Category: Family Life

Aging, Family Life, French Learning, French life

Polka dots, aging, and a fresh new perspective

The view outside just got prettier.

This happened quite by accident after I pulled open the bedroom windows and settled back into bed to enjoy the morning breeze. Looking at the angled window, I suddenly noticed a whole new scene reflected there. Way off in the distance was the rocky cliff! I could only see the edge of it, but I recognized one of Les Trois Secs. Closer to home stood our massive cedar and—quelle surprise!—two baby squirrels chasing each other through the branches. Continue reading Polka dots, aging, and a fresh new perspective

Kristin Espinasse15 Comments
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
Dad and Marsha, Family Life

Papa Chéri: Our Father-Daughters’ Reunion at Sea

Bubbles in Barcelona: Enjoy the story of our father-daughters’ Mediterranean reunion in today's entry “Papa Chéri.” TODAY’S WORD: PAPA CHÉRISweet Dad, Darling Dad A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse It’s 4:15 a.m., and I’ve just hugged my sister, Heidi, goodbye. She is on her way home to Denver. In another three hours, it will be time to send off our other sister, … Continue reading Papa Chéri: Our Father-Daughters’ Reunion at Sea

Kristin Espinasse32 Comments
Family Life, Jean-Marc, Marriage

Banderole & A Warm Welcome Home to Jean-Marc

Look who's back! Jean-Marc has returned from New Zealand. Today, read about the sweet reunion while learning several new French words and phrases. Photo taken on Tongariro. TODAY’S WORD: " LA BANDEROLE"     : banner  Are you an expat and need to file your US tax return? I am using Expatfile again this year to complete all tax forms quickly and easily and I highly … Continue reading Banderole & A Warm Welcome Home to Jean-Marc

Kristin Espinasse17 Comments
Cuisine, Culture, Dad and Marsha, Family Life, Heidi, Travel

Calin: A Hug in French, Family Reunions and My Break in the States

Some friendly characters encountered back in the Southwest, USA. BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE BOOK REVIEW by PERFECTLY PROVENCE"The book’s chapters weave through the realities of being a mother, wife, and daughter living in an adopted country with different rules, cultural norms and language nuances." Read Carolyne Kauser-Abbott's review of Blossoming in Provence. TODAY'S FRENCH WORD: Un câlin     : a hug Rien ne vaut le … Continue reading Calin: A Hug in French, Family Reunions and My Break in the States

Kristin Espinasse15 Comments
Dad and Marsha, Family Life, Heidi, Jackie

Faute de Frappe: Funny Surprise After My Dad Hits the Wrong Button

By the time the leaves turn gold in Lyon, we'll be meeting up with part of my American family. Read about our virtual meetup in today's story, and pick up a host of new French words. TODAY’S WORD: UNE FAUTE DE FRAPPE     : typing error,     : error made when hitting the wrong button A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi … Continue reading Faute de Frappe: Funny Surprise After My Dad Hits the Wrong Button

Kristin Espinasse16 Comments
Family Life

“Bisettes”- a favorite new word + photo essay with family updates

End of winter in La Ciotat. By the way, have you ever wondered how to pronounce the name of our town? Listen to the sound file and find out…. I loved the French word bisette the moment I learned it and am using it now in email endings in place of "amicalement" (unless you are the IRS or some such other). See an example at … Continue reading “Bisettes”- a favorite new word + photo essay with family updates

Kristin Espinasse27 Comments
Family Life, Jules

Chapeau bas and Froissé (do you know this emotion in French?) + Ski Lessons from Mom

Wishing you a Joyeuse St. Valentin today, as this journal won't go out on Valentine's Day. In the meantime, please follow me here on Instagram. Merci!Today's Word: chapeau bas     : hats off!, bravo!When we say "chapeau bas!" we recognize the merit or the value of someone Audio/Listening: Click the link below to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in the following story. Then scroll … Continue reading Chapeau bas and Froissé (do you know this emotion in French?) + Ski Lessons from Mom

Kristin Espinasse26 Comments
Family Life, Grocery Store Encounters, Jules

S’épancher: to pour out one’s heart + Another grocery store encounter

A flower shop in Sospel, France. The hearts in the fleuriste's window hint at today's word. The story below reveals the full meaning. Enjoy two sound files in today's post and thank you for sharing this journal with a friend. Today's Word: s'épancher     : to pour out one's heart Example Sentence and Sound FileRetenir ses larmes, voilà bien, selon moi, le comble du … Continue reading S’épancher: to pour out one’s heart + Another grocery store encounter

Kristin Espinasse36 Comments
Family Life, Le Vin Sobre wine shop

“Conciliabule” or how to say Pow Wow in French + Family dynamics: living with adult kids and Grandma

A new window, or "vitrine", at Jean-Marc's wine shop. It depicts the local coastline, including Cassis! Zut! There's a blooper, une gaffe, at the end of today's sound file. Listen for Jean-Marc, who tells me I've made two mistakes. Hear all the French vocabulary in today's story when you click on the link, below: Audio file, click here Conciliabule(kohn-see-lya-bewl): conventicle Conciliabule–what a cool word in … Continue reading “Conciliabule” or how to say Pow Wow in French + Family dynamics: living with adult kids and Grandma

Kristin Espinasse31 Comments