Kristin Espinasse's Blog, page 57

Something the French never eat & our first official wine harvest

Our son, Max, delivering more cases to the harvesters, who will empty their buckets of grapes inside.

CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP! Join two chocolate shop owners in Provence, France & learn how to make chocolates using French techniques. We’ll stay in a medieval village and roam outdoor markets, castles, and more! CLICK HERE.


TODAY'S WORD: réchauffer

to heat, reheat
to warm up
to encourage

Réchauffer le coeur de quelqu'un = to console or comfort someone

ECOUTER: "Kristi a réchauffé toutes...

Moving to Mexico : voler de ses propres ailes

Everyone's flying the coop! Our son, Max, moves to Montpellier. Jackie, I told you, moves to Aix-en-Provence. And my Mom is moving to Mexico after her husband, Mr John, flew the coop to Paradise!

"But your mom already lives in Mexico..." you say. No. She lives in Puerto Vallarta--with the rest of the gringos.

Of course my sister and I are alarmed. Mom, all alone now, will be living on the fringes of the city, "in the jungle," as she is fond of saying. And from our phone conversations (whi...

See Jackie's new home in Aix-en-Provence! Apartments Tour & Finding student housing in France (It's a jungle!)

When my daughter saw this photo, she recognized a favorite bar in Aix-en-Provence. I was actually hoping she would notice the old sign, above it. One thing's sure, we don't see things the same way. Read more about hunting for a studio in Aix, in today's story.

TODAY'S WORD: une studette

petit studio
little studio
small room, accommodation, rented to students

ECOUTEZ - Listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's word: Download Studette

Ce jour-là, un tablier noué autour de la taille, les man...

How to say "To invite oneself over" or "to overstay your welcome" or "to crash a party"

We spent several days in the Alps, last week, and crashed a dinner party the last night. Read on, in today's story.


CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP! Join two chocolate shop owners in Provence, France & learn how to make chocolates using French techniques. We’ll stay in a medieval village and roam outdoor markets, castles, and more! CLICK HERE.


TODAY'S WORD: s'incruster

to invite yourself
to worm your way in
to overstay your welcome
to sneak in
to crash a party

ECOUTEZ - Listen to Jean-Marc pronoun...

Thank you! + Pronunciation lesson by Benjamin Huoy

Thank you very much, on behalf of all of our family, for your touching messages following my beau-père's passing. Many of you noticed an error, throughout my story, when I referred to John as my "father-in-law." I really meant to say "step-father!" Did you know that the French keep it simple--by using the term beau-père for both step-father and father-in-law? I like this--especially as the words beautiful father do much to honor John!

We return, now, to our French lessons. I have a very sp...

Mon Beau Pere: my step-father passed away

My one and only beau-père, John.


My step-father passed away on Sunday. We are all in shock and facing the reality of life without this tender and loving man who knew the power of gratitude.

"You and your sister are really nice," my mom said over the phone, as she tried to process the news. "But John--he was the kindest person I have ever met. He was an angel!" Mom's words hung in the air as another, familiar sound, began to fill my head.

Kristi, don't worry about a thing. I recognized Jo...

Genou: an injury, a day lily, and good company & a Chocolate workshop in France!

Photo taken in our old stomping grounds of Orange.

CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP! Join two chocolate shop owners in Provence, France & learn how to make chocolates using French techniques. We’ll stay in a medieval village and roam outdoor markets, castles, and more! CLICK HERE.

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TODAY'S WORD: le genou

: knee

ECOUTEZ - Listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's word: Download Genou

Notre amie Anne s'est blessée au genou.
Our friend Anne...

Go with the flow: Reveil, Apero, repas, siesta, petanque and calins!

My brother-in-law invites us to a barbecue...but getting to his house in Avignon, Sunday morning, would be another adventure! (Don't you love his "Vacation Hour" T-shirt? From 12 o'clock on, here are the translations: Wake up, Cocktails, Meal, Siesta, Boules (or Bocce ball), Cocktails, Meal, Hugs.)

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We meet a trio of angels. Did they deliver a message for Jean-Marc?

So many of you are now reading Diane's inspiring memoir about her time in France. I received my copy a few days ago and by page 16 I had teared up three times. I can deeply relate to Diane's longing for France! In an honest and very modest tone, Diane writes about what it is like to feel that innate pull that is calling you to France--and what it is like to venture here, all alone, after patiently waiting decades for the chance. Diane's book will encourage you to honor those longings.

Read...

Don't worry be happy & SAIP: the official government alert system to inform populations

Joy alert. On the eve of the 1st anniversary of our dog, Breizh's, passing, there was a rainbow on the horizon. More joy alerts in today's story.


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TODAY'S WORD: avertir

: to warn
...