Mas des Brun, where we moved to last week…. and where the seagulls sing (or maybe that's the neighbor's chickens?) Photo by Michael Moss, taken in December 2008 after an exceptionally rainy November (we hear the grass is not usually this green!)
s'installer (san-stal-ay)
: to settle in
Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc read the following sentence, in French: Download MP3 or Wav file
On s'installe tout doucement au bord de la mer. We're slowly settling in beside the sea.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
It's day six at our new* home and we are settling in nicely. On s'installe tout doucement, I keep reminding Jean-Marc, who seems to want to have every box unloaded hier, yesterday. I understand his excitement, but I also know about the need for some endurance: some sprinting, a little jogging, a bit of catch-your-breath walking—and we'll soon make it to the finish line. Then we can twiddle our thumbs.
After the initial flurry to get each major item in its place (the kids' beds, the armoirs, the canapé, nightstands, dogs, and télé, we are now taking our time to déballer the rest. As I type, Jean-Marc continues a steady stream of industriousness: putting in wifi receptors, hooking up the telephones and, just now, dangling over the balcony to prune a giant, fruit-laden figuier. I watch as he takes down just enough branches to reveal a Mediterranean mosaic: from our bedroom window, I now see an olive tree, a cypress, an amandier, and several pines. Soon we'll see the meadow with more centuries-old oliviers, in groves.
Walking Jackie halfway to school this morning, I noticed the ground outside is covered with pine needles. The scent brings me back to my childhood, to weekends spent at Kohl's ranch in Arizona. Exploring these new stomping grounds, just as I explored the Arizona forest, I am as delighted as that 9-year-old, by the unexpected discoveries: the thousands of asparagus that carpet this Mediterranean floor (hello les omelettes d'aspèrges)—and there are enough fallen leaves from the old olive trees to start a mulch factory (oh happy potager! But do olive leaves make good kitchen garden soil? Maybe the fig leaves would be better… I see Jean-Marc has built piles of them!).
Another bright discovery is all the cactus growing here. After ignoring the nutritional value of those cactus pears that dotted the desert landscaping of my enfance, I can now experiment in the kitchen with the figues de barbarie that are nestled in around our new property (a YouTube search reveals that the cactus pads are edible too. Let's make nopales stew or even cactus couscous!). Having learned the hard way, I will wear gloves this time, when harvesting—to avoid being stabbed by a thousand invisible, hair-thin needles. It was no fun tossing and turning, during a noon time nap, only to discover the needles had followed me all the way to bed. Aïe aïe aïe!
Trial and error. It is all part of the adaption process. Off now to harvest some cactus for lunch. Will wear gloves this time.
***
* "new" home: this mas dates back to 1875.
French Vocabulary
on s'installe tout doucement = we're slowly settling in
hier = yesterday
le canapé = sofa, couch
la télé = TV
déballer = unpack
le figuier = fig tree
un amandier = almond tree
un olivier = olive tree
une omelette = omelet
une asperge = asparagus
le potager = kitchen garden
une enfance = childhood
la figue de barbarie = cactus pear
nopales = a vegetable made from the pads of a prickly pear cactus
aïe aïe aïe = ow ow ow
How are the dogs getting along? Just fine! They sleep inside at night. By day, they have good shelter in this former cabanon de cochon, or pig hut. Don't tell Braise, but we'd love to put a few chickens there…
Jean-Marc, pruning the figue tree.
Mom's paintings need to be hung. Meantime, they look like a work of art sitting there on an old trunk.
Some chaos and our 17-year-old, who started school today. He'll be at the lycée in la Ciotat.
The kitchen and some swiss chard, or blette. There are maraîchers on every corner! Have you ever had a swiss chard smoothie?
A yellow canary melon, some roasted peppers, and a few thirsty dogs drinking from their gamelles.
Jean-Marc and Jackie preparing for a game of boules. Smokey and Braise looking on.
Thanks, Caroline, for taking this picture of the ceremonial "opening of the new house". Caroline and Thomas, who bought our home in Ste. Cécile, were with us on this special day. Handing me the keys, were Maggie and Michael Moss, who sold us this memory-filled home. It was a tearful and exciting moment and I am so happy these women thought to make a ceremony of it, for I would not have thought to. Thanks again Caroline and Maggie! Michael Moss also took photos of this scene, as well as the gorgeous opening photo, at the top of this post.
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Welcome back and bonne chance! Will we be tasting olive oil from you in Phoenix this winter at Vincent’s?
From Jeremiah 6:16, a lovely word for you today: ”Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”
It’s gorgeous. Everyone looks so settled in already. Congratulations.
Mary
Kristi and Jean-Marc, your new home looks beautiful. I wish you and your family all the happiness au bord de la mer à Bandol.
Thanks, Jan! We eat a lot of omelettes here. Ill try the nopales-Jan version!
