les hauts et les bas
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
I wanted to title the previous book "Character-building in Provence"--a reference to the "character" one builds when adapting to a foreign land... as well as a reference to the writing life--or the characters that inspire these stories! The snapshot (above) would have made an illustrative cover photo (though it was taken in Verona....)
les hauts et les bas (lay-oh-ay-lay-bah)
: highs and lows
On l'appelle 'la vie en rose' mais, comme partout, il y a ici, en France, des hauts et des bas. They call it "the life in pink" but, just like everywhere else, we have ups and downs here in France, too.
A Day in a French Life... by Kristin Espinasse
I take that back what I said about writer's block; it is not something I believe in. Rather, as with hair, there are good days and bad days. The trick is to show up (at work or school or the front door) looking, sometimes, like a super dork.
Humility is good for one's writing (if not for one's hair).
Now, back to story editing. Here are the next two chapters I am working on for the book. As usual, you are invited to get out your red pens:
"Aisselle" - or just where to stick that French thermometre? Click here to proofread this story
"Malentendu" - on trying a little too hard to make a good first impression! Begin proofreading this story, here.
Comments Corner - to comment on anything in this post, click here.
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Smokey says: "A book cover for Blossoming II? It's a no-brainer: PICK ME!!!"
Marcia and Jack visited us last week. Mom (pictured) was there with us in spirit (see, Mom, we NEVER leave you out!)
The next vineyard meetup is tomorrow: Thursday, April 26th, at 4pm.
To reserve your seat beneath the mulberry tree, leave a message in the comments box and I'll get back with you with more info! (May 1st and 8th are the next two dates... keep posted)
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
Kristen-- I have been a "lurker" here for quite a while. I am a retired editor and now, an artist. You should check out Blurb.com for the book on your photos. More than a few of my artist/photographer friends have done so. The good thing is that they do "print on demand" so there's no vanity fee and no huge inventory to pay for in advance.
I appreciate your photography work and would like to see more! Good luck and Best Wishes1
Posted by: Andrea Briggs | Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 01:58 PM
Yes, I agree with Andrea. I printed a book of my own poems and paintings through Blurb.com (a poem on one page, a painting on another), and they did a beautiful job. Of course it's supposed to be "easy" to follow their instructions. But I had, (and needed) help from the young "geniuses" at the Apple store. With help, it was fun and easy, and turned out beautifully.
Good luck with your new book Kristen!
Posted by: Gayle Markow | Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 03:38 PM
Kristin,
The photo with Smokey would make an ideal cover for a book "A Dog's Life in France".
Half there!
Posted by: anne wirth | Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 03:39 PM
I take it that "Blossoming II" is only a working title. If you request help on the title, I am certain you will receive many suggestions. I jumped to "Aisselle" and liked the comment about the endearment involving fleas. That is a cute story as it stands. I loved the photo connected with that one. It is surely one of your best! Parenting in France seems to be a good topic that might encourage those that parent in situations other than the ones in which they grew up.
Posted by: mhwebb in NM, USA | Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 04:47 PM
Hey Kristin, where are you located? My husband and I will be in dordogne from may18-June4, I wonder if there will be any wine tastings then. We are actually attending French residential school in Gourdon for our first week- have you heard anything about it? I enjoy your emails so much!! Merci!! Barbara from Alabama
Posted by: Barbara Lynch | Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 04:50 PM
Andrea and Gayle, thanks for your encouragements. I have published with Blurb before (a 2009 edition of French Word-A-Day); Ill see how their pricing is looking these days....
Barbara, we are located near Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes (45 minutes north of Avignon). I will see about organizing a wine-tasting/meetup for May 31st. Hope to see you. Can anyone else make it that day?
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 05:08 PM
Hi Kristin--we'll be in St Remy from the 15-22 May--would love to attend a wine tasting if any are planned. I love reading your work-and the photos are wonderful. Bonne chance with the new book.
Posted by: Robyn France | Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 07:55 PM
Our dear Kristin,
Wonderful photos(!) surpassed only by your warmth and humility!
THANK YOU for bringing smiles to my day.
Love, Natalia XO
Posted by: Natalia | Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 09:06 PM
Cou Cou!
Kristen, For Les hauts et les bas...my question is: Is the pronunciation like "lay - oh ay-lay bah" instead of "layz-oh ay lay bah"? I realize that not every French word carries over a consenant to meet a vowel sound for acoustic asthetics [like un hibou is unh eeboo, not uneeboo]. Why is this?
Love the blog and completely wanting to move to France and find a husband!
Any single good men you know?
Posted by: Angelique | Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 10:52 PM
Both the stories in the edition many people could relate too. At times we all feel we should be a better parent. And at other times some of us say something not quite correct. I know I have. Someone asked me the other what was you most embarrassing moment in life. I told her there were too many to mention. ha ha ha
Love the picture of sweet Smokey.
xoxo
Posted by: Karen from Phoenix | Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 04:36 AM
HI Kristin, finally ordered copies of Blossoming as mementos for sister and daughter to mark our visit last fall - and of course for self. Check your email in next day or so for the few photos I've promised to send. Nothing special, but promised... Looking forward to reading your latest collection!
Posted by: Merrie | Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 05:29 AM
Kristin, sorry to be a nitpicker, mais tu veux des corrections, n'est-ce pas? Dans ta phrase "On l'appèle 'la vie en rose'..." c'est "on l'APPELLE" (avec deux LL) et pas "appèle"
Posted by: Millie | Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 05:49 AM
Robyn, yes, there is a tasting then (on May 16th). Well have two groups that day. Ill email you info about the 3pm meetup. Looking forward to seeing you.
Angelique, I think you are right about the pronunciation here. Ill take your example and fix it. Thanks!
Merrie, cannot wait to see the photos!
Millie, corrections always appreciated. Thanks for yours!
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 07:53 AM
Angelique, just saw the last line in your note. LOL. Ill keep my eyes open for un mec pour vous!
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 07:56 AM
LOL Thanks Kristin! But I actually wasn't trying to correct your French. I was really just asking if there is meant to be a liaison entre et .Si non, ca va, je n'était tout simplement pas sûre. Quelques mots en français s'empêcher d'ajouter l'agent de liaison, comme dans . C'est plus un coup de glotte. No big deal! Mais, sérieusement? Je suis vraiement contente de rencontrer mon propre et en laissant les États derrière moi. J'ai un blog, qui n'a pas été mis à jour en temps long, mais il ya plusieurs photos là-bas, si vous trouvez un mec solitaire, unique, honorable et financièrement stable européenne qui aime mes photos. :) L'amour et beaucoup de succès pour vous et votre famille!
Angélique
Posted by: Angelique | Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 03:01 PM
Psst! Kristin, il n'y a pas d'accent grave "`" sur le E de APPELLE.
Posted by: Millie | Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 06:58 PM
Kristin --will wait to get your email on the possibility of a visit on the 16th--also directions if available--have the via michelin site directions to Ste Cecile from St. Remy--but from there????. Anyway--would be great fun to meet in person and see the vineyard Rouge-Bleu. Grand merci!
Posted by: Robyn France | Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 11:26 PM
COVER PHOTO!!!! A quiet corner in Marseilles.....it is so beautiful, Kristin!
Posted by: Maureen | Friday, April 27, 2012 at 03:25 AM
I love that picture of Smokey - he looks absolutely docile.
Posted by: Susan Carter, Westminster, CA | Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 09:20 PM
I love what I see Nice
Posted by: Hawi Moore | Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 01:49 PM