Still pinching images from Google image search (I promise I took these!) after my computer crashed one week ago (typing this post on my son's PC)…. This photo was snapped in St. Tropez. Its artist theme fits with today's story of the "tree artists" (or pirates, rather…). Read on, in today's column.
chaparder (sha-par-day)
to pinch, to lift, to steal
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Pirates of the Olive Plantation
For the next week or two there will be a modest camping-car parked in the driveway below our house. This is part of Jean-Marc's solution to our tree-pruning dilemma: hire a specialized team to tackle the project in one intensive fortnight!
Like this we have insta-neighbors—though we don't see them or hear them very much. Tanguy* and Thomas, who arrived Friday from the Gard region, will spend their days cutting back the enormous oliviers that have graced this land for centuries.
It would be fun to imagine the two tree-trimmers as Edward Scissorhand's distant French cousins, but the truth is they look more like pirates than gothic gardeners. (There's a definite Johnny Depp connection. It must be the rock ‘n’ roll demeanor they share. It's that giant silver hoop, or créole, that Tanguy sports or that bad boy air that surrounds Thomas, who, with une clope dangling from his lazy smile, easily perpetuates the myth that cigarettes are seductive.)
I knew a little bit about Tanguy before he came to live here for this short séjour. His partner, Aurélie, has helped at all our grape harvests. I had a hunch that Tanguy might know a lot about how to forage wild plants, as Aurélie does, so I asked him to help me identify some pissenlit (or confirm it was indeed dandelion) that I was hoping to use in the kitchen. That is when I learned that Thomas, Tanguy's friend and co-pirate, knew a thing or two about les plantes sauvages. At the picnic table, yesterday, a sleeveless Thomas reached down and snapped up an herb with lance-shaped leaves, declaring it plantain.
Thomas handed me the wild specimen, which I could use to compare against other wild plants—eventually adding it to my knowledge base. I am hoping to have a certain understanding of the comestible plants on our property ("certain" being the key word. I want to be sure the plants I am picking are mangeable and not poisonous as they are destined for soups, salads, and juices).
Changing the subject, so as not to take up Tanguy and Thomas's lunch break, I said:
"By the way, that would have been a great photo of you two in the olive trees this morning!" I was remembering the image of Tanguy and Thomas, each on a different branch high above the ground which is graced here and there by wild orchids this time of year.
Tanguy laughed. "You aren't the only one to think so!" he admitted, telling me how he and Thomas seemed to be stopping the traffic that normally cruised by the great olive field.
More than a sight to behold, the tree-trimmers were surrounded by some very attractive commodities: the centuries-old branches that were piling up on the ground beneath them.
"One grand-mère pulled over, hiked up her skirt, and climbed onto the olive grove," Tanguy explained. "She plucked up a couple of olive branches, saying they'd make great gifts (an olive branch symbolizes peace—what better offering than this?).
"Another guy pulled over and snapped up an armful of leafy cuttings. 'For my sheep,' he explained." (I wondered if the punk rock sheepherder was back? Was this whom Tanguy saw stealing away with the olive branches?)
Tanguy shook his head, smiling. "I let him take what he wanted. Sheep love to eat olive branches!"
(Come to think of it, that was true! I remembered the transhumance that took place on our land last month—and how the sheep stood on hind legs to reach the olive branches!)
I listened to stories of the other motorists-turned-thieves. What funny images it all painted in my mind. It was amusing, too, to think that Tanguy and Thomas weren't the only ones to share a pirate's likeness—apparently half our neighborhood did too!
I pictured Tanguy and Thomas dangling high up in the olive tree (or ship mast…) as a host of unlikely pirates landed on the orchid spotted deck below, before disappearing with the leafy loot.
***
Here I have to smile at the colorful French definition of today's word:
chaparder: dérober de modestes objets (to steal objects of modest value). True, the branches weren't worth much, but many an unsuspecting thief found value in those discarded tree limbs, and yo-ho-ho! away they rode.
*Learn all about the cool name "Tanguy"–click here and scroll down to the story column. We met Tanguy via his partner, Aurélie. I wrote a poem about her here: "…Heroines with hot peppers in their hearts, they sizzle with mystery and soul." Read the story-poem "Bohème" – click here.
French Vocabulary
un camping-car = camper van, RV
un olivier = olive tree
une créole = large hoop earring
une clope = cigarette
un séjour = a stay
le pissenlit = dandelion
la plante sauvage = wild plant
le plantain = known as ribleaf, lamb's tongue and other names
mangeable = edible
127 things to do in Paris: click here to read the latest reader-submitted tips!
The gnarled and noble trunks of the olives trees that Tanguy and Thomas are pruning this week.
Pronounce It Perfectly in French - with exercises in sound discrimination and accurate sound creation. Order your copy here.
Always leave on a sunny note–something I sometimes forget, especially when taking for granted the daily comings and goings of family. Speaking of sunny, have you planted sunflowers seeds yet? If you don't have a big yard, where else could you plant one? Ever seen one of those cool sunflower houses–where you dig a square trench and plant seeds all around – leaving space for the "front door" door? When they are grown you can connect the tops! To comment on any item in this post, click here, and thank you for forwarding this letter to a friend.
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Plantain? Does that mean you’ll be harvesting small, green, banana-like things this summer?
I’ve never heard of a sunflower house before, but I love it! Now I want to make one. Umm … grow one. Grow one and then make one.
Plantain? Does that mean you’ll be harvesting small, green, banana-like things this summer?
I’ve never heard of a sunflower house before, but I love it! Now I want to make one. Umm … grow one. Grow one and then make one.
Hi Kristin,
I would like to know more about the sunflower house too! I love the photo of the house with the olive trees. Do the sheep cut the grass or does JM or Max?
Hi Kristin,
I would like to know more about the sunflower house too! I love the photo of the house with the olive trees. Do the sheep cut the grass or does JM or Max?
Good morning Kristin,
On CBS News morning show, just now, they announced a study that a daily dose of aspirin prevents skin cancer in women. The study was done by Oxford University and USC. Please check their website for more information. (I will read todays post later.)
Good morning Kristin,
On CBS News morning show, just now, they announced a study that a daily dose of aspirin prevents skin cancer in women. The study was done by Oxford University and USC. Please check their website for more information. (I will read todays post later.)
Bruce, no, but wouldnt it be great if they were real bananas!
Eileen, the sheep could mow the grass (too uneven for the lawn mower) Now to find the sheep…
Sharon, that is good news! Thanks
Bruce, no, but wouldnt it be great if they were real bananas!
Eileen, the sheep could mow the grass (too uneven for the lawn mower) Now to find the sheep…
Sharon, that is good news! Thanks
Hi Honey – could you please call me, feel like talking about Heidi.
XOXO
MOM
P.S. I LOVE this story – please take some photo’s and video’s of your two new pirates…
Hi Honey – could you please call me, feel like talking about Heidi.
XOXO
MOM
P.S. I LOVE this story – please take some photo’s and video’s of your two new pirates…
Salut Kristin,
Olive trees love the desert climate around Phoenix and it is interesting to see the sculpturing that’s done on them. I love the character of those old weathered trunks. You’ll have to show pictures of the end result.
Both the French and the American names for dandelion have interesting derivations. Apparently the English word comes from a corrupt form of “dent de lion”, French for lion’s tooth, and refers to the shape of the leaves. The French word comes from what a person might do in their bed because of the diuretic qualities of the leaves. So not too much in the salad!
À la prochaine
Salut Kristin,
Olive trees love the desert climate around Phoenix and it is interesting to see the sculpturing that’s done on them. I love the character of those old weathered trunks. You’ll have to show pictures of the end result.
Both the French and the American names for dandelion have interesting derivations. Apparently the English word comes from a corrupt form of “dent de lion”, French for lion’s tooth, and refers to the shape of the leaves. The French word comes from what a person might do in their bed because of the diuretic qualities of the leaves. So not too much in the salad!
À la prochaine
I’ve just realised that growing up in Arizona you would not be familiar with these so very common weeds. At home here in England we would have great fun as kids . We really believed that if you picked a dandelion you would wet the bed so would try to trick each other ,and you can blow the seed heads to find out the time. plantain were used on our dolls plates as vegetables . Happy memories !
I’ve just realised that growing up in Arizona you would not be familiar with these so very common weeds. At home here in England we would have great fun as kids . We really believed that if you picked a dandelion you would wet the bed so would try to trick each other ,and you can blow the seed heads to find out the time. plantain were used on our dolls plates as vegetables . Happy memories !
Yes, really hoping you will have photos of the pirates up the olive trees once your computer comes back to life. Or is it time for a new one?
Yes, really hoping you will have photos of the pirates up the olive trees once your computer comes back to life. Or is it time for a new one?
Kristin, thanks for sharing the photos of those olive trees .. any idea how old they are? What nice sentinels to have on your property. And Congratulations !!! I don’t know if anyone else has noticed, but your readership passed the 40,000 mark! That is an incredible accomplishment. I’m happy to get two or three comments on my blog! 🙂 Congratulations Kristin .. your writing and your “self” are both deserving! Aloha, Bill
Kristin, thanks for sharing the photos of those olive trees .. any idea how old they are? What nice sentinels to have on your property. And Congratulations !!! I don’t know if anyone else has noticed, but your readership passed the 40,000 mark! That is an incredible accomplishment. I’m happy to get two or three comments on my blog! 🙂 Congratulations Kristin .. your writing and your “self” are both deserving! Aloha, Bill
Photos of the pirates, please. 🙂
Photos of the pirates, please. 🙂
Thank you, Bill F.! How often do you post to your blog Kaui to Paris? I have heard that it is good to post at least once per week, but that two or three times per weeks could be even better. Aloha.
Thank you, Bill F.! How often do you post to your blog Kaui to Paris? I have heard that it is good to post at least once per week, but that two or three times per weeks could be even better. Aloha.
The story of people helping themselves to various items reminded me of my great-grandfather, born in Rouffach, Alsace. He eventually came to California where he had an orchard as well as a winery. He alway said that he was happy for anyone to pick the fruit from his trees that they could easily reach, and would eat then and there.
The story of people helping themselves to various items reminded me of my great-grandfather, born in Rouffach, Alsace. He eventually came to California where he had an orchard as well as a winery. He alway said that he was happy for anyone to pick the fruit from his trees that they could easily reach, and would eat then and there.
I’ve become more prolific lately, but it has come slowly. The real estate business in Kauai is a time demanding effort (that I love) and I’ve just begun to discipline myself to create the habit of sitting down to my blog. It is becoming more of a driving force every day. Once every 4 days seems to work for me when I’m “hitting on all 8 cylinders”. Following you all these years has certainly been an inspiration for continuing. Congratulations again .. what an incredible accomplishment!
I’ve become more prolific lately, but it has come slowly. The real estate business in Kauai is a time demanding effort (that I love) and I’ve just begun to discipline myself to create the habit of sitting down to my blog. It is becoming more of a driving force every day. Once every 4 days seems to work for me when I’m “hitting on all 8 cylinders”. Following you all these years has certainly been an inspiration for continuing. Congratulations again .. what an incredible accomplishment!
For anyone interested … I’m also aware one needs to be very specific in their blog content (which I’m not) in order to gather a following. This, I believe, is one of the many reasons you (Kristin) have become so successful.
For anyone interested … I’m also aware one needs to be very specific in their blog content (which I’m not) in order to gather a following. This, I believe, is one of the many reasons you (Kristin) have become so successful.
I’m curious and hope that you kept some branches for your fireplace!!!!! Let them dry; they make wonderful fires for barbeques, like the vignes. And did you know that you have most likely enormous amounts of salad on your property called Miner’s Lettuce or purslane–sells for 5 euro a bunch in Paris…tiny white flowers make a salad sing.
I’m curious and hope that you kept some branches for your fireplace!!!!! Let them dry; they make wonderful fires for barbeques, like the vignes. And did you know that you have most likely enormous amounts of salad on your property called Miner’s Lettuce or purslane–sells for 5 euro a bunch in Paris…tiny white flowers make a salad sing.
I’ve learned something new once again on your blog. I only knew about the plantain bananas which are a favorite of mine. How could I spend all of those years in Coconut Grove, Florida and not become a fan? I did a quick search and found that the plantain plant you mentioned is called Snake Weed in the U.S. The article said it could possibly be used for rattlesnake bite. In our Alabama area, rattlesnakes are prevalent. In fact, our hometown Opp,Alabama has the Rattlesnake Rodeo this month. Considering how much snakes scare me, I don’t know if I will be there or not. If so, maybe I should take a bouquet of Snake Weed! Enjoyed the post,as always.
I’ve learned something new once again on your blog. I only knew about the plantain bananas which are a favorite of mine. How could I spend all of those years in Coconut Grove, Florida and not become a fan? I did a quick search and found that the plantain plant you mentioned is called Snake Weed in the U.S. The article said it could possibly be used for rattlesnake bite. In our Alabama area, rattlesnakes are prevalent. In fact, our hometown Opp,Alabama has the Rattlesnake Rodeo this month. Considering how much snakes scare me, I don’t know if I will be there or not. If so, maybe I should take a bouquet of Snake Weed! Enjoyed the post,as always.