Thanks Marika and Robyn for the house-moving traditions. Counting corners and cedar/sage burning–so interesting. We have sage growing here beneath the prickly pear cactus…
Sooooooo happy to see today’s post, and share the excitement of the new location. J’ADORE!
Most challenging might be that you changed the kids’ schools–been there, done that–I can appreciate the complications you face.
Will look forward to hearing more about your new life as it unfolds!
Wonderful happy photos !!! Meilleurs voeux, maintenant et toujours !!!
“Home is key to happiness, somewhere to call your own; a castle, house, caravan or tent, a place you call your own. With family and friends to nurture your journey on this earth, you create your unique identity, giving you a sense of worth. Home is that key to happiness and your hearts will guide you well, as that home is where the heart is, a place were you can dwell” attributed to P. Oliver
Your new home and the grounds are gorgeous and I am so happy for you! As a former Navy “junior” (not “brat”), I’ve never lived inland and I fear I would suffocate if I couldn’t get to the coast within 30 minutes (now it takes me about five). You will LOVE living near the sea!
Thanks for all the photos of your “new” mas! I’m looking forward to more photos of the area too.
I think I may have missed a post while on vacation! Is this a new vineyard you’ve moved to? An olive orchard? We’ve stayed in a mas in France before – are you going to have turn this into a B&B/Mas? Sorry for so many questions! It sounds like a beautiful place – congratulations on the move! But I AM looking forward to learning more!
Mary S
I think one of the big questions most of us – everyone? – now asking is: are you still in the wine making business or in to something entirely different? Did the new home come with adjacent vineyards or is this truly a complete change of career field for all of you? Will Max be spending some time soon in the air force and, if so, for how long? Have the children adjusted as well to the move as have the two dogs who seem happy with their new but quite old stone ‘dog house?’ All in all, we wish you the best of luck with this move and look forward to reading and seeing more of your new life in new surroundings.
Welcome home, Kristin! A very beautiful place in a uniquely Mediterranean way, with wistful light that can whisper life’s secrets, but only if you are alone and very quiet. And it puts you to mind of your childhood. This place will inspire you to do what you do best. God bless you and your family.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! The new home looks beautiful and very relaxing. May you and your family have many happy years here. Look forward to new recipes and here about all the new adventures.
Love to you all.
Karen
Keep those pictures coming…take one of the beach ten minutes from your home! I am so happy that you are happy!
Oh my, this is lovely. And you sound (almost) like yourself again. You no doubt have a wonderful new adventure ahead of you. Good luck!
Dear Kristin,
As you can see from all of these postings that everyone is excited and happy for you and soooooo pleased to have FWAD back in our lives again. I send my very best wishes for much happiness in your lovely new home by the sea! Thankyou for all of the photos…especially the one of you smiling as you enter your new home. Bises, Cynthia
Bonjour la famille Espinasse d’une lectrice du Québec ! Je vous souhaite une merveilleuse fête pour cette nouvelle rentrée à Bandol ! Beaucoup de bonheur dans ce coin de paradis ! I just love old “Mas” and old places like yours ! I remember when we visited Avignon, we stayed in a Mas and enjoyed it so much ! A dream place ! J’ai hâte de voir les photos de la MER !!! Bisous à tous,
Cloe
How lovely Kristen!!! It looks a gorgeous place, I’m sure you’ll be very happy there. My husband and I agreed to have an adult gap year when our 13 yr old daughter leaves for university partly because of your newsletter. I loved hearing about the moving customs of other countries too. Take care, Lynne.
Congratulations on your new home! It’s just lovely.
Congratulations on your new home…I don’t think you are going to be complaining : )
Congratulations on your new home. Our last trip to France we had lunch by the ocean near your home. I hope the children adjust to new schools and friends, that can be difficult. Best of luck, I love your posts and photos. Thank you.
Kristin,
Thanks for the update. The area in which you have moved is very nice and being close to the sea is especially good. So as someone before said….what are your plans now? You, I assume, will still be writing, but what about Jean-Marc? He is still promoting the vineyard, but what else?
I am sure that you will be happy in your new home and it is great that you were able to make the the change at this time in your life. When you get older it is harder because you get settled in. I often thought that it would be great to retire in France, but that is a bit scary.
Bon chance in your new home.
Kathleen
So good to finally learn what’s going on. Still waiting though for the reason for the move.
Does Jean Marc know Kermit Lynch? Lynch has a well-known wine store in Berkeley, California, but he also has a home east of Bandol.
Thank you for the photos! It looks lovely and a fig tree, olive trees, asperagus! I’ll send a recipe for baked eggs with asperagus and parmessan cheese.
I´m sure you will be happy and centered here.
OM
For a wonderful dessertto celebrate your new locale: Take some figs, fill them with local goat cheese, wrap in fig leaves (or grape leaves, if you still have some vines in your life) and pin with a toothpick. Place the petits cadeaux on the grill for a few minutes to heat and soften the cheese; then serve. Let each recipient open their little bundle and trickle some local honey on them (perhaps lavander or acccia)..a beautiful gift from the land..
