FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

My name is Brigitte. I am a 41 yr Mom, runner, lover of French, cook, career girl and gardener. I dream of living on a farm far away from all of the daily rat race where I can live on fresh milk and lavender. I read the French Word in my office in Maine. My mother is from Quebec City and we were raised to speak PROPER FRENCH or NONE AT ALL. So, I am still working on perfecting my French and love learning new words. I fell in love with France last April and dream of buying a flat in the south where I can retire with my husband and sample red wine in-between long walks in the country.

Moi? I'm a French teacher in a Texas high school (where most kids take Spanish instead of French... that means that MY students are rebels for bucking the trend). Always trying to improve my French: I travel to France as often as possible (12 tours with students, 4 visits without), I have a French step-mother to chat with, and I have a number of French friends through myspace. And there's my "line or two"!

Happy Birthday!

I've been reading your blog for almost two years now...and love it. I began reading it because you are an expat...as am I. I gave up the work world to follow my husband and start a family...who knew it would take me so far away from home. Now I am a 35 yr old SAHM, living in Germany, struggling with German and trying to learn French :)

Je suis une femme d'un certain age, francophile depuis l'age de sept, etudiante de francais, et professeur au lycee pendant vingt annees. J'ai fait ma retraite et maintenant continue avec French Word A Day pour ne pas oublier. J'aime beaucoup le style intime de vos ( tes) commentaires. J'ai garde plusiers des citations bien choisees qui accompagnie le mot du jour.Bonne anniversaire! Amities,

Hi Kristin, We have already been in touch but here goes anyway. I am Swedish/SouthAfrican/American/French writer/illustrator/exMadison Aveartdirector writing and illustrating children's books, painting and teaching workshops in southwest France. Eh voila. Bed always here for you if you're passing through.

Hi all! I'm a 26-almost-27 year young Floridian living in Colombes, a small 'burb next to Nanterre, a larger ville, just a cote a Paris. I am a Christian volunteer with a non-profit organization, Le Courant de Vie, and have been here for one year. I subscribed to this journal when I found out I was coming (aaaaaaack! I don't know any French!) and have been enjoying this fun respite from "Learning French." As I have slowly grown accustomed to the less-efficient, more enjoyable ways of French living, I am growing to love this country! Am I the youngest on the list? =)

Oh, one more thing...my beau (whom I haven't seen in 4 months) is coming to see me in FIVE days! Waaahooo! Heehee, couldn't help it! =)

Congratulations on your 6th anniversary!

I am a 59-year-old theatre administrator from South Africa. In addition to English, my home language, I speak Afrikaans, Spanish, Italian and (less well!)French.

Bonjour, J' habite à Halifax au Canada. Il ya cinq ans que j'ai commencé à étudier le français à l'Alliance Français en vue d'une vacances en France. Depuis, j'ai visité la France trois fois en vacances. L'été dernier, nous sommes restés à Gigondas pour quelques jours et alors que nous sommes allés à la St Cécile les Vignes le jour du marché et également visité les ruines romaines à Vaison la Romaine. Nous aimons la culture française en particulier beaucoup la gastronomie et de grands vins.

I am a 54 year old Francophile, mother of a 16 year old boy and live in Florida. My husband found your book in the library and from there I was led to this site which I enjoy immensely. Love the pictures, the family, the stories. I work out of my home and find time to check in on French-word-a-day. Love it. Thank you for sharing.

My name is Tim. I am 53 and live on a farm near Worcester, in the Western Cape of South Africa. I grow certified organic Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit verdot grape vines. I am a garagiste, chef, artist and farmer. I run a food processing business, making gourmet and organic food products. I have a wife, 4 children (13 -22) 2 dogs, 3 horses and 10 geese. I speak reasonable french. I have traveled extensively in France, and dream of something old and architecturally interesting in Perigord.

Bon anniversaire!

