Author: Kristin Espinasse

Book Publishing

Chenille: Curious Caterpillars in La Ciotat & Exciting Book News!

A YEAR IN A FRENCH LIFE — VOLUME ONE Dear Readers, In just one week—on March 6th—my paperback memoir will officially launch! This full-color, 308-page labor of love is finally ready to meet the world. But will the world be able to find it? That’s where you come in! I need your help. If you’ve been thinking about getting a copy for yourself—or for a … Continue reading Chenille: Curious Caterpillars in La Ciotat & Exciting Book News!

Kristin Espinasse10 Comments
Characters

Sabots: Clogs, Sabotage & Standing Your Ground in France!

I woke up this morning thinking, “I could really use a clog to illustrate today’s post.” Later, Jackie and I were at the mall when we stumbled into a second-hand shop…and found this sabot. Now that’s serendipitous! TODAY’S WORD: LE SABOT : clog Did you know the word sabotage comes from sabot? The term sabotage is believed to have originated during the Industrial Revolution in … Continue reading Sabots: Clogs, Sabotage & Standing Your Ground in France!

Kristin Espinasse18 Comments
Jackie

Inébranlable: Unflappable in French (A Mother-Daughter story)

Jackie and Ricci ordering tea and a Galette des Rois at Le Nageur café on the old port in La Ciotat. For more photos and to stay connected, follow me on Instagram @kristinespinasse TODAY'S WORD: INÉBRANLABLE     : unshakeable, unflappable A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Hej! That's bonjour in Swedish. Twenty-five years ago, before taking the leap into writing, I … Continue reading Inébranlable: Unflappable in French (A Mother-Daughter story)

Kristin Espinasse20 Comments
Jules

Le Collier: Mom receives a symbolic necklace

A story of old friends and the necklace that connects them–and all of us.  TODAY'S WORD: LE COLLIER     : necklace A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse When our friends Charles and Martha arrived from Florida, they came bearing gifts: bottles of wine for Jean-Marc, Worcestershire Sauce and giant jars of beurre de cacahuète for the family, and a whimsical necklace … Continue reading Le Collier: Mom receives a symbolic necklace

Kristin Espinasse22 Comments
Uncategorized

Doux Rêves: On Giving & Letting Go

The world feels upside down when posting a giant ice cream cone in France while California faces devastating fires. Today’s story, written before reading the news, is shared with the hope of offering comfort. Life can feel completely out of our control, but we can keep faith and continue giving—however we’re led to give. TODAY’S WORD: Doux rêves     : sweet dreams (noun) The … Continue reading Doux Rêves: On Giving & Letting Go

Kristin Espinasse13 Comments
Uncategorized

Adieu 2024: A Year of Lessons and Unexpected Blessings

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

Kristin Espinasse29 Comments
Birthdays, Christmas

C’est le geste qui compte: A phrase to remember during gift-giving season

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

Kristin Espinasse19 Comments
Recette / Recipe

The Christmas Dessert with a Rich History: Discover the Pompe à l’Huile

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

Kristin Espinasse24 Comments
Christmas, Culture, Trees

L’arbre de Noël & A Christmas tree with a Provençal Twist

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

Kristin Espinasse19 Comments
Max, Milestones

The First Turn of the Key, A Housewarming, and France’s Quirky Floor Numbers

Le Bon Temps ("The Good Times")—the name of this local brasserie captures the spirit of why my son loves La Ciotat so much. Now, he's committing to a new home and a new chapter. In today's story, read about this exciting milestone. Below: a dreamy night view from Max and Ana's apartment. TODAY'S WORD: La Crémaillère  : housewarming party; housewarming PRONUNCIATION: [kray-myeh-air] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:"Ce n’était … Continue reading The First Turn of the Key, A Housewarming, and France’s Quirky Floor Numbers

Kristin Espinasse20 Comments