Hi Kristen…..Congrats!!!! What a lovely looking place…..so excited for your new adventure!! I am sure the dogs are loving all the new smells!!!!!
Hopefully someday we can visit you there!!!!!
XX00 M2
Mas des Bruns — just like a Cezanne painting!
Next ! … Aloha, Bill
I wish you a lot of happiness in your new home. Thanks for your little French lessons and your wonderful blogposts!
P.V., what a delicious recipe. Will forward to Jean-Marc, who will fire up the Weber on Tuesday–lunch for longtime friends coming in from Marseilles. Grilled daurade stuffed with local fennel — and those chevre-figs!
Merci encore for these recipes, home-warmings, and for the generous welcome.
How exciting!! It looks very peaceful and so green. Wishing your family much happiness in your beautiful new old home!!
Kristin–Je n’ai qu’un seul mot–“Wow!” Tu m’inspires enormemant. C’est incroyable de changer la vie deux fois. Brava! Martine
What a beautiful setting in which to begin new adventures, new memories – and new stories! Felicitations, chere Kristi!
After several days absence from the Internet, imagine my delight at seeing this latest post! Here’s wishing you all joy, health and prosperity in your new home!
Big hugs from New York,
Linda D.
Chere Kristi,
Mille remerciements for the pictures and note from your new home. I felt withdrawal symptoms not knowing how long it would be before you had a chance to write us. What a beautiful and different place. Many happy times ahead for all of you. PPerhaps for Noel you can have figgy pudding a l’anglaise! May God bless your new home with much love.
Home is where the heart is , and your heart will always be with your husband and children. I am just as excited as you. As a newcomer here I have been catching up on all your old posts and have read both your books. Now I feel I am in on the start of a new adventure!LOVE TO YOU ALL
Félicitations !!! Congratulations, Kristi & family!!! What a lovely house!!! I’m sure you’ll have lots of happy moments here.
I thank you for all your posts. I haven’t stopped learning and enjoying from the very moment I subscribed to your French Word-a-Day (April 2010). Please, don’t stop posting and smiling!!! 😉
Irene (Girona, Spain)
Our dear Kristin,
…..And they lived happily ever after!!!!!
This is the wonderful Espinasse family in their beautiful new home!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Thrilled for and with you!!!
Loved your post (as always) and the pictures(ditto!)
You make us feel like we’re right there with all of you! What a privilege for us!
THANK YOU!!!
Love, Natalia XO
Kristen,
So nice to hear your news, see the pictures, and read all the lovely sentiments expressed on your behalf. Best wishes,
Geary
I totally agree with Lynne’s post-home is where your heart is. After 6 states in the past 8 years, “home” has always been where my heart is and that is with my husband and children.
Enjoy and looking forward to your new adventures!
Michelle–currently from Milwaukee WI
Merci for taking time to post some pictures. I’m sure stories will follow in time. Braise and Smokey seem content with their new surroundings; I hope the rest of the family adjusts as well. Bon chance to your two teens as they start the new school year because it can be a challenge at that age. I don’t think I’ll be trying any cactus recipes, but I look forward to stories of you starting a garden (will the Dirt Divas travel south to help you?)
Welcome back, congratulations & Happy New Home! Thanks for the pictures & please continue to post more as the house looks charming as well as all the ttree laden property. Fig jam is my favorite so I’d love to have a fig tree. I’m anxiously awaiting the news of why you moved and hoping it isn’t that the vineyard wore Jean-Marc out & affected his health. I know I’ll enjoy following your new adventures as much as I have had following those in the past.
Your new home sounds (and looks!) lovely. May you and your family enjoy many, many happy years in it!
All the best,
Christine
Oh, it’s so lovely!! How charming, love the landscape too.
May you all have
many happy and healthy years, in your new home.
Blessings abound!! : )
Love, Lorna
Go Kristi and Jean-Marc!
Can’t recall a recent photo of Kristi with such a big smile. Good times.
Dave in Maryland
Kristin,
Since my post early today Isn’t it fabulous how many of us are in touch. You’ve also created a real hub of friends. Are we allowed to know your address? I understand if not – just have something to post to you! You see,you’ve given us all something to feel good about.
Bonjour Kristin:
I am so excited about your move to the Midi.
It is my favorite part of France having lived there for two years. How are your kids adjusting to their new home? Has it been a bit difficult for them leaving friends and school behind? Dogs seems happy as long as they are with you.
Wishing you great happiness in your new home.
Janine
Make sure you peel a thick enough layer of peel off the prickly pear fruit! Otherwise you may end up like me, in front of the bathroom mirror with tweezers picking prickles out of your tongue! Enjoy them, and your new home 🙂