I am a sophomore at Virginia Wesleyan College, a graduate of the International Baccalaureate program in high school--an intense program combining community service, theories of knowledge, and a LOT of essays, oral projects, and poetry explications. We had to choose between French, Spanish, and Latin, and by my senior year, I was one of only nine students remaining in my IB French V class. I often pulled words into my conversations that the rest of my class didn't know, and when my teacher asked me where I had learned them, I was always proud to point her towards your Word-a-Day journal. I also teach French to the "upper school" at the small school where my mother teaches preschool--I have five students, ranging in age from five to eleven--and have on occasion used words I learned from you to give them a lesson to remember. They always do!

Currently, I am not taking any languages; the advanced French course I would love to take is perpetually scheduled at the same time as my Chorus class. However, I took two semesters of German last year. I'm a History major, with a double minor in English and Music, and I love to write. In fact, I am gearing up for my third attempt at National Novel Writer's Month, or NaNoWriMo, and I am sure there will be random French phrases sprinkling the work.

Je m'appelle Katie. J'ai 23 ans et je suis etudiante dans le Kentucky. J'aime beaucoup le francais et je veux devenir prof de francais. J'habite avec mes parents et ma soeur. Bonne anniversaire de "French Word a Day."!

My name is Alexandria. I'm a 29 year old Canadian but I've been living just outside Boston, MA for the past five and a half years. I'm here with my husband while he does his residency and fellowship training. I was teaching elementary school, but have taken time off to have my first baby, due soon! We honeymooned in France and hope to one day retire there. I attended French school from nursery through third grade, but lost much of my ability to speak it from lack of use. I very much enjoy your lessons and pictures!

Hallo! I am a 20 (almost 21) year old college student from Oklahoma. When my birthday rolls around in 15 days, I plan on ordering a bottle of your wine. I found the word-a-day through my French professor my freshman year. I met your mom through Jack's Friends and we've been emailing ever since. She's a lovely lady inside and out and I am blessed to have someone like her to talk to. I also appreciate the extra vocabulary your blog gives. It teaches me real French, not just textbook stuff.

Happy anniversary! Here's to 6 more!

Lori

My husband and I have lived in Europe for the last 8.5 years with the US Army. During his deployments, I could always count on two things to make me smile while plowing through daily emails -- looking at weather forecasts in Provence (I just assume it's going to rain here in Germany), and reading French-Word-A-Day. Thanks for providing me with a positive distraction, as my French is now better than my German :), and also prompting me to jump in the car from time to time, just to run across the border to go grocery shopping at CORA! (The clerks always seem to wonder why I need so much confit de canard at one time...) We're finally moving back to the States next month, but you'll help keep France in my heart every day, or "thrice weekly".

Felicitations! I am a 51 year old suburban mother of three boys (22, 19 1/2, 16) who fell in love with France during my Junior Year in France in college. I was lucky enough to introduce my husband and boys to France in 1999 and though they loved the energy of Paris and the ambience of the Loire Valley, it was our week in Faux in the Dordogne that was truly magical. Salut a notre "monsieur" Adhemar duRepaire!! I have kept up my french thru adult conversation classes and your site, and am even trying to learn a little of the different languages my boys have taken/take in school(Spanish, Italian and now German). I have an organizing business (www.neatwithatwist.net) and frequently work with senior citizens, helping them downsize into assisted living, and love to regale them with your stories. Keep up the good work!

Hello Kristin,

I have been reading French word a day for about 5 years now, and can't for the life of me remember how I started in the first place! I am 40 years old and live in Carrollton, GA, about an hour outside of Atlanta. I began teaching myself French when I was 16 years old, and I am about halfway there these many years later! I have been to France four times, and also to Italy which is also stunningly beautiful. I learned enough Italian to get by, and I also speak Spanish. I am a returning student also work as a therapist. I love reading my daily word, reading your daily stories, and the daily photo keeps my memories of beautiful France alive. Thank you for it all!

HAPPY 6th ANNIVERSARY!
Hi French-word-a-day. I am 42yr old English Mum and I live in Basse-Normandie, France with my two teenage children and numerous animals!!!! My husband commutes between here and London, Mon - Thurs every week on the Eurostar! I am a qualified homoeopath, although it is illegal for me to practise in France as I am not a Doctor!!! I normally read French-word-a-day in my kitchen on the lap-top that serves as my contact with the rest of the world (as I can sometimes feel very remote) BUT loving it! I always thought I would learn French through osmosis BUT alas this is not so!!! I started recieving these daily words before I came to live in France, so over 3 years now and find it invaluable and great for my 14yrd old daughter Grace who is in 5eme at College. My son was asked to leave College not because he is unruly (far from it) BUT because having been home-educated for many years in the UK, he was too much of a free-thinker for the French system and asked too many questions!!! Anyone with knowledge of French Schools knows that this would be like a square peg in a round hole!
Anyway, many thanks for the contact and education - enjoy your celebrations Kristin and keep up the good work!
Carol

Bon anniversaire à French-Word-A-Day!!!! I am an American artist who paints French-themed pictures. I often illustrate French words and quotes and am therefore am enthusiastic subscriber. I read your new words with my morning café et petit déjeuner. Je vous remercie for a delicious and inspiring way to start to my day. -Amitiés from Linda at "The French Easel."

Bonne fete, Blog!! Je suis avocat qui quitte la practique. Je suis une parente de 2 petite filles, et la plus vielle fille a commence la maternelle cet autumne! Je suis professeur a temps-partiel (sessional lecturer) a l'universite dans le domaine de science politique. J'enseigne un classe de "international law" a ce moment-ci.

Cheers to your next seven years!

P.S. Bonne anniversaire/buon compleanno! (I hit "post"a moment too soon.)

My name is AJ and I am on the down side of 50 years. I love all things French and Italian. I have a very average life which borders on BORING and your blog really adds a lot of spice to my life! I have commented several times that your mother is a real inspiration to me. I would like to be a "free spirit" like she seems to be. You are are both beautiful women! Travel is my hobby and I love to talk travel with anyone who will listen. Happy anniversary and keep the spice in all of our lives!

Congratulations on six years! I'm a 68-year old great-grandmother who lives in a log house that we built when we were too young to know we couldn't. Himself and I are still very active and travel a bit, including a week in Italy this spring with 19 members of our family! I knit, read, do calligraphy, and have found a source of joy in reading your blog and feeling like I'm traveling without the burden of all the luggage, surly security people and having to navigate for my hubby.

Enchante, Kristin~

From faraway Japan, I've enjoyed reading your posts (four four years?). Once, long ago, in dog years, I too was a desert rat. Studiously studying French verbs and dreaming of the French countryside on the back of an imaginary Jean-Pierre's motorcycle. The fates would have their way with me and grow my expat life in China and now, Japan, filling my head with those languages. But still, there is a place for a French menu and outrageous delight for all that is French. Only a few years back I was able to take an extended holiday with a girlfriend before getting down to the serious business of being a married lady. I must say that the civility and good manners, mixed with the absolute goofy-playfulness made me feel as if I had found a spiritual home. Thank you for sharing your French life. And, maybe this is odd, but the Japanese share many ways with the French--mostly being a respect for terrior. Campai! Cheers! Sante!

I am a mom of three, living in New Jersey who used to be a ballet dancer and miss the beautiful language of ballet that I grew up hearing all the time. Just reading your little stories every day makes me feel inspired and I hope to get fluent one day. Congratulations and thank you.

Cheers o 6 yrs...loyal reader from the beginning....glad to see other 59 yr olds (so I'm not the oldest.....but part of a group of seasoned followers) Originally from New Orleans (so used to french language & food) ..would love to retire to france....and my wildest dreams came true last march when my 23 yr old daughter married a Parisian (they live in the US now.....but some day....en France)She met him randomly in a bar in Paris....his father is the batonnier of Paris...we r thrilled...i think I willed it to happen!

Bonjour! I am 48 yrs old, live in Dallas with my husband and our pets. I am a life-long Francophile and have read your blog since its inception. I speak French, Italian and some Spanish and my dream is to be fluent in both French and Italian. I work in the corporate end of the travel industry and stay purely for what few benefits remain. We travel to Europe 2-3 times per year and self-cater, so that we can indulge our fantasy of living in either France or Italy. Living like locals, if only for 2 weeks at a time, gets us through to our next trip. Thank you for the blog and congratulations!

