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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Your new home looks lovely, Kristin! I adore balconies… and the one in today’s picture, with the tall trees around, is splendid :).
P.S.
In the vocabulary section, should “la goûter” be “le goûter” instead?
How lovely to be living by the sea and gorgeous photos of you, Jules and Jackie, sometimes its hard to tell who is who, you are all so beautiful!
Happy Birthday to Jackie! September 18th is very special to me as it was my mother’s birthday. She would be 101 years old this year. You are truly blessed to have your mother still in your life.
Gerry Ventura
Yes, that balcony looks like a great place to be, picking figs or eating them.
Each photo shows another great feature of your new place. To me, it is special that you bought it from people who had been there for so long! Making it a stable home, I hope.
Thanks for so many photos.
Kristin,
The picture looking at your kitchen table reminds me of your old home…postcards and all!
The chairs make the fireplace a cozy nook too!
This weekend I made the goat cheese and mint tart that you mentioned some time ago. (I have a lovely herb garden, so I had all of the ingredients). WOW! It was delicieuse! I was a bit hesitant that the mint would be overpowering, but it was not. Thanks for sharing that one. I’ll be making it again.
Bisous,
Amber
PS…Could Jackie be any more beautiful! Or you or Jules for that matter!
Bonne Journee…
Thank you for all these wonderful pictures! I can’t get enough of them. I love to see your home and the surrounding areas. What a beautiful place it is. Your Mom fits right in. I wish you the best three weeks!
It was so exciting to see your name in my email. Thanks for including all of the photos. Your home is coming along swimmingly! What a setting! Mom’s are such a big help in so many ways, aren’t they? And your adventures together seem to always be full of spontaneity. The mental picture of you two dragging those chairs home makes my day. I wonder if we can anticipate Jules and J.M. doing the same with one of those boats??!!
I’ll take a guess that the chairs were @ $50 each ($38 eu) and I would change the fabric, to be honest.
Kristin, I am so very happy for you. This has been a big step for all of you and it takes a lot of courage to keep a forward thinking outlook but power through it with smiles and prayer. Happy Birthday to your beautiful Jackie and love to all – the 4-leggers, too.
Wonderful pictures, giving us the “feel” of your new home. Your mom’s lovely, encouraging smile is so special.
Jules is looking magnificent! Enjoy your time together. I see that Karen guessed $50.00 each and that would be my guess also. If you add a sofa to the room, you could use a neutral color for it with some cushions to match the chairs. The chair color wouldn’t seem quite as outstanding then.
Debbie Ambrous
http://www.AFrenchOpportunity.com
Wonderful new home..many blessings there. Looks like such fun with your Mom. Ahhh, hope to get to live for just a month in France someday…
Bonne chance!
Everything looks great – Jules will be in heaven in that cozy looking place you created for her. I’m sure the chairs were a steal, so I bet even less than $50 each, maybe $50 for both? Have fun with your mom!
Picking figs from the top of your tree from your balcony — does it get any better than that? (I don’t think so!) Those blue chairs with the fringe are quite attractive. In the states they’d probably be between $100 and $300 each (even used!) A lovely outing at St Cyr with the dogs and family — simply beautiful!
I love all the pics, but especially the dog pics. Here they are, on les laisses! Looking like, Hey, we never had to do this very much before!
Smokey looks absolutely smitten with Jules. In our house, our golden’s favorite person is whoever’s holding the tennis ball.
And I love how in the last picture, on the quai, you can tell from the blur that their tails are wagging away. That’s goldens for ya!
I love your house and the location. Thanks for giving us so many pictures of it.
It’s so good to see your Mom in the pictures and that she arrived from the long trip safe and sound. And I bet you and the family were glad to see her, too. Those legs on Jackie go from here to heaven – unbelievable! I’m happy for all of you. Love, Robin
So great to see you relaxing by the fire with your husband! I love your posts like this one with pictures of your family and the area (and the useful french words that relate). I hope you are better for the slower (word-a day) pace 🙂
So great to really SEE your new digs! Thanks for posting. The blue of the chairs is an ideal addition to the warm earth tones of the room with fireplace. KEEP the blue, Jean Marc. What a find. I didn’t guess on the price but they must’ve been irresistable.
