When Paris looks a little like Provence. Note the subtle details: the outside-the-window cloth blinds, the "pigeon discourager" (can you see those sharp little pins on the window ledge?) the peek inside the stylish interior…
TODAY'S WORD
mal barré (mal-baray)
DEFINITON
up the creek, in big trouble, screwed
AUDIO FILE: listen to Jean-Marc read the French words below: Download MP3 or Wav file
c'est mal barré = it's not looking good
Si le mechant loup se pointe ce soir on est mal barrées!
If the big bad wolf arrives tonight we are in big trouble!
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
When I encouraged Jean-Marc and the kids to go on the ski vacation without me, I was looking forward to some time alone—even if the thought of staying on my own in this old mas in the forest scared me.
Why not have a friend over? I thought, only to realize that though I have a thousand friends they are all on the other side of this computer screen, reading this post, an ocean or a continent away.
Then my mother-in-law popped into mind, and soon I was speeding along the seacoast on my way to Marseilles to pick her up and bring her back here to babysit me! It might have occurred to me then and there, in the parking lot beside my belle-mère's apartment, that I had not chosen the best protector. But it was too late now. Standing outside the passenger side of my car, I reached past my mother-in-law, pulling the seat belt with me to buckle her in. I waited patiently as she pulled her tired feet into the car. "All in?" I checked, before gently shutting the door.
Back home I had Max's room all dolled up for my mother-in-law. I'd stolen extra pillows from all our bedrooms in order to make a cozy headboard for her to relax into as she read the gossip magazines Voici or Paris Match or her favorite fashion mag, Elle. "I've been reading this one for 50 years," she's fond of telling me.
Entering the TV room on our way to the stairs that lead to Max's room, my mother-in-law hesitated. "I think I'd better sleep here on the couch," she explained. Her eyes were fixed on those stairs. Looking over at the escalier I saw, for the first time, how steep those stairs were–and there was no handrail.
"You can take my room," I said, insisting when Michèle-France argued that the couch was just fine. As I helped her up the 4 or 5 stairs that lead to my room, I heard a noise and looked over my shoulder at the cracked window behind me. No one was there, but that vulnerable feeling returned. Maybe I should have brought my sleeping bag and camped out at my mother-in-law's? But her apartment is too tiny for a 4-day visit, no matter how appealing the thought of curling up in her armchair was just now.
That evening I spied my mother-in-law making our soup. She sat in front of her favorite feuilleton, or soap opera, having dragged the little side table into the room. She had set the vegetables on the table and the soup pot on the floor between her feet. I watched as she slowly peeled the pumpkin, letting the skin fall onto the table; next she cut off little pieces of pumpkin, letting them fall into the soup pan on the ground below her.
As I walked into the room she startled, having been caught watching her soap—but it wasn't the feuilleton that upset me, it was the fact that she'd begun peeling those tough vegetables. I didn't want her to hurt herself. If you have ever peeled a French pumpkin, or potiron, you know how difficult it is to remove the skin without cutting off a finger in the process!
"I have my system," Michèle-France explained, and I smiled as I watched the vegetables drop into the pot. (Having taken a seat beside the chef, in order to try my hand at cutting up the onions, my pride was hurt when the pieces I cut missed the pot, landing on the dusty floor beside it.
"You need to work on your aim," my mother-in-law teased. Then suddenly her face looked pained. She explained that after her accident ten years ago, she cannot raise her arm much higher than the table, and therefore this gravity system works for her. I watched as a piece of carrot hit the pan on the ground below us.
When we finished the soup prep we carried the pot and the peelings (wrapped in the newspaper that had protected the table) back to the kitchen. My mother-in-law dragged her feet behind me and I couldn't help but fret over the stair she was about to descend to get to the kitchen or the old floor tiles that could trip her up at any time. Noticing me watching her she cracked a joke, as is her style; and then on a more serious note she said:
"I am not an old lady. I am a lady who is advancing in age."
Though my belle-mère did not mean to embarrass me, I was a little ashamed at how my watchful eye that followed her every step had not gone unnoticed.
At the kitchen table, we ate some pot roast along with our soup. My mother-in-law brought the cold rôti, along with a few other leftovers, including salade frisée, from her fridge in Marseilles. Only, seated there at the table, I noticed her difficulty in cutting her meat.
"Je peux?" I ask, hoping not to sound insulting.
"S'il te plaît," my mother-in-law appreciates the offer.
Reaching over, I cut up her viande into small pieces, as I used to do for our kids, when they were little.
Next, I got up to check the front door, making sure we were locked in for the night. Returning to the table I answered the telephone. It was my beau-frère, checking in on us.
"So how is your bodyguard?" Jacques snickered.
"What's he saying?" my belle-mère interrupted.
"He is asking about my garde du corps."
"Ah!" my mother-in-law laughed. "Well, if the big bad wolf shows up tonight, we are up the the creek!"
I look over at my bodyguard, who can barely lift her fork to her mouth, because of a troubled shoulder. True, she won't be fending off any thieves should we have the misfortune of receiving a visit tonight… worse, she may even be a liability (for how can I head for the hills — jumping out the back window, without her? I couldn't leave her like that. I'd have to drag her with me!).
And yet, her very presence is enormously comforting to me. After dinner I say goodnight, leaving my mother-in-law to watch her evening programs. Shutting the door to my son's room, I crawl into his empty bed, beneath the covers. There, I curl up and the sound of the television and my mother-in-law's occasional response to it soothes me.
Michèle-France may not be a bodyguard, but she's no old lady either. Her feisty character and loving presence are all I need to fall restfully to sleep.
***
French Vocabulary
le mas = an old farm house in the South of France
la belle-mère = mother-in-law
un escalier = stairs, staircase
un feuilleton = soap opera (more here)
le rôti = roast
la salade frisée = curly salad
je peux? = may I
s'il te plaît = please do
la viande = meat
le beau-frère = brother-in-law (can also mean step-brother or half-brother)
How to properly pronounce French words? Read this inexpensive book!
At the stables, near Nyons, where my daughter used to ride.
Memoir update: bad news, I put the memoir project back on the burner last week. I didn't want to be glued to my computer during my mother-in-law's visit and, being an all or nothing person, it was easy to convince myself that I'd dropped out of the project once a couple of no-write days slipped by. à suivre (to be continued, I hope!) (Pictures, some other books I published over the years, including one house-published edition. I seemed to have so much energy, back then… Blossoming in Provence, not pictured, was the latest publication.)
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Read any of Cara Black’s Aimee Leduc mysteries that take place in the arrondisements of Paris, put on your walking shoes, and explore the places she so vividly describes. If you get tired, visit one of the cafes she mentions.
Read any of Cara Black’s Aimee Leduc mysteries that take place in the arrondisements of Paris, put on your walking shoes, and explore the places she so vividly describes. If you get tired, visit one of the cafes she mentions.
Beautifully written. One of your best.
Beautifully written. One of your best.
This sweet story definitely brought tears to my eyes…..
This sweet story definitely brought tears to my eyes…..
Love you story today. Mother-in-law’s are so great to have around.
xoxo
Love you story today. Mother-in-law’s are so great to have around.
xoxo
Thank you, Kristi. A truly heartwarming story. I enjoed it a lot, especially your belle-mere’s remark about the wolf.. 🙂 A very nicely done referral to a famous fairytale. Wonderful job!
Thank you, Kristi. A truly heartwarming story. I enjoed it a lot, especially your belle-mere’s remark about the wolf.. 🙂 A very nicely done referral to a famous fairytale. Wonderful job!
I was struck by the remark in your story about your mother-in-law not being able to raise her arm much higher than the table. I have had the same problem since I tore the rotator cuff in my right shoulder about four years ago – but that has been corrected by a miraculous healing that I received last November through prayer. I’m attaching my testimony for you to read. And I want to refer you to the gentleman who prayed with me when that happened. His name is Mike Endicott; websites for his healing ministry are http://www.jacobswell.org.uk and http://shshop.practiceinabox.co.uk I encourage you to look into this. You’ll find testimonies similar to mine posted there, as well as a wealth of material. Both audio & video sessions are available.
By the way, thanks again for your recommendation of Wm. Gurnall’s “The Christian In Complete Armour.” It has become a daily reading of mine, and I find it very encouraging and helpful.
Blessings,
Ned Harris
I was struck by the remark in your story about your mother-in-law not being able to raise her arm much higher than the table. I have had the same problem since I tore the rotator cuff in my right shoulder about four years ago – but that has been corrected by a miraculous healing that I received last November through prayer. I’m attaching my testimony for you to read. And I want to refer you to the gentleman who prayed with me when that happened. His name is Mike Endicott; websites for his healing ministry are http://www.jacobswell.org.uk and http://shshop.practiceinabox.co.uk I encourage you to look into this. You’ll find testimonies similar to mine posted there, as well as a wealth of material. Both audio & video sessions are available.
By the way, thanks again for your recommendation of Wm. Gurnall’s “The Christian In Complete Armour.” It has become a daily reading of mine, and I find it very encouraging and helpful.
Blessings,
Ned Harris
Well, now I really read in the above commenter’s advice for googling “how do you say xxx in french” phrase, and to no surprise of mine found so many interesting advices of all kinds to learning even more French! 🙂 so, thank you, Suzanne Dunaway!
Well, now I really read in the above commenter’s advice for googling “how do you say xxx in french” phrase, and to no surprise of mine found so many interesting advices of all kinds to learning even more French! 🙂 so, thank you, Suzanne Dunaway!
In the picture of your work in print, I spotted “Wish Prune Pray” which I have not read. It’s not available on Amazon. Any idea where I might find it? I love your courageous self-exposure
in all that you write. Art is risk. Thanks for the inspiration.
Lois
In the picture of your work in print, I spotted “Wish Prune Pray” which I have not read. It’s not available on Amazon. Any idea where I might find it? I love your courageous self-exposure
in all that you write. Art is risk. Thanks for the inspiration.
Lois
The shadow picture is amazing.
I love the relationship you have with your mother-in-law. She seems like a wonderful person. Thanks for sharing.
The shadow picture is amazing.
I love the relationship you have with your mother-in-law. She seems like a wonderful person. Thanks for sharing.
The comforting presence of mothers, is there anything better?
The comforting presence of mothers, is there anything better?
Just back from seeing the film LINCOLN, and now catching up on these lovely comments. Thank you!
Lois and Barbara, Wish, Prune, Pray was another compilation of stories from this blog–specifically the posts about moving to the vineyard in Ste Cecile. I printed a limited amount of books, and that edition is now out of print. Thank you for asking about it.
Just back from seeing the film LINCOLN, and now catching up on these lovely comments. Thank you!
Lois and Barbara, Wish, Prune, Pray was another compilation of stories from this blog–specifically the posts about moving to the vineyard in Ste Cecile. I printed a limited amount of books, and that edition is now out of print. Thank you for asking about it.
I’m afraid that having to click through for the newsletter will have me giving up on word a day.
I’m afraid that having to click through for the newsletter will have me giving up on word a day.
Our dear Kristi,
Today’s post was wonderful!
Reading about the loving bond you have with dear Marie-France just filled my heart with smiles,and also brought me such happy memories of the times shared with my belle mere. We spent many hours in the kitchen (watching her favorite, Wheel of Fortune,but admittedly,far–as in light years!!–from my mine)while fixing dinner. The last years we were her caregivers, and as challenging as this could often be, I wouldn’t change a second of it for anything. The opportunity to give back to a loved one is indeed a gift.
You are giving your mom in law moments she will cherish always,especially knowing how God graced her with such an incredible daughter.One born not under her heart but in it.
Love, Natalia XO
PS A favorite way to fix pumpkin was to bake unpeeled chunks, then top with some sugar and caramelize it under the broiler.
Really yummy!
Our dear Kristi,
Today’s post was wonderful!
Reading about the loving bond you have with dear Marie-France just filled my heart with smiles,and also brought me such happy memories of the times shared with my belle mere. We spent many hours in the kitchen (watching her favorite, Wheel of Fortune,but admittedly,far–as in light years!!–from my mine)while fixing dinner. The last years we were her caregivers, and as challenging as this could often be, I wouldn’t change a second of it for anything. The opportunity to give back to a loved one is indeed a gift.