Congratulations on your 6th anniversary! I am a 46 year old wife, mother and attorney from Chicago who found your website about two years ago when my husband and I were planning a 20th anniversary trip to Paris. Although I studied French in college and lived in Nantes for a semester junior year, my French was a little rusty. I have enjoyed your French word journal so much! It has helped me dust the cobwebs off my French brain and reconnect with my francophile past.

I am the Program Coordinator for ReadWest Adult Literacy Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am also an English as a Second Language tutor. I spend my days with students learning English as a second language or improving their reading skills. I have been learning French as my second language for 5 years. I am wife of 28 years, mother of 4 and just about to be une grandmère this week! Life is good. Kristen, you inspired me to write my blog on New Mexico like it was just as charming as Marseille, several years ago. I write in simple english so my students and many French learning english can read it. Thank you for sharing your family with me for the last 5 years!

Happy 6th Birthday! I am Patti Tolar from South Texas, grandmother of 5, and doctoral student in psychology. I have been enjoying your french words and stories for 4 years and look forward to see you in my in box. I was lucky enough to visit France for 3 weeks and is the trip of a lifetime. Keep those words coming.

I am a 46 year old soon to be empty nester mother of three, stepmother of two living in the wilds of Oregon with my Formerly French Husband, Jean Paul! I have been reading FWAD for several years as I struggle to increase my ability to speak french while working in an environment where 80% of my co-workers speak only spanish. I am so thankful for your openness, Kristi, and your willingness to share your lives with all of us.

Bonjour Kristen
(-:
Je suis un fière francophone tri-lingue (FR-EN & Hongrois) né ici et toujours vécu en Ontario, Canada. Je me trouve enrobé de ton quotidien et vie heureuse, ceci après faire recommandation de ton "Blog" etc.. a mes amie(e)s pour leures instructions française. Je suis père de 4 ados et trouve les temps difficles avec ma femme qui aide pas beaucoup. Comme Mr. Mom a quelques reprise j'ai un grand intérèst au affaire de cuisine, et aimes tes histoires de ce genre. I find myself escaping to France in a vitual journey, and wish someday to get to Europe to explore via a culinary trail leading me back to my fathers homestead near Gyor, Hungary. This hopefully via France, Italy and Greece.
Al the best! Happy anniversary and continue the work.

Merci

Michel

Dear Kristin,
I've mentioned before that I'm a high school guidance counselor in the city of Philadelphia, PA. I have three grown sons and my passions are reading and playing bridge in addition to my family. I don't think I told you that I studied French all four years of high school and then went on to study a few more years in college. I've been to France three times and I can't believe I haven't moved there. My dream is to have an apartment in Paris, truly the most wonderful and beautiful city in the world. Thank you very much for sharing so much of your life with all of your devoted readers. Congratulations on your six years of your blog and also on your successful book.
Fondly, Helen

I've lived in Cleveland, Ohio my entire life, but love to travel and have been fortunate enough to visit Paris several times. I love the city! The sights, the people, the food, the wine, the architecture, the art, the ambiance, the life style - the list goes on. My French is what I can remember from 8th grade - it is enough to ask a question in French that usually results in an English reply (thankfully). I am not sure how I stumbled upon French Word of the Day, but the stories are delightful and brings a little bit of France into my daily life as a Mortgage Banker. I love my organic garden and enjoy the cooking and eating food that was just picked. My boyfriend has educated me on composting and living a greener life. I am over 50 and hope to see Paris again.

Happy anniversary! I am a chef and owner of a cooking school in Haddonfield, NJ, which is near Philadelphia, PA. I don't speak a word of French (well, maybe 25 words) but I have been reading and loving your blog for two years. I think Sonja would like to visit my shop, as I specialize in all things French, from olive oils and vinegars, salts and other specialty cooking ingredients to tabletop linens, soaps, etc. I try to live my life as if I am in Provence, and you have certainly helped in that dream. I have a 15 year old daughter, Chloé, who is learning French, and she is reading along with me. We spent some time there last summer, stationing ourselves near Graveson and touring each day, (propelled by the fresh markets, of course) and then the the rest of the time in Paris. Chloé and I wish you a wonderful day of celebrating, and look forward to many more words.

