couler + new book project
Friday, April 20, 2012
"Pink Corners". Photo of a child's vélo and a bougainvillea taken in Ventimiglia, Italy.
couler (koo-lay) verb
: to flow, run
Audio file: Listen to Jean-Marc pronounce these expressions: Download MP3 or Wav file
faire couler un bain = to run a bath
couler un mot à l'oreille de quelqu'un = to drop, whisper a word in someone's ear
couler une vie heureuse = to lead a happy life
se la couler douce = to take things easy, to have a good time
ça coule de source = it's obvious, it follows naturally
faire couler de la salive = to set tongues wagging, to get people gossiping
Easy French Step-by-Step: excellent reference book for building grammar, comprehension and speaking skills. Order here.
A Day in a French Life... by Kristin Espinasse
It began with Wednesday's post and today's is the same misère. I am having un tout mini—or slight—case of "bloggers block" and rather than continue suffering so many false starts (how many times have I rewritten this opening paragraph?) I'm going to just come clean and admit it: les mots ne coulent pas ce matin!
This is as good a time as any to begin editing another collection of short stories. The previous self-published book has sold 2,084 copies in the four months since it came out. The house published book, edited by Simon & Schuster, has sold somewhere around 40,000 copies since it reached bookstores in 2006. That second sales figure is modest, by house publishing standards (and one reason my offer for a "volume two" didn't convince the The Big Guys).
That's when I went back to Little Guy publishing, last November. Self-publishing may lack the perks and glamour of House publishing, but one can always balance that... by wearing a feather boa, seductive red lipstick, and an attitude! I might do well to follow my own advice... and ditch these homely pantoufles....
Unlike the house published book, the self-published edition is not available yet in Kindle (or Nook). This would be a relatively easy process... only I have not found (or taken?) the time to do it.
For this new project I have ruled out the highly ambitious "21 days or bust!" editorial calender (quelle idée c'était!). Six weeks seems to be a reasonable amount of time in which to gather and edit the nouvelles, which appeared in the 2006 editions of this French Word-A-Day journal.
As with the previous project, I am inviting you to participate! You will find links to the stories in upcoming posts. Please feel free to jump in with corrections. You do not need to be a grammarian or an editor to help catch the occasional coquille that pops up in these stories. A light read-through is all that is needed. If, in the reading, something seems unclear--or you find an extra virgule here or there, simply point it out in the comments box to the story in question. Here, for example is the first story in question....
Signing off now with wishes for a lovely weekend.
Amicalement,
Kristin
Comments Corner
To respond to this letter, click here. Thanks for taking the time!
French Vocabulary
la misère = misery
un tout mini = a slight
les mots ne coulent pas ce matin! = the words aren't flowing this morning!
quelle idée c'était! = what an idea that was!
la pantoufle = house slipper
une nouvelle = short story
une coquille = typo
une virgule = comma
amicalement = yours
Le Road Trip tells the story of one idyllic French honeymoon trip, but it is also a witty handbook of tips and advice on how to thrive as a traveler, a captivating visual record with hundreds of watercolor illustrations, and a chronicle depicting the incomparable charms of being footloose in France. Armchair travelers, die-hard vagabonds, art journalists, and red wine drinkers will all find something to savor in this story. Click here for the video and reviews.
Kristin with Kathryn. Mom's friend Kathryn Hill joined us for our latest wine-tasting. The tasting partipants grew to nearly 20... after Jean-Marc and I talked a group of diners into joining our dégustation!
In the center of the photo that is Karen and John Stoeckley. Check out John's art, and their B&B/Winery. To the left of Karen (and two smiles over...) is Marilyn. She and her husband Jim have a beautiful Provence Villa Rental that you may have already noticed here.
- Follow French Word-A-Day on Twitter
- Learn French in context: read these vocabulary-enriching memoirs: Words in a French Life or Blossoming in Provence
How about a countryside scene (this one, from Châteauneuf-du-Pape) for the next cover? Suggestions here in the comments box.
