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)
A Message from Kristi: For twenty years now, support from readers like you has been an encouragement and a means to carve out a career in writing. If my work has touched you in any way, please consider a donation. Your gift keeps me going! Thank you very much.
Ways to contribute:
1. Send a check (to this new address)
2. Paypal or credit card
3. A bank transfer via Zelle, a great way to send your donation as there are no transaction fees.
Or purchase my book for a friend, and so help spread the French word.
For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety