… and you were expecting a picture of a cushion, were you? See a stylish one in today's story…. Meantime, have a look at the new blooms in our winter potager! One of the joys of being a perennial newbie gardener is to be amazed to learn that broccoli flowers! (Ditto, on witnessing this artichoke bloom–in electric purple!). Now back to our story-column.
le coussin (koo-sehn)
: pillow, cushion (seat, bed…)
le coussin péteur = whoopie cushion
le coussin de sécurité = air bag
le coussin de siège = seat cushion
coussins de feutre (just bought a pack of these "felt pads" to place beneath the side tables so they don't screech each time we move them)
(Photo of golden barrel cactus by André Karwath)
Audio File (I couldn't find any colorful "coussin" expressions (apart from the French translation for whoopie cushion), in French, but I did come across an amusing "coussin" term :-). Hear Jean-Marc pronounce it, in the following sentence, from Wikipedia: Download MP3 or Wav file
Ce cactus …est parfois appelée "coussin de belle-mère" en raison de ses fortes épines. This cactus is sometimes called mother-in-law's cushion, because of its strong needles.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
"Is it a bed sheet or a tablecloth?" (Or why I would fail Etiquette school… but could possibly stand a chance at Late Bloomer's Design Academy)
Despite a recent home-decor victory (an eclectic conversation piece, made for our stylish convives), it's taken several more weeks to follow another nudge of inspiration.
Then yesterday I happened upon "The January Cure" (going on over at Apartment Therapy), in which readers are following a month-long series of home-improvement prompts. This late in the game (how many days till January's over?) I chose the easiest item on the list:
"Get A Fresh Perspective in Just 10 Minutes".
The exercise involved little effort and won points for its noncommittal nature. To sit, stare, and dream a little… now that I could do!
This particular prompt required focusing on one "problematic" area in the house. In a lickety-quick decision, I chose the dreary corner of our bedroom, which, these days, doubles as my office.
I wanted to see change in this industrious area of our home, and here was the chance to do something!, yet, no matter how easy the home-improvement exercise was supposed to be, I resisted.
Sitting in my bed, staring at that corner kind of depressed me. How could anybody create a story in that lackluster space? And yet, for the past 5 months this has been my busy writing nook.
My mood quickly lifted as I thought about all the stories I had, in fact, managed to compose, however uncomposed my environment looked! I'd written a story about ant invaders, a nouvelle about the little Provençal Christmas tree, I'd drawn, via words, a portrait of a homeless man… and, recently, a punk rock shepherd…I typed essays about hopes, fears, and elephant tears…
In all, nearly 50 stories were created in this little corner on this creaky card table. Maybe it was time to honor it?
"Before"
After perusing all the impossibly cool interior decorating sites, I realized it didn't have to take a lot of time or money or brains to improve a space….
Start by clearing it off! my inner-voice prompted.
Good! Now what are the colors that you love? (I love green and red… spirited, like Christmas!)
Super! Now hurry through the house and find the materials! But first, take a snapshot of the "before"…
This last tip, issued from the gut, was most helpful. It was by taking a picture of the area that I was able to truly "see" the extent of the dreariness–and to face it! Staring at that snapshot, I knew that any improvement, no matter how small, would make a big difference!
"After"…
Not 10 minutes later, and my desk was transformed! To cover the old card table, which belonged to Jean-Marc's father, I'd fished an old tablecloth (or was it a sheet?) out of a drawer (Ever since we were given the engraved linen, as a cadeau de mariage, I have never been able to determine whether it was a drap or a nappe. One day, out of sheets, I dared use it. (…The day came when we were out of clean table cloths; I felt a little smug, then, using the "sheet"!).
In the entryway, I grabbed the new cushion with red stripes (the one bought half-price–4.99!… only, once at the cash register the saleswoman informed me that the pillow inside the case was not included, but cost the same price as the discounted coussin! The price switch didn't bother me so much anymore: for now the coussin would enliven my mother-in-law's rush chair!
In the kitchen I unhooked the bread basket (there were two) from the wall–it would make a cozy in-box….
On the way back to the bedroom, I carefully collected the prickly holly (a gift from Jean-Marc, who collected it as a surprise for me, while out on a bike ride).
I snatched up the little teddy nounours, a sentimental gift from Kate, from its place on the buffet.
