A kind of borie (there is a well inside) exists peacefully in the field above us, here in our new domain–where olive trees grow. Beyond, Jean-Marc will plant grapes, appellation Bandol. He'll tell you about that later. Today, read a letter from the new owners of Domaine Rouge-Bleu! The story column follows.
la fourmi (for-me)
: ant
More fourmi terms, expressions, and whatnots (add your own in the comments box):
l'Homme-Fourmi = Ant Man, a superhero
faire un travail de fourmis = to do a job meticulously well
la Cigale et la fourmis = The Cicada and the Ant (read the famous fable in French and in English)
avoir des fourmis dans les jambes = to be restless (antsy), wanting to move on; also, to have a prickling sensation in the legs or, dans les bras (in the arms)
Reverse dictionary:
to have ants in one's pants = ne pas tenir en place
Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc read the following sentence, from Wikipedia: Download MP3 or Wav file
La fourmi d'Argentine(Linepithema humile),originaire d'Amérique du Sud, forme une supercolonie qui va des côtes italiennes aux côtes espagnoles en passant par la France. The Argentinian ant, originating from South America, makes up a supercolony that goes from the Italian coast to the Spanish coast, passing through France.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Aimless—now there might have been a good word of the day… but for the ants! And, anyway, instead of focusing on my current weakness (floundering), I'd do better to turn my eyes toward another's strength: that of the Argentinian fourmi.
La fourmi d'Argentine, with which we share our new environment, is anything but aimless. Watch them trail up my nightstand, about to circle the rim of my tea cup (is it the miel they're after?); see them scale the sack of croquettes de chien—to Smokey and Braise's dismay! Notice the tickling sensation as they march over your eyelids, at naptime. Gently reach up and brush them away. They're harmless enough (they don't bite).
Observe how they advance, nose-to-tail, neatly along the outdoor clothesline. I tried plucking them off one by one—tiny things!—only to give in by throwing the sheets, the shirts, the jeans and the socks right over them. (Sounds mean but I knew they'd bounce back.) Returning several hours later to collect the dried laundry, I see the invaders have lost no time re-establishing their queue along the tops of the flung sheets. I have to brush them off as I fold the laundry, there on a table beneath a wise old olivier. (Do olive trees snicker? or is that just the rustling of branches?) Invariably, a dozen or so ants hold on, no matter how wildly I shake the linens, and are so carried into the house to be transferred into our sock drawers and our armoires. For a time the ant-agonists will be dispersed and in the dark. This much we have in common.
This time last year I had no idea our little colony would be moving. The harvest ended, autumn, too, and at the start of the new year my husband admitted he wanted, needed rather, to move on. I was very unhappy, at the time, about this decision. But it happened fast as that, fast as my swooping up those ant-laden sheets and carrying them into the house with the dried socks, the jeans and things.
* * *
There in the tiroirs and the armoires, squashed between the newly-dried linens, the ants are disoriented—but quickly working themselves back into formation. Jean-Marc is too. He's got a new permit to grow vines, this time appellation Bandol, and he's quickly re-establishing his personal and professional contacts after leaving the area 17 years ago, when our son was not yet 6 months old.
I should be so industrious. Instead I avoid my computer station and wonder, instead, What I will do today? In which direction do I set out?
If I were to opt, this morning, to march along the clothesline… and you, dear reader, were to opt to throw a sheet over me, I might just lie peacefully beneath it–grateful for the empêchement, or obstacle. (I could teach this trick to the ants!)
Not to sound sad or even regretful–oh no! I am enjoying this new environment very much–how quickly it now feels like home! And I am relieved by this current break from the thrice-weekly newsletter, which, apart from the storm it takes to create it, takes up a lot of time to maintain.
This break is giving me more time with my family–especially my daughter, who is having a harder time than anticipated integrating into a new school. As for Max, the one who was supposed to be depressed by the move, he is doing fine. He's signed up for boxing in Bandol and he is eyeing the girls at school!
Tomorrow my Mom arrives, clad in Frida. That ought to shake things up. See you next week with the scoop. Meantime, here's another view of that cape–at the end of this post.
Amicalement,
Kristin
To leave a comment, please click here. Thanks for your positive letters and comments. We will try to answer many of your questions in the upcoming posts!
The day of the double-signing we gathered, afterward, at the new house. Almost everyone involved in the transactions was present: our buyers, Caroline and Thomas, our sellers, Maggie and Michael, our notaire, the Safer representatives, and our realtor. It was a unique moment!
We are so grateful to Maggie and Michael Moss, and to Maggie's brother, Ian, for allowing us to buy their home–after collecting memories there for nearly half a century.
Jean-Marc opened one of those big bottles of champagne…
Another view of that borie that we saw in the opening photo. Our home is just below, to the right. We might plant fruit trees in this spot. What to you think? They might mingle with the fig trees there.
