Some People Build Roots. Others Wander. Can Fulfillment Be Simple?

Back at the vineyard in Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes, Max and I were in middle school. Once the hot days were over, Dad no longer needed our petites mains for the harvest and our petits pieds to crush grapes, and when we weren’t swimming in the river with Braise and Smokey, there wasn’t much left to do. So in winter, we spent our weekends and evenings playing a game on the computer. The goal was simple: make your character as powerful as possible. You started by creating a character, choosing its powers, name, gender, and colors. Continue reading Some People Build Roots. Others Wander. Can Fulfillment Be Simple?

A Year in a French Life: Memoir Writing Insights

This week I’m sharing a draft of the introduction to A Year in a French Life: Volume 3. As Jackie and I continue shaping the manuscript, I thought it would be fun to invite you behind the scenes. Also, Joyeux Anniversaire to Max, who recently turned 31! (Video follows). “À PROPOS“ At the time of this writing, we are nearly halfway through the manuscript for … Continue reading A Year in a French Life: Memoir Writing Insights

Quotidien: Breaking Out of Daily Life: From Broadway to the Pompiers—a Hot Show and a Fire!

Kristi here. It’s my daughter’s turn to write today so you’re sure to get a spicy update! Today’s special includes a little cabaret, some trendy press-on nails, and… another glowing spectacle outside Jackie and Vin’s apartment. Don’t miss a word! TODAY’S WORD: le quotidien : daily life; everyday routinePRONUNCIATION: [luh – koh – tee – dee – ahn] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:Certains jours nous sortent du quotidien … Continue reading Quotidien: Breaking Out of Daily Life: From Broadway to the Pompiers—a Hot Show and a Fire!

La Tendresse: Love and Care for Mother’s Day

For this coming Sunday: Happy Mother’s Day to all mamans, whether here in our homes or forever in our hearts. TODAY’S WORD: la tendresse: tenderness, affection PRONUNCIATION: [lah tahn-dress] EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Il y avait tant de tendresse dans le regard de ma mère que tout semblait soudain plus léger. There was such tenderness in my mother’s gaze that everything suddenly felt lighter. A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE … Continue reading La Tendresse: Love and Care for Mother’s Day