Kristin Espinasse's Blog, page 2
March 5, 2025
Today’s the day! A Year in a French Life is Here--in full color!
A YEAR IN A FRENCH LIFE – NOW AVAILABLE!
Dear Readers,
The day has arrived! My new book, A Year in a French Life, is officially live on Amazon. After years of sharing stories with you on the blog, I am thrilled to present this collection in book form—one you can hold in your hands, gift to a friend, or take along on your own travels.
📖 Order your copy here: Amazon Link
A Glimpse Inside the Book
Step into a charming French seaside town and experience a year of life, love, and laughter unde...
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
[image error]
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!
[image error]
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)
[image error]
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)
[image error]
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!
[image error]
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)
[image error]
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
[image error]
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
[image error]
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...