You are giving your mom in law moments she will cherish always,especially knowing how God graced her with such an incredible daughter.One born not under her heart but in it.
Love, Natalia XO
PS A favorite way to fix pumpkin was to bake unpeeled chunks, then top with some sugar and caramelize it under the broiler.
Really yummy!
Why did you not want to go on the ski vacation? Not knowing how to ski? I admit that I would be frightened to downhill-ski (I’ve only done cross-country), but that’s because I’ve never had lessons.
Nevertheless, your alternative activity was a good one, and I’m sure Michele-France was grateful for the company. I’m glad you have such a good relationship with her.
Our attitude toward people of all ages (not just “old” ones) should be that we will help when needed, and respect the efforts they make to do what they can themselves.
There are times when caring for folks or doing things for them can be difficult, but in retrospect, we will be glad we did. My mother passed away 10 years ago today, and required a good bit of assorted assistance the last few years, but I am happy I was able to do as much as possible for her.
Why did you not want to go on the ski vacation? Not knowing how to ski? I admit that I would be frightened to downhill-ski (I’ve only done cross-country), but that’s because I’ve never had lessons.
Nevertheless, your alternative activity was a good one, and I’m sure Michele-France was grateful for the company. I’m glad you have such a good relationship with her.
Our attitude toward people of all ages (not just “old” ones) should be that we will help when needed, and respect the efforts they make to do what they can themselves.
There are times when caring for folks or doing things for them can be difficult, but in retrospect, we will be glad we did. My mother passed away 10 years ago today, and required a good bit of assorted assistance the last few years, but I am happy I was able to do as much as possible for her.
Lovely story, Kristin, but what especially pleased me was to hear that you don’t like to stay home alone at night; I thought I was the only adult with this ‘condition’. I usually go to a nearby hotel if my husband is away, but I’m ashamed to admit it; now I’m a little less embarrassed.
Lovely story, Kristin, but what especially pleased me was to hear that you don’t like to stay home alone at night; I thought I was the only adult with this ‘condition’. I usually go to a nearby hotel if my husband is away, but I’m ashamed to admit it; now I’m a little less embarrassed.
As medical director of a retirement community for almost 28 years, I have marveled at the paradox that ageing and infirmity is oten accompanied by wisdom…i frequently remind my charges that life is divided into three stages: youth…middle age… and ‘hey you’re looking good’. Feast on her wisdom!
Wells
As medical director of a retirement community for almost 28 years, I have marveled at the paradox that ageing and infirmity is oten accompanied by wisdom…i frequently remind my charges that life is divided into three stages: youth…middle age… and ‘hey you’re looking good’. Feast on her wisdom!
Wells
Natalia, I am going to try your baked and caramelized pumpkin. Sounds delicious!
Marianne, no, I regret that I cannot ski. For this, I sometimes stay behind, when what I should do is take lessons!
Avril, it did cross my mind to check into a cheap hotel… But it might have been challenging to sneak in two golden retrievers…
Natalia, I am going to try your baked and caramelized pumpkin. Sounds delicious!
Marianne, no, I regret that I cannot ski. For this, I sometimes stay behind, when what I should do is take lessons!
Avril, it did cross my mind to check into a cheap hotel… But it might have been challenging to sneak in two golden retrievers…
I HATE staying in our large apartment alone, too. Am a scaredy-cat. Even if a child is home, it is OK. But alone, scary – the old floors creak, the windows rattle….Can fully understand that the company of your lovely mum-in-law makes all the diff! LOVE what you wrote today
I HATE staying in our large apartment alone, too. Am a scaredy-cat. Even if a child is home, it is OK. But alone, scary – the old floors creak, the windows rattle….Can fully understand that the company of your lovely mum-in-law makes all the diff! LOVE what you wrote today
What kind of dog is in the picture with the horse? It is so shaggy and adorable!
What kind of dog is in the picture with the horse? It is so shaggy and adorable!
Loved this post! It really captures the love and respect you have for your belle mere. It is a bit of a balancing act when we spend time with parents or in-laws who are advancing in age, isn’t it? My mom is 92 years old and frail (as is ma belle mere)and I try to be cautious about cosseting them while in their company. It’s important to provide help when needed, but to allow them to be independant too! God Bless you both!
