Category Archives: french is beautiful

french is beautiful

fleurishing-famille-paris

 

“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of  a child. There are seven million.”

Walt Streightiff

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Were we really in Paris with our children, only a month ago?! It feels like it was a all a dream. I’m so thankful to have moments like these documented, thanks to my friend Ashley Ludaescher (still so many more incredible photos to share). Navigating a foreign country with children, especially toddlers, is challenging for sure. Speaking the language (even at a basic level) really makes things easier, and more enjoyable. Carrie Anne James was kind enough to include me in the development of her French for Paris course, and I’m honored to have inspired the “traveling with kids” bonus lesson. I think it goes without saying that I personally relied heavily on that portion of the program during our trip!

Since this was my first time traveling with my children to France, I wanted to be prepared with the proper terminology. Full disclosure – I didn’t know the word for stroller. There were many times when I found myself using phrases that were new to me, such as “excusez moi, est-ce que les pousettes sont permises?” (excuse me, are strollers allowed?). I located diapers, requested mild cheese, even spoke with other parents, in French – and it felt great. Do you have to speak French in order to travel there with your children? No – but I highly recommend it. You will get more respect, better treatment, and yes, even the elusive smile, from the Parisians. Henry et Marie even garnered a tickle or two (or three).

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *

french is beautiful

golden-hour-paris

 

“Ajoutez deux lettres à Paris: c’est le paradis. | Add two letters to Paris and it’s paradis(e).”

Jules Renard

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My apologies for the brief break in this series, but I’ve been in Paris. Hashtag sorry, not sorry. I mean, this view – does it get any better than golden hour in Paris?! Pour moi, NON. My love for France, for Paris, for the culture, and the language, goes WAY back. The French language brings me happiness–hearing it, speaking it, learning it. I’m proud to say my French has improved, and it was evident to me (and a few others) while in Paris. I’m so thankful for my tutor Carrie Anne – her French for Paris program was the perfect refresher before our trip. From la politesse (manners) to le métro, she covers all the basics with audio, written, and video components. She even incorporated a bonus lesson for traveling with kids – more on how we benefited from that soon! For those of you looking to dive deeper into French, check out her three month course that starts June 6th. French is Beautiful Level 1 (which I’ve completed) opens for registration this weekend and is 30% off thru may 15! If you’ve been considering it but haven’t made a move, now’s the time. To quote Carrie Anne – “move learning French from a list in your head to a place in your heart”. Now, when I miss it, I escape to my lessons.

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *

french is beautiful

louvre-pyramid

 

“Il y a eu une modernité pour chaque peintre ancien. | Every ancient painter was once modern.”

Charles Baudelaire

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One of the things I love most about Paris is it’s history. However, I’m constantly in awe at how beautifully ultra-modern elements are married + juxtaposed with classical architecture. The best example I can think of is the Louvre…with the original structure (not including the original fortress) dating to the 16th century, and the 1989 addition of the glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei. While originally very controversial, it is now one of the most recognizable modern landmarks in Paris. I feel this is very representative of French, and any language, really. You must have an understanding and respect for the proper (formal) verbiage, but be able to weave in modern day elements. There have been numerous times when I’ve used “textbook” French, and suddenly, it’s as if I have an arrow sign above my head blinking “AMERICAN” in neon lights. For example, instead of using the classic je voudrais for “I would like”…using je vais prendre gives it a modern, casual update. Another example – instead of using nous for “we”, a more common (modern) usage is the word on. I’m learning that these seemingly small tweaks can make the difference between sounding like you just left high school and sounding like a pro. Merci mille fois, Carrie Anne James.

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *

french is beautiful

red-paris-cafe-chairs

 

“God invented the Parisian so that foreigners wouldn’t know what to make of the French.”

Alexandre Dumas

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As you may have noticed, we’re headed to Paris as a family! I couldn’t be more giddy about it. The anticipation of introducing my children to the city (and country) I love so much has me completely blissed out. Of course, I also went into panic mode – I had hoped to be further long with my French studies before returning. While my journey to fluency is well underway (thanks to French is Beautiful Level One), my everyday, operational French needs some polishing. Which brings me to an exciting announcement – Carrie Anne James has designed a course specifically for traveling, called French for Paris! She so sweetly included my input in the planning of the course, and I’m eager to help spread the word.

Launching in April (the 4th to be exact), the efficient course covers the most crucial topics for a traveler, and teaches you how to improvise, not imitate. There have been quite a few instances where I either didn’t get a response I was expecting, or I froze in fear…I’m hoping to avoid that this time around. From mastering the Métro to bargain shopping, the focus is on feeling confident in everyday situations. Right now you can pre-order the class, and the first ten signups will receive a one hour private Skype session! I might have had something to do with the  “traveling with kids” bonus session (wink).

 

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *

*tutoring c/o French is Beautiful…no compensation is received + as always, these opinions are my own*

french is beautiful

palais-royal-paris

 

“One must not always think that feeling is everything. Art is nothing without form.”

Gustave Flaubert

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It’s hard to believe, but I’m already halfway through my French is Beautiful Level One course! I can honestly say that my French has already improved, and I look forward to each lesson. Studying French doesn’t feel like work to me, except maybe when it comes to verb conjugations, putain. I highly doubt that anyone could find that enjoyable. Getting back to the subject at hand – my most recent lesson had a focus on form. The French language has a certain formality to it, which is of course, echoed throughout the culture. It is crucial to know the rules, etiquette, and proper form before taking liberties. For instance, the imparfait verb form is more of a feeling, and looser than the tighter, more finite, passé composé. I’m doing my best to understand when to use each verb tense, and it’s becoming less intimidating thanks to my tutor, Carrie Anne James. Although, when I get stuck, this magical phrase buys me some time to figure it out.

** french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here **