One of the fun gifts that Maggie and Mike and Ian left was a well organized store room. I delight in returning everything to its place, each time I use something new. More photos to come.
The balcony off our bedroom looks over the oliveraie. The Mediterranean forest is alive, this morning, with hunters. I think I'll be driving Jackie to school, instead of taking the little path beside the forest. Yesterday, the sound of gunfire began when we were half-way to school, and I had to sing all the way home "je passe… je passe, la-la-la… JE PASSE!" I'm passing by, I'm passing by–la-la-la–I'M PASSING BY!
Jackie, swinging from the fig tree outside our home, is doing much better. The kids at her school are so warm and welcoming. And she loves her class, feels so fortunate! It's just that she really really misses her friends. The tears just won't stop flowing. "You are such a good friend!" I tell her. It cheers her and she is looking forward to showing her longtime friends around. Always look forward, sweet girl!
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An Update on Domaine Rouge-Bleu, which we sold last month to a wonderful Franco-Australian couple. Meet Caroline and Thomas, below, and be sure to subscribe to their Domaine Rouge-Bleu Facebook page (click here) to keep up with their first year on the vineyard–may many more follow!
Bonjour a tous! Hello all!
Merci to Kristi for posting this little message allowing us to say a warm hello and assure you all that Domaine Rouge Bleu shall continue with the same spirit that it was given by Jean-Marc and Kristi, Max and Jackie, Braise and Smokey, and by you all, whether you have been to visit, tasted a bottle, helped with les vendanges or followed the experiences here on French Word-A-Day.
We shall continue to host tastings underneath the mulberry tree, starting with Saturday 22nd September at 4.30pm (this will be in the middle of the harvest, so you can see the winery in action). Also, watch out for a re-vamped website (coming soon). Meanwhile, feel free to contact us via email for any more information:
Caroline@rouge-bleu.com, or Thomas@rouge-bleu.com
Finally, bonne chance to la famille Espinasse for their exciting new life by the sea, and thank you for entrusting us with this wonderful place. We will miss you in Sainte Cecile!
Amicalement,
Caroline & Thomas
Don't miss Caroline and Thomas's Domaine Rouge-Bleu Facebook page — with photos and updates about their exciting vineyard adventure.
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The more photos you post, the more beautiful your new home looks.
And all the land and trees surrounding it.
Hope it can be yours for half a century!
Dear Kristen,
Barbara and I are savoring our time here in Biot until 9/23 and wish you and your family well as you transition to your new abode.
We head to Aix for Thursday’s market and will think of you by the sea as we wind our way west along the A8 with a stop on the way to the vineyards of Chateau Ste Croix.
Amicalement,
Doug Babkirk
Dear Kristen,
These tiny ants sound like the ones we have here that many people call sugar ants, but they will go anywhere else besides the sugar jar. I’ve seen them trail there way to a speck of toothpaste. Anyway, there is a poison sold in a small container not much larger than a fingernail polish bottle. When I have this problem, I place a small amount on a paper plate on top of my refrigerator. They form a trail of death. Sorry, but I don’t mind killing an invasion of ants. I will be happy to send a small bottle to you if you do not find any in your area. It is on the grocery store shelf here. I will look for the exact name.
All the best,
Debbie Ambrous
http://www.AFrenchOpportunity.com
Dear Kristin,
After reading all of the comments from your last two FWAD, it seems that we are all excited for you and wish you and your family much happiness in your beautiful new surroundings. It’s almost as if we had made the move with you! At least that’s how much I love to read your stories full of wonderful descriptions and perceptions.
When you have grown up by the sea, I think you always yearn to return. It’s something deeper than just “sand between your toes”. Your views must be breathtaking.
Best wishes for all, Cynthia
Saint-Cecile is not so far from Bandol, right? It might help the transition if Jackie could have her friends come visit – and she could go visit them. What lush photos – how much land do you have? What were the hunters hunting? And why are they allowed so close to the road? Tell us more, tell us more.
Jim Anderson needs to get a life.
Peggy in Florida
another fourmi ditty comes to mind…
Les papillons en l’air
Et les fourmis par terre
Chacun est à sa place
Il n’y a pas de mystère
Sauf….
Kristen, how lucky you were to have Saint Cecile and how exciting it is to start anew in Bandol..enjoy each moment
“The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.”
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
I had no idea ants were so much a part of literature– you and Jean de la Fontaine
http://www.bewilderingstories.com/issue209/cigale.html
I just love to find french word a day in the mailbox. It just lifts my spirits . Now I hope that all or most of these comments will lift yours as well. It sounds so lovely , taking your sheets and clothes off the line-ants and all. I miss that. We all wish you so much joy in your new home. And we can hardly wait to hear all about it. The precious people, the sights, sounds and smells in this new area. I admire your God-given talent to write about it all so that we all share in the experience. What lovely people you bought from ,and sold to. You are blessed. Enjoy,– and I just love what you told your daughter. She is a good friend! as are you. So many of us will never travel to France, other than sharing your experiences, and I thank you. You have blessed my life.