Or maybe something more detailed... like these cozy bikes (in Orange, France)? Comment here. More "cover photos" to come...
Then again... how can anyone go wrong with sunflowers? Photo taken near Jonquières, in the Vaucluse.
A Message from Kristi: Ongoing support from readers like you keeps me writing and publishing this free language journal each week. If you find joy or value in these stories and would like to keep this site going, donating today will help so much. Thank you for being a part of this community and helping me to maintain this site and its newsletter.
Ways to contribute:
1.Zelle®, The best way to donate and there are no transaction fees. Zelle to [email protected]
2.Paypal or credit card
Or purchase my book for a friend and so help them discover this free weekly journal.
For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
I do not believe you have found your cover image yet! It should be simple and intriguing.
Posted by: Robin Carter | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 01:18 PM
Good morning. I came home from work this morning to check my email; seeing if I was going to get to play golf for the first time this year. It's a hobby I took up last year. It was nice to see this pop up from you. Lately I have been catching it only at night when you are long asleep. I can understand the blogging writer's block. I have been wanting to write one for 2 yrs now, and have no idea how to start. I have been offered to cowrite a cookbook with a Nutritionist who is doing a workshop at my fire dept next mnt. It is nice to have an idea or a goal to look toward. You may have a block at the moment but I know you will pull this off again. So many of us love to read what you have to say. Have a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Buffy | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 01:20 PM
Hi, Great that there is another book on the way, I love the photo of the landscape for a cover. May I make a plea for photographs in colour this time? I know they will quadrouple the production costs but your photos are so good it is a shame to see then in black and white.
The pack send their regards.
Posted by: Gus | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 01:31 PM
Hi Kristi, I think the countryside scene from Chateauneuf-du-Pape is perfect for your book cover! Cheers, Annabelle
Posted by: Annabelle Storfer | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 01:32 PM
I liked all three. They all speak to different aspects of your posts. Maybe the bikes, though, most resemble what you write about, in a sense. Have three covers!
Posted by: wendy jaeger | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 01:36 PM
I love the countryside scene as well as the sunflowers -- they both shout "Beautiful Provence", whereas the bicycles could be most anywhere. By the way, Kristi, you are one good photographer!
Posted by: Catherine Noble (Taffy) | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 01:42 PM
Kristin- I enjoyed today's expressions-they "flowed" nicely. Depending on format, I DO like the first photo, but...from a graphic standpoint for a cover, I would smudge out the clothesline (love clothesline photos- but this would be like a graphic scratch across the cover). That can simply be done in a photo program. The bicycles might work also in black/white-so maybe save them for inside? I am pleased to hear you have decided on another project-savor the process this time! I have actually thought that your recent writings have been some of the strongest (especially the single parenting incidents while JM was on his tour) -perhaps because it is the time in your family's life where all your hard work-into the writing, the vineyard, and the children, is maturing at the same time.
Posted by: Nancy, Cambridge | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 01:45 PM
A vote here for the sunflowers (maybe I'm partial because I have so many of my own). What a grand coicidence - we talked about couler idioms in French class this week.
You're right -- lipstick and a feather boa can give you all the glamor you need. I would definitely try to get you books in e-reader format, especially since everyone (but me) is using iPads and e-readers with color. You can't overlook that as a sales tactic.
And I recommend that everyone check out John's art. I met him just before he left for France and bought 3 prints (yikes! do I have enough wall space?)
Posted by: Julie F in St. Louis, MO | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 01:57 PM
Oh, and about that little French book you found. Just yesterday I read a good review on a blog http://www.findingmeinfrance.com/2012/04/09/le-road-trip/
Posted by: Julie F in St. Louis, MO | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 02:00 PM
Recently you wrote one of the most touching of all of your stories...it was the work of a mature writer, one who captures the most critical elements of story telling. I nominate the story you wrote about taking Jackie to a friend's home, and trying to get her attention while she was plugged in to her music device. I've been a reader since almost the beginning, so I've watched you grow; and if I were your editor this piece would serve as the best example of how you turn ordinary family happenings into something that contains universal truths that endure in a reader's memory.
