From Mexico to France. Mom, out walking Smokey R. Dokey along the boardwalk in St. Cyr-sur-Mer. Following our big move south, the dog leashes are still packed…. I know they're around here, somewhere. For our Sunday stroll by the sea, belts doubled as dog laisses, or leashes. (I thought to use the belts on our bathrobes, but 14-year-old Jackie said something like, "la honte!" (or how humiliating to been seen walking the dogs… with the help of terry-cloth leashes!)
une laisse (less)
: leash
Example Sentence:
Merci de tenir vos chiens en laisse.
Please keep your dogs under control by using a leash.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
After I finished setting up Mom's room, I stood back and had a look at the overall effect. The scene looked uncannily like that of my childhood salon, where Mom had her bookcases, a low-lying canapé, and all her favorite babioles. It is funny how we sometimes recreate, if unconsciously, cozy corners of the past. Do you think Mom will be snug and comfortable here? I put out a fresh bowl of fruit, to sweeten things.
Mom's room will revert to my office, in three week's time , when Jules returns to Mexico. Not thinking about that, now….
I'm a little slow going these days. Adjustment blues. In the kitchen I turn in circles… when suddenly there's a rap on the window. It's Mom–absolutely brimming with enthusiasm I LOVE YOUR HOME! I LOVE YOUR HOME! Mom's mood is contagious and I can't help but break out in one great smile.
We were on our way to the la pépinière, to buy more mulch and some dill that I wanted to plant–when we got off track and ended up at the chair brocante's… we found two powder blue crapauds anglais–those cozy English chairs that one sips tea in while eating finger sandwiches (just a wild guess). "Mom, we can't drag those home." Mom: Sure we can! And so we did.
"Always keep a deck of cards out," Mom suggests. "It will liven up this corner." Mom is right, that petit coin was a little sleepy before that deck came out!
Meantime… Donne la patte. Gimme your paw, Smokey! Mom trains our golden. (Side note: see the room beyond? That's the TV room. You can just spot one of Mom's paintings. It has already moved. We're just trying things out, Mom says, rearranging paintings, bibelots, and the rest. We're also trying out the powder blue chairs–but are considering making covers for them (Jean-Marc doesn't like the color).
Mom and I take a break from decorating, and head upstairs (just past the TV room) to my bedroom. There's a balcony there… convenient for reaching the tree top! I pick a couple of figs for la goûter.
Mom eats les figues… washing them down with Bandol rosé! (The wonderful black recliner belonged to Maggie's father, a Scottish man, who moved into this mas in the 60's. See a photo of Maggie and Mike, who sold us their home, here). Maggie's father loved this chair. I hope he would be pleased to know Mom loves it, too. It has wheels! I'm just waiting for Mom to ask me to push her around–wheee! (The answer is non!–those wheels are not for racing.)
Jean-Marc says the crapauds are comfortable. Now I won't worry anymore about the spontaneous purchase. How much do you think the old chairs cost? Leave your best guess here, in the comments box.
Outside the cabanon de cochon, Jules is giving Smokey etiquette lessons. Mom can't speak French, but she's learned a few commands:
donne la patte (gimme your paw)
assis! = sit
couché = lie down
là-bas! = scram! (literally "(go over there!")
Jackie, left, missing her friends back in Sainte Cécile. Grandma Jules offers a sympathetic oreille…
Jean-Marc and Jules look at boats. The colorful ones, there, are known as "pointus"–they are the classic fishing vessels of yesteryear. Perfect for catching daurade or loup… but not so practical should you want to cruise over to the islands of Frioul. Do you want to visit the island of Frioul? Pack a picnic… throw in the anchor… go for a swim among the rocky island coast….
Voilà. It's time for me to think about lunch, then pick up Jackie to share it with. Au fait, here she is with Grandma Jules, shopping in Sanary-sur-Mer. Jackie didn't end up with the mustard yellow vest, but it sure looked cool on her! We didn't buy anything (on a fait du lèche-vitrines), but gathered ideas for her upcoming 15th birthday, on September 18th!
If you are new to this word journal, bienvenue! You can read more about Jules and Jackie and our Franco-American family in the books Words in a French Life and Blossoming in Provence. Thanks for reading!
French Vocabulary
le salon = living room
le canapé = sofa
le canapé-lit = sofa-bed
la babiole = knick-knack
la pépinière = plant nursery
le crapaud = toad
le fauteuil crapaud = squat armchair
la brocante = second-hand shop
le petit coin = small corner (also toilet room)
la goûter = snack time
le cabanon = stone Provencal hut
le cochon = pig
une oreille = ear
la daurade = sea bream
le loup de mer = sea perch
voilà = so there you have it
on a fait du lèche-vitrines = we went window shopping (literally "we licked windows")
au fait = by the way
bienvenue! = welcome!
ça y est = that's it
Ça y est. Jackie is the tallest female in our house! To comment on any of the photos or items in this edition, thanks for using this link.
Mom got the cool belt-leash (the leather one, with fringe. I got stuck with the nerdy one–that looks like a tie… trying to look like a belt… trying to look like a leash.)
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Ma & Pa .. just sittin’ by the fire 🙂 .. It’s a beautiful thing! Aloha, Bill .. AND HELLO JULES!
Kristin- I love your first picture and then the one of you on your balcony, just the right place to be. I think we do recreate some of the past, the comfortable, of our childhood, it is safe. I think your mom brings sun with her wherever she goes, doesn’t she? and you bring gentle softness.
sending you lvoe
Your new home looks beautiful Kristin, I especially love the balcony!
Wishing Jackie a very happy birthday!
Hi dear Kristin, THANK YOU for another wonderful post AND beautiful pictures!
We feel like we’ve just been invited to your lovely new home for a fun afternoon with you,sweet Jackie (oh! 15 already! Happy Birthday,cherie!!!) and your incredible Mom,Jules!
There could NOT be a happier way to spend the afternoon!!
Love, Natalia XO
Bonjour Kristin et Bon Anniversaire à Jackie! 15 ans! déjà!
Que fait Jean-Marc maintenant? Il a du travail? Il y a un lycée pour Jackie? Est-ce que la ville est plus petite?
S’il vous plaît, montrez-nous sur une carte, où se trouve la ville.
Merci bien,
Alice de Floride
A visit from Mom, already? Of course! Mom’s like to envision their loved ones in their surrounding and picture themselves in same. Her cozy corner is perfect. The following is a quote from my daughter in her mail to me- gotta wonder if most Swedes love books. Carl Sandburg’s house was loaded — books in EVERY room. Tons of books. Before seeing them, I had promised myself I’d weed out my collection. When I went there I felt soooo much better, saying, to xxx, “I thought I had to get rid of some books, but now I see that what I really need to do is get some more.” Your home is so warm. A reflection of you. Thanks for such a great email.
Thanks so much for sharing your new home and adventures with all of us. This delightful post was really special–the new digs and seaside town look like you made the right choice. And your mom is amazing–she just glows!
Joyeux anniversaire, Jackie ! Je me rends compte que c’est déjà le 18 septembre la-bas. Que la fete commence ! :-). Et que ce nouveau chapitre en ta vie soit merveilleux, plein de decouverts et de joie. Bonjour a Jules ! Et merci pour toutes les photos. La maison a l’air formidable. J’adore la cheminee et le balcon !
Bonjour Kristin:
D’abord, Joyeux Anniversaire to Jackie.
As I looked at the pictures of your beautiful new home it made me so nostalgic for the mas provencal which our family rented in 1970 in the South of France. The balcony is so private and beautiful. You and your Mom look so much alike…deux femmes magnifiques.
I continue to enjoy your blog each day.
Janine Cortell
Bonjour Kristin,
Thank you for the email today! I have enjoying looking at the photos and reading everything several times today. I feel like I’m there with you, Jules, Jackie, les chiens, Jean Marc et Max.
I hope we get to hear about more adventures while your mom visits!
Jackie, joyeux anniversaire!
Tish in Powhatan, VA
it looks like e eryone has already wished you well, but I am doing the same anyway. What a lovely home, and now Jules with you for these weeks. This is such a joyous time, and happy birthday to Jackie. Hard to leave her friends, but I imagine you are planning some visits with them so she knows she is not forgotten. Your photos make us want to plan a trip to our French friends in Paris shortly!
Happy Birthday, Jackie !! Thanks, Kristin, for all of the wonderful photos . Your home is taking shape and it is lovely. Also, so nice to see photos of Jules….we have all missed her. My best regards to each of you, Cynthia
Hi Kristin and Jules,
Enjoy each other’s company! I’m hoping to see my mom next month. She wants to visit when the leaves are changing. Have you heard of the expression “leaf peepers?” We will see lots of tourists visiting here at the end of October and November for the fall colors.
Bon Anniversaire Jackie!
The house looks cozy already! I think the chairs were 25 Euros a piece.
Have a nice week!
Congratulations on your new home! It looks very lovely from the pictures you’ve posted. How nice for your mother to come visit, too. It must be wonderful to have such a supporting parent!
Continued good luck in all of your new endeavors and “Bonne anniversaire” to Jackie!
P.S. to my earlier post:
I must have lost track of the date and didn’t realize Sept. 18 is already tomorrow– or today for you!
So a hearty Bon Anniversaire to Jackie on her birthday! She looks so lovely and grown-up.
All the best,
Hi, Kristin, Jules is as radiant and young-looking as ever! I like your new house, especially the bedroom balcony. With your loving touch, it will become a cozy home!
Bonne anniversaire à Jackie. If her personality is anything like her mom’s, she won’t have trouble making new friends!
Bisous,
Augusta
Bon anniversaire to Jackie! Jules, I wish you a wonderful, memorable stay and I am sure it will be. Kristin, your new home looks lovely and everyone seems to be adjusting quite well. How does Max like the new place? Thank you for all the wonderful pictures today. I am sure we may look forward to reading about your adventures with your Mom in the coming weeks!
Bises,
Julie
It was so exciting to see your email today and even more interesting to see where you and Jules went walking….as you will see when I sign my name! All the very best to all of you as you settle into your new surroundings……Gail St.Cyr
The new house is becoming a home! Having Jules there will be good for everyone . . . and I esp. love your private balcony off your bedroom. Those door shutters! wow!
hi Kristi
So impressed with your speed of action and brave decision making! Countryside looks lovely in different way to St Cecil. It only seemed a year or so ago you bought the vineyard at there. Will you be growing vines again? Was impressed by the anti ageing creams. Do you think they work as well as they claim, ie your Mum looks so young. Best wishes to you all for your new home and home-making. Will have to forget coming to do the vendage chez Rouge blue! Alice, Oxford, UK
Bon anniversaire Jackie
Just returned from Paris early this morning where I met a young woman who reminded me of Jackie. She too is very chic and beautiful. Had snug jeans the color of the vest Jackie tried on, a blazer,crisp shirt, short brown (stable-type) boots finished off the outfit. Ah to be 15!
Your home looks wonderful. Wish you all much happiness there.
Jules … enjoy your visit with your family. Am envious that you’re still in France and I’m already back in NC.
And, oh the water!!! A great decision to move near the water.
Boat-obssessively yours,
Ronni Ebbers
Ronni Ebbers
Kristin, your baby-bear chairs are just right: they tell a story of being previously-owned; they suit your home and fit your bodies; they are a blue hue borrowed from sea and sky, enhanced with funky fringe, colored like la plage. Perfectly Provençal. -j-
OH, thank you so much for pictures inside your home. It is gorgeous. Love the ceilings, floors, walls, balcony-all of it, and especially your lovely family. Happy Birthday to Jackie-such a lovely young woman.
I do hope this is the happiest home you’ve ever had. So glad to see you enjoying your mother. What a lovely woman. God Bless. Jean
Glad to see you are looking well. I am sure you are enjoying your mom’s visit. My guess on the chairs was 50 Euros. It does look beautiful there. Virginia has rain today, but I am sure we need it. Since I need to study for a test, it is a greta day for that.
Take care,
Buffy
I would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to Jackie!! I have been thinking about her since the last post. It brought back memories of my adolescence when I moved away from my childhood home at 16 years old. There were many tears shed, but I got through it in a great part because of the enduring patience, understanding and kindness of my mom. And Jackie is blessed to have that kind of a mom in you, Kristin! And now she has her grandma there, too! I hope you all have a wonderful time together during this visit with Jules. I pray her visit will help both you and Jackie with your “adjustment blues.”
Love the pictures of your new home, especially the cozy corner you made for Jules.
Wow, Kristin, lots of changes down the pike. And all of them seem like new life just beginning. Your new home is already warm and cozy, the feeling you give all of us in the sharing of your daily life. I hope you are well. Take very good care. I adore reading what you write. You are a very special lady. Susan
BTW, We are looking at a place in the Var in les Arc sur Argens. We keep dreaming! One of these days… . Amitiés, Susan
Your place looks lovely, Kristin. I love the balcony, the views, the trees, and the sea. I could move right into your office as it’s set up for Jules. Books, a comfy bed, light, welcoming family!
Jules, you are,as always, an inspiration to me; you are so alive and so yourself! You are looking wonderful, beautiful as always. Kristin and Jackie can’t help being beautiful, with your genes!
Have a wondeful visit together; I hope you had a great birthday Jackie. Peggy
Kristin, what a lovely home! As an artist I too would covet a place like that. You and your family look so comfortable ( despite missing one’s friends) I love hearing about your adventures. Note to Jules; Thank you for introducing me to your daughter and family.
Jackie I hope that you had a marvelous 15th birthday! Look forward to your next posting for that beautiful spot by the sea.
bj
Kristi,
I think you’re living in heaven. Gorgeous! I’m very happy for you all.
Cate
What a lovely home Kristin! Lovely and cozy. I hope you don’t mind but I am staeling one of your ideas: the post card display. What a wonderful idea to display small paintings or photos.
All the best from Florida,
Anne
Your home is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it. I love Jules room/your office. Books and babioles…
Love your new home and would love to hear more about the area…for a future trip. Your mom looks beautiful and healthy. Where does she live in Mexico? I’ve spent a lot of time down there….love it and love the people. Enjoy her visit…the time will fly by. My sister just lost her golden retriever and seeing the pictures reminded me of our dear Sammie. They are the sweetest dogs!!! Happy birthday Jackie!
I want to hear about the postcard “stand” in the Living Room????
Beautiful new abode.
Chair upholstery too old-fashioned for your life style—especially with the heavy fringe. Try a cotton toile with a green background.
From an interior designer in the middle of America.
Merci pour les photos. S’il vous plaît, on a besoin de plus! C’est si bon de voir Jules. Dites-lui Bonjour!
BIENVENUE à tous dans votre nouveau chateau !
Je veux bien deviner : 125.00 euros pour les 2 fauteuils.
Célébrez la nouvelle demeure et les anniversaires
dans la joie et LA BONNE SANTE POUR TOUS !!!
de Californie, with love… comme on dit … nadine
Salut tout le monde! So happy to see pictures of all of you. Your new home and yard look beautiful. I hope you have a wonderful time during Jules’ visit. How nice that she can help you settle in and arrange things. Sounds like so much fun, I wish I could be there as well. I’m there in spirit…
I’m sure it will take a bit of time but you will all soon feel right at home and have many friends knocking on your door (including Jackie and Max). I wish you a tres Joyeux Anniversaire Jackie! Don’t forget to share a tiny bit of cake with Smokey and Braise. 🙂
Hello Kristine
My name is Hilda. I live here in Puerto Vallarta part of the time. I met your mom here in PV several years ago. She spoke so much about you and your family back in Provance.I see from time to time from afar here at the Marina. When we first met she gave me her copy of French Word A Day.
I do not know how to get a hold of her. The other day I was at the gym working out and I saw her waking across the pool area with her puppie.
I have truly enjoyed getting your e-mails. I know that you were in San Francisco a while back on a book signing and I wanted to meet you, but I could not make it up there. I live two blocks from the train station here in Fresno California, so it would only take me 2 1/2 hours to get to SF. I look forward to meeting you some day. Shortly after I met your mom, I was in Paris, but Provance was still some distance from Paris. I fell in love with Paris, and I hope to return there some day. If you can give your mom my phone number, I would like to get together with her. I will be returning back to California on Dec the 18th. My phone number here is 297-6312
I live at the Royal Pacific ,just down the ways from your mom.
My Best
Hilda
Est votre chien bilingue?