And, last but not least, I lugged back the large Italian Valpolicella affiche. The poster was a gift from Jean-Marc's dear cousin, Audrey, and her boyfriend, Julien. There's a whole 'nother story behind the art work–or the framing of it (will save it for another time!…)
The various items, each with a history and all with a sentimental value, would make this little writing nook a warm and inviting place. And the upside was, I no longer had to look at the dismal corner, when lounging in bed, staring off into the distance, dreaming….
I might even find further inspiration, what with a pretty corner to gaze at! Admiring my work, I thought about how it didn't take much to fix up a place, especially when you focused on a little "snapshot" of a space.
And though I could not compare my design project with those of the professionals, it did seem to have one thing in common with the pretty "vignettes" laid out in glossy magazines: such spaces are often more fantasy than functional. Just like a beautiful party-dress, pinned together and hastily retouched at the last minute, the wearer will have to walk stiffly to pull it off…. 'else risk coming undone!
Eyeing the nifty new working space, with its newly pinned "skirt", the question, now, is where to put my legs?!
****
Update: I wrote the first story (today's) at my new desk. My legs are as cramped as a charm school girl… but the strict structure keeps me in line, I like to think…
To comment, click here. Did you enjoy the before and after photo? Did you ever wonder what my office looked like? Did this before picture fit that image? Could you work at a desk like the "after" desk? Share your response to this story, here.
French Vocabulary
Check back to the blog, where I continue to update and edit this post.
le convive = guest
une nouvelle = short story
le cadeau de mariage = wedding present
le drap (du lit) = bed sheet
la nappe = tablecloth
le coussin = pillow, cushion
le nounours = teddy bear, teddy
une affiche = poster
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Exciting update: after the more boring improvements to our property (did I tell you we put in a new septic tank? and had insulation blown in-between the ceiling and the roof?…), we are grateful to the sensitive lumber jack, who took out just enough treetops to create a view of the Mediterranean Sea below. The water is silver in this photo, you may have to squint… but I tell you, the surface sparkles like the night sky, bursting with étoiles!
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You did a great job collecting items within your home. My goodness, what a striking difference. I have always loved looking at before and after photos and appreciating creativity. How about a short, rustic shelf on the wall above the computer screen so you can have more table top space? Teddy and the prickly holly would fit nicely up there. Thanks Kristin for opening up your space for us to see.
You did a great job collecting items within your home. My goodness, what a striking difference. I have always loved looking at before and after photos and appreciating creativity. How about a short, rustic shelf on the wall above the computer screen so you can have more table top space? Teddy and the prickly holly would fit nicely up there. Thanks Kristin for opening up your space for us to see.
Hello all, I love reading all of the ideas people are sending. Julie’s lack of bookcases in a sun room reminded me that I once used glass shelves as bookcases and mixed in lovely pieces of glassware for color and got that “happy” feeling I crave. Kristin, your improvements are wonderful. You made the best decision when you chose to use colors you loved. Congrats!
Sharon
Hello all, I love reading all of the ideas people are sending. Julie’s lack of bookcases in a sun room reminded me that I once used glass shelves as bookcases and mixed in lovely pieces of glassware for color and got that “happy” feeling I crave. Kristin, your improvements are wonderful. You made the best decision when you chose to use colors you loved. Congrats!
Sharon
I am amazed by how much the white in the tablecloth lightens up that corner. Like some other readers, I think it needs pulling back so that you can freely move your legs underneath. It has to work physically.
Once, I bought a beautiful oak table, but when I got it home it looked really dreary because my apt. is dark. I ended up giving it to friends who have a sunny nook and it looks great. If I’d had your design sense, I might have just bought a tablecloth!
It’s inspiring what you were able to do with just giving that area your attention.
I am amazed by how much the white in the tablecloth lightens up that corner. Like some other readers, I think it needs pulling back so that you can freely move your legs underneath. It has to work physically.
Once, I bought a beautiful oak table, but when I got it home it looked really dreary because my apt. is dark. I ended up giving it to friends who have a sunny nook and it looks great. If I’d had your design sense, I might have just bought a tablecloth!
It’s inspiring what you were able to do with just giving that area your attention.
Lovely before and after photos.
New days, new ways.
Try loosening the coverlet…let it flow.
Margy, Pittsburgh, PA
Lovely before and after photos.
New days, new ways.
Try loosening the coverlet…let it flow.
Margy, Pittsburgh, PA
Fifty stories…50…I’d say that space is absolutely beautiful, no matter how you “dress” it. Aloha, Bill
Fifty stories…50…I’d say that space is absolutely beautiful, no matter how you “dress” it. Aloha, Bill
Kristen, Understand the daydreaming from bed and designing a cozier or more “finished” look. Suggestion for your legs to slip easily under the table, else you may grow tired of the posture. Unpin the nappe, find the center of the edge of the side of the table on which you sit; gather the cloth from about 7/8ths of the way down toward the floor edge of the cloth; gather in soft, small pinchfuls until you reach the table top, then from underneath the cloth(so not to be seen from the outside) near the table top, use a large safety pin or if so inclined, stitch one or three long vertical stitches. Voila! pretty and practical for your legs. AND if need be, extra storage for Office Only “stuff”. Since you started 7/8ths of the way down the cloth, une petit ruffle should be produced when you have stitched or pinned the pinchfuls sans the 1/8th edge.
Kristen, Understand the daydreaming from bed and designing a cozier or more “finished” look. Suggestion for your legs to slip easily under the table, else you may grow tired of the posture. Unpin the nappe, find the center of the edge of the side of the table on which you sit; gather the cloth from about 7/8ths of the way down toward the floor edge of the cloth; gather in soft, small pinchfuls until you reach the table top, then from underneath the cloth(so not to be seen from the outside) near the table top, use a large safety pin or if so inclined, stitch one or three long vertical stitches. Voila! pretty and practical for your legs. AND if need be, extra storage for Office Only “stuff”. Since you started 7/8ths of the way down the cloth, une petit ruffle should be produced when you have stitched or pinned the pinchfuls sans the 1/8th edge.
Dear Kristin,
I love “before and afters.” You did a very creative job of designing on a dime. I like the idea that you picked up things around the house that you like and mean something to you. Keep up the good work. I don’t know how you do it. It wasn’t long ago that you moved in. You’re busy with children, renovations, flora and fauna, and (oh, yes) there’s your creative genious with French Word-A-Day. Cut yourself some slack. You’re doing better than most! Pat yourself on the back.
Dear Kristin,
I love “before and afters.” You did a very creative job of designing on a dime. I like the idea that you picked up things around the house that you like and mean something to you. Keep up the good work. I don’t know how you do it. It wasn’t long ago that you moved in. You’re busy with children, renovations, flora and fauna, and (oh, yes) there’s your creative genious with French Word-A-Day. Cut yourself some slack. You’re doing better than most! Pat yourself on the back.
Julie, no, not a piece of felt left. Someone must have ripped it off. Once I get another desk, it would be good to fix this one for JM, who loves to play cards with the kids. That would be a lovely next metamorphosis for the little card table. And Julie, I hope youll be in your office soon, enjoying writing from there.
Caryl, I love before after photos too! Good idea about the shelf… I have just the one. Now to dig it out!
Sharon, glass is so beautiful, reflecting in the light, reminding us about transparency, how it can be a good thing!
Leslie, sorry about your oak table, but what a lovely gift for your friends, who surely think of you when enjoying the sunny corner!
Bill, always touched by your writing support!
Margy, wonderful thought: new days, new ways!
Loretta, sewing terms, or anything resembling sewing terms, make me nervous… but I will reread your note and warm up to the idea…
Diane, Thank you! I will cut me some slack now… off to enjoy dinner with my daughter, then some English practice. She was away over the weekend and the first thing she said, on returning, was: I missed our nightly lesson!
Julie, no, not a piece of felt left. Someone must have ripped it off. Once I get another desk, it would be good to fix this one for JM, who loves to play cards with the kids. That would be a lovely next metamorphosis for the little card table. And Julie, I hope youll be in your office soon, enjoying writing from there.
Caryl, I love before after photos too! Good idea about the shelf… I have just the one. Now to dig it out!
Sharon, glass is so beautiful, reflecting in the light, reminding us about transparency, how it can be a good thing!
Leslie, sorry about your oak table, but what a lovely gift for your friends, who surely think of you when enjoying the sunny corner!
Bill, always touched by your writing support!
Margy, wonderful thought: new days, new ways!
Loretta, sewing terms, or anything resembling sewing terms, make me nervous… but I will reread your note and warm up to the idea…
Diane, Thank you! I will cut me some slack now… off to enjoy dinner with my daughter, then some English practice. She was away over the weekend and the first thing she said, on returning, was: I missed our nightly lesson!
Kristin – you caught me absolutely. You are the only person I know who could get away with such a story. When I saw the headline, I assumed you had let techno-freaks loose to give you a high-tech “coin”. But I like what you actually did better, I confess.