Loved this post! It really captures the love and respect you have for your belle mere. It is a bit of a balancing act when we spend time with parents or in-laws who are advancing in age, isn’t it? My mom is 92 years old and frail (as is ma belle mere)and I try to be cautious about cosseting them while in their company. It’s important to provide help when needed, but to allow them to be independant too! God Bless you both!
as to the spelling of “barrées” while I’m no expert, I often look for advice from Laura Lawless http://www.french.about.com who says:
“Agreement with on
There are two related debates about whether agreement is required with the subject implied by on:
Adjectives: In On est content (We/They are / Someone is happy), should the adjective agree?
feminine: On est contente.
plural: On est contents.
feminine plural: On est contentes.
Être verbs: In On est tombé (We/They/Someone fell), should the past participle agree?
feminine: On est tombée.
plural: On est tombés.
feminine plural: On est tombées.
There is no real consensus, so here’s my opinion: On is a neuter singular pronoun, so there shouldn’t be agreement, but it’s pretty much up to you – or your French teacher. ;-)”
Kristen, – love your blog. It brightens up my day thrice weekly.
Cheers,
Dave C.
as to the spelling of “barrées” while I’m no expert, I often look for advice from Laura Lawless http://www.french.about.com who says:
“Agreement with on
There are two related debates about whether agreement is required with the subject implied by on:
Adjectives: In On est content (We/They are / Someone is happy), should the adjective agree?
feminine: On est contente.
plural: On est contents.
feminine plural: On est contentes.
Être verbs: In On est tombé (We/They/Someone fell), should the past participle agree?
feminine: On est tombée.
plural: On est tombés.
feminine plural: On est tombées.
There is no real consensus, so here’s my opinion: On is a neuter singular pronoun, so there shouldn’t be agreement, but it’s pretty much up to you – or your French teacher. ;-)”
Kristen, – love your blog. It brightens up my day thrice weekly.
Cheers,
Dave C.
Hello Kristin: I love all your stories starring Michèle-France. And the way you described everything is always so vivid that it’s like watching le feuilleton sur l’écran. 🙂
When we immigrated to USA, an elementary teacher of one of my son was telling me that many US kids did not do well in school because of too much TV, and that my son did not watch TV. I smiled and said “je laisse mes enfants regarder la télé pour apprendre l’Anglais.”
Hello Kristin: I love all your stories starring Michèle-France. And the way you described everything is always so vivid that it’s like watching le feuilleton sur l’écran. 🙂
When we immigrated to USA, an elementary teacher of one of my son was telling me that many US kids did not do well in school because of too much TV, and that my son did not watch TV. I smiled and said “je laisse mes enfants regarder la télé pour apprendre l’Anglais.”
Your readers seem to be confused with the agreement with “ON”. I think it depends on the context. “On est mal barrées” when referring to Michèle-France and you is as much grammatically correct as “on s’est mariés” for “we got married”.
Your readers seem to be confused with the agreement with “ON”. I think it depends on the context. “On est mal barrées” when referring to Michèle-France and you is as much grammatically correct as “on s’est mariés” for “we got married”.
Your reference to Le Mas reminded me of arriving at one ‘toute seule’ and feeling dreadful after the 23hr flight and a bout of bronchitis. I was so grateful for the 18 inch stone walls that muffled my coughing! I was definitely “mal barrée” and could have done with une belle mère surtout quand le méchant loup est arrivé quelques jours plus tard!
Thanks for a lovely story.
Your reference to Le Mas reminded me of arriving at one ‘toute seule’ and feeling dreadful after the 23hr flight and a bout of bronchitis. I was so grateful for the 18 inch stone walls that muffled my coughing! I was definitely “mal barrée” and could have done with une belle mère surtout quand le méchant loup est arrivé quelques jours plus tard!
Thanks for a lovely story.
Bless you for this sweet and heart-touching story. Leads me to believe you have all the protection you need.
Bless you for this sweet and heart-touching story. Leads me to believe you have all the protection you need.