Over the years, our loyal reader Natalia has commented routinely and enthusiatically, and she almost always suggests a book or two for us to try. I've taken to calling her our "Reader-in-Residence", as she has become such a fond fixture on this blog! If you've followed this blog for any length of time, you've probably read something she's recommended. Natalia has a strong French connection, too. In her honor, I've asked her to tell us her story, which appears below. And from all of us, a giant Merci for all your ideas and support!
"Writing this guest post is such an honor for me. I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with Lynn and Southern Fried French some 15 (or more) years ago. I learned of them from Kristin Espinasse (author of French Word-A-Day and a number of books) and I greatly respect these two ladies for their talent, for their generosity, and just for being the upstanding women they are.
"I’ve always loved the French and their beautiful language.It was my parents’ common language when they first met and remained a favorite when we all lived at home in Scottsdale, Arizona. During WW2, Daddy was one of (Edward R) Murrow’s boys on assignment in Belgrade (Yugoslavia, now Serbia); Mama was their first Serbian female radio broadcaster there in Belgrade (at that time, neither spoke the other’s language). It was a coup de foudre [love at first sight] for them—an event serendipitously passed on to my husband, Ratomir (Rod), and me as we embraced that same coup de foudre. We got engaged at the Sacré Coeur on our first date and in September and will celebrate our 58th anniversary, relishing the occasion with our two beloved “mignons”—sibling Yorkshire Terriers Ellise Rose (Elley) and Aristotle (Ari) who never fail to keep our days overflowing with sunshine and joy.
"Rod retired from Delta Airlines as a Boeing 767 Captain; and thanks to his encouragement I earned my own pilot's licenses. Since retirement he's become an expert in his hobby of horology...(I now refuse to divulge exactly how many clocks have taken up residence in our house!). We had the good fortune to live in Paris and Montreal as newlyweds (later in other cities), and then enjoyed the bonus of being able to travel a lot, often (usually) at the drop of a hat.
"Though I studied French in school, my parents made a real effort to help us kids to become more proficient in speaking by initiating dinner table conversations covering the events of the day (which predictably turned into disaster when we launched into a free for all of, perfect for our ages, silly/insulting childish name calling--Fatso!! Glasses face!).
Also predictably, as an adult encountering periods of being conversation-less in French, I found myself forgetting more than I desired and became pretty rusty. I decided to help myself regain some knowledge and enrolled in a series of excellent French classes at the French Café Society, taught with expertise by its founder and ever-patient teacher/translator, Ida Young-Bondi. She offered twice weekly Zoom meetings from her then home, in Nice. Our classmates (femmes formidable!) were—and are—diverse, living in several countries, very supportive of each other, and(!!) of huge benefit, offering no judgement, particularly appreciated by this most senior member of the group who laughingly describes herself as sometimes wandering through the land of Natalia’s Fractured French. Fun, motivation, and a nice feeling of progress.
"I've been an avid reader since I was little and readily admit that my books have become (alas, in too great a number) my friends. As our bookcases, pictured above, expanded from stuffed to exploding, the best solution seemed to be in switching to my Kindle instead. I keep it on my nightstand, filled with new reads galore. My husband has sweetly gotten me newer versions, but my constant favorite still is my first one—my old tried and true, where I can cloud titles to my heart’s content and never forget how to work everything.
Natalia reads on her devices--and so do I! Here are a couple of her recent recommendations.
"In bygone years I have belonged to several book clubs, but fell out of touch when the chosen subjects failed to capture my imagination and keep my attention.
"My favorite books continue to be cookbooks. I left the Sorbonne to attend the Cordon Bleu-I had youthful aspirations to become a chef-—and was also graced with a most inspiring belle mère, my mother-in-law. And, of course,I still love to prepare (what I hope to be) yummy stuff for my family (and myself!),
"A tie for my favorite now also includes books in French, ones with words which are not only understandable but lead to a good plot . (Musso remains one of my favored authors).
I sincerely hope some of my suggestions have brought you enjoyment to you.
Natalia has recommended so many books for us over the years. Merci Natalia! Here is a stack from my own French collection.
"For twenty five years I wrote for The Yorkshire Terrier Magazine, most articles starring our own Yorkies, first day to last filled with with pleasure and a sense of accomplishment.
(My skilled and former editor, Heidi Kausch, still remains a dear friend).
"After re-encountering many scary tales along the lines of featuring how 'the old gray mare ain't what she used to be', a major concern became that all my body parts, first starting from the neck up, would cooperate in shaking out the cobwebs and create something of interest to for you to read. My fingers are crossed."
You succeeded Natalia, thank you so much!
In the COMMENTS: From Carol, a very interesting question: she and her husband want to relocate to France, but they are a bit introverted and not good French speakers. Should they, could they? This requires a long and thoughtful answer, so tune in for the next post, and I (and I hope, some of you as well) will try to fully answer her question about what you need to know before moving to France (spoiler alert—go for it!).
Rachel has yet another Pink Sauce variation—they are endless I think. This British/Irish one is aptly named Marie Rose Sauce. And Debbie, you phrased it so well: “I can’t help watching Emily in Paris”!
Favorite READS: Of course Natalia has a book recommendation for us this week! She likes Home Again by Kristian Hannah, and loves her other books as well. And merci, Anne Marie, for another author we might like to read to fluff up our French: Antoine Laurain. (there are English translations as well). Page and Vicky, how could I possibly missed Sean of the South—a wonderful blog and I immediately subscribed. Thank you!
And an IDEA, for you travelers: our Reader Carolyn is a tour guide and she has a fascinating tour coming up this year: Women in Burgundy, for and about Women. Doesn't it sound fun? Read about it below.
Women In Burgundy 2023 ….
An Adventure For Women, About Women!
Wednesday, September 20 to Saturday, September 30, 2023 (10 nights)
Price per guest – $6,550, Single Occupancy
Or, “Travel with a Buddy” for $5,750, Double Occupancy (Savings of $800 per guest)
Limited to six fun-loving, “Wander-ful Women”
The price includes an arrival night in Paris to help you relax as you begin your adventure!
Join us for our annual excursion, just for women – With Carolyn as your personal guide and cultural interpreter, our group of “Wander-ful” adventurers will be introduced to women who have played extraordinary roles over the course of Burgundy’s history.
Are you interested, but hesitating because you don’t have a “buddy” who wants to sign on with you? Don’t worry! This excursion is ideal for solo travelers, as this experience is all about self-rejuvenation and making new friends!
