"A Cat in Camaret". I searched my photo archives for a picture of a veste, gave up and settled on this one instead. Note: The next word goes out on Monday. Bonne fin de semaine! veste (vest) feminine : jacket, blazer French Expression:retourner sa veste = to change sides (in a debate, for example)tomber la veste = to take off one's jacketse prendre … Continue reading veste
Jean-Marc's latest pastime. Read on in today's story column. un casse-tête (kass tet) : jigsaw puzzle, brainteaser : difficult problem, headache Note: un casse-tête is a synonym for puzzle. The French more often call a puzzle "un puzzle" or "un jeu de patience". Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc read today's word and the following example sentence: Download MP3 or Wav file Les premiers puzzles se … Continue reading casse-tete
Photo taken in March 2010. The window at Shakespeare and Company bookshop… and one of the most exciting days of my life. I brought my book and Chief Grape brought his wine, which was a hit! I learned a little about public speaking—in preparing for the talk—and even more during the talk! *** Today, read a story by French Word-A-Day reader Johanna DeMay Following the … Continue reading troquer
The Christmas decorations are still up in the town of Grignan. Have you taken down your holiday decor? Click here to comment. le sang-froid : calm, equanimity, imperturbability Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc (I am told my husband has a beautiful voice! Don't miss it): Download MP3 or Wav file Lors de situations conflictuelles, çela aide pas mal de garder son sang-froid!During situations which involve conflict, it … Continue reading sang-froid
Proud wife, or femme fière. I snapped this picture last July, during a special dinner, in Colmar, in honor Chief Grape! Given today's theme (which is partly on focusing), I hope this picture fits the bill—j'espère que celle-là fera l'affaire! P.S. If you are looking for a cozy and delicious restaurant-bistro in Colmar, Jean-Marc and I very much enjoyed Mina and Jérôme's warm welcome at La Cocotte de … Continue reading Bonne et heureuse Année 2012!
Does one need to hit the road to sell books on French life? Not when your MOM is busy pounding the pavement! Read on… (photo taken in Briançon). Note: the next word goes out in the new year. Meilleurs Voeux! Bonne Année! le baratin (bara-tehn) sweet talk, smooth talk baratiner = to sweet-talk somebody, to chat someone upbaratineur, baratineuse = smooth talker Audio File: listen … Continue reading baratin & baratiner
Have you ever heard an old word… as if for the first time? Your eyes sting; suddenly, you are seized by meaning, when a humble old mot causes your body to form a lump in your throat. Read on, in today's story column. mangeoire (mahn-zhwar) noun, feminine 1. trough, manger (animals) ; feeding dish (birds) 2. crèche (Christ child's crib) Audio File Hear today's French word and … Continue reading mangeoire
The scene was so classic that I wondered, as I snuck up to snap the photo, if it wasn't staged! Notice the underwear: one per "hook". Photo taken in Nyons (next to a chichi restaurant. Well, that oughta show 'em!). It is exciting to watch the numbers as this self-published book competes with the "big guys". At one point, Blossoming in Provence made it within … Continue reading de guingois
Life's merry-go-round. Read on, in today's letter. (Photo of le manège taken in Marseilles) aigre-doux (ehgrh-doo) : bittersweet Bonjour les amis, I wanted to update you on the good news. Blossoming in Provence made it to #31 in the hot new releases at Amazon.com! I returned home from Marseilles, yesterday, to a flurry of excitement in the comments box (please check it out … Continue reading aigre-doux
The book that took 21 44 days to create, publish and put on-line for sale… thanks for your help (and special thanks to Tamara and Erin at TLC Graphics for this book's cover and beautiful interior). .Bonjour! I am on my way to Marseilles this morning. French Word-A-Day will return on Wednesday. Before I leave, I wanted to ask you a big favor, or un … Continue reading un grand service = a big favor