Posted by: Carol McFarland | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 02:01 PM
OH MY DEAR GOD!!!! HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!!!! I HAVE ALSO BEEN A BIT BLOCKED AND LAZY LATELY, THANKS HONEY FOR THROWING OUT ANOTHER CHALLENGE TO GET US THINKING ABOUT ANOTHER BOOK.
THIS TIME I AM REALLY GOING TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE STEPS - AND IN BETWEEN HELPING YOU - AT LEAST BUY A NEW NOTE BOOK TO OUTLINE A LITTLE BOOK OF MY OWN.
I THINK WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO TELL - OF COURSE WE WILL ALL BUY MORE OF YOUR BOOKS KRISTI - BUT LET'S REALLY OPEN OUR EYES THIS TIME TO LEARN HOW EASY KRISTI IS GOING TO SHOW US THIS CAN BE FOR US TO TAKE THIS CHALLENGE INTO OUR OWN LIVES AND SHARE OUR FAVORITE OLD MEMORIES ALSO.
2006 OF COURSE IS MY FAVORITE YEAR OF MEMORIES REGARDING FRENCH WORD A DAY.....I DO BELIEVE THIS IS THE YEAR THAT KRISTI AND JEAN-MARC BEGAN THEIR ADVENTURE OF THEIR LIVES, BUYING THE PRECIOUS ROUGE-BLEU VINEYARD. OH, MY DEAR GOD - WHEN I THINK BACK ON ALL OF THE FUNNY STORIES, THE STUMBLES AND THE
VICTORIES.
I'M READY HONEY -
I'M ALL FOR THE FIRST PHOTO - AFTER ALL THAT'S WHERE THE STORY REALLY BEGINS, WHEN YOU USED TO HELP OUT JEAN-MARC'S UNCLE WITH HIS VINEYARD IN CHATEAUNAUF 'DE-PAPE (SP?) WHEN YOU AND JEAN-MARC WHERE FIRST MARRIED. THIS EXPERIENCE AND PHOTO SET THE MAGIC FOR THE DREAM OF 2006.
WELL - I GUESS I AM ALL OVER THE PLACE WITH THIS COMMENT -
THANKS KRISTI HONEY FOR PUSHING ALL THE RIGHT BUTTONS THIS MORNING TO GET THIS OLD MOMA ALL REVED-UP WITH YOUR NEW PROJECT. I'M IN - WHAT IS MY JOB THIS TIME?
XOXO
MOM
Posted by: JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 02:25 PM
Of the three photos posted, I like the bikes the best.
Petra Douma
Ancaster, Canada
Posted by: Petra Douma | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 02:37 PM
Love all the photos! I guess the bikes are my favorite, but he sunflowers have my heart too.
Posted by: Liza in Ann Arbor | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 02:54 PM
The photo of Chateauneuf-du-Pape with the houses in front and countryside in the back gets my vote. I think having just the houses on the cover would be more eye-catching. However, for one who has not yet been to the wine-country, it is interesting to see the connection between countryside and town.
I am looking forward to seeing the vineyards of France on a Rick Steves "Europe Through the Back Door" Villages and Vineyards tour of Eastern France in September.
I cast my vote for full color, or at least some full color, photos in the next book. Before reading the blog I always scroll through the photos and enjoy them very much. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Joyce White | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 03:06 PM
Hello from a friend in Phoenix, AZ! We met when the "house" published book came out and you were selling them at Vincent's on Camelback--in probably 2007. My daughter worked at the Saturday market. Since then, I have visited France and fell in love (I mean REAL love with the country) and I wish you all my best with your writing and publishing!
Love,
Mary
Posted by: Mary L. Holden | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 03:08 PM
I initially saw the photos in my e-mail by scrolling down. As the hills of Châteauneuf-du-Pape rolled into view, I heard myself saying, "Oh, wow!" That one is eye-catching! It's the best! That one has my vote!
