Author Archives: jjaywmac

The only way to approach French classes at Alliance françaises (“AF”) is to jump in – feet first. Immerse yourself. Wrap yourself in French, like a seran wrap dress. I originally signed up for two weeks of classes, two hours a day, five days a week. First day there, I knew that would be insufficient. IContinue reading “ALLIANCE francaise WEEKS 3 & 4”

I cannot speak for the rest of France, but the French here in Nice have a unique way of doing things. Duh. Each day has been a learning process. Currently, I am focusing on the following:  1) pronouncing French words, especially the ones with an “r” in them; 2) going up and down a LOTContinue reading “ADAPTING TO LIFE IN NICE, FRANCE”

The dictionary defines a “stopgap” as a temporary way of dealing with a problem or satisfying a need. That is the way I am getting through this time without Steve. One stopgap after another and one day at a time. My grieving process is unpredictable. It hits when it hits. When it does, I cry. IContinue reading “STOPGAPS”

Numbers play tricks with my mind. When I was growing up, I wanted to be twelve. At twelve, I wanted to be fifteen. Then, I wanted to eighteen. Then twenty-one. But, by twenty-four, all that stopped! Twenty-seven was all right, but after that – NO. I needed to stay eighteen. If not in real numbers,Continue reading “NUMBERS DOING NUMBERS!”

In my copious free time, I have been thinking about “conspiracy theories”. I hear these words a lot these days – on television, on the radio, in conversations, on the Internet (Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, CNN, BBC, Euronews, France 24), which begs the question – must theories be political to deserve that label? Or, can there beContinue reading “IN MY COPIOUS FREE TIME….”

I make lists. Many a night when I cannot sleep, I make lists of everything. Usually in the “Reminders” app on my IPhone or Ipad. I have a list of things I need at the pharmacy, things I want to tell or ask my friend Andrea, furniture and things that belong to my landlord AouaContinue reading “LISTS AND LEMONADE”

It’s DONE!!  I just submitted eleven photographs to the International Photography Contest, sponsored by Les Alliances françaises de Nice, Rio, and Venice. At first, I was told – one photo. That changed to ten. I submitted eleven. We’ll see what happens. For those who just tuned in, let me explain. The Carnival of Nice, oneContinue reading “PHOTO SUBMISSIONS – 133rd CARNAVAL DE NICE”

Almost every day, something happens that stops me dead in my tracks. A reality check. Something unexpected. Ranging in severity. Causing an about-face. And now, more than ever, external events are bombarding all of us from every direction. Reality checks – 24/7. I have experienced reality checks since I was two-years-old. At least, that isContinue reading “SAFE SPOTS 24/7”