Oh, pétard! The things you hear (and see) when eavesdropping

On Sunday, we took the long way to the beach, enjoying one of the many sentiers, or walking paths–this one fragrant with sweet-scented Scotch Broom! What with the perfumed air and feel of the sea's breeze, it was a sensual Father's Day morning–especially when my ears began to be tickled by a funny Southern French exclamation soon after we arrived at the beach. With that … Continue reading Oh, pétard! The things you hear (and see) when eavesdropping

How to say wasp in French… and the fascinating life inside a figue!

"Ignorance is Bliss." Remember this photo from last September? Back then, while eating my way from one end of this fig tree to the other, I had no idea there was more to a fig than meets the eye….  une guêpe (gep)     : wasp Terms, Expressions, and an example sentence: la taille de guêpe = slender-waisted, hourglass figurele nid de guêpe = hornet's … Continue reading How to say wasp in French… and the fascinating life inside a figue!

Homesickness strikes during passport renewal at the American Consulate in France

The wind and sea in Marseilles…. French Quote: Les larmes sont les pétales du coeur. –Paul EluardTears are the heart’s petals. Audio File: Reread the above quote, then listen to it here: Download MP3 or Wav file A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse Coming Home   Standing before the great iron gates of the American consulate in Marseilles, I was surprised by a barrage of … Continue reading Homesickness strikes during passport renewal at the American Consulate in France

Une sequelle: The aftermath or scars after an accident

One of the "séquelles" that remain after the two-dog attack on Smokey (years ago!) is that hanging tongue. Read about another, in today's story.  une séquelle (say-kel)    :  aftereffect, aftermath scar, legacy Une séquelle est une lésion qui persiste après la guérison d'une maladie ou blessure. Mot également utilisé lorsque l'on parle d'une conséquence plus ou moins lointaine qui est le contrecoup d'un évènement, d'une … Continue reading Une sequelle: The aftermath or scars after an accident