Blessings,
Mary in New Mexico
Posted by: mhwebb in NM, USA | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 03:09 PM
Hi
When I visited you, I was impressed by your village. More photos please! Do you have a file of your photos that we can peruse? I know you have thousands of wonderful photos but I can't remember them. Of the three photos that you offer, I like the bikes best. It says something about companionship and simple life.
Posted by: anne wirth | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 03:31 PM
Bonjour,
Why not open this up to your readers? Let them submit one or two (Maximum) photos for your consideration. It would be an honor to have a photo on one of your books.
Amicalement,
Dennis De Naut
Posted by: Dennis De Naut | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 03:31 PM
Hi Kristin,
I will admit that I haven't bought the new book, because it wasn't available electronically. I did buy the earlier one though when my initial e-book purchase plans were stymied. Bon chance avec la prochaine livre! I like all three photos, but the bikes are my favorite.
Cheers, Jen in the DC area
Posted by: Jen McClory | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 03:41 PM
Hello from Oberlin, Ohio. I love, love, love your blog! I even have post-its of your phrases on my wall at work! I checked out your book on Amazon and requested it for Kindle. My purse just isn't large enough to hold multiple books but it fits my kindle. I would love to get your book on Kindle though. Just nudging in response to your notes today ;) No pressure
Posted by: Amanda Anderson | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 03:51 PM
All your photos (not just these three) are jigsaw puzzle material. Ever thought about contacting puzzle companies and selling your work there?
Posted by: Chris Miasnik | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 04:36 PM
Hi Kristin-
I'd be happy to send you a copy of Le Road Trip. I wrote it -- you can check out a slide show of illustrations on Huffington Post for a peek inside.
Vivian
Posted by: Vivian | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 04:39 PM
I am a proud owner of Words in a French Life,acquired when it first came out, and I have enjoyed reading FW-A-D over these many (it seems!) years. My fervent wish would be that some savvy publisher would offer to publish the many beautiful photographs that have illustrated your blog. Each one is like a painting.
Posted by: Caroline Reitz | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 04:42 PM
Kristin,
I like the bikes best, because, to me, you are "going somewhere" in more ways then one! Keep moving forward. And the flowers add a nice soft touch to the message. Good luck!
Amicalement,
Alyssa
PS-Miss you and Jules at FB, though I know you two are busy.
Posted by: Alyssa Ross Eppich | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 04:45 PM
Hi Kristin!
I loved your mom's first two lines of her comment! I couldn't stop laughing! I was intrigued by the photo with the sunflowers. The stone facades look real and the sunflowers look painted like in a Van Gogh painting. Of course it could be my eyes. I just turned 50 so that is probably more like it.
Have a great weekend!
Eileen
Posted by: Eileen deCamp, Charlottesville, VA | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 04:54 PM
Buffy, to begin your cookbook, maybe you can whisper the same words Im whispering to myself: lessentiel, cest de commencer (whats important is to begin...) You can do it, Buffy!
Thank you all for the helpful photo feedback. Ill be posting more images, hoping to find the right one.
Dennis, that is a very good idea. I will keep it in mind.
Carol, thanks. Your note makes me question my plan of using stories from 2006 archives. Why not make a collection of recent stories? That said, Id better stick to my plan and get cracking!
Mom, Thanks for rolling up your sleeves... but no sleepless nights this time!
Chris, great jigsaw puzzle idea!
Vivian, how exciting to see your note--thanks for the offer.
Alyssa, miss you too. Ive taken time away from FB... to try and get some work done :-)
Blossoming in Provence:
http://www.amazon.com/o/asin/1467929794/mdj-20
French Word-A-Day http://french-word-a-day.com
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 04:55 PM
That must be where the word coulee comes from. As in Grand Coulee Dam and coulees throughout the western US.
I like the sunflowers. Looks like a painting.
Posted by: Tom | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 05:03 PM
Thanks, Caroline. Can I make that my fervent wish too? :-)
Eileen, I went back to read Mom's first two lines. She always makes us laugh. You ought to enjoy a telephone conversation with her sometime. (I know she'd love that!)
