Camargue

Kristin Espinasse37 Comments
Jackie

La Ferme: Social Skills & The Scent of Volunteering

BOOK NEWS: I’m happy to share that A Year in a French Life is now available in a digital format — at half the price of the printed edition.You can read it on your laptop, IPad, tablet, or phone. Enjoy the photos and vocabulary anywhere, anytime!👉 Order your digital copy here. TODAY’S WORD: la ferme = the farmPRONUNCIATION: [lah fehrm] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:J’ai fait du bénévolat à la ferme samedi dernier.I volunteered at the farm … Continue reading La Ferme: Social Skills & The Scent of Volunteering

Jacqueline Espinasse13 Comments
Jackie, Joy, Uncategorized

Ce Truc: Finding Joy, Finding Courage

TODAY’S WORD: la joie : joyPRONUNCIATION: [zhwah]Example sentence:Ce truc que j’avais enfant avait un nom : la joie.That thing I had as a child had a name: joy. Ce truc by Jacqueline Espinasse  Do you remember ce truc you had as a little kid? Do you remember how scents, sounds, textures, and colors felt so vivid, intense, amplified? Just a few years ago, I realized that ce … Continue reading Ce Truc: Finding Joy, Finding Courage

Jacqueline Espinasse17 Comments
Brooklyn, Jackie

Le Perron: A Fun New Sport for a French Girl in Brooklyn

In this blog post, Jackie shares insights about Brooklyn’s unique culture, particularly the joy of “stoop finds,” where locals leave unwanted items on their doorsteps. She reflects on her experiences treasure hunting, discovering everything from furniture to household items left by others. Jackie emphasizes the rich history of stoops in New York, designed to elevate entrances above dirty streets. The newbie Brooklynite describes the thrill of these finds as a personal benefit amid the high living costs in wealthier neighborhoods. The post combines storytelling, humor, and a sense of community, showcasing Brooklyn’s charm as seen by a French native. Continue reading Le Perron: A Fun New Sport for a French Girl in Brooklyn

Kristin Espinasse26 Comments