15.15 - A Designer's Decade in Paris & Essential French Language Treasures+
In this FREE le Bulletin you'll learn about a journey of an American designer in Paris as she became a local + more regional French language gems + an extraordinary pilgrimage & inspiring life story!
Today at a Glance: Your FREE weekly newsletter
Bonjour mes amis !
It’s wonderful to have you back here with me today! Bienvenue !
In this newsletter, you’ll:
- Meet a new contributor to MyFrenchLife Magazine: a designer.
- Read about how the French language changes depending on where you are in France; don’t slip up. Read this and take note.Watch out for the PAID subscriber edition of le Bulletin this weekend: “15.15.a - Eat Like You Live in Paris, Live Like You Dine in Provence: The Insider's Guide to French Wellness” - It’s not too late to subscribe←
→Are you ready to deepen your French knowledge and connection?
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À bientôt !
Warmly,
Judy - 12.4.2025
1. Let’s explore & read the new articles in My FrenchLife Magazine
Thank you to all the talented Contributors to MyFrenchLife magazine. I love that your articles take us from one end of France to another and constantly remind us of the rich culture of this wonderful and diverse country.
Merci.
Judy.
Introducing New MyFrenchLife Magazine Contributor Kathryn Ivey
I’m delighted to announce that Kathryn Ivey has joined our amazing MyFrenchLife Magazine Contributor team, and today, in her introductory article on her 10-year anniversary in Paris, she answers the question of how she ended up in Paris.
Here is how Kathryn introduces herself:
I’m an American interior decorator in Paris. My husband and I moved to Paris in 2015 for an experimental year and 9 years later we now call it home with our two children. I enjoy sharing about life in France, interior design and the ways the French culture celebrates beauty in the every day - You’ll also find me here: https://kathrynivey.substack.com/
Bienvenue Kathryn !
I’m looking forward to working with you.
a) →Why France? part un
by Kathryn Ivey←
Why France? Did you move because of your career? Is it because of US politics? Is it because you like cheese that much?
I am frequently asked this question by visitors and French expats. Some ask with pure curiosity, some with admiration, and others with an undertone of wondering why we would be crazy enough to leave the US. My husband and I are certainly not an anomaly to have chosen to live in a different country than our native one, and even I turn the question on other expats I meet because it’s fascinating to hear the stories of how one ends up where they are, right?
Read the entire article in MyFrenchLife Magazine←
b) →How the French Language Varies by Region – Part 2/4
By Keith Van Sickle←
Mathieu Avanzi has written an entertaining and deeply researched book, Comme On Dit Chez Nous, about the terms used in France for all sorts of things, from food to pencils to tires and more. It is witty and informative and comes with maps showing where different terms are used, including in the francophone regions of Belgium and Switzerland.
c) →A Will and a Way on Foot Across France: Jennifer Andrewes took a leap—literally
by Jennifer Andrewes
Jennifer has just launched a fabulous new book and is about to set off on another huge challenge: a pilgrimage of 1200 km, this time. Following the route from Cadiz to Finisterra via Seville and Santiago de Compostela is a combination of several lesser-walked trails:
the Via Augusta
The Via de la Plata
The Camino Sanabres
The Camino de Finisterra
“In 2008, overwhelmed by career, motherhood, and daily life, Jennifer Andrewes took a leap—literally—and realised mid-air that anything is possible with the right mindset.
And so, after being diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s, she was inspired to walk off her symptoms. Soon afterwards she set out on an 1800 km pilgrimage across France, walking two ancient routes in search of healing, clarity, and joy.
On muddy trails and through mountain passes, her journey is one of courage, camaraderie, and self-discovery. Walk with her for an authentic Camino experience—and discover how a pilgrimage mindset can help you shed baggage, embrace simplicity, and find strength in every step.
‘I loved this wonderful family adventure about Jennifer and her family’s| unique, off-the-beaten track experience.’
Natalie Dourneau, Director, Alliance Francaise, Wellington
Read Jennifer’s new article and follow her challenge. ←
Can you relate to Jennifer's plight? Please share in the comments.
If you'd like to provide support for Jennifer, you can:
1. Buy her book on her site or from Amazon
2. Donate and Join a private support Facebook group Jennifer has established. It opens 34 April: Walking the Via de la Plata
["I invite you to join me, a NZ-based writer and pilgrim living with early-onset Parkinson’s, as I walk approximately 1,200 km from Cadiz to Finisterre on the Via de la Plata route across Spain, over approximately 60 days from late April to late June 2025. In this private group, at the end of each European day, I’ll post a summary of my experiences and observations from the day’s walk, along with accompanying photos, links to sights of note, maps, and route details for the following day. Walk or journal along with me virtually, in your own time, in your own neighbourhood as you reflect on your own past or future experiences. Comment on my posts to share your thoughts and insights..." writes Jennifer
A ticket to walk with me and entry to this group is NZD100. Less than the cost of a coffee a day. I will send payment details when you join this group." says Jennifer]
3. Help spread the word wherever possible: Share this article.
“Thank you for subscribing to ‘le Bulletin’, the newsletter of MyFrenchLife Magazine.”
Judy MacMahon
Chers amis (dear friends)
Before we say au revoir to this weekend's FREE edition, I wanted to share something I find truly special—how our contributors, like Kathryn, bring such personal perspectives to understanding France. From interior design to linguistics, each view offers a fresh lens on French culture!
That oft-asked question, "Why France?" seems simple yet reveals so much, n'est-ce pas? Each answer tells a unique story of connection, discovery, and sometimes, beautiful happenstance. Every moving to France story is different.
Which part of today's Bulletin resonated with you most? Kathryn's Parisian journey or perhaps the fascinating regional language variations? I'm genuinely curious about what catches your interest!
Merci beaucoup for spending part of your week with me and our growing MyFrenchLife community. There's always more to discover together.
À très bientôt (See you very soon),
Judy
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I just love Jennifer’s story - so audacious and brave - keep going!
One of my favourite French idioms is “Il sucre les fraises” to describe a shaky old man 😊.