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 05:05 PM
I vote for Chateauneuf du Pape on the front and bicycles on the back of your new book. Glad you are on to a new project and at a gentler but still ambitious pace! I think your 21-day marathon was more of a reaction to the medical traumas you had just endured last fall, and hopefully a brilliant distraction from all of that!
You are such an inspiration to all of your readers who are timid with their own dreams. I am raising my hand as I say this! C'est moi!
Posted by: Martine NYC | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 06:03 PM
Hi Kristin,
Love the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cover, it just screams FRANCE! go for that one!
XXX Ido
Posted by: Ido | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 06:21 PM
Love the bicycles--conjures up images in one's head of future adventures whilst also enjoying the pause/break that comes with laying the bikes to rest. Have to disclose I am a bike rider, so might be biased to a certain extent. So many good memories of riding bikes and those wonderful rest stops, especially in Europe!
Lindsay
Laguna Beach, California
Posted by: Lindsay Tognetti | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 06:32 PM
How about a book of your photographs? They are charming, beautiful, witty and your personal view of Provence. The colors are wonderful and draw you into the scene and wanting to go there. Just an idea.
Please do not misunderstand - I have both of your books and enjoyed reading both of them - but variety is the spice of life as someone said. Port Townsend, Wa.
Posted by: nancy v | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 06:42 PM
As to the photos, my vote is for the flowers. The building at the top with the flowers in the forefront just say 'French Countryside' to me. Barry -- Somewhere in the Midwest, but formerly of Paris, France (many eons ago).
Posted by: Barry McCloskey | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 06:59 PM
Of the three, I like the first one the most. The sky could be extended to make room for an exquisite title (one with flourish, energy, and the French sensibility).
As a book designer of 35 years, I would say the cover image's job is to be seductive. OUI! It should make people dream of being there and inside the book.
You may want to keep trying other images but this is a good start.
Bon chance, Judythe
Posted by: Judythe Sieck | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 07:05 PM
Bonjour Kristin!
I think the countryside scene would make a gorgeous cover photo!
Posted by: Dana Jones | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 07:18 PM
That is one gorgeous photo. Use it!
Posted by: Merrill Hakim | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 07:27 PM
I love all of your photos! There are a lot of books like "100 things I learned in art school" etc. What about something like that for your life - any number 100, 500, etc. I think you'd have some wonderful life lessons to share with us. Best to you on wherever this project leads you. We'll all be the better for it. I have all of your books, another would be welcome.
Posted by: Mim (Richmond, VA) | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 07:46 PM
I vote for the landscape one. Lovely!
Posted by: Karin | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 07:59 PM
I don't think you can choose a "wrong" cover because your photos are incredibly picturesque. You have a really good eye for capturing color and form.
Posted by: Gabrielle Charest Redmond WA | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 08:15 PM
Our dear Kristin,
ANYTHING you choose is absolutely wonderful!
Your words (your blog! your books!)never fail to bring smiles and wrap themselves around our hearts!We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in your(and your family's) lives!
THANK YOU!!! (and in advance!)
Put us down for two copies (at least!)
Hugs to beautiful Jules!
Love, Natalia XO
Posted by: Natalia | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 09:10 PM
Any of the three photos would be nice for the cover, Kristin. I guess I am partial to the sunflowers because you already captured the village feel with the fantastic cover of Blossoming in Provence. You'll want to have an interesting set for Amazon's "people who bought this book also bought..."
Consider using a photo of the seductive green leaves and vines of the vineyard too. You must have many good ones, perhaps with some old stones or just a beautiful sky behind them. If not to use on this next cover, then surely for the one after that, once you publish your writings about making your own wines on your own land.
Best of luck,
Ellen from B.H.
Posted by: Ellen A. | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 10:28 PM
I love the photo of the sunflowers. But I see the logic of leaving a space for the title.
Is 2006 when your family moved to where you live now? I tried searching the archives, but the handy chronological list became a topic list, and I got lost. Lost in the archives with no guide back to 2006.
