Kristin Espinasse's Blog, page 2
February 26, 2025
Chenille: Curious Caterpillars in La Ciotat & Exciting Book News!
A YEAR IN A FRENCH LIFE — VOLUME ONE
Dear Readers,
In just one week—on March 6th—my paperback memoir will officially launch! This full-color, 308-page labor of love is finally ready to meet the world. But will the world be able to find it? That’s where you come in!
I need your help. If you’ve been thinking about getting a copy for yourself—or for a friend—Thursday is the day to do it. A strong start is crucial, as early sales will not only help my book gain visibility online but also incr...
February 19, 2025
Stay the “cours”: Helping Each Other Succeed
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The Mediterranean landscape dotted with almond blossoms, as described in today's story. Read on...
TODAY’S WORD: Le Cours
: lesson, class
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
After the bright yellow mimosa and the scarlet coquelicots, now les amandiers and les cerisiers are blossoming in the hills above our coastal town. Looking down a rocky trail, I can see the first signs of springtime crisscrossing the landscape, all the way to the bay of La Ciotat.
As my daughter and I hike...
February 12, 2025
ABOUTISSEMENT: The Race to the Finish!
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Ever noticed how some people are having a day at the beach...while you are scrambling up the rocky coastline? In today's story, I’m feeling crabby in the rush to the finish line to publish my next book…
TODAY'S WORD: ABOUTISSEMENT
: completion, result, outcome
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
I said I wasn't going to write this week, not with the run-up to my deadline—or the aboutissement of my manuscript, including the last-minute search for photos, typos, and peccadilloes...
February 5, 2025
Témoignage: Why I Don't Drink Alcohol in France (or Anywhere)
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I once thought giving up alcohol would make dining out less enjoyable—how could I savor a meal without a glass of wine? But with so many delicious things to eat and to see, I don't miss drinking. Just look at this charming pup and the inviting French menu. Life is full and vibrant on the other side. More in today’s story!
TODAY'S WORD: LE TÉMOIGNAGE
: testimony, personal account
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
February 3rd, 2025—Twenty-two years ago today, I made the...
Témoinage: Why I Don't Drink Alcohol in France (or Anywhere)
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I once thought giving up alcohol would make dining out less enjoyable—how could I savor a meal without a glass of wine? But with so many delicious things to eat and to see, I don't miss drinking. Just look at this charming pup and the inviting French menu. Life is full and vibrant on the other side. More in today’s story!
TODAY'S WORD: LE TÉMOIGNAGE
: testimony, personal account
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
February 3rd, 2025—Twenty-two years ago today, I made the...
January 30, 2025
Sabots: Clogs, Sabotage & Standing Your Ground in France!
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I woke up this morning thinking, "I could really use a clog to illustrate today's post." Later, Jackie and I were at the mall when we stumbled into a second-hand shop...and found this sabot. Now that’s serendipitous!
TODAY'S WORD: LE SABOT
: clog
Did you know the word sabotage comes from sabot? The term sabotage is believed to have originated during the Industrial Revolution in France. Workers, particularly in the textile industry, would throw their wooden clogs (called sabots) into ma...
January 22, 2025
Inébranlable: Unflappable in French (A Mother-Daughter story)
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Jackie and Ricci ordering tea and a Galette des Rois at Le Nageur café on the old port in La Ciotat. For more photos and to stay connected, follow me on Instagram @kristinespinasse
TODAY'S WORD: INÉBRANLABLE
: unshakeable, unflappable
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
Hej! That's bonjour in Swedish. Twenty-five years ago, before taking the leap into writing, I worked at a vignoble in France owned by the Swedish State. Fanny, a young mother of two and the secretary there, m...
January 16, 2025
Le Collier: Mom receives a symbolic necklace
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A story of old friends and the necklace that connects them--and all of us.
TODAY'S WORD: LE COLLIER
: necklace
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
When our friends Charles and Martha arrived from Florida, they came bearing gifts: bottles of wine for Jean-Marc, Worcestershire Sauce and giant jars of beurre de cacahuète for the family, and a whimsical necklace for Jules. “Hopefully we’ll see her tomorrow …” our friends hinted.
“Oh,” I stammered, “I hope so too!”
I picture...
January 9, 2025
Doux Rêves: On Giving & Letting Go
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The world feels upside down when posting a giant ice cream cone in France while California faces devastating fires. Today’s story, written before reading the news, is shared with the hope of offering comfort. Life can feel completely out of our control, but we can keep faith and continue giving—however we’re led to give.
TODAY’S WORD: Doux rêves
: sweet dreams (noun)
The verb form is faire de bons rêves (to have sweet dreams).
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
The las...
December 31, 2024
Adieu 2024: A Year of Lessons and Unexpected Blessings
TODAY'S WORD: LA RECONNAISSANCE
: acknowledgment, gratefulness
A YEAR IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
And just like that, 2024 has come to an end. As they say here in Provence, Bon bout d’an!—happy end of the year.
How quickly the months have gone by. Like the gentle breeze sweeping the neighborhood leaves across the seafront, le temps vole! But to where, exactly, does time fly? However boggling this vast endlessness, there’s comfort in knowing these moments live on forever, in...
