FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

FELICITATIONS !!! What a happy post today! I am so thrilled to hear that Smokey is feeling better! I know that news will lift many spirits today! And congratulations on having the will and courgage to make your dreams come true. . . and the courage to share your inner self with all of us francophiles around the globe! I had never heard of French Word-a-Day until I came across your book in my favorite bookstore in Asheville, North Carolina, a year or two ago. I subscribed when I got home, and I have enjoyed hearing about your journey and getting inspiration from your thoughts and experiences ever since. Merci beaucoup, Kristin !

Dear Kristin,

I am so happy to see Smokey looking so good! Congratulations to you too for sept ans, that is a wonderful achievment.

Thanks too for the inspiring words, so true that you sometimes have to live the life an (whatever that may be), and take the steps big and little, until you truly believe it.

warmest wishes
Chris

Bravo to you for chasing your dreams!
The first step is always the hardest. Sometimes we need a little encouragement from someone who has gone before us.
My dream was to live at the beach.
In July 2008, I made that dream come true.
I now encourage others to follow their dreams through my writing at Pug At The Beach.

Diana Taylor
Pug At The Beach
Where mindful living meets artful play through the adventures of an island dog philosopher whose name is Pug. He's part Dalai Lama, part Jimmy Buffett, and a whole lotta fun!

007Pug.com

Delighted to know - and see, Smokey well on the mend.

Live your dream to the hilt! You have a supportive husband, two great sounding children - now you need to find time for YOUR dream.
I'm living mine - in France!! I'm over 70, but it did not stop me. Friends throught I was crazy ("aren't you a bit old to be doing this sort of thing?")My son, however, was totally supportive. I found a Pigeonnier to rent, packed my bag and headed off to SW France in the middle of Winter, where I did not know a soul. Everyone was kind, helpful and just so good to me that I settled almost immediately. Not quite two years later I've a large circle of friends. I will buy a house in the next few months and then I will embark on writing too:-)
I have lived all over the world in many different circumstances, but France was always my dream-----so, better late than never!!
Go for it Kristen.
Hug for Smokey.
Jill. France

Congratulations on seven years, Kristin!! Bonne continuation!! :)

I'm so happy to know Smokey is doing well.

Thank you for sharing your life with us. Felicitations on your anniversary, and hooray to Smokey for his resilience.

Inspiring video. It was wonderfully done. Kristin, I loved hearing about your journey towards living your dream, and I can't wait to get your book.
Congratulations on your 7th year anniversary and a job well done. I look forward to learning a "french word a day" and hearing all your great stories.

Smokey is one-in-a-million....what adorable pictures pictures posted of him. He definitely is back!!!!

By the way, I learned how to say "come here my little girl (sweetheart) and use it every day. But, How do you say "come here my little sweetheart (little boy). LOL...I have 4 dogs...2 girls and 2 boys....don't want to leave my little boys out....

Again, congratulations...life could not be better for you all!!!!

Warmest regards,
Marianne Giordano

I am overjoyed to see 'our' Smokey looking so good...no words. I am living my dream as an artist, an oil painter still learning to the end what my favored medium can do and loving it. As a matter of fact, this weekend I am participating in yet another annual open studio sponsored by our local cuteness museum. After all, if not now, when? I also noticed the photo of the artist in the background painting away. As we know, Jules (aka Mom), is a very talented artist as well. We are truly blessed. Thanks for being such a wonderful wordsmith.

Congratulations! Seven years and more of living your dream. You are a marvelous inspiration, Kristin, and the admonition to let our light shine is truly realized by following our dreams. J-M is testimony to another heart seeking its light... to all, including Jules and other readers, mille mercis for your inspiration. This place is deep, deep, deep! in love and open arms. I have remained tentative and almost downright stubborn in my refusal to follow my dream with art...what is the fear that holds us back? Yes, I know, one must just jump in and go for it.

Bravo, little Smokey! You brave and beautiful lumiere! Beaucoups de hugs and sweet-nothings I am whispering in your fluffy ears!

