Fluency
Good morning you summertime wonders.
I’ve been taking French classes for the last two years with middling results. It’s so hard. And it’s hard in that way where it’s this two steps forward, one step back ebb and flow kind of thing where one day I’ll declare I’m quitting and the next I’m looking for an immersion program in France. Nothing in between. Never been fond of ye olde gray area.
It got to the point where I made it a personal goal of mine to speak fluent French IN France. And I announced this new goal to a group of friends in that bold way one does when actively trying to threaten oneself with an ultimatum. Which is when one of my friends said, “What is fluent anyway? Are we even fluent in English?”
It was one of those questions that stopped me in my tracks. I had NEVER thought about it like that. Because I’m learning new English words every week, so NO I’m not even fluent in English NOW. Her question was so gobsmacking that I legit just sat there with my mouth hanging open as everyone debated, until another friend gently offered, “How about just speaking French in France.”
I think we make these goals without really thinking through whether or not they’re even attainable sometimes. Overly harsh, they’re forged in a fire of our own rigidity and ultimately they’re often used as a cudgel to beat ourselves up about whatever thing we’ve decided is lacking in ourselves that day. And don’t even get me started about how - once again - it’s focusing on the end product and not the much more meaningful learning process of something.
So, my goal now is to speak French in France. Or rather, my first goal is to not say that sentence, “Speak French in Franch.”
I’ll start there.
Pas de bébé…
Each month, I’ll gather:
🤩stuff to watch, read and listen to
🤝great follows on social media
🌈 music to soothe
🥑 good food and great places to eat and drink
🕯calming things
*****
🤩
I watched a bit of Richard Ayoade’s Travel Man back in the day, but I’ve watched all of the seasons now and it’s just wonderful. (Beware the Vienna episode…. once they go into the Snow Globe shop, just… CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT TO SEE)
Working - and dining - with Adam and Andrew on all things food has been such an inspiration and highlight in my life. I’m such a huge fan of anything they do, so I’m SO excited about their new traveling food show, Travel Season
My friend turned me onto the wonderful, twinkly music of Alan Gogoll. It seriously makes any morning a friggin delight.
I watched the really wonderful, Sandi’s Wood - where UK legend Sandi Toksvig and her wife buy 15 acres of woodland and bring it back to life… it’s just wonderful and heartwarming and inspiring. (I watched this on BritBox)
I love the podcast Song Exploder, so when they did an episode on Crowded House’s, Don’t Dream It’s Over I couldn’t click fast enough.
I’ve been having a harder time with the darker mystery series - so, I knew Unforgotten was incredible, but I just couldn’t handle it for a while. But then this past month my sister came down and we watched the big finale of Season Four (iykyk) and I really liked it, so I carried on with Season Five and it’s SO GOOD - the writing is brilliant - so intricately REAL. But also do NOT click on that Season Five link if you don’t want a HUGE SPOILER about Seasons 1-4.
🤝
Follow Elizabeth Nkere for the best French tutoring and explanations I’ve found online.
Follow Ashley Johnson to bring a romantic vibe to everyday life.
Follow Ryu-Camp for wonderful, calming camping videos and the cutest dog ever.
🌈
🥑
So, I bought THIS little drinkie and it was delicious, but also I was drunk as shit after just the one litto can. So, govern yourselves accordingly. (I got the Herby Lime Fizz and it was lovely.)
My favorite food of all time is bean and cheese burritos, so when I saw THESE frozen Burritos La Palma? I … dear lord they’re perfect.
I’ve been hearing good things about Eagle Rock’s Tacos Social - so I gave it a shot and the Ribeye Bulgogi one? Kinda changed my life.
🕯
We all know how I love a lip balm, and I regret to inform you that I have found ONE that is - for me, at least - spectacular. It’s silky, not heavy or sticky and doesn’t dry you out and … it lasts. It also? Took MONTHS to get to me. So… YES, I will keep getting it and yes, I will wait months for it. And yes, it has eclipsed my OTHER favorite, which has been sold out forever.
I wanted a linen shirt for the summer and THIS one is priced really well and just lovely. It fits true to size - not oversized - but it IS longer? So, if you want that roomier look I’d go a size up.
Okay, I know I’m using a lot of hyperbole today, but I have found THE SHAMPOO I’ve been searching for my entire life. And yes, I found it because there are entire TikTok montages of people lovingly smelling I.N. from Stray Kids hair and I was like WHAT is his shampoo. (BUT, I got Cherry Blossom, even though his scent is Baby Powder.) Now, the scent is STRONG so go into it eyes - and nose - wide open. But my hair is lovely and soft and I love it.
Of course I had to buy a t-shirt celebrating Ohtani joining the Dodgers and THIS one is so lovely and soft.
(For next month’s newsletter, I’ve ordered three new sunscreens to test out on my ultra-sensitive skin. So Imma report back on those AND I THINK I may have actually found a toner that doesn’t break me out, but tbd)
O mon dieu je parle français un peu aussi! Je desire pratique! (My French spelling is horrendous but you have inspired me to practice more.)