Eternuer, Bis, & 90+ Ways You Know You're Becoming French
Wednesday, February 04, 2015
ENTER TO WIN: Tell us one way in which you know you're becoming French and enter to win today's prize at the end of this post! Click here to comment and bonne chance!
Meantime, Kristi says: I know I'm becoming French because....
I'm writing for two French magazines! France Today and, now, French Provincial--Australia's #1 magazine for French style and culture!
Thrilled to be joining the editorial team at French Provincial. This magazine, once only found in stores in Australie, is now available to all of us via digital subscription! You can buy any issue. (To see my back page column, select the issue pictured here :-)
TODAY'S WORD
éternuer (ay-tehr-noo-ay)
: to sneeze, or expirer bruyamment (breathe out loudly)
AUDIO FILE
One way you know you're becoming French is when you answer "à vos souhaits" after somebody sneezes. (Listen to Jean-Marc read the example sentence): Download MP3 or Wav file
Eternuer. Atchoum! Quand on éternue en France, on dit: "A vos souhaits" ou "à tes souhaits."
To sneeze. Achoo! When someone sneezes in France, we say: "Bless you."
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE... by Kristin Espinasse
After telling you to complete the sentence, "You know you are becoming French when (fill in blank)," I began to worry that some of you might not know how to answer.
"But I've never been to France," you might say. "How can I be sure I'm becoming French when I've not been exposed to all the French culture that I'm dying to be exposed to!!
Never Fear! Pas de souci! I've been digging through my photo archives to come up with pictures to jog your mind. Do any of today's photos sing to you?
Here are those pictures, along with possible ways you may be becoming French and not even know it!
1) (Observe photo at opening of this edition: You know you're becoming French when you buy baguettes (even frozen ones) at every chance.
You know you are becoming French when...
2) The sight of French penmanship makes your heart do backflips: flip, flip, flip, flippity-dip!
3) You're an olive eater. Sure, the Greeks are olive eaters too, but you are a French olive eater! (Think little niçoise olives...)
4) You love bleu things, bis things, and boot things (or sabots like that yellow one, with the flowers in it).
To sidetrack a bit, and because you are hungry to learn all things French--I just know you are wondering about significance of "bis" when you see the little word written beside a house number. Well, let me tell you, after 21 years in France I learned this most significant detail last week.... when trying to find Beth and Guillermo's house.
"By the way," Beth had said in a second email, "I live at 9 rue (bla bla bla)."
But when Jean-Marc and I turned up at number 9, and a grand-mère opened the door in her little apron or tablier--a whoosh of pot-au-feu vapors streaming out beside her, I knew we were not chez Beth and Guillermo (who'd promised to make TAGINE!).
"Are you sure your friends aren't at 9 bis?" Grand-mère said....
Turns out they were! And the first thing I said to Beth after kissing her on both cheeks is: YOU ARE at 9 A! Not "9". NINE A!
So, dear readers, let's remember this one together, once and for all:
Bis = "A" when referring to a house number. The photo above, therefore, reads "65 A"
5) You know you are becoming French when you are territorial....
The sign at the bus stop reads: "Chaise à laisser sur place. SVP. Merci" (Don't touch this chair, please. It belongs here. Thanks!")
2007. Cooking for our first harvesters, back at Domaine Rouge-Bleu....
6) You know you are becoming French when your kitchen has little French touches here and there and everywhere
COMMENTS HERE
YOUR TURN! Tell us one way in which you know you're becoming French. Click here and enter to win the book just below.
Thanks go out to these sponsors:
Provence Dreamin'? Maison des Pelerins, Sablet. A Vacation Rental Dream in the heart of the Côte du Rhone.
Provence & French Alps Tours - Two regions of France in one affordable tour. Majestic mountains, Provence colors. Wine tastings, Michelin Star cuisine.
One more way you are becoming French: you love ferronnerie d'art or ironwork of art. Here, in our shopping section, is a cozy kissing bench for the garden. It is also a wonderful conversation piece. I'm looking for one of these in France, meantime, for US readers, you can get one at Amazon!
WINNER UPDATE
Félicitations to Cynthia Lewis who has won the copy of this charming book.
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
One way I know I'm becoming French is that I own Lycra and wear it to cycle the backroads of France.
Posted by: Jacqui@FrenchVillageDiaries | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 01:31 PM
I dream in French.
