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

“Smala” & Family Visit to Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, Marseilles

Kristi Espinasse shares her joyful experiences with her American family visiting Cassis, France, for the first time. Their week has been filled with activities like beach outings, farmers market trips, and cliff diving. They explored several picturesque locations, including Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, while enjoying the cultural differences. A highlight was a family gathering at Vieux Port, where despite language barriers, the reunion was a success. As Kristi reflects on the importance of family time, she embraces the concept of “smala,” meaning big family. She cherishes these moments together, even as she contemplates obligations at home that prevent further travels. Continue reading “Smala” & Family Visit to Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, Marseilles

Stationner + we surprise our daughter at her new job

Stationner was word of the day on November 11th, 2005. You can listen to a then 8-year-old Jackie in the soundfile for that post. Jackie is now 19 and finishing up her academic year in Aix-en-Provence, where we found her a studette in le centre ville. She returned for Easter break, to have her dents de sagesse removed and to begin her summer job in … Continue reading Stationner + we surprise our daughter at her new job

French? No, Jane Goodall speaks Chimpanzee!

How serendipitous to write about Jane Goodall–on the 215 anniversary of British paleontologist Mary Anning! Cheers to all the dirt-beneath-their fingernails women who help us understand, appreciate and consciously care for the world we live in.  Mas la Monaque - Rent this beautifully restored 17-century farmhouse. Click here for more pictures. une place (plass)     : seat réserver une place = to book a seat Audio … Continue reading French? No, Jane Goodall speaks Chimpanzee!

Que Faire a Aix-en-Provence? / What to do in Aix-en-Provence?

 "Empty Niche Syndrome." Photo taken in Caromb. What To Do in Aix-En-Provence?I received the following letter from a reader and hope you can help by submitting tips on what to do and see in Aix!  Kristin, If you have a moment, please…  I am thinking about planning a trip to France in late August of this year and would really like to visit Aix-en-Provence as part … Continue reading Que Faire a Aix-en-Provence? / What to do in Aix-en-Provence?

Sans déconner (time to rewrite my blog’s about page)!

(Updated September 8th, 2021) Next year this French journal celebrates its 20th anniversary and it is time to rewrite a page in history (or simply amend this outdated "About" page found in the sidebar of the French Word-A-Day blog)! As I reflect on what to include, let me share a brief introduction (in lieu of a longer version). American, born in the Philippines in 1967 … Continue reading Sans déconner (time to rewrite my blog’s about page)!