I have been living my dream for 3 three years in St. Pierre et Miquelon (French territorial collectivity in North America). I left the USA in search of my French roots and came here because I had studied French here many summers ago when I was 17.

Now I find that I am caught between two worlds and what's worse - my French has not improved that much in the 3 years that I have been here - because of Canadian TV, the internet and because I have been teaching English.

I do however learn something new every day and am not quite ready to start living the next dream. One thing that I have learned is that it is OK to stretch and get out your comfort zone. Staying in a place of comfort is OK but a Mac & Cheese life needs some spice once in awhile.

Mille congrats on your seventh anniversary! It's wonderful to do what you love and know that others appreciate it. :) Praising our Great Lord for continuing to heal little Smokey. I gave a little cheer of joy when reading today's post. Many continued blessings to you, Kristin!

My Darling Kristi,

I must say I remember the first time I heard the phrase "LIVE YOUR DREAM'" it was
placed in your head by one of your amour's
at the time when he wisked you off to Italy.
We used to talk about it all the time and repeat the phrase like a mantra. Anyway, that is the way I remember - one of my favorite photo's of all time is of you wearing a captain's hat with two Italian policemen standing beside you...of course this is all depending on if my memory is correct, you know I lost my mind many years ago.

I also want to comment on this issues photo of you holding Smokey in your lap wearing Marsha's beautiful cashmere robe (her gift to you years ago). That robe has been around, you let me wear it when I would go to the hospital in Marseille for my cancer treatment..... I wore it as a long coat. Marsha is Kristi's Dad's beautiful wife. Back to my thought on the photo of you and Smokey.... I don't think anyone (even you) realize that Smokey is really YOUR FIRST DOG...!!!! It is so obvious in these two photo's - Braise was actually the kid's dog and you just tolerated her in the beginning - before she showed you the magic of a dog's love.

So CHEERS to you and your FIRST DOG SMOKEY -

I AM TRULY LIVING MY DREAM !!!

XOXO

JULES - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

Krista - Congratulations! There's a story to tell there!! I live in the town of the TV show Ace of Cakes. Next time I'm in Paris I will stop in. Best of luck to you all.

(This is my 3rd post today. I am addicted, Jules!!)

I loved you video, Kristin. Wish I could have been there to laugh and cry with you. It brought tears to my eyes, because I share with you so many emotions and feelings. And of course you remind me so much of my daughter, so when you threw me a kiss and said I love you, Mom, it was a kiss from my daughter! Thank you.
Jeanne

Kristin, Congrats on 7 years. My husband, golden retriever Crosby, and I are coming to live in Paris for 6 months the end of November. It's our early retirement "dream," and we can't wait. Finding your blog has provided much-needed review of our French.

I am so glad Smokey is back. When Crosby was 6 months, I accidentally closed his tail in the car door. They had to remove 4 inches, and it took another 6 months for the hair to grow back in. Many tears and self-recrimination on my part. Now it is not noticeable, but to me it will always be. Be grateful you were not the direct reason for Smokey's injury. I am grateful that dogs don't hold grudges!

Smokey is so darling. Is there anything more precious than a golden puppy?

Kristin,
What a great video. I've been reading your blog for many years, but it is so wonderful to actually hear you speak. You often wonder if people sound like their words, and you do. You are very congenial and lovely to listen to.
I to would like to follow some dreams. First, my husband always said that I would retire in France, but he is still working (I'm working part time) and I wouldn't go without him, although I NEED to travel to France at least once a year. Right now I'm in withdrawal - I haven't been in 1 & 1/2 years!
The other dream is to really find myself as a artist. I have worked in many different media, but I have finally found my nitch in pastels and photography, but I never feel that I am good enough and I never spend enough time being "the artist". I have many excuses. (I'd also like to learn to do watercolor.)
I seem to get more inspiration in France than here in Connecticut. I guess that the distractions are less there and the inspiration is greater. Who knows.
Lastly, so good to see Smokey and you enjoying each other. As your mother said - he is your first dog and it is easy to see the love between both of you.