You know me already Kristen so there is not much to add.Except, yes I can wiggle my ears! Probably been reading your French Word for at least five years and enjoying every word.

I am a lifelong "francophile" and read French Word a Day to bring a bit of France into each day. Kristin and I had the pleasure of meeting when she was in Los Angeles with Jean-Marc promoting their wines. I am the owner of one of the few independent bookstores in the area called Chevalier's (oui, like Maurice!) and my greatest joys are reading in both anglais et francais, traveling to France twice a year and my 4 chattes: Bijou, Chloe, Cannelle and Neige! Bon Anniversaire French Word a Day!

I could say more, but will only note here that a key word describing me is linguist. I'm a native speaker of English, but know Russian and German fairly well. My best language is French, in which I have a B.A.; in the intervening years I have taken pains to become and remain very fluent in it. Years ago, I spent a few weeks with a French family, which helped a lot. My interest in French no doubt arose because I was born in La Belle France, daughter of a diplomat posted to Paris (unquestionably the best assignment of his career). We left when I was a year old, but I always knew I wanted to learn French, which I started mastering orally in the 6th grade. I have absorbed the culture as well as the language, and feel that they have become an integral part of who I am.

Bonjour, Kristin, and bonne anniversaire!

I am a nearly-native Arizonan who recently moved (kicking and screaming!) to Washington, DC. I have 2 daughters (14 and 18)and a wonderful husband, and I work as an aviation consultant.

I have always had golden retrievers and worked with a Golden Retriever rescue group in Phoenix until moving. I also raise Service Animals for Canine Companions for Independence (www.cci.org), and we are about to take our 2nd CCI dog--a golden/lab cross named Jude--to "grad school" in Long Island, NY, in a couple of weeks. While we know this day is inevitable, after raising and training Jude for the past 18 months, it's very painful. In perspective, though, we know he'll be a wonderful companion to someone with special needs!

My husband works for a French company, based in Toulouse, so I visit as often as possible and practice my once-fluent French. However, the older I get, the longer it takes my brain to kick into gear, so your French-Word-a-Day is a blessing. I love stories of your vineyard and your children and your dog Braise! Thanks for the hard work, and keep the words coming!

I'm 50. Grew up in New Orleans when French was a mandatory second language. Living in Colorado for the last 28 years. I am the founder and artistic director of an aerial dance-theatre company, Frequent Flyers Productions. I love the word-a-day! My friend, Liz, swears that the word usually mimics the type of day she's having. Today's word: Joyeuse! I hope everyone is having that type of day!

Hi:
I am Frank, from Hood River, Oregon. My wife Barbara and I have spent, I am astonished to learn, about five months in France three weeks at at time. We are commissaires de la piste for the 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car race for five days each June and make a three week vacation out of each trip. We rent a car and hit the road staying in two star hotels in small towns throughout France, so far all north of Poitiers. We like history and castles, neolithic sites and ancient lavoirs as well as antiques and such.
I found Kristin's site from Corey Amaro's blog. I found Corey during a search for the beautiful lace curtains with pastoral scenes on them found in so many French villages and which now grace our house in Oregon. I was quite surprised to learn that famile Espinasse and famile Amaro know each other.
When we started going to France we were always surprised by what came when we ordered dinner. Now we speak servicable French and know that Assiette de fromage is a cheese plate. We have a bit of Rouge-Bleu in our wine rack after meeting Jean-Marc and Kristin in Portland and we have our tickets for next year. Happy sixth year Kristin.

