Category: Birthdays

Ana, Birthdays, Dogs, Entertaining, Family Life, French Expressions, Hospitality

A Cozy Sunday with Ana’s Family in France

Bonjour !You may have seen today’s story on social media during the week my blog was down. Since most readers missed that post, I’m sharing it again here—this time with a delightful bonus: a charming video taken on nearby L’Île Verte. I hope you’ll read to the end and enjoy this lovely glimpse of our local paradise. TODAY’S WORD: le déjeuner : lunchPRONUNCIATION: [luh day-zhuh-nay] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:Nous avons … Continue reading A Cozy Sunday with Ana’s Family in France

Kristin Espinasse20 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
Birthdays

Essayer: Celebrating 22 Years with French Word-A-Day: From Trick-or-Treaters to Timeless Tales

"Woman With the Purple Hair in L'isle-sur-la-Sorgue." Her yellow skirt, red-trimmed bag, black tights, and violet highlights–she makes me want to trade my trusty jeans for something electrifying. Indeed, on the eve of the Day of the Dead, this lady is alive! For me, her tenue speaks of creativity, freedom, sweetness, and determination. Notice, also, the jack-o'-lanterns streaming in the sky… Joyeuse Halloween! TODAY'S WORD: … Continue reading Essayer: Celebrating 22 Years with French Word-A-Day: From Trick-or-Treaters to Timeless Tales

Kristin Espinasse34 Comments
Birthdays, Wedding Anniversary

Voile: Uplifting Thoughts to Start The Day

There's a sailing theme in today's essay as well as a nod to our 30th wedding anniversary. The term "voile" neatly captures both…so let’s begin! TODAY'S WORD: VOILE     : sail (la voile)    : veil (le voile) A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse It’s the start of a new work week, and Jean-Marc, Ricci, and I have overslept. Perhaps Sunday’s … Continue reading Voile: Uplifting Thoughts to Start The Day

Kristin Espinasse30 Comments
Birthdays, Ricci

Love, Épanouissement, and Ricci Turns Four

Ricci totally ignores the words "marcher" and "nager" (walk and swim). Her favorite words are English: "cookie," "Grandma," and "Jackie." More about favorites in today's story. Thank you for reading and sharing this post with a dog lover. TODAY’S WORD: l’épanouissement    : blossoming/flourishing; fulfillment Un chien trouve son épanouissement dans les petites joies du quotidien, tout comme nous trouvons le nôtre en partageant ces … Continue reading Love, Épanouissement, and Ricci Turns Four

Kristin Espinasse18 Comments
Birthdays

Joyeux Anniversaire! Let’s blow out some candles & celebrate!

A partir de ce weekend this journal begins its third decade! Here's my sister Heidi's scrumptious chocolate cake to celebrate. TODAY'S WORD: JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE!     : Happy birthday! A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi EspinasseOn Saturday this language and life blog celebrates its 21st birthday. Just think…if it were American it could legally drink. If it were French it could now drive … Continue reading Joyeux Anniversaire! Let’s blow out some candles & celebrate!

Kristin Espinasse44 Comments
Birthdays, Jean-Marc, Video

il parait + video interview on French TV

Out of the rubble a wine is born!  Jean-Marc gave more than heart and soul when he made his first wine: he gave his blood, his tears, and an alarming number of kilos. I talk about this, and more, in an interview about the organic winemaker on French TV.  il paraît (eel-pah-ray)     : it seems, it appears synonyms: on dit (they say) or … Continue reading il parait + video interview on French TV

Kristin Espinasse110 Comments
Birthdays, Heidi, Mailboxes

mailbox in French + mailbox photos!

One of the dumbest things about moving to France is leaving your sister behind. Today, mine celebrates a birthday and I won't be there to take her picture as she blows out her candles. But with any luck she'll have received the funny postcard I sent which brings me to the theme of today's missive: mailboxes! la boîte à lettres (bwat-ah-letr)     : mailbox, … Continue reading mailbox in French + mailbox photos!

Kristin Espinasse138 Comments
Birthdays, Max

cheveux blancs

Our son, Maxime, examines some weight-lifting equipment on his birthday. Notice the patch, just above his ear (read on, in today's story…). Never miss a word of photo: get French Word-A-Day delivered by email, here.  les cheveux blancs (lay sheh veuh blahn)     : white hair Also: le cheveu gris = gray hairles cheveux poivre et sel = salt-and-pepper hair Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc pronounce … Continue reading cheveux blancs

Kristin Espinasse69 Comments