Category: Writing

Cassis, Writing

Laquelle? Choices, Drama, & Everyday Life in France

Colorful buildings along the port of Cassis. Also, below, in the first six lines below, I am trying a new format for the word of the day. How do you like it? Do you have other suggestions for this weekly journal. Thanks for letting me know in the comments box. TODAY'S WORD: Laquelle, Lequel Pronunciation: [la-kell, le-kell]Meaning: Which one?  Example Sentence:Je ne sais pas laquelle … Continue reading Laquelle? Choices, Drama, & Everyday Life in France

Kristin Espinasse15 Comments
Encouragement, Writing

The Vas-y Effect. You know this secret to happiness and success…

A random photo from Paris. You can never see enough hearts! Keep looking for them, and enjoy the following pick-me-up message. TODAY'S WORD:  "Vas-y!"     : go for it! FRENCH SOUND FILE: Click below to hear Jean-Marc pronounce all 12 French terms in this post. Then scroll down to the vocabulary section to check your French comprehension. Click here to listen to the French … Continue reading The Vas-y Effect. You know this secret to happiness and success…

Kristin Espinasse35 Comments
2005 Story Collection, Celebrations, Writing

Today is The Day! Something mammoth to celebrate!

Today's Expression: "dans la panade"     : in a jam (in a difficult situation) Other ways to say "in a jam": dans le pétrin, dans la mouise…but if you really want to speak like a native it's dans la merde! A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Today is the day! Twenty years ago, on Sunday, October 28th, this French word journal … Continue reading Today is The Day! Something mammoth to celebrate!

Kristin Espinasse43 Comments
Travel, Writing

Redémarrer: Bonjour. An update from Kristi

In Denver, I got to meet "Sunny", my sister's 5th chien de berger anglais ancestral, and enjoy a longawaited reunion with family. Read on and bienvenue to new subscribers. Delighted to have you with us!  Today's Word: redémarrer     : to restart, start again, to get moving FRENCH SOUND FILE: Click the following link to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in today's post. … Continue reading Redémarrer: Bonjour. An update from Kristi

Kristin Espinasse62 Comments
Writing

Tout va bien se passer (French for Everything’s Gonna be OK!)

Welcome to the antépénultième post of the year. Read on for less obscure and more meaningful words! (This photo was taken this morning. Do not miss the end photo of a horse in the sea also taken here in La Ciotat.)Today's Phrase: Tout va bien se passer   : everything will be alright (it'll all work out!) Click here for the sound file    A … Continue reading Tout va bien se passer (French for Everything’s Gonna be OK!)

Kristin Espinasse39 Comments
Writing

They hopped the fence: how our ideas (and our chickens) take off

"Writing is for the birds!" Photo taken here in La Ciotat this morning, when things were peaceful…. Today's Word: les guillemets   : quotation mark I set out to tell you a story about fugitive hens (no worries, they're back) when every possible distraction known to man or bird befell me. Welcome to a typical beginning to each and every writing session. If I am … Continue reading They hopped the fence: how our ideas (and our chickens) take off

Kristin Espinasse25 Comments
Writing

A Bundle of Joy: Celebrating The 17th year of this journal!

The anniversary of this French word journal passed quietly by last month, unbeknownst even to me. But now that I've put two-and-two together, I'm not letting this milestone go unfêted (another lapse into franglais?). In keeping this brief, I will share the one thing that comes to mind when I think about writing this newsletter to you, and that is "Bundle of joy." Now here's the part … Continue reading A Bundle of Joy: Celebrating The 17th year of this journal!

Kristin Espinasse62 Comments
Dental Issues, Writing

laquelle

Holiday progress report: I haven't begun to look for the santons (pictured last year)–and the box of ornaments is still waiting to be unpacked. Doubtful things will come together this season, but I do know where to find the recipe for this cake! Meantime, a story for you today about writing… and how to tell all those stories you've got up your sleeve–in one fell … Continue reading laquelle

Kristin Espinasse102 Comments
Paris, Susan, Writing

Bonjour. It’s good to be back!

The writer reflects on their recent sabbatical in Paris, expressing initial nerves about potentially not returning to writing. They recognize their belief in being an “all or nothing” person but acknowledge a more adaptable nature within themselves. Gratitude is extended to readers who joined a recent cruise from Paris to Normandy, highlighting the experience and the beauty of the region. The writer recalls meaningful encounters, including moments spent with friends and the touching visit to Omaha Beach. They conclude by inviting readers to enjoy a holiday CD featuring French Christmas songs and share images from the cruise experience. Continue reading Bonjour. It’s good to be back!

Kristin Espinasse250 Comments
Memoir, Writing

le piege : the trap + book update

Photo of the vineyard where we spent 5 lively years! Thanks to your helpful notes, I will be writing the first draft of the memoir in private. Read on… le piège (pee-ezh)     : trap, snare, pitfall, booby-trap Audio: Listen to the following words & example sentence: DownloadMP3 or Wav   How to properly pronounce French words? Read this inexpensive book! piéger (verb) = to trappiégé = booby-trappedune … Continue reading le piege : the trap + book update

Kristin Espinasse138 Comments