Bonne Anniversaire!!! I'm a 56 year old American who splits my life between Florida, Illinois, Philadelphia, and the south of France. I've read this blog, oh my, for about 4-5 years. It is an enjoyable part of my day. I work in the music business, folk music in the USA and Gypsy music runs the rest of my time. :) You can see more of me at www.myspace.com/tshirtcathy and www.gypsysoul.fm which is a radio station run by myself and 2 friends. I believe we are all members of this French Work A Day community. Kristin, I'll be stopping by some day to see you. Perhaps I can give a hand with the vendage one of these years. :)

Congratulation on your 6th anniversary!
I am a mom of 3 children. 17 years, 14 years and 11 years. This is our 12th year homeschooling. I have been teaching our children French but without much success. I love all things French. My kids don't want to learn french but I am trying to. I lived in Holland for 2 years before I was married and can speak a little Dutch. I am a Pastry chef and love to cook. I am very, very shy so don't entertain much. My kids and husband on the other hand are very sociable. We live in Southern Ontario on an acre of land. We have a large vegetable garden and grow most of our own fruits and vegetables and at harvest time I preserve what we can't eat right away for the winter. Next Spring we plan to get chickens. For now I buy fresh eggs from our local farmer. I love the french-word-day web site and am learning alot. Keep up the good work.
Loretta

hmmmm. Sorry about that. I managed to duplicate. If you can correct it, please do!

Congrats on hitting such a landmark! (And judging by the comments, having such a varied readership!)

I grew up on a tiny island and moved to the UK when I was 18 to study at university. For reference, my island's population was the same as the number of students at my university. It was a little scary.

I now live in London just down the road from my darling boyfriend and I'm starting my new job next week. It took me a year to do it, but I've finally cracked into the industry I want to work in :) Here's hoping it all goes ok!

Bon chance for the next 6 years xx

Hello!

I was born near Lille in Nov 1941, went to England in the mid 60s, lived between France and England, getting involved with studying English, with helping foreigners, studying again, teaching, doing brass-rubbing... until 1977, when I got married and settled down "permanently" in England with my husband. I was very busy with our children (born in 1979 and 1981), with French Language and with Macramé. When I was 57, I became involved with a personal project in connection with an Eastern European country and dedicated 5 years of my life to it.
And now? Living in East Dorset, children away from home, still very much in love with French and English, more involved with gardening, health, nature, and recently, with digital photography. I need some technical guidance to learn how to build a few web pages associating texts, scans of old documents & old photos, in a practical & interesting way, for genealogy purposes.

Very happy to have found your "FWAD" about a year ago. Thank you again Kristin for your wonderful approach towards French words via your life in La Provence and your writing - and towards all of us.

A very Happy anniversary! and... YALLA! - the powerdul word you passed on to us a few days ago!

i just found your blog this weekend and i am so enchanted... now i read you have been doing this for 6 years! oy, i am very behind, could i actually end up speaking french when i am all caught up? not a chance... i live in n california and spanish is the second language here, french words baffle me, but your charm and pictures delight me! i am in mid 50s, live in the country and spend my days gardening and nights trying to serve pretty food if the whim strikes me. have a house full of pets and spend a wee bit too mush time surfing for beautiful things, which completes the circle as to how i ended up here~

Dear Kristin,

Congratulations!

I am an English professor whose work is in comparative literature. A friend suggested that I subscribe to your list about four years ago and gave me two of your books. Periodically, I do research in France at the Bibliotheque nationale. My most recent book is _Literary Circles and Gender in Early Modern Europe_ (Ashgate 2006).

I am a 60 year public health manager from the San Francisco Bay Area who enjoys cooking, reading , traveling. I forgot much of my high school french, but after traveling to Paris four years ago and loving the city, I returned home and signed up for a conversational french class which I still take. My dream would be to have a second home in Paris, but that is unlikely. Instead, I am retiring within the next couple of years and have promised myself two-three months in France every year. Your site is entertaining, informative and adds to my french education -keep up the great work. I enjoyed your book as well.

I am a retired teacher and a francophile since the age of 14 when I used to follow people around in the City of Paris department store in San Francisco, just to listen to their French. I majored in French but learned much more of the language and culture through 17 visits (so far) to France, hosting several exchange students from France, visiting and corresponding with many friends in France. I love your French Word-A-Day, and from it I have gathered my own working vocabulary of words that are not in many dictionaries. Thanks for your wonderful help in learning French!