Kristin Espinasse's Blog, page 7
March 6, 2024
To be brave in French + Mom and I get in a little fight & end up at the circus
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The curtain is now opening on today's pièce: a feisty (and sentimental) mother-daughter story. My mom loved these circus curtains, seen on a recent walk together. Jules sewed our dresses when my sister and I were little, and these rideaux remind me of our visits to the fabric store.
TODAY’S WORD: "Avoir du cran"
: to have guts, grit, to be brave
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
Do you believe that our behavior can provoke the universe? I can't help but wonder when, hou...
February 29, 2024
How To Say Practical Joke in French? + Jackie & I have fun at Max's expense...
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Merci for your encouraging notes following last week's update regarding subscribership. Your words revive me! Today's mischief takes place in La Ciotat (photo snapped outside Le Palais Lumière where a patch of daisies looks as innocent as a team of pranksters in hiding. Read on.)
TODAY'S WORD: UN CANULAR
: practical joke, prank, hoax
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
Getting cozy on the couch with a cup of tea and our shepherd Ricci, I watched my daughter prepare to leave for...
February 22, 2024
Jackie's Airport Layover + A “flighty” Hint or Clue Regarding Something I’m Up To
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Because airports are part of today's update, here’s one of the few pictures from my camera roll in theme with the story. It's a bit of a stretch, but then so is today's update (and that is your first clue).
TODAY'S WORD: INDICE
: clue, hint
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
As I type this billet my daughter is flying over the Atlantic, halfway between New York and Paris. Jackie's been away 4 weeks, on the road and in the air since earning her B+3 bachelor's degree in Lyon. (...
February 15, 2024
Pancarte: A Funny Sign Taped to the wall of our W.C.
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Valentine's Day is past but an unusual love note lingers in today's story....
Also, a book you might love: Amour: How the French Talk About Love. Find it in the "Books" section" here.
TODAY'S WORD: LA PANCARTE
: banner, sign
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
The last moments before Jean-Marc flew to New Zealand for his wine mission were spent fixing our plumbing--or trying to. Ever since we moved to this 1960s villa in 2017 we've been walking a fine, crooked line with ou...
February 8, 2024
A Hug in French, Family Reunions and My Break in the States
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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 sentiment d'être avec sa famille--et un câlin.
Nothing is worth ...
February 1, 2024
Pompette: French for “tipsy” or “mildly drunk”
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While this weekly chronique is on break, I’m celebrating a meaningful anniversary. More in this story published recently in France Today magazine.
TODAY’S WORD: POMPETTE
"Pompette" is a colloquial French term that refers to a state of mild intoxication or tipsiness, rather than being fully drunk. It's often used to describe someone who has consumed alcohol and is slightly under the influence.
THE DANCE OF LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
On the terrace of a stately mas outside St-Rémy-de-Provence...
January 25, 2024
Congé: A word for when you take a break from work/business
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Vroom! A zippy reminder this blog is on congé, or break. See you in two weeks. Enjoy a few cartes postales from La Ciotat until this Ciotadenne returns….
REMERCIEMENTS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Many thanks to the following readers who recently sent in a blog donation during my congé. Your support means a lot!
Julie S.
Karen F.
Betty M.
Janice H.
Glad to do it. I love your site. Keep it up, please. Julie S.
January 18, 2024
Bien Joué! Why Jackie is leaving Lyon
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Today, find out why my daughter was at the hairdresser's when she should've been on her way to FINAL EXAMS!
Note: After today's post this journal will go on break thru February 8th.
TODAY'S WORD: BIEN JOUÉ
: well done!, good job!, way to go!
: well played
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
I really want to learn a new thing, I do not know what I am interested in, though. UI/UX design? Being a certified therapist? Fashion? So much that I can or could be. Should I pretend to be...
January 11, 2024
To Flee in French: Startled or spooked, our new dog ran away in a panic
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TODAY’S WORD: S’ENFUIR
: to flee
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
Following last week’s missive “locals helping locals,” I could not imagine the favor would be return...
To Flee in French: Startled or spooked, our dog ran away in a panic
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S'il vous plaît:To ensure delivery of this weekly letter from France, click here to mark your subscription as active. Thank you! Glad to have you aboard!
TODAY’S WORD: S’ENFUIR
: to flee
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
Following last week’s missive “locals helping locals,” I could not imagine the favor would be returned so suddenly… Here is the extended version of a post shared on Instagram, after our dog escaped.
“Partie comme une fusée” Off like a bullet
After Jean-Marc left for ...
