Blog hiatus + special story... and see you in December

An artist's residence in the seaside town of Bandol.

Un mois sabbatique. Some talk of a sabbatical year, but one month may just be enough to recharge these batteries after 11 years of online journaling.

In November, I'll follow a gentle rule: no emails, no blogging. Thanks for helping me stick to it.... If you have sent me a note in 2011 or 2012 and not received a reply, I am so sorry. I wanted to respond, but I slipped behind. Please don't take it personally. I'd feel even worse than I already do!

Before putting this blog and my inbox on hiatus for the next month, one more story for you. I hope it will fill you with hope and inspiration and, especially, tendresse et amour.

If you are looking for the word of the day, I have put it in the following story, somewhere (hint, it's in theme with October 31st...).

"See you" in December!
We'll get back to the regular blog format in December. Thank you for reading!

 

 A Day in a French Life... by Kristin Espinasse

The Photographer and the Body Piercer 

Last night my mind chattered from the day's unexpected and meaningful encounters. I had met two strangers in the town of Bandol, and by the time we parted I carried in my hand a precious, if invisible, puzzle piece. Mindful of its value--and still unsure as to where to place it--I held it tightly lest it fall into a street grate (alas, it wouldn't be the first time!). Meantime, a familiar quote galloped across my soul, dropping a clue as to what this puzzle piece represented: boldness. 

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it... 

Those words were tattooed on my brain like the Lord's Prayer. They must have significance. But who had said them--Ralph Waldo Emerson? Claude Bristol? Mom? And how did boldness relate to yesterday's meeting? 

An internet search brought the first answer and led to an even more profound text, words which would give insight into yesterday's chance meeting, which I will soon share. First, via Wikipedia, here are the powerful thoughts of William Hutchison Murray, Scottish mountaineer and writer:

Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!

Now back to yesterday's pivotal encounter in the town of Bandol, and to where boldness and, especially, "countless ideas and splendid plans--and Providence" fit in.

Cynthia was one of the "strangers" I met yesterday. We first chatted online and were struck by our connections to Mexico and France. Cynthia lives very near my mom (who is in Puerto Vallarta), and she has a home very near me, in Bandol.

Over lunch we discovered more affinities, including a love of photography. After coming to France 20 years ago, and with no plans on leaving, Cynthia's circumstances suddenly changed. But instead of returning to the States, she found a creative way to stay in France--by offering photography tours. 

As we talked about the creative activity that had allowed her to remain in France, I was struck by Cynthia's pluck--her courage and boldness to follow her intuition and to trust things would work out!

Though Cynthia no longer gives photography tours of France, she clearly enjoys helping others advance with their cameras. After lunch, Cynthia was helping me snap some pictures when I looked up, dying to ask her a question.

"Which do you prefer to photograph: architecture or people?"

"People!" Cynthia did not hesitate.

"Me too! Me too!" I said, my voice wagging its tail, like my dog Smokey when his heart is full.

"I want to photograph people!" I said, "but I am afraid of being chased away." I told Cynthia about an encounter, earlier, in which I asked the pumpkin stand lady if I could photograph her bright orange courges. The woman's face contorted into a ghoulish non!--scaring me away from my goal.

"How did you respond to the woman's negative reaction?" Cynthia wanted to know. 

"Well, I told the lady that I was American... and that seeing une citrouille, or pumpkin, made my heart swell with nostalgia. The women then grumbled, 'Go ahead, just don't photograph me!'"

Cynthia said I had handled the situation very well, and, buoyed by her encouragement I seized the next opportunity....

We had be walking toward the church when my eyes locked on a colorful figure sitting in front of the tattoo shop, just beside the historic cathedral. 

"Cynthia! That is who I want to photograph!" I pointed my head over to the girl in purple tights, tattoos up and down her arms. I loved the way she was sitting--carefree, yet lost in concentration.

But just as Cynthia was helping me to discreetly adjust my camera, the purple-legged subject moved. Her feet came down off the table as she shifted to greet a friend who was passing by. Oh no, the moment was lost! Or was it?....

Before my mind could reason or object, I found myself  marching toward the young woman! Enough was enough. I could not go on sneaking photos--and giving up, I determined, was no longer an option. 

(Boldness has genius....)

"Sorry to bother you," I said, "but I would really love to take your picture." Next, I told the young woman what a chicken I was to photograph strangers, but how I no longer wanted that to keep me from a creative impulse!

(Boldness has genius, power and magic in it...)

As I babbled on, unbridling my heart, the young woman in head to toes tattoos with piercings across her face, and earlobes weighed down with spacers--looked up at me with gentle eyes. "Bien sûr. Yes of course you can take my photo."

My babbling stopped... replaced by a moral inkling: 

"Do you mind if I publish your photo?" It was a delicate question. I might have been even more direct: I wish to share your creative and inspiring-to-me character with the world, without exploiting you. You okay with that?

Without batting an eye, the young woman assured me it was pas un souci! How refreshing to know that not everyone has as many hang-ups or fearful imaginings as I. I just needed to relax--and snap the photo!

                                 "Janis"

"I'm Kristi and this is Cynthia," I said, in between snapping pictures. "What is your name?"

"Janis."

"Ah, Janis Joplin!"

My subject smiled a confirmation, when I noticed her great and punctured heart.... 

"It's a bleeding heart," Janis said, as Cynthia and I huddled in close, to study the heart tattoo across Janis's chest. We chatted several moments about everything from tattoos to driving lessons to permaculture--in one of the richest conversations I have ever had in the space of 5 minutes.

Meantime, the lumière from the sky above streamed down through the church's eves, to the tattoo shop below. I watched the light fall across these former strangers, how grounded and strong they were, with hearts as warm as the sun's rays.

As I said goodbye to these artists, while holding that precious invisible puzzle piece in my hand, my breath caught. Something had fallen from me, and landed in the street grate!

I saw then what the puzzle piece truly represented: the limitations I set against myself. I no longer have to let my dreams pass me by. I can stop, say hello, and ask the magic question: May I?

The pumpkin stand.... Which do you prefer as a subject: people or things?

Comments
To leave a comment, click here. Thank you very much for reading and I will be back in December with more words and stories. Feel free to leave a message here (my email inbox is closed, until I can catch up).  

Through December, the ebook version of Blossoming in Provence is just over $4.  

Perfect for the Francophiles in your life: a gift book with brains and heart. I Know (Je sais), a bilingual edition of Ito Naga’s best-selling Je sais, translated by the author and poet Lynne Knight, is now available from Sixteen Rivers Press. Order here.

 

Janis, if you are reading, many thanks for helping me to put to rest one more limitation. I will think of you each time I ask the golden question, May I? Puis-je?

Comments

[Lindsey]

Enjoy this time off, I hope you recharge those batteries!

[Audrey Wilson]

Bon voyage !! I also love photography, but tend to do things or animals , birds & insects.
I know what you mean though , I am always shy about asking if i may photograph people.
I must take a leaf from your book !

[Linda R.]

We could be two peas in a pod when it comes to photography (including favorite subject matter) and love of all things French. Probably everyone else feels the same since they are reading your stories. Goethe's quote is a favorite - your story will inspire me to be more open in my approach. Enjoy your time with family and self.

[Alexandre]

Je préfère photographier les gens. J'aime la variété des expressions que on peut voir dans la même personne. Aussi je trouve très intéressant la réaction des sujets au fait d'être photographié.

[Kate O'Kula]

Dear Kristin,
Yes! I recently asked a woman for her permission... she was holding a "Rhody Red" chicken (the Rhode Island state bird) in her arms at a Johnny Cake Festival on a gorgeous autumn day. I got the shot with an American flag wafting just behind her. Kind of Norman Rockwellian. I wanted to post it here but don't know how. Still learning. Enjoy your month. I'm planning a similar hiatus in Mexico this winter, getting away from the New England blah time, recharging and writing. Blessings to you!

[Donna Grieder]

Enjoy your time away, Kristin.It will pass quickly and we will be here when you return, revitalized. You have inspired me to use this month in some yet-to-be-determined wise way, too.

[Leonard Quilty]

A beautiful piece of writing, Kristin! Enjoy your time off.

[Cassiie]

Dear Kristin,

I will miss your wonderful stories, but am happy you are taking this time for yourself. Thank you for today's lovely words of inspiration. They really struck a chord,

a decembre,
Cassie

[Betty Doolittle Tuininga]

Dear Kristin,
You have developed such a wonderful eye for photography. I think you just need to be more confident about your skills!

I really love to photograph both people and things. Nature can be such a willing and interesting subject...and ever changing, but on the other hand, people can so unique and expressive. My camera, with at least one lens is almost always with me in my sack. I never know when an interesting subject will appear. I often use photos for design and decorating purpose, so I need to be prepared.

If I am taking photos of "people" where they may be reproduced publicly I get a signed release form which helps to cover the use of the image and any residuals made from the use of image. Although it does seem that Europeans seem to be less stressed about these things then we Americans.I also love the historical architecture in the City where I live, but I recently learned that people don't want you taking pictures of their homes,(I was doing a series on old windows) because they are afraid that you are "casing the joint". I think we must have to many lawyers!

Enjoy your trip and your time away from writing. Rest, relax, enjoy. Take lots of wonderful photographs.

Namaste, bj

[Pamela Blair]

I'm sure you made Janice's day, just as she made yours. Thanks for doing these blogs. I love your writing and photography--especially your photography of buildings, windows, mailboxes, laundry drying, etc. They say as much about the people who have them as a photo of the person, I think. I'll miss reading your blogs, but understand and certainly don't expect any answers when I post a comment. Each morning, when I read one of your blog, it makes my day!

[Marie D]

I will miss your thoughtful posts and look forward to reading more when you return after your well-deserved break!

I, too have a hard time photographing people, and have been scowled at, yelled at, chastised, etc. For the most part, though, people seem delighted at being noticed, for being perceived by someone as photograph-worthy, and "captured." I do not usually ask first - because I don't want to ruin the mood that captured my eye in the first place... but that's a sensitive line to cross (or not cross), and we all need to approach it in a way that works for us.

Your photographs are always beautiful!

[Gayle Markow]

Dear Kristin, Brava on your new insight! I too got discouraged from photographing people (my delight also) when I was 21, traveling in Morocco, and found the women very beautiful and mysterious, but completely unreceptive to being photographed. My experience there led me to give up photographing people. It Does take courage! I didn't have it. A willingness to follow your passion even against the odds. I love your honesty and writing. Which also takes courage. Showing us your vulnerability takes courage too. LIfe is amazing and arduous. You are stronger than you know. (or maybe you know). And appreciated! Have a wonderful sabbatical.

[Marcia Douglas]

I love photographing things, objects but would like to break out of my shy shell and photograph people. I've been writing on my blog for about a year now and have photos on it, but few people in my pics unless it's a crowd. You give me courage! :-)

[Ally Davis]

Bravo Kristin! Amusez-vous bien pendant votre mois sabbatique!

[Susan Elliker]

Dear Kristin, Thank you for your stories about courage, discovering it, having it, using it! I agree with Marcia; you give me courage, too. Have a lovely vacation from blogging. We'll be here when you return :-)

[Buffy]

Goodmorning,

I enjoy pictures of scenery. But some time ago, I was looking through pictures that used to be my grandmother's. There were family members I know, then there were many of people I did not know. I thought about how each photo could tell a story. I thought maybe I could write a story about the people in each photo. They are pictures during my grandmother's youth, and adult years, of family, and the many friends she had. I wish she was still here, not only because I miss her, but because I would love to hear her stories of those people. Have a wonderful time off! I hope you find even more joy from the photos you take as you expand on what you take.

[Herm in Phoenix, AZ]

Salut Kristin,

Profiter du temps de pause de blogging.

The words that Jules added to a picture of us she sent to me seem to fit your meeting with Janice……“Thank you, God, for moments like this.”

À bientôt

[Cynthia]

I will miss your writing this next month. Yours is the first e-mail I always read. Enjoy the time unplugged.

[Adeline]

Thank you very much for this very inspiring story. I do enjoy all of them as I would a candy! I find them in the evening, when I come back from work and I savour them always, always a treat!! Of course I'll miss all your wonterful stories, but... do enjoy this November break, you deserve it!!! Take care & Happy Halloween to you all.

[Cheryl in STL]

I loved your post this morning---I'm pretty shy about photographing people, too. Maybe I'll learn to step out of my comfort zone and be a bit braver. Most of all, enjoy and savor the time away from your blog! Brava for taking it!

[Pauline Kneebone]

Dear Kristin,
Many thanks for your wonderful stories, photos and for sharing your life with us, your emails are truly delightful and inspirational. I have purchased two of your books so look forward to a month of reading. Until December !take care and enjoy your special time.. Pauline, Perth, Australia.

[susan essex]

Kirstin...I am an old Francophile who has enjoyed your books, your blog, and your pictures...so very much. You have lived the dream that I didn't. I wanted so much to live in France, but wasn't bold enough. Now, at 70, I can live vicariously through your writings and pictures. I have loved the pictures of the culture...both the places and the people. They have taken me back to the France I loved from years ago. Thank you. Have a wonderful hiatus!

[gary]

You don't have to choose--photograph people in interesting places and contexts, as you did with Janice. this photo requires that table and there are interesting little details making us wonder about more stories. Why no dogs? are the skulls for halloween? do they have anything to do with Janice? those are rhetorical questions by the way! Enjoy your sabbatical and cruise! and bring back some stories...

[Eileen deCamp]

Enjoy your time off Kristin! I'm sure you will come back with lots of great photos! I love photos of people but I seem to gravitate more towards nature photography. When we were in Europe this summer I asked a couple of reenactors at a castle in Germany if I could take their photo in German. The man said, "sure and thanks for asking". Someone in our group was just taking pictures as if they were part of the scenery without asking.

[Suzanne]

Congratulations and a great photo too! Enjoy your sabbatical. Bissous to Jean-Marc.

[Linda C.]

I agree with gary! Your photos have always added so much to your writing. I always wondered why you wrote about people (and dogs) but photographed mainly buildings and scenery. Were all the towns in Provence deserted?! If you can figure out how to take and publish neat photos like that of Janice, without offending anyone or getting in trouble, more power to you!

PS Enjoy your sabbatical! Maybe I can think of something cool and creative to do while you are off-line!

[Chris]

Will miss your stories but glad you are taking care of yourself! Enjoy the month. It will fly by.

[MJH DesignArts]

Hi Kristin, Have a wonderful November vacation. You will be missed, but we do need to tend our gardens. Thank you for all of your post of the past year.
Mary

[Peggy]

Enjoy your time. Not time off, rather Time given; Time taken!
As for photos, I take few of people other than family, as I don't think I do them very well. I do enjoy taking pictures of architecture. At least it stays still!:-)

[Steve & Maxine]

Excellent post, Kristin. Wondering who will be counting the days until December with more anticipation - your faithful readers waiting for your next post - or you waiting to create your next post...

[Leslie NYC]

Check out a video on YouTube called "Touching Strangers". It's about a photographer who asks strangers to pose together in NYC. Very moving. And BOLD!

[Natalia]

Hi dear Kristi,
You have written(and photographed)many wonderful
subjects,but today's post is truly one of your finest.You wrapped yourself around all of our hearts in giving us courage(and indspiration)to make a real effort to overcome our own inhibitions ....and follow a dream.THANK YOU!
Wishing you blessings and happines always AND
a restful glorious vacation!
Love, Natalia. xo

[Janine Cortell]

Many years ago when I used to take my students to France, I would take pictures of store fronts to use in a slide show to teach students the names of different shops and what a shopper could find in each one. On a particular day I saw a beautiful Boucherie.
as I started to take the photo of the sign the butcher came running out to find out why I was taking a photo of his shop. When I explained to him that his shop window was the most beautiful I had seen he smiled and gave me permission to shoot the photo, We then chatted for a while and I told him I would send him a copy at which point he asked if I could take one more photo with him in it.I told this story to students for many years and told them to always ask permission before taking the picture.

[JULES GREER]

DARLING KRISTI,

I LOVE YOU - FOREVER... You are the greatest storyteller, so happy you are in my life.

XOXO

MOM

[A. Moreau]

Have a great month off!! Looking forward to stories of the cruise!

[John Carr]

Bon repos Kristi, profitez en bien!
x

[Faye Stampe, Gleneden Beach, OR]

Bonjour Kristin,

I loved this post - esp about courage -- we all need it huh? I love the 2 artists you met. They are both inspiring.

Have a wonderful time in Nov. and relax & recharge! We will be waiting for your return.

Stay well!

[Nancy, San Antonio, Texas]

Have a wonderful time. Thank you for this thought provoking parting gift. Bon voyage! N

[Sandy Maberly]

Everyone needs to take time off now and then! You are so diligent with FWAD, you amaze me! Now, relax, catch your breath, enjoy your family and most of all take that much needed time alone FOR YOU! We'll be here when you return.

[Kristin Espinasse]

I am especially touched by your *We will be here when you return* messages. Thank you so much! 

Mom, what a wonderful note!

[BiTi]

Have a wonderful break Kristin, I am a new reader and really enjoy your stories and posts. I have recently started on a weekly series on my blog,transcribing Daily Elle style 'gossips' from youtube A la Mode, A la vie, with plenty of French idioms as well as tips. I hope you and other francophiles will stop by and check it out. I'd love to hear your comments, corrections etc.. Merci beaucoup!

http://www.pret-a-vivre.com/2013/10/a-la-vie-la-mode-carla-delevigne-vs.html

BiTi (trying to be bold :))

[Pat]

I always wanted to take pics of people, I got my nerve up to ask a few at the halloween parade this year!

PS. It's Janis Joplin, not Janice Joplin! :-)

[Joan Simon]

People! Those are the only ones I like! I can't believe you asked- and thank you for asking!

There are many reasons for this, on many levels, but sometimes I'm just struck by how much God loves them. And then I'm more able to believe He loves me,too.:)

See you in a week.

[Sherry in Kentucky]

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. The entire quote has hung on my wall through most of my adult life. The words have so often been proven true. Your post today is so powerful and so heartfelt. I can see the power and the magic working. Enjoy the cruise and your time off. Let the magic work. See you in December.

[Jane Hoppe]

Kristin, you often inspire me. Today's post especially did. Have a wonderful, refreshing sabbatical.
Jane Hoppe

[Dianna]

I enjoy your writings and photos which reach across two oceans to greet me but I also understand your need for a break...so enjoy your time away from the computer. But I hope you do come back please, as sometimes your writings hit me right at the right time...like your post today...which makes the "powerful thoughts of William Hutchison Murray" so real.

[Diane Young]

"nothing ventured, nothing gained". So glad you captured Janis and a fellow photographer encouraged you to do so. I try to remember to ask permission and haven't gotten any "no" replies. Have a glorious Novembre, cruising, relaxing, charging your batteries. We will indeed be here when you return, but will miss you a lot. You top the queue when opening my email. Bon voyage a vous et Jean-Marc.

[Stacy ~ Sweet Life Farm]

My dear friend Kristi, what a gift of genius you are, today’s story right in tune with my heart. I admire your boldness in taking the initiative to gift yourself a month’s hiatus (something I have longed for months, years now). Bless your unbridled heart!

I have shared the powerful words of Goethe and Murry with my father, who yesterday embarked on a healing hiatus of his own.

Wishing you a sweet November cozy-ed by Providence and nature’s rhythm.

[Georgia Schall]

It would be too hard to choose one element over another! When we were at Giverney last month, I loved photographing the flowers and gardens. I am no photographer either, but I hope to possibly make cards with photos on the front for Christmas gifts, time permitting.

Bon Voyage! Enjoy your river cruise and time off!

[Cynthia Lewis (Eastern Shore of Maryland)]

Dear Kristin,

How wonderful to make a new friend with whom you have so much in common. The two of you will share and learn a lot from each other....you already have! I always think that a person in a picture brings the photo or painting "to life" so to speak .

With a schedule like yours plus a busy life with your family, you should take a sabbatical or two every year. FWAD is what I most look forward to on my computer; you have a way with words which I so enjoy. I'll "see" you in December.

Bon voyage and "Happy November/Thanksgiving"!

[Sue J]

happy re-charge, Kristi -- and good luck with your photography. I have gotten yelled at more than once (so enchanted with what I was photographing that I forgot to ask first). And this was in the US! Bonne chance.

[Susan]

I will certainly miss you, Kristi, and will look forward to your December return to my life. Enjoy your month & cruise and take lots of pictures - of people and things and places as all of them are interesting.

[dorothy dufour]

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY! WELL DESERVED.

[Christine Dashper]

Great story and great pic, you go girl!

Have a fantastic break!

Chris

[Pat]

Recharge--Recharge......enjoy this time ! Looking forward to December and all your future musings & pictures....be inspired anew !

[Kathleen from Connecticut]

Kristi,

Have a great relaxing vacation and time off. Will you celebrate Thanksgiving?
I too love to take pictures of people and sometimes I ask and other times I just shoot. In Europe you can still take pictures of children, but not in the US. I have some wonderful pictures of people at restaurants in France, where they did not know that I was photographing them. I have had them in shows here, so I guess that I am safe,but who is to say?
I also like to take pictures which are abstract ... where you are not quite sure what it is. There are so many themes which I like.
If I take a close up then I definitely ask the person.

See you in December...we'll be here.

Kathleen

[Karen from Phoenix]

Have a wonderful cruise. I look forward to your stories when you and Jean-Marc return. Say hello to Susan for me. Am I right that she on the cruise with you??? I will miss your stories too! xoxo

[Betty Gleason]

Enjoy your time off, the cruise and being alive! I know right where that tattoo parlor is & went to Mass in St. Francis de Sales, the Bandol church. It must have some history.

[María E. Sastre Wirshing]

Have a wonderful river trip and enjoy every minute of it.

Looking forward to read all the stories about your trip.

God Bless You.

[Chris Allin]

Sometimes it takes boldness and a great leap of faith to have an incredible journey. And sometimes it takes an amazing inspiration for that great leap of faith. My husband and I are about to embark on what we hope will truly be an incredible journey. Thanks to you, Kristin, and Jean-Marc for the inspiration....

Chris in Kansas

[june furey]

Kristin, I wish you a joyful cruise and who knows this could be the beginning of a bright new adventure which may wish to host again in years to come. As you said in the quote, be bold and accept all that the days bring to you, the time will be filled with wonderful memories. I will miss you, but realise how you must need this holiday with Jean-Marc. Look forward to your return in December, relax and enjoy
your artiste ami June, Qld

[Ellen from BH]

Have a great trip, Kristin! If you and Jean-Marc get off the boat in Les Andelys, you must go up the hill to Chateau Gaillard for a wonderful view of the chalk cliffs and the Seine, not to mention the ruins themselves - of a fortress built by King Richard Coeur de Lion! One of my favorite places in the whole world.
If time permits, stop in as well at the Chaine d'Or, a delicious restaurant with windows on the river and beautiful rooms that look out over the Seine.

And to Susan Essex: It is never too late to go and live in France. Let everything else go. Take one suitcase and someone you love. Breathe and believe!

[Phyllis]

Enjoy your cruise an time off. Just bought the ebook. Now I have all your books. Take care.

[Pat Cargill]

A perfect bon voyage post. Love, LOVE the photo of Janis, she radiates confidence and joy. Picture-perfect pose, too, cool beyond cool. As always your writing inspires and unites. Happy travels, rest well.

[Jennifer Dugdale]

I love that quote, way before Nike's "Just do It", but the same meaning. Thanks for sharing.

[sparkling74]

As I read about your one month hiatus, I had a mix of emotions. My first is the regret that I don't read your posts as quickly as they arrive. Often, a month will go by and then I'll go back and catch up on everything you posted. Other times, I read as they come and wish you would write every day! My second emotion is my fear that you won't come back! How often do we say we will do something just for x period of time and then, when that time is up, it's easy to just let it be the past and not resume the activity! My third emotion is annoyance at myself for being so selfish that I don't want to allow you time to regroup and come back recharged! I love reading your perspective of living in France and have enjoyed "moving" with you to your new home. I really hope your time off will bring you back with just as many fantastic stories and entertaining and informative tales as we've come to enjoy at French Word A Day!!

[Heather]

The photographer behind Humans of New York has occasionally dropped hints as to how he approaches strangers. If you don't follow him, you should!

[Suzanne Dunaway]

Now I know why we hit it off easily--We are Go For It Girls!!!
I hope your hiatus is relaxing and full of adventures. Tu peut profiter bien avec une repose...
but I know your mind is always jumping!

[Nancy, Cambridge]

Well, Kristin, you have been kind in the past, so I'm going to take a lesson and be BOLD...
I have a book-signing for ALAN'S LETTERS" this Friday at the St. Avold book shop, 2-7pm. Anyone who is in the area is welcome! My French is getting a little better, and my english is just fine, so would be fun to chat with other frenchwordaday'ophiles.
www.alansletters.com
Fun that you mentioned pumpkins- I spent a lot of time this October in France looking for the type to cut into jack-o-lanterns...
You'll have a wonderful month. Enjoy.

[JanetMarieDavis]

Kristin, when you return from your well deserved sabbatical you must read about Brandon Stanton's transformation while taking photos in NYC. Very inspiring indeed!

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/07/business/media/humans-of-new-york-by-brandon-stanton.html?_r=0

[Victoria]

And good to have you back!

I was missing my French word of the day.

I know what you mean about those sabbaticals - I've done it a few times with the fear that I would simply let things drop. Has never happened and I think it's good to take a break.

All the best to you,

Victoria