Gorgeous new home, Kristin, just fabulous. So unique and cosy and atmospheric…..Thanks for the photos. Happy birthday to Jackie tomorrow and hi to your beautiful Mum.
Many thanks for all the photos! Have a wonderful time with Mama Jules…and a very happy birthday, Jackie! Life will slowly fall into place, moving is such a big deal, an emotional roller coster. Thinking of you. xox
Bon Anniversaire, chere Jackie! Amusez vous bien avec Mamy Jules! xoxo
Chère Kristin,
When I heard that Jules was on her way to you, I knew she would be the best medicine for your blues. With her high spirits and infectious laughter, she would be sure to get you out of your slump!
Your new place is magnificent! The house already has such an air of home, and the surroundings are stellar! We are truly thrilled for you. Hopefully we will be able to visit you there next year. BTW, are there any local potters in the neighborhood?
Much love from New Mexico, where the golden days of Fall are just beginning.
Johanna & Will
It looks like Jules is enjoying your new home and her visit. It’s always good to have someone to bounce off decorating ideas. We are in Menerbes enjoying figues blanches. We are also enjoying Provencal roses. Not sure how to insert the accent marks … roses as in vin pas des fleurs.
I love this post! As a new reader, I hadn’t seen a close-up pic of your mom, just the back of her in her cape when I checked a previous post. She’s beautiful, as you all are 🙂 It would be fun to hear her thoughts about her trip sometime. I have enjoyed her comments in the past. I love all the photos too. Your house and the setting seems very peaceful. Wishing your daughter a wonderful birthday. May you all have fun celebrating her!
PS: Since you asked, I agree with Anita above. My French dictionary says gouter is masculine, so it would be le gouter in your list, right? But that is a minor point in such a lovely post 🙂 And not knowing at all what things in a French brocante might cost, I’m leaving the guesses to others, but I’m very curious about the cost. They look like they’re in great condition.
Dear Kristin and family,
Your new home is so lovely — and so cozy — and I wish you many, many years of happiness there. You all (including Smokey and Braise) look wonderful, so I believe the seaside agrees with you. Can’t wait to read more about this exciting new chapter in your lives!
Cassie
Merci, Kristin, for sharing your family’s transition. I know you have so much going on so we all appreciate you taking the time. And I know Jules will change the atmosphere in no time.
Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. I really enjoy seeing your new place, and JULES, right there in the window. I felt as if I were on the other side, the recipient of her warm smile. How terrific she could come and be with you while you are all settling in. Oh I feel for Jackie, leaving friends behind, so tough at her age (well at any age really.) Happy fete to her. hugs for all of you.
Kristin:
J’aime beaucoup votre nouvelle maison. C’est tres charmant.
Bon anniversaire a Jackie. Elle est tres belle.
Edie from Savannah
Fun tour around your house and life. Enjoy the time with Jules!
I’d like to be like your Mom. She looks so interesting, strong, and happy. Does she live in San Miguel?
I know how you must be feeling. I grew up in a Navy family, always moving! But aren’t you lucky to live so close to the beach!
You are all better shoppers than I am. Next time, please come along with me and help barter! (I got the chairs for 75 euros each, but might have bargained some!) Thanks for your decorating ideas!
Johanna, Ill keep my eyes open for the local potters.
Anita, thanks for the le gouter correction, and to Karene, for the confirmation. 🙂
Felicitations! Your new home looks beautiful! and your Mom looks great (as do you all) The move seems to have agreed with everyone(-:
Wishing you much luck in your new digs!
Love your new house – thanks for sharing! And a very special BONNE ANNIVERSAIRE to Jackie … I am pleased to share it with such a beautiful young lady. How will you be celebrating? My family (in Ohio) will take me out to eat and then we will play mini golf, just for fun 🙂 Have a wonderful day celebrating YOU!
How I loved finding your post this morning! I want to be like Jules when I grow up–she seems to bring such infectious happiness and enthusiasm wherever she goes! And I love all the pictures of your new house and your family settling in. It is a wonderful mas and I hope it sees your family keep growing in love and happiness.
Jules, you just have to be one of my favorite people. So happy you’re helping Kristen get settled. Knowing you, that will be an adventure. Stay well, keep the smile my friend. You are a treasure. Happy birthday, a little early.
Your new home looks very cosy and I love that desk in the corner. I’m now so tempted to look for one on line. Also, Happy Birthday to Jackie!
Bonjour Kristin, Thanks so much for the photos and update. I love your mom! She makes me smile just looking at her smiling photo! I think she brightens any situation. You are so lucky to have her in your life. I miss my mom so much —- no one thinks you are as cute & funny as your mom!
Your home is beautiful and the surrounding area so lovely. Soon, it will be your “home”. It just takes time. Happy Birthday to Jackie. She’s very pretty. Everyone looks fabulous — even the puppies.
Thanks again for sharing. It always makes my morning to get your email — especially—with such great photos & updates! Stay well.
Love the tiled floors in your new house and the lovely little bower you created for your mom. After reading this post with all the wonderful pictures it is clear that you are settling in well. It is always a great adventure to move house and have a whole new area to explore. You will soon be your old self again. It is already happening.
Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter. She could be a model.
My guess would be 20 euros each.
How nice of your mom to come. Your new home looks wonderful. I really can relate about not being able to find things like the dog leashes. I made a move to a new home. I wanted to move but it was still traumatic. I spent the first year crying and saying “I can’t find anything!” and “There is no place to put anything!” The house needed a lot of work. That was 20 years ago. Now I am a home improvement pro. I can do electric, plumbing, drywall, and ceramic tile now. I still swear I will never move again but if I could move to the French seaside I would change my mind. Hang in there dear. It will get better every day.
So enjoyed this post with all the photos. Your new home looks quite cozy, and outside also looks wonderful with all that provencal sunshine and la mer so close by!
As for the “crapauds,” I was going to guess 100 euros each, so you got a bargain!
On a different subject, whenever I see Jules’ photo I’m always struck by what a beautiful woman she is. And you take after her, Kristin.
Enjoy your visit and your new home!
All the best,
Thanks for all the great pictures of your new home. Magnifique! Jean Marc is lucky to have the company of three such beautiful ladies. Happy Birthday to Jackie! Too late to guess on the chairs but furniture in USA in always expensive. They look very comfortable. It’s so hot here I can’t imagine what it’s like by the Med. Enjoy.
I’m a recent subscriber to your site and really do like it. My husband travels to Aix-en-Provence for work each summer, and I have learned to love that city. Later this month, we are moving to Marseille for a year. As I have learned to say, “Mon mari travaille. Je suis en vacances.”
IF YOU NEED A FULL TIME VOLUNTEER TO RAKE,PLANT AND WATER, WE ARE AVAILABLE.
PAULETTE AND GUS.
So much beauty in your life; Your Daughter, your Mother, your home and You!
Congratulations on your new home and you look like you are having so much fun even with all the work of getting organized in anew place. I agree with Michelle – so much beauty in your life, all your family, location, dogs, makes me want to move to France more than ever. Enjoy!
Salut tout le monde,
Kristin – Your new home looks great and well on the way to being “Espinassed”. Keep the photos a coming.
Jules: If you have a stopover in Phoenix on your way home, you better call give Sharron and me a call or you’ll be in big trouble! Maybe we’d have time for a quick lunch or could share some coffee or whatever.
I love the new chairs. I love the new house and wow a balcony right off the bedroom. It just looks so calm and relaxing.
Jules – as Herm said yes please let me know if you have a stopover in Phoenix. I want to give you a BIG HUG!!! You are so beautiful, enjoy your time in France.
xoxo
Happy birthday, Jackie!! I think the chairs were 25 euro each.
I agree with everyone else. There is beauty and calm in every photo! Also, what an absolutely gorgeous mom! She has probably always been beautiful, but she has the radiance of somewhat at the peak of her life.
Your new home is really beautiful and looks so comfortable and a perfect fit for your family.
Have fun while Jules is there (how could you not?) and enjoy her enthusiasm and can-do-anything spirit as much as I enjoy reading about it.
Jackie, have a fantastic birthday tomorrow – celebrate all week!
Your house looks wonderful, Kristin! Is that a postcard rack – being used for family photos? what a great idea!