I joined this list near Christmas 2007, so the 2006 archives will be new to me. Looking forward to it.
Posted by: Sarah LaBelle near Chicago | Friday, April 20, 2012 at 10:47 PM
PS. I love the sunflower picture!
Posted by: Buffy | Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 01:55 AM
I'm excited about a new book and promise to get involved this time - I just didn't have time on the last one, but I vow to make time for this one. I love the sunflower picture and had to look several times to make sure it was all a photo as the flowers look like they were painted in - it's really a marvelous picture.
Posted by: Susan Carter, Westminster, CA | Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 02:19 AM
I love all the photos, so hard to pick a favorite. You have such an beautiful way of knowing which one works the best. As always I am excited to have another great book from you Kristi. The stories make me laugh, cry and wish I could sit down with you and talk and talk!
Sending hugs your way. xoxo
Posted by: Karen from Phoenix | Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 02:29 AM
Not sure what would work best on a cover, but the bike picture is nice and the sunflower photo(?!!) is amazing - I thought for sure it was a Van Gogh painting or something!
Posted by: Gordon R. Vaughan | Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 03:14 AM
The countryside scene is definitely the cover! It caught my appreciative eye immediately. Looking forward to your new book!
Posted by: Joanne Johnson | Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 05:04 AM
I am so partial to the sun flowers. I have them in my kitchen nine months out of the year. Right now they sit with some white ranuculus. The bikes are good also. But do you have a photo with a basket on it filled with flowers?
I want to thank you for the books and the blog. Today while listening to one of my French CD's in the car and attempting to translate it I realised that because of you I am able to understand more. You have given me the tools of something other than the literal translation to understand the language whether it is written or spoken. I think they call that an AHA moment. Now I just need to get to the point where I am not translating into English. I think in French only in the very basics at this point.
Merci!
Posted by: joie/carmel-by-the-sea, ca. | Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 06:34 AM
Kristin:
The countryside photo is a nice format for a book cover. The sunflowers are very appealing too!
Edie from Savannah
Posted by: edith schmidt | Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 06:03 PM
J'adore la photo des bicyclettes! Très romantique avec les belles fleurs.
Posted by: Lisa A.,Los Angeles, CA | Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 06:16 PM
I vote for the bicycle. ChateauneufDuPape is lovely picture but very busy for a cover. Sunflowers are wonderful but a real cliche. Can't wait to see next photos.
Hope Gus and Paulette get there soon. We saw each other on 4/15 at airport, me going to HotLanta and them to La Belle France. They were so excited.
Posted by: Diane Young | Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 08:27 PM
Kristin:
Keep the posts and books coming. You give us perspective as we try to adapt to living in France and your writing is a joy.
Best regards,
Randy and Debbie Komisarek
Posted by: Randy Komisarek | Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 08:57 PM
Kristin, it really is time to get serious about that coffee table book of pictures!
Posted by: Bob and Angela Fowler, Monterey Park CA | Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 12:49 AM
What a small world! Kathryn Hill is a friend of mine here in Freiburg. She will be visiting here shortly. My friend mentioned that Kathryn was first visiting the daughter of a friend from Mexico at her winery in France and my detective ears pricked up! Salut!
Warm regards from Maureen
PS this post didn't appear in my emails on Friday
Posted by: Maureen | Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 06:55 PM
Hello dear Kristin!
I immediately was drawn to the first pic of the countryside....
they are all lovely shots but the first gets my vote by far. I
especially like how it has more depth with the countryside
rising up in the distance, perfect!
Salut ! Lorna
Posted by: Lorna Peterson | Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 10:17 PM
Hello Kristin,
Your words and your photos are stupendous! But none of these three photos are right for your cover. You have too many fantastic photos to choose from. I'm with the prior comment, a Coffee Table Book of photos should be coming up soon. It would be a nice change and would highlight your work so well. Could you include a brief "French Word-A-Day" story with each photo?
