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 someone until I am this person? The above is an excerpt from a letter our ..read more

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 Le Beausset Saturday, to help a friend plant grapevines, Ricci and I strolled to our neighborhood marché pa ..read more

With Ricci, New Year's Day 2024. I love her from her nose down to her sweet toes! In today's story, a kindness from strangers gets the new year off to a meaningful start. TODAY'S WORD: Bonne et heureuse année     : Good and happy year A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse ”L’Abreuvoir — The Little Water Trough” “Bonne Année! Meilleurs Voeux! Surtout la bonne santé!” Entering our local supérette for some fresh milk and eggs, I see the shopkeepers huddled around the caisse, bright smiles on their faces as they deliver cheery New Year's greetings. This jolly outpouring reminds m ..read more

The moss on these rocks is "Christmas tree green" and the sea, dazzling at sunrise. TODAY'S WORD: LA CANNE à PÊCHE     : fishing pole A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse The first gift on Christmas morning came in the form of sunrays. Clear blue skies and warm temperatures meant our extended family would be able to enjoy a festive meal on the terrace instead of crammed inside, some of us at the table, others seated sur les canapés. Last-minute switcharoos make me nervous, but moving the party outside would be worth the temporary dérangement. When our daughter woke up she he ..read more

I love this scene, photographed a year or so ago at our local Charity shop, Emmaus. Today’s Word: Joyeux Noël   : Merry Christmas!  A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse I would like to share a reader comment that is helping me to keep the faith, no matter how many times I stumble, on this, the final countdown to Noël: Help me to recall it again now... "The spirit of Christmas is in the love you share and give and has nothing to do with decorations, gifts or money. Delight in those gathered near and good times spent together. These are fleeting and a blessing to be cherished ..read more

There is no perfect Christmas. Not in France, not where you grew up, and not even at the North Pole. So relax and enjoy the season. Instead of a word, today's offering is a quote by French philosopher Jean Grenier: "Il est aussi noble de tendre à l'équilibre qu'à la perfection ; car c'est une perfection que de garder l'équilibre" "It is as noble to strive for balance as for perfection; for it is perfection to maintain balance." A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse If tradition is to put up le Sapin de Noël at the beginning of Advent, then I'm 8 days late this year. So when my son Max c ..read more

Take inspiration from these jolly characters, left, and hang in there when this holiday season speeds up! More words and encouragement in today's update. Offer a book this holiday season! Thank you for keeping my collected stories in mind for a French-themed Christmas present. Click here to purchase Words in a French Life or another book to put under the tree. TODAY'S WORD: Un Jour à la fois   : one day at a time A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse J’hésite. I am unsure as to what to share today. I've got Christmas on my mind, as do many of you, family, and a To-Do list I'm avo ..read more

We are all crazy about our new dog Ricci, who gave us quite a scare recently.... Nous raffolons tous de notre nouvelle chienne Ricci, qui nous a récemment donné une sacrée frayeur. TODAY'S WORD: Raffoler de     : to adore, love     : not be able to get enough of something A DAY  IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Two weeks ago we nearly lost our little shepherd, la petite Ricci, adopted recently at the age of 3. Jean-Marc and I had been enjoying a stroll along the shore, and all the amusing dog encounters, when Ricci exchanged sniffs with a Boxer. When he got too p ..read more

Jean-Marc and Ricci at Port des Capucins. "I'm going to take her with me to New Zealand!" he teases. Read about my husband's 2024 périple in today's update. Joyeuse Action de Grâce! I can't guarantee that's how you say "Happy Thanksgiving" in French. But I hope you have so much to be thankful for and that your lives are brimming with blessings in any language. In addition to the blessings of my Franco-American family, friends, health, and our new dog, I'm grateful to have overcome my fear of making pumpkin pie... La Tarte à la Citrouille For a scrumptious tarte à la citrouille I roasted and ..read more

Punaise! When I heard about the bed bug epidemic in Paris, I almost canceled plans to see my best friend. I’m so glad I didn’t let those punaise reports destroy this joyful reunion. TODAY'S WORD: Punaise!   : Darn! Oh no! Oh dear! Punaise also means bug or “bed bug”. The exclamation may have been born of the horror of seeing the crawly creatures, i.e. Punaises! Bed bugs! It is a very popular way to express surprise in French, in any let-down situation. Come to think of it, “Bed bugs!” makes for a colorful expression in English, too, don't you think?   A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by ..read more