Hi Kristin...Sunny news from your side of the ocean and a sunny day in Groveland, California. I'm awed by Jill. I'm in my 70s and thought it was too late to follow such a mammoth dream. I'm wondering whether a pre-existing condition precludes medical insurance coverage for expats in France? That would be a big deterrent.

So glad Smokey is a playful puppy again. Congrats on 7 years, I have enjoyed my few years of reading about your life and have
cherished the times I have "talked" with you via e-mail. Love to all.

Kristin,

I'm a recent subscriber to French-word-a-day, and have already received so much more from your blog than I anticipated. Besides being a light and fun way to learn more of the language, your posts are inspirational and heart-warming.

Your message today was exactly what I needed to hear to move forward in my circumstances.

I'm reminded of a verse in Proverbs that states that the one who waters others will themselves be refreshed.

I pray that the blessings you give will return to you in abundance.

Mille mercis.

Kate in California

You inspire, Kristin. You are "la lumiere". And with that, a confession = I copied today's inspiring words on to my i-phone where it will always serve as a reminder = that France is waiting, and (turning)60 is my magic number.
Happy 7 and more.
Thank you so much for starting the journey for us.
Valerie
NY/NJ

Thank you for sharing this video! Happy 7 years...I love reading your inspiring posts!

Great picture of you and your recovering Smokey. How come you have an "American" dog, and Marsha and I have a "French" dog(a papillon)? Congratulations on seven years of FWAD and thanks for providing us all with your lovely video. We are thrilled you are coming for Christmas.

Dad in Palm Springs, Ca

Congratulations, Kristin!!! Amazing.... I cannot believe it's been seven years.... As many have said already and I have told you too many times, your blog is pure delight. It makes me too feel connected/transported to France and to a life I dreamed about when I was much younger. Life has kept me rooted in the hills of Tennessee, also beautiful in their own way, and I do not regret it -- at least as long as I can touch my second country every year or so. Was it Gertrude Stein who said that everyone has two countries?

Now that our boys are grown (It will happen, Karen. I promise.), my husband and I (He indulges me.)try to go to France, cheaply, almost every year. The beauty and indescribable colors of the countryside, shopping at outdoor markets, spending hours over lunch and a bottle of wine in the company of friends, and touching those old, old stones is a joyful part of my life.

I feel as if I have some new friends today. Jill, you are a total inspiration!!
And Krista, I will try to visit your Cake Shop next May when we will be, fingers crossed, in Paris for a day or so.

And Kristin, finally, I am so glad that Smokey is healing so nicely. He is adorable. Are you planning to keep him -- your first dog?

Please don't stop this wonderful blog. Look what a great community you have built!

All the best to all Les Espinasse!

I have been through several stages of my life, each with goals and desires. Some might call them dreams. I refer to them as God-given opportunities. God has blessed beyond my expectations. I married a wonderful man and have really great children, most of whom are adults. I was a public school educator for a good number of years. My husband and I decided to take a chance and I resigned before all of those juicy retirement benefits. I focused on my newest challenge, music. I had started as a older adult several years earlier, with little to no music background. God blessed abundantly. It has been a lot of hard work, but worth the effort. I am continuing to study and make progress. Today I play with some nice orchestras. I am also working on a body of artwork, focusing mainly on portraits of family, although, upon occasion, I do commissions. I am 58.