Kristin – you caught me absolutely. You are the only person I know who could get away with such a story. When I saw the headline, I assumed you had let techno-freaks loose to give you a high-tech “coin”. But I like what you actually did better, I confess.
Our dear Kristi,
Today’s post was a special gift for us; now we can both see and imagine you in your beautiful office,at your desk,writing all the wonderful stories that have been and are yet to be! You not only have a talent for that (and for photography!),but as it now comes to light, for decorating as well.
Some much needed inspiration for me because as I look around at my own surroundings,wow,
it looks more like a bunch of hysterical gremlins left a huge mess–and left(!!)
As soon as I finish this reply, I will get going ASAP!
THANK YOU for such a super boost!!!!!!!
Love, Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
Today’s post was a special gift for us; now we can both see and imagine you in your beautiful office,at your desk,writing all the wonderful stories that have been and are yet to be! You not only have a talent for that (and for photography!),but as it now comes to light, for decorating as well.
Some much needed inspiration for me because as I look around at my own surroundings,wow,
it looks more like a bunch of hysterical gremlins left a huge mess–and left(!!)
As soon as I finish this reply, I will get going ASAP!
THANK YOU for such a super boost!!!!!!!
Love, Natalia XO
Nice compromise until you can have Virginia Woolf’s “room of your own.”
Nice compromise until you can have Virginia Woolf’s “room of your own.”
I think the newly decorated area will bring you many inspired writings. Just let the table cloth hang into natural folds. Since it is on the table it is a table cloth, if you should need it for the bed, voila, a sheet. Nice to have dual purpose items! Love the poster. How about hanging it on the wall to give you a little more room on the table. Now I need to go around my little house and take about 50 before photos and get to work one at a time.
I think the newly decorated area will bring you many inspired writings. Just let the table cloth hang into natural folds. Since it is on the table it is a table cloth, if you should need it for the bed, voila, a sheet. Nice to have dual purpose items! Love the poster. How about hanging it on the wall to give you a little more room on the table. Now I need to go around my little house and take about 50 before photos and get to work one at a time.
Hi Kristi: I actually like the corner before and after. You might enjoy reading about Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese aesthetic which accepts and finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. Your writing is so honest— I’m sure a reflection of you and how you live your life — that i think you would find it “sympatico.”
Thank you for giving so much pleasure (and/in learning!)
Hi Kristi: I actually like the corner before and after. You might enjoy reading about Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese aesthetic which accepts and finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. Your writing is so honest— I’m sure a reflection of you and how you live your life — that i think you would find it “sympatico.”
Thank you for giving so much pleasure (and/in learning!)
I like your new corner very much. It gives me inspiration to move the stuffed bald eagle (toy from my husband) onto my desk. Covering up the wires from the computer is half the battle and maybe being too comfortable sitting there is a mistake because it is so easy to spend hours at my computer before I realize it. Keep up the inspiration.
I like your new corner very much. It gives me inspiration to move the stuffed bald eagle (toy from my husband) onto my desk. Covering up the wires from the computer is half the battle and maybe being too comfortable sitting there is a mistake because it is so easy to spend hours at my computer before I realize it. Keep up the inspiration.
Kristi Darling,
I am so proud of you !!! And I am most excited to see where this new path leads…
I laugh when I think of your old house at the vineyard…in the living-room you placed some kind of old barrell in the corner, you were so excited to show me – and then that was the end of your decorating in the living room. Once in a while you would bring in the green metal chairs from the yard if you had guests.
You have come a long way baby!
With a mind as pure and colorful as yours you will make a wonderful decorator.
XOXO
MOM
P.S. I loved this story and all the others last week. Your writing is so fun and enlightening –
Kristi Darling,
I am so proud of you !!! And I am most excited to see where this new path leads…
I laugh when I think of your old house at the vineyard…in the living-room you placed some kind of old barrell in the corner, you were so excited to show me – and then that was the end of your decorating in the living room. Once in a while you would bring in the green metal chairs from the yard if you had guests.
You have come a long way baby!
With a mind as pure and colorful as yours you will make a wonderful decorator.