Posted by: John L Barbato | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 01:52 PM
I decorate with my French wine corks! I oten spontaneously speak French to an American without realizing it! I have Annie Sloan's book about decorating with chalk paint to have the French look.
Posted by: Pat Bailey | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 01:59 PM
I added an accent to my name (Renée).
Posted by: Renée Sauvaget | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:02 PM
I follow people in the mall, on the street, on a beach when I think I hear French being spoken, and get as close as I can to listen to them.
Posted by: Nina Wolff | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:05 PM
I know I'm becoming French because I now understand native French speakers speaking French better than etrangers speaking French!
Posted by: Sophia de la Mar | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:11 PM
When asked what I can see, the first answer to come to mind is 'Que dalle!' - nothing at all.
Posted by: Clare Jones | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:12 PM
Je pense en Francais!
Posted by: Sandra Levine | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:13 PM
In America, some French words overtake our American ones--receit, resto, ordo, frigo, veto, peripherique!
Posted by: Cyndy | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:13 PM
I live in Texas, so many people start a conversation in Spanish. Without realizing it, I respond in French. It's my default foreign language.
Posted by: Renee Hatthorn | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:15 PM
When you start counting with your thumb first and when you tell time in military time.
Posted by: Maria Alonso | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:16 PM
I know I becoming more French because I find American quantities of food degoutant.
Posted by: Stephanie Sabourin | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:19 PM
When I walked 10 blocks in a steady rain on my birthday to have an almonde croissant and a cafe au lait for breakfast with my wife under an awning outside a small cafe in Paris.
Posted by: Gary Hoffman | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:24 PM
I know I am becoming French as "Bien sur" comes out of my mouth without even thinking. Also, I just returned from France January 4th & thought I had my fix but was missing it within two weeks!
Posted by: Martia McNeill | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:24 PM
When you're in a conversation in English, and the only word that says what you want to say is a French one.
Posted by: Jim Queen | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:28 PM
Je devenir francais. Je sais parce que présent chaque jour est le jour férié jour entre midi a quatorze heure demi. Et un oublier le travail le Lundi aussi! C'est tres important pour le sante je pense!
I am becoming French. I know this because now every day is a holiday between noon and 2.30pm! And forget working on Mondays also! Its very important for the health I think!
Posted by: Tess Gray | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:28 PM
I know I am becoming more French as I pay more and more attention to the food I make, the quality of the ingredients I use and how much I serve. Also, wine has become much more important.
I enjoy it when I find that I am referring to things in French rather than English...I love that! And you,
dear Kristin, have certainly played a role as I turn more and more toward my inner frenchness. Thank you!
Posted by: Nancy Jane | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:29 PM
My Facebook news feed contains more items in French than in English.
Posted by: Mary Beth Dietrick | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:30 PM
I know I'm becoming French because I look at 2CV used car ads and consider buying one.
Posted by: Robert Powell | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:32 PM
I know I'm becoming more French because I take my darling dog everywhere and am upset to think she cannot enter certain shops with me.
Posted by: Patricia Anzalone | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:35 PM
My English is peppered with French words, such as voila! and merci! My friends look at me strangely...
Posted by: Nancy Stilwagen | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:35 PM
I know I'm becoming French because we are woken up each morning to France Musique & we have a Boite aux Lettres in the style of an original Parisien one.
Posted by: Audrey Wilson | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:37 PM
Hi Kristin!
I know I'm becoming French because I love blue shutters, little stone cabanons, lavender, sunflowers against a bright blue sky, lace curtains, window boxes, FWAD and the lovely French language!
Posted by: Eileen deCamp | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:39 PM
I know I am becoming French when I stand in front of the Paris flower shops taking photos to paint. And when I long for another trip to France each day. And when I label France as my favorite place to visit. And when I think of the scrumptious croissants that no one in America can duplicate!
Posted by: Mary Ann Boysen | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:40 PM
..because I "get dressed" to take the trash out!
Posted by: Alyssa | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:42 PM
Hi Kristin, I never miss your posts it helps to feel French as well as wearing all sorts of scarves knotted in different styles and a drop of Chance Chanel eau tendre. On a good hair day it's all it takes and a bit of imagination and voila!
Thank you and a heartfelt congratulations on joining an editorial team at French Provincial.
Posted by: Natalie | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:44 PM
For me, it's inserting a French word into a conversation I'm having with someone without realizing it!
