A Surprise at the Beach & Ephemeral Art in France

In today’ post, “Éphémère”, a fleeting sand sculpture of La Crucifixion, created by a traveling artist, captivates beachgoers while highlighting the ephemeral nature of art. As Ricci reacts to the artist, the scene underscores the contrast between the temporary artwork and the eternal message it conveys. The artist, identified as a wandering nomad, invites appreciation through a sign that reveals his travels and artistic purpose. Although the sculpture is destined to be washed away or trampled, it momentarily enriches lives and prompts reflection on both the momentary and the everlasting. Continue reading A Surprise at the Beach & Ephemeral Art in France

Louche: A Shady, Sketchy, and Suspicious Encounter at the Airport

Beautiful, innocent Italy, where seemingly nothing could go wrong. Do you ever let down your guard when traveling to charming places? Read about our iffy airport transfer after midnight in today's update… Stay connected with me on Instagram or Facebook or LinkedIn. It’s a great way to keep in touch, especially when this blog takes a break or faces technical hiccups. I’d hate to lose … Continue reading Louche: A Shady, Sketchy, and Suspicious Encounter at the Airport

Postcard from Brittany

Agapanthus flowers on the Island of Bréhat. POSTCARD FROM BRITTANY When we received an invitation for un mariage in Brittany, Jean-Marc planned a romantic escapade around this joyous event. We only had three days to vacation together, not counting travel time, but it was enough to mark the occasion of our 30th wedding anniversary. After careful research, my former fiancé put together an itinerary including … Continue reading Postcard from Brittany

Il devait en être ainsi: Meant to be (predestined) in French: A Chance Encounter with some Ceyrestens

The sign reads "change of ownership". Today's story takes place in a town nearby: Ceyreste. FYI: The inhabitants are called "Ceyrestens" for men and "Ceyrestennes" for women. Are you an expat in France (or anywhere outside the US) and need to file your taxes?Good news: you have an automatic extension through June 17. I am using Expatfile again this year to complete mine quickly and … Continue reading Il devait en être ainsi: Meant to be (predestined) in French: A Chance Encounter with some Ceyrestens

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

Thanksgiving Vocabulary + Périple: Jean-Marc’s Journey from France to New Zealand & Bike Tour

Jean-Marc and Ricci at Port des Capucins. "I'm going to take her with me to New Zealand!" he teases. Read about my husband's 2024 périple in today's update. Joyeuse Action de Grâce!I can't guarantee that's how you say "Happy Thanksgiving" in French. But I hope you have so much to be thankful for and that your lives are brimming with blessings in any language. In … Continue reading Thanksgiving Vocabulary + Périple: Jean-Marc’s Journey from France to New Zealand & Bike Tour

La Fringale: At what hour do the French get the munchies?

On a train journey back from Paris, Kristi reflects on feeling hungry and shares insights about social norms surrounding food in France. She contemplates the appropriateness of eating at unusual hours, specifically her craving for gourmet leftovers after missing lunch. During her trip, she observes fellow passengers enjoying snacks, which fuels her internal debate about breaking cultural norms. Ultimately, she decides to embrace her hunger and eat her meal, finding relief in the absence of judgment. The piece highlights the author’s humorous struggle with societal expectations and includes a lesson on the French vocabulary word “la fringale,” meaning hunger or cravings. Continue reading La Fringale: At what hour do the French get the munchies?

From France to New Zealand: Jean-Marc’s Big News!

From the Mediterranean to Nouvelle Zéalande–Jean-Marc will be a traveling winemaker once again. After making wine in Italy (Sicily), The United States (Oregon), and around France, ce vigneron will now experience a longtime dream of blending grapes in New Zealand! We would like to thank Whitehaven Wines for this amazing opportunity! Read my husband's update, below, for more details.   TODAY'S WORD: LE VIGNERON (LA … Continue reading From France to New Zealand: Jean-Marc’s Big News!

Doggone it! A Travel and Dog Lovers Edition

Millow, an 8-year-old French bulldog, enjoying the salty air en route to Minorca, Spain From Toulon to Minorca Jean-Marc and I sailed across the Mediterranean sea with dozens of wonderful dogs. Enjoy all the photos of these seasoned traveler-toutous in my column below. First, meet a cherished reader and dog lover… OUR CHÈRE NATALIAYou may know Natalia from the cheering and affectionate comments she’s left … Continue reading Doggone it! A Travel and Dog Lovers Edition

A Common Mistake + favorite English word translated to French

The Kasbah. Agadir, formerly "Santa Cruz", is located on a seismic line. Agadir was rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake that killed 17000 people and destroyed 60 percent of this city. More about our visit to this former French colony, in today's post. NEW: The audio section has moved and is now a dual-recording. Jean-Marc pronounces the French and you'll hear my Arizona accent for the … Continue reading A Common Mistake + favorite English word translated to French