Hi dear Kristin,
Another wonderful post (and pictures!)–as always!
A bit of bittersweet mingled with hopeful joys in the future!
There seems to be something about your ages that give courage to follow one’s heart and ,just, charge ahead!
Those of us to have then been in your shoes send a hug and BRAVO(!!) for also going
ahead as we did.
Each day is more fulfilled and in retrospect,gtatitude for being shown the path!
It just gets better!
As does your beautiful writing!!!!!!
Love, Natalia XO
Surprise, early reading with great interest! I wish you all the very best. The most beautiful region with your heart, love, inspriation and joy that you bring to many of us, enjoy. Elizabeth living in the Landes.
Enjoy! Hugs x
Great post! Enjoyed les poemes fourmillants! Merci for the reminder… somewhere I have Fourmi de 18 metres en chanson…
Olive leaf galore…. could a new business venture be “brewing”? Pun intended, I pay a fortune for olive leaf tea in Queensland.
Spellcheck: weekness = weakness, invadors = invaders, armoirs = armoires.
Best wishes for a peaceful settling in to your new home (with most enviable views…sigh).
Jacqueline, currently in cold Landen (Belgium)
I have found myself thinking of you often and wondering what has caused this dramatic change. I was so worried your skin cancer had turned to a worse form or that some other terrible thing was going on. I don’t even know you but I almost feel like you are a friend. Even when a move is for a good reason and a better life, it is so stressful to uproot and start over. I truly wish you well in your new home.
Hi Kristin,
It sounds like everybody is settling in and adjusting. I hope Jackie meets some good friends at her new school. It’s really hard to move to a new school as a teenager. I love the view of the olive trees from the balcony. Enjoy your visit with your Mom. I always love when my Mom comes to visit.
Dear Kristin,
Moving can be tough in many ways that we aren’t able to foresee. I have prayed for you and feel like it was a good move and that the Lord is right there helping you and your family. Be patient with yourself and with each other. Transition stress affects people in different ways.
Blessings,
Dianne Vergos
Ah Kristin, I so empathize. Moving the cheese. All of it. We’re about to do it again. I try to remember that “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. Love your tales. Ciao!
Bon courage, Jackie ! Tu as de la chance d’avoir de si bons amis a Ste-Cecile, et avec un coeur pareil, je suis sure que tu en feras bientot a Bandol. Nous te souhaitons le meilleur !
Kristin, thanks for posting as you are able. I love the way you find analogies and inspiration even in moments and things that most people would overlook or find either mundane or annoying. Enjoy settling in to your new place and spending time with your mom!
Oh my, I would have trouble adjusting to les fourmis 🙂 but your lovely setting would make it easier! So enjoying your posts. Have a wonderful time with your mom. I loved the old pictures of her and her Frida cape. Your mom must be so fun!
Take care,
Karene in So. Calif.
I too have had a terrible time with ants invading my space! My wonderful granddaughter told me that cinnamon chases them away. I was doubtful, but willing to try – and she was right! Cinnamon sticks everywhere, and sprinkle the powdered cinnamon in cracks and crevices. They are gone! and the house smells good.
Bon courage to you Kristin!
Thank you so much for every encouraging word you send. Each and every comment is so touching and appreciated. Merci beaucoup!!!
Your Mom’s gonna love your new place. Have fun with her and don’t WORRY about French-Word-A-Day. We will be here when you are ready to write. XO
Courage!
Kristi, there by the sea will be a wonderful, inspiring place to write. I had a dream a few weeks ago, and I wish I had written it down immediately, because I’ve forgotten the details, but it was about you, and you were writing a novel. I saw the colorful book cover in my dream, but now all I can remember are colors, no other details.
Peace to you and your family, Jennifer
Kristin, I’m a new subscriber and I admire your gift for writing. You have such an optimistic outlook on life — and even concerning those pesty ants! I did some research on Argentinian ants and found this video you may be interested in..just in case you want to place some limits on co-existing with them:)
The link to a video about ants from Pat N.
http://video.about.com/pestcontrol/Non-Toxic-Ant-Removal.htm
Ahhh! How exciting! And I am so jealous! Wish I could experience it all!
I would like to comment on how I’m learning to speak French. We live in a mostly french speaking area south of Montreal in Quebec. My husband is bilingual. I could not find a job due to my lack of speaking French…so..we bought the village’s Epicerie Fine, “La Rumeur Affamee”. French immersion at it’s best! I have a lot to learn but am happily speaking french daily selling cheese, charcuterie, pains et beaucoups d’autres choses. Merci bien.
Looking forward to reading how your current adventure unfolds! So much new grist for the mill.
I share you blog regularly through a board on Pinterest. I can only hope my followers love you and your family as much as I do!
Your new home looks beautiful. Only the very best to you all on this new path!
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