Regarding "à vos souhaits": I learned at a language school in Tours that if someone sneezes a second time in a row, you say "à vos amours" and if the person sneezes a third time, you say "qu'ils durent toujours".
Posted by: Tish Tyler | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:45 PM
I eat salad after the main course and drink wine in a water glass...
Posted by: john h abeles md | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:46 PM
I knew I was becoming French when I visited Paris last May and realized that when I spoke French there, my voice had that delicate lilt of emphasis that I so longed to acquire in my high school years long ago. It also helped a lot that I stayed with a French family too ;-)
Posted by: Marcia | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:49 PM
I know I'm becoming French because I patiently explain to the cashier at Panera Bread that I don't want my baguette to go. The conversation continues, "No, please, don't cut it and toast it. Yes, a whole baguette. Please just give me a knife and some butter and jam. Yes, I'm eating it here with my coffee. No, it is not 'to go.' Thank you very much. No, not just a piece of baguette. The whole baguette. Yes, thank you!" Ah ces Américains!
Posted by: Tom McCullough | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:49 PM
I know I'm becoming French because I no longer even think of using bottled salad dressing and will travel 10 miles and spend $6 for a little jar of Amora mustard, fine et forte, to put in my homemade vinaigrette!
Posted by: Bunny Renkin | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:51 PM
When I see a dog in a restaurant, and smile.
Posted by: Luci Lewisohn | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:52 PM
Coucou! I know I am becoming French because I often write a word with French spelling and have to stop and think of the correct English spelling.
Posted by: Anne Irons | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:53 PM
I know I'm becoming French because my written 'ones' look like inverted 'Vs'.
Posted by: Ronni Ebbers | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 02:54 PM
When it's movie night so I pick up a baguette and some Brie for the snacks and totally forget about popcorn!
Posted by: Miranda | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:00 PM
I know I'm becoming French because I inevitably feel sincerely puzzled, for the first minute, over the American restaurant use of the word entrée.
Posted by: Ronni | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:05 PM
I know I'm becoming more French because: 1) I end my emails to friends with "Mes amities"; 2) I use sugar cubes, rather than granulated sugar, in my morning cafe; and 3) I feel ecstatic when I find a piece of Quimper pottery at an antique store or flea market.
Posted by: Kathi Koegle | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:14 PM
I know I'm becoming French because I bought a three foot high replica of the Eiffel Tower for my office.
Posted by: Susan Stafford | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:14 PM
I brave the Chicago elements and walk to Patisserie Coralie. Tres bon~ http://www.creperiestgermain.com/bestfrenchpastries/index.html
Posted by: Sherry | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:16 PM
My friends certainly think so, as almost every day when something french is in the news or a joke, a travel idea, etc., always shows up in my inbox. Also, so many similarities listed above that it's scary- especially the one about keeping a ear open for opportunities to speak french. Trying to learn the language- it is amazing how much history & culture seeps in along with it. What a bonus!
Posted by: Ken Scupp | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:25 PM
Je sais que je deviens francais parce que je lis Mediapart chaque journee!!
Posted by: charles verrill | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:26 PM
My grandmother who raised me, as my father died when I was 6 and my Mom had to go work never spoke a word of English to me (I was 36 when she died).
Have always felt the strength of my French side!!
Posted by: Claudette | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:35 PM
I could identify with so many of these comments!
My heart races when I see the blue-grey of French shutters and doors.
I used a match from my old allumettes box to light the stove and make a big bowl of cafe au lait this morning.
On my last visit to Paris, 2 different Parisiennes asked me for directions(which made my day).
I talk more about what I love to eat than what I avoid.
I am not lost when I have free time.
I get enough sleep.
I like to think seasonally, moderately, sanely.
I remember being wet and cold and jet-lagged and tired, walking around in Paris before I found a place to stay, and thinking I was the luckiest person in the world!
Posted by: Leslie NYC | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:38 PM
I know I am becoming French because I am obsessed with owning a pale blue Citroen 2cv!
Posted by: Sharon Upton | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:39 PM
I knew I was becoming French when I asked friends for apperos.
Posted by: Terry littman | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:39 PM
I know I have become totally French when, leaving a store, I pull the door instead of pushing it !
Posted by: MariePierre | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:40 PM
Parce que je parle francais avec mes chats...et ils me comprennent aussi bien que quand je leur parle en anglais!