Bill F., that is true. Having a specific topic, like language or cooking or design — or poetry (I am thinking of Herm, of course!) helps. I remember how my stories floundered in cyberspace… Until I attached them to words or words of the day.
Suzanne, thanks for a great tip! I will hunt for the minors lettuce. It seems easy to identify, according to these google images http://www.google.fr/search?q=miners+lettucehl=frclient=safarisource=lnmstbm=ischsa=Xei=eho-Ue-OMYWS7Ab0-IHQDwved=0CAkQ_AUoAQbiw=1024bih=690
Bill F., that is true. Having a specific topic, like language or cooking or design — or poetry (I am thinking of Herm, of course!) helps. I remember how my stories floundered in cyberspace… Until I attached them to words or words of the day.
Suzanne, thanks for a great tip! I will hunt for the minors lettuce. It seems easy to identify, according to these google images http://www.google.fr/search?q=miners+lettucehl=frclient=safarisource=lnmstbm=ischsa=Xei=eho-Ue-OMYWS7Ab0-IHQDwved=0CAkQ_AUoAQbiw=1024bih=690
Are the audio files going to be available again? I look forward to the French Word-A-jour to work on my French. I always recommend this websit to my French Clients so they can update their French. I wish the French Vocabulary was on the Audio Files.
Thank you
Are the audio files going to be available again? I look forward to the French Word-A-jour to work on my French. I always recommend this websit to my French Clients so they can update their French. I wish the French Vocabulary was on the Audio Files.
Thank you
Debbie Ambrous .. I’m sitting here having a silent chuckle over your Rattlesnake Rodeo. The visions conjured up in my mind of bronc busting, bull riding Rattlers will probably hang with me a good part of the day! Not to mention the Cool Cowboy Snake, leaning on a dilapidated wooden building with a ten gallon hat and a fresh rolled cigarette hanging out the side of his mouth. 🙂
Debbie Ambrous .. I’m sitting here having a silent chuckle over your Rattlesnake Rodeo. The visions conjured up in my mind of bronc busting, bull riding Rattlers will probably hang with me a good part of the day! Not to mention the Cool Cowboy Snake, leaning on a dilapidated wooden building with a ten gallon hat and a fresh rolled cigarette hanging out the side of his mouth. 🙂
Hi Allen, yes, the sound files will be back when my computer is back – I am on my sons PC, meantime. Many thanks for recommending my this site to your clients!
Hi Allen, yes, the sound files will be back when my computer is back – I am on my sons PC, meantime. Many thanks for recommending my this site to your clients!
Kristen, your sunflower photos remind me so much of northeast Kansas, where I am forever searching for parallels with France.
We also have our own version of Tanguy and Thomas. Ron, a scrappy little guy, who
can singlehandedly take down a 30 foot tree in less than 15 minutes. He just did that for us!
I have found what might be a kindred spirit for you…and many parallels as well…
http://krisgrinter.blogspot.com/
I love Kansas but often wish we were back
in France!
Kristen, your sunflower photos remind me so much of northeast Kansas, where I am forever searching for parallels with France.
We also have our own version of Tanguy and Thomas. Ron, a scrappy little guy, who
can singlehandedly take down a 30 foot tree in less than 15 minutes. He just did that for us!
I have found what might be a kindred spirit for you…and many parallels as well…
http://krisgrinter.blogspot.com/
I love Kansas but often wish we were back
in France!
I couldn’t find an explanation for the * that follows Tanguy’s name in the second paragraph of today’s story. Did I miss something that might explain it? Is he simply a tan guy?
I couldn’t find an explanation for the * that follows Tanguy’s name in the second paragraph of today’s story. Did I miss something that might explain it? Is he simply a tan guy?
Kristen,
Would you be so kind as to specify which of the vocabulary words you offer are “argo”. I have had difficulty finding some in my French common usage dictionary and have even asked several of my French friends and also members of my French speaking group if they have heard of words such as “meli melo’ and “clope”. None have.
I was told we borrowed the word for cigarette from French (une cigarette), so why should one use a slang word?
Thanks
Kristen,
Would you be so kind as to specify which of the vocabulary words you offer are “argo”. I have had difficulty finding some in my French common usage dictionary and have even asked several of my French friends and also members of my French speaking group if they have heard of words such as “meli melo’ and “clope”. None have.
I was told we borrowed the word for cigarette from French (une cigarette), so why should one