XOXO
MOM
P.S. I loved this story and all the others last week. Your writing is so fun and enlightening –
Transformation unique; you are a gal of many talents. Vivian
Transformation unique; you are a gal of many talents. Vivian
Love the idea of playng with “sheets” and “tablecloths” interchangingly 🙂 I do it too on occasion.. Even throwing a nice lacy “curtain” into equation, to create a romantic filligree look. ..anywhere it asks for it. Oh! 🙂 and sometimes even a huge scarf or palantine could “provide” handsomely! Just the color has to be right. Or, at least, to tune up with a mood.. or occasion.
Love the idea of playng with “sheets” and “tablecloths” interchangingly 🙂 I do it too on occasion.. Even throwing a nice lacy “curtain” into equation, to create a romantic filligree look. ..anywhere it asks for it. Oh! 🙂 and sometimes even a huge scarf or palantine could “provide” handsomely! Just the color has to be right. Or, at least, to tune up with a mood.. or occasion.
I agree about putting the poster up on the wall to reduce the cluttered look, and pull up the sheet on the side where your legs are. It’s fun to try different looks and see what inspires you the most. The photos were gorgeous. Love those big trees and, naturellement, the view towards la mer. Happy writing.
I agree about putting the poster up on the wall to reduce the cluttered look, and pull up the sheet on the side where your legs are. It’s fun to try different looks and see what inspires you the most. The photos were gorgeous. Love those big trees and, naturellement, the view towards la mer. Happy writing.
Wow! You two are among the most realistic and unassuming creators I have the pleasure of being in touch with one way or another. I lost a beautiful tree today due to disease but your creativeness helped boost my spirits.
P.S.Amazing as you are, Kristi, you do need more light in that corner.
Wow! You two are among the most realistic and unassuming creators I have the pleasure of being in touch with one way or another. I lost a beautiful tree today due to disease but your creativeness helped boost my spirits.
P.S.Amazing as you are, Kristi, you do need more light in that corner.
Nice job Kristin! My first thought looking at the before photo, was that the chair needed a cushion to feel cozy and comfortable while writing. Love the poster!
Nice job Kristin! My first thought looking at the before photo, was that the chair needed a cushion to feel cozy and comfortable while writing. Love the poster!
I also was surprised to see the blooms that look like daffodils on your broccoli! I remember seeing my own artichoke blooming for the first time this year and wondering what it was! Nice job with the redecoration. Enjoy your new space.
I also was surprised to see the blooms that look like daffodils on your broccoli! I remember seeing my own artichoke blooming for the first time this year and wondering what it was! Nice job with the redecoration. Enjoy your new space.
Kristin, How lovely of you to take the time to comment on some of the comments!
I know it is greatly appreciated..!
Kristin, How lovely of you to take the time to comment on some of the comments!
I know it is greatly appreciated..!
We have a cactus in Texas we call a Devil’s pin cushion . The French version is so much more subtle. I have a friend who started a business going into homes and rearranging and repurposing items that are already there. I made up the name for it-Deja-new-because if you look again at old things they can have new life. That’s exactly what you did with your office. I am amazed at your creativity and now especially in light of the space in which it happens. I’m going to check out the site you mentioned for your inspiration to redo your space. Thanks!
We have a cactus in Texas we call a Devil’s pin cushion . The French version is so much more subtle. I have a friend who started a business going into homes and rearranging and repurposing items that are already there. I made up the name for it-Deja-new-because if you look again at old things they can have new life. That’s exactly what you did with your office. I am amazed at your creativity and now especially in light of the space in which it happens. I’m going to check out the site you mentioned for your inspiration to redo your space. Thanks!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/categories/small_spaces
Small Space Solutions
.. love the picture of “Craft Room Ideas for Small Spaces” pinkish creation at the bottom of the page in the link.
Walls talk, I believe, and sometimes a strategically placed item on the wall could help with concentration aka creation process too. At the same time, some people are quite prolific in austere, or done in minimalistic style, space.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/categories/small_spaces
Small Space Solutions
.. love the picture of “Craft Room Ideas for Small Spaces” pinkish creation at the bottom of the page in the link.
Walls talk, I believe, and sometimes a strategically placed item on the wall could help with concentration aka creation process too. At the same time, some people are quite prolific in austere, or done in minimalistic style, space.
Itis minimalistic! Why do I imagine you with a bit more space to create such poetry with your words and photos.? Perhaps you ought to have more space for the huge audience you have!
Snowing on Cape Cod!
Itis minimalistic! Why do I imagine you with a bit more space to create such poetry with your words and photos.? Perhaps you ought to have more space for the huge audience you have!
Snowing on Cape Cod!