Category Archives: Uncategorized

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”

Breaking News:  I have entered an International Photography Contest. I must choose ONE photo to submit. I need your help. Let me explain. The 133rd Carnival of Nice, one of the largest carnivals in the world and the highlight of the French Riviera in winter, takes place this year from the 11th of February untilContinue reading “I’m in! Les Alliances françaises’ International Photography Contest”