Posted by: Sharon Marchisello | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 03:46 PM
I know I'm becoming french when I opened my store, Equipement de Vin, take my dog to work in the store, use french instead of English words daily, sante, enchante, tchao, de rien, I covet my Provencal linens, my Laguiole & Opinel knives and my La Rochere glassware inventory, I have a file that I keep all of my French customers (whether french or american) suggestions for my next french trip, to the rhone, my new favorite wine is bandol.
Posted by: Cheryl | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:00 PM
I know that I'm becoming French when I head for the cookbook section in a book store and then single out the books with the FRENCH recipes only or those written by FRENCH chefs...ah, to make the perfect soupe a l'oignon or bouillabaisse or coq au vin all the time sounding like Julia Child!
Posted by: Kari Lee | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:01 PM
I know I'm becoming French when Canadian franglais hurts my ears, when not just any camembert will do, when I have to have Maille dijon mustard, when driving extra miles for a close to real baguette is no big deal, and of course, as someone mentioned, the true sign is when I dream in French.
Posted by: Chris Miasnik | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:02 PM
I know I'm becoming French because I have been to Paris and have fallen in love with anything and everything French - and I love to use French words and expressions - coucou, tres bon, moi? and peche mignon to name a few.
Posted by: Alynn Snyder | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:03 PM
I know I'm becoming French when every single caption on my Pinterest board is written en français.
Posted by: Linda R. | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:06 PM
Sometimes I dream in French.
Posted by: Jacqueline | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:10 PM
In my mind, I always translate what someone is saying to me into French
Posted by: dholtz | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:10 PM
I know I'm becoming French when I wake up and realize I was dreaming in French. Also when my co-workers ask me what something means in French (this was unfortunately the case with the recent Je Suis Charlie headlines).
Posted by: Kathleene E. | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:10 PM
When quality of life is more important than money you are becoming French!
Posted by: Charles Shinn | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:10 PM
I know I'm becoming French because I can understand more and more dialogues in French films without looking at the subtitles. And then I try to continue speaking about the film in French after the film has ended.
Posted by: Lorraine | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:12 PM
I know I'm becoming French when I pronounce English words that end in -ion with a nasal sound without even thinking of it. Nation, competition, passion, permission, ...
Posted by: Christine H | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:16 PM
I knew I was becoming French when my neck felt chilly and I found myself wrapping a long scarf around and around it.
Posted by: Janice Watson | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:16 PM
I know I'm becoming French because I enjoy wondering around vide grenier's on Sunday mornings buying up bits of rusty old farm tools for my brother to make into sculptures: see http://villamblardsculptures.blogspot.fr
Posted by: Jane LeMaux | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:16 PM
I know I am becoming French because when I am in Paris native French people treat me as a local. (I.E. They stop to ask me for directions as if I live there and know the language.
Posted by: Mary | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:21 PM
I knew I was becoming French after the third day of French class my freshman year. I have been a self-proclaimed Francophile ever since! <3
Posted by: Adrienne | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:24 PM
I know I am becoming French since, after being in Paris for three weeks, I am reducing the portions on my plate and I am losing weight. I am almost the size of a French woman d'un certain age. I try to walk to places as much as possible as well.
Posted by: Jennie | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:27 PM
I know I am becoming more French when I insist on café au lait au lieu de café latté --Lorraine like the Quiche
Posted by: Lorraine | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:27 PM
I knew I was becoming French when I was having a conversation in French with a tour guide in Chartres and she asked "est-ce que vous etes Francais, o no?" and also when it didn't seem strange to me that restaurants let dogs sit at the table with their owners.
Posted by: Preston Lawrence Pittman | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:31 PM
GOOD QUESTION KRISTI. WELL, I THINK I AM BECOMING FRENCH
BECAUSE, I PLAY FRENCH MUSIC ALL THE TIME,I LISTEN TO MY OLD CHAMPS-ELYSÉES TAPES WHEN DRIVING,YES! TAPES I SAVED THEM LIKE DIAMONDS! I SUBSCRIBED TO TV5MONDE AND WATCH THIS CHANNEL 24/7 IF I CAN,NEWS,COOKING,FILMS ETC,ETC.
I WAS BORN IN BOLIVIA,CAME TO THE US 49 YEARS AGO, AND
MOST OF MY FRIENDS ARE???? FRENCH!! LOVE,LOVE! FRENCH
CUISINE,CELEBRATE WITH FRIENDS FRENCH HOLIDAYS ,MOST
RECENTLY LA FÊTE DU ROI AND.....DO NOT MISS READING THIS
TERRIFIC BLOG BY KRISTI!!
Posted by: Marti Hinman | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:32 PM
I know I am becoming French when I look at the waves dancing in from the Atlantic Ocean and think, "France is just on the other side!!!"
Posted by: Mary H | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:35 PM
I know I become French when I translate the French texts for the homepage of my friends in Luxemburg and try to talk to them in French.
Posted by: Ulrike Lüdiger | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:35 PM
KRIST,
I FORGOT TO MENTION, MY DREAM COME TRUE,THIS SPRING
WE ARE RENTING A HOUSE IN MOLLÉGÉS . YOU INSPIRED ME
BY READING YOUR BLOG AND LOOKING OVER AND OVER THE
BEAUTIFUL PLACES YOU PHOTOGRAPH.MERCI BEAUCOUP!!
MARTI
Posted by: Marti Hinman | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:39 PM
I know I am becoming French (more so) as I keep my garlic in a large garlic keeper from Betschdorf!!!!
Posted by: phyllis Morton | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:43 PM
I count my swimming laps in French!
Posted by: sophie | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:47 PM
Hi Kristi,
I know I am becoming French because I swoon whenever I see a label that reads "made in France" of course I want to buy the item immediately!
Usually it's food items such as those found in trader Joes but I do also have Le Crueset cookware on my wish list!
Bisous,
Sandy Vichery
Posted by: Sandra L Vichery | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:47 PM
I know I am becoming French when I realized I always cook with Gros Sel de Guérande Gris Tradition. I can now buy it at Cost Plus World Market for,just about the same price as at SuperU. That and the fact that after fifteen trips to France I am no longer surprised by what I have ordered for dinner. Oh, yes, I also visited Soultz-Les-Bains in Alsace where my Great-grandmother was born.
Posted by: Frank Levin | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:47 PM
I became French at birth in the USA, when my parents named me Paulette after my father. Then I knew I was French when my grandparents and parents only spoke Greek around me and I would respond with a oui, or Merci as a young child. I knew I was French when I flew to Paris at 14 with my parents and understood conversations around me and tried to hide on the Tour Eiffel so I could stay in Paris forever. As an adult, I've flown off to Paris at the drop of a hat for a baguette with sweet butter and ham and cheese, or a cafe or a chocolate croissant from Paul's. Now in my seventies, flights are few but I frequent Paul's at Tyson's Galleria almost every week to hear the accent, savor the flavors and become French again by osmosis. Your words energize me in all things French Kristi! Merci!
Posted by: Paulette in DC | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:48 PM
I love gizzards in my salad..... This is the first time I have commented after all these years of reading your blog. I feel like a friend. I know you so well. I think I should come out of the shadows of 'lurking' and say, 'Hello, my friend, you have brought me so much pleasure.Thank you.'
Posted by: Joan | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:48 PM
I know I'm becoming French because I end MANY sentences to MANY people with, 'n'est-ce pas?'
Posted by: Arlene Sahraie | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:49 PM
I'm becoming French since I listen to France24 chaque jour, et je comprends (presque) tous ils dissent! Et je reponds des questions en francais sans pensait!
Posted by: Charlene | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:53 PM
Kristin:
When my husband goes out to his favorite coffee shop on his daily walk my one request is that he bring me back a croissant.
Edie from Savannah
Posted by: edie schmidt | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:53 PM
I know I'm becoming French because my husband and I always speak of poulet and boeuf and sometimes oeufs.
Posted by: Sandy Zeoli | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:56 PM
P.S Congratulations on joining an editorial team at French Provincial Kristi!
Posted by: Sandra L Vichery | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:56 PM
I know I am becoming more French because I call my husband Patrique instead of Patrick.
Posted by: edininny | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 04:59 PM
I know I am becoming French because I know how to ask to rent two matelas on the beach in summer instead of two matelots!
I also am very good at using my lips to say "ah, pfffft" about almost anything silly.
Also "ah, putain!" How terrible.
Posted by: Suzanne Dunaway | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:02 PM
I now use an "azerty" keyboard without thinking about where the letters are.
Posted by: Jacqueline | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:05 PM
I think I have become French when I open an email to a group of girlfriends by saying "Mes amies" rather than "Ladies!" And it feels so much more natural than "Dear Girlfriends!"
Posted by: Lois | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:06 PM
I am a south Louisiana/New Orleans girl and Iknow I am French because I think in French especially when I do something silly like bumping my toe- I say aww. ma pied Je me suis blessé mon orteil
Posted by: Johnette LaBorde | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:09 PM
I know I am becoming more French because I am, again, planning a trip in August to France from Rancho Bernardo, CA, at the age of 88 and a half!
Posted by: Marjorie Cannon | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:15 PM
I know I'm becoming French when, pausing in the middle of a sentence, I purse my lips and say "euh..." instead of "um..."
Posted by: John in NYC | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:16 PM
"Bah Oui" creeps into your conversations everywhere, along with frequent "Je n'ai aucune idée", interspersed in chats with your kids - no wait, that latter may be more a sign of age than of the fact you're becoming French!!
Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn R Chase | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:16 PM
I enjoyed reading a few of the comments from other readers. I'm becoming French by inserting French expressions into sentences at random times. Oh, and, j'ai presque oublié! We have just registered our older son for the French immersion program at his elementary school.
Posted by: Katia | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:16 PM
Felicitations on your new postition!
While I know I will never become completely French (I will continue to argue with French friends about stores being open on Sunday and past 7 p.m. and will still have an urge to eat dinner at 6:30) there are many signs I'm mutating to French. A few:
- not only do I plant red geraniums in my balcony boxes in France, I plant them at home in the U.S.
- I started buying CDs by Zaz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm88QAI8I5A
- too often at home I start a sentence "In France"
- I wince every time I go through a produce section at an American supermarket
- I miss seeing dogs at restaurants
- I've set my GPS to French language
- I can't resist buying more scarves rather than necklaces
- I salivate at all of your photos of France
Posted by: Julie Farrar | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:16 PM
And did I mention that ever since college in the USA, I wanted to move to Vauvenargues? I love that the menus were still in French, that I could gaze out at the Chateau from my secret garden spot, that the colors of Provence are undescribable, that the scent of the jaune flowers envelope Mont Saint Victoire and that I raced the tide around Mont Ste Michel in my forties? Suffice to say, I have become French.....
Posted by: Paulette in DC | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:16 PM
I can tell I'm becoming French because I know where all the local marchés are by day so I can always shop for fresh ingredients and I plan the day's meals based on what's best in the market.
Posted by: Jim Lesser | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:20 PM
I know I am becoming French because I subscribe to so many French blogs, I want to stop at every outdoor café and I have lavender soap in my bathrooms.
Posted by: Lin Powell | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:20 PM
I'm becoming more French by reading your blog and listening to the dreamy sound clips . Every snap you post sings to me ! A friend put me In touch with your blog, knowing I am anticipating a long-awaited reunion this fall (last we saw each other was in Nantes, 1981) with a college friend - in FRANCE!!
Posted by: Lynne | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:21 PM
One way I know I'm becoming more "French" is because I'm willing to drive 45 minutes each week to the nearest Alliance Française to volunteer as a teacher's assistant in their children's French class. Due to my years serving as an after-school tutor, English Assistant in France, and tutoring refugees, I tend to work with the especially difficult students too! But I love the kids and the language, ça vaut le coup!
Posted by: Ali | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:30 PM
I am becoming more French as I anxiously await the arrival of your postings in my mailbox !
When received I totally immerse myself in your writings and photographs and let myself daydream . . .
. . . . in French !
Posted by: Denise Morgan | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:33 PM
Je rêve en français et je pense en français. Après tous ces ans, c'est magnifique ! J'achète des baguettes autant possible. Je les adore.
Posted by: Nita | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:35 PM
It happened years ago when my husband and I took our two French poodles to work every day (private physician's office). The patients loved them and the younger dog would do tricks for the children. For six years now I have audited classes at the nearby university and best of all, my friends have nicknamed me "Frenchy".
Congratulations, Kristin, for joining the editorial teams of "French Today" and "French Provincial" ... how exciting!
Posted by: Cynthia P. Lewis | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:39 PM
I know I'm becoming more french when I long to sit at an outdoor cafe with a croissant and cafe avec creme.
Posted by: marilyn watkins | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:40 PM
When serving a meal, I say “bon appétit.”
Posted by: Lenore | Wednesday, February 04, 2015 at 05:41 PM