I could spend all day reading your inspirational blog Kristin - and the comments from other readers!! I feel as if I am in a wonderful nurturing worldwide French-loving community . . . and here I am in (almost outback) Australia.
I started to live one of my dreams last year when we bought a house in France. It is beautiful, and we will try to visit each year. Eventually, post retirement I suppose, we hope to live there.
It was the scariest thing I have done because negotiations happened in the middle of the financial crisis when out exchange rate was at its worst. We gritted out teeth and remembered our dream, and despite having a bigger mortgage that we anticipated, we have our house.
I also weave tapestries - on a loom and am so inspired by the Lady and the Unicorn series in Paris. So 'If I am to be a tapestry weaver, then I must live the tapestry artist/weaver's life'.
And Kristin, I have been following, first with sorrow, then with joy, the trials and triumphs of Smokey. What a brave little fellow and isn't he lucky to have you.
Bonne chance a tous!
Jan

First, I'm sooooo heureuse that your precious little Smokey is back! What a terrible ordeal for all of you. How blessed we are when we have vets that we trust with our most beloved family members. I just picked mine up from the vet who also runs a boarding kennel. This leads into your request to share dreams. I, too, wish you live in France someday and finish writing the 4 novels that I've started! But along the way to that destination I have moved from my beautiful home of 55 years in Colorado Springs to a small rental house in Liberal, KS. This is where my sweet 86 yo mother lives and because of failing health she needs my help. I have many many years to see my dream come to fruition. For now, this is where I need to be. So while I made a 5 day trip back to see my loved ones in CO, my dogs were at the vets. All was well when I returned. Beginnings and endings and beginnings again happen with all of us - our furry friends included. Thank God for both beginnings and endings for you can't have one without the other. God bless you, Kristen, as you continue to share your life with all of us who adore your blog - and your family.

Bonjour Kristin,

Here I am at last catching up with you again from sunny Queensland in Australia.
I have been prompted to write again after viewing the picture of your mother at her easel.

Perhaps you may wish to encourage her with my story of beginning to paint in my mid sixties and here I am turned 80 this year. It has been with the passion to go to France
to paint that has kept me inspired, and each year everyone tells me of how much more lovely my paintings are.

I also would love to be able to live in France permanently but at the moment the possibility hasn't been been presented to me. If I am not painting I am always dreaming of the places I have visited and enjoyed and pray I keep fit enough to look forward to many more years of return visits.
I do so enjoy your joggings and they are the quite a highlight for me to enter my computor to see what you have to say.

I send your mother fond wishes and convey my hearfelt encouragement for her to find her muse and enjoy the pleasure of the art.
thank you once again for the happy emails.

kind regards,
June

Dear Kristin
I am new to french word a day and was introduced to it by a fellow student studying French through the Open University. I just adore opening up your messages and finding not only your inspiring thoughts beautiful pictures but how generous you are to share your wonderful family with others. I am sooooo glad your beautiful puppy is healing both in body and mind. My husband and I bought a small house in the southwest of France and spend as often as we can there - which is not often enough for me. Hopefully we will retire there next year and I will be able to follow my dream of taking my paints on my bike and heading for the hills.
Thank you for your wonderful blog I wish I had found it sooner. You might want to listen to the song by Randy Crawford "It starts with one hello" very inspiring and kept me going over the years. Julie from Edinburgh Scotland

Chere Kristin,

J'ai beaucoup des reves, mais la chose qui m'aide beacoup est de "stay true to myself" d'etre patiente avec moi-meme et d'aller a l'eglise. I am happily married (finally!) and have a MA in French, which is a dream accomplished. Next is publishing a book ( I would love some advice here) of children's fairy stories in English and in French, while substitute teaching and cooking for my husband. I'd love to spend Christmas in Switzerland, but that will have to wait. My dream job is to teach French as a special in an elementary school and to teach French part-time at a junior college. Then, I also would love to have a family and a big house, but that might have to wait too! Currently, we are living in central Minnesota, the cold country where people go hunting and ice-fishing, which confuses me because I'm from Portland, Oregon, where we went down-hill skiing in the snow. Living here is almost like a cross-cultural experience, but writing about it makes me feel better! Anyway, you can't accomplish anything if you don't dream and it makes life much more interesting. I'm also convinced that people have different dreams and are ment to do different things and that makes life less borring. Thanks for the blog and the fun words every week. Hope to meet you soon.
Great pictures!