Posted by: Myra Wood, New Orleans, | Monday, April 23, 2012 at 04:36 AM
It's the Chateauneuf-du-pape photo for me: absolutely fabulous!
Julia Hamel, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Posted by: Julia Hamel | Monday, April 23, 2012 at 02:48 PM
Chateauneuf-du-Pape definitely!
Posted by: ina dalsemer, los angeles | Monday, April 23, 2012 at 05:03 PM
I am drawn to the picture of the sunflowers. It is how I think of you sitting in a field of sunflowers,painting all your beautiful words.
Also there is something so other-worldly about the scene.
I as believe you should do a coffee table book, just photos, they speak as loud as your words.
Posted by: Suzi Hodgson, Lima Mt | Monday, April 23, 2012 at 05:15 PM
Hi,
Go with the flowers. I love the picture and i'm sure it has a great story. I just returned from your lovely country and have so many pictures. OMG!!
Enjoy yourself and take your time.
Posted by: kate sharp | Monday, April 23, 2012 at 06:05 PM
Love idea of another book to look forward to! My vote is countryside..
Chateau Neuf du Pape!
I also share another reader's love for the idea of colored photographs..maybe If not now, then in the future..so many beautiful scenes to be captured in color!
Good luck!
I'll be prayIng for clear direction for you and joy in the process!
Posted by: Penny harper | Monday, April 23, 2012 at 06:48 PM
Châteauneuf-du-Pape please! I liked the "pink corners" picture the best, but I guess it's not in the running...
Posted by: Linda Packer | Monday, April 23, 2012 at 07:12 PM
Hi Kristin,
I'm looking forward to your next collection of stories. I've purchased every book you've published and would love to add another to the special shelf in my library reserved just for your musings.
Although all of your photos are lovely, I'm partial to the picture of the bicycles. In part, because the business card you inserted in the first book I purchased from you had a picture of a bike similar to those in your photo. I also think it is a less typical representation of Provence/France.
That's my two cents!
Bonnee journee,
Catie
Posted by: Catie Fitzgerald | Monday, April 23, 2012 at 08:07 PM
Kristin,
I prefer either of the top two photos on this page, depending on the format of the cover photo, whether square or rectangular. I don't don't think just pretty flowers says France. I would prefer the scenic rectangular photo on this page or the shot of the two bikes. The most recent shot on your blog of the purple flowers is not in focus in the foreground. That's distracting.
Posted by: Roger Anderson | Monday, April 23, 2012 at 08:55 PM
I still like the first one here best.
Posted by: Merrill Hakim | Monday, April 23, 2012 at 09:32 PM
Bonjour Kristin:
When I lived in Southern France I rented a true mas provencal...and outside the front door were these beautiful sunflowers which so symbolize the flowers of Provence. The Chateauneuf du Pape is also gorgeous because one see that fabulous blue sky and the colors of Provence. Either of these would be lovely.
Amities, Janine
Posted by: Janine Cortell | Monday, April 23, 2012 at 09:48 PM
I'm new to your blog, but I absolutely LOVE it. My vote for your book cover is the sunflowers as they are so representative of French countryside. All the other photos are excellent as well, but I think the sunflower theme would be in stark contrast with your first book cover (which is delicious).
Posted by: Linda Casey | Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 11:42 AM
Hi! What a great idea for a blog. It's wonderful. Found you via Daly Basics.
I vote for Chateauneuf-du-Pape mainly because I have been there and it's so beautiful - with all the limestone buildings and the wineries...just lovely. Wish I could return soon. Love all the cities and towns in Provence.
Congrats on your books and blog - very jealous of how many comments and vistors you have.
Cheers,
Linda
Posted by: Linda Leyble | Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 01:20 PM
Bonjour Kristen,
I think the picture of the bicycles is great and gets my vote. There are so many books with scenic pictures of flowers of Provence. I think the bicycle picture would set it apart from the others. Looking forward to reading the new book.
Amities,
Cynthia
Posted by: Cynthia Sheridan | Friday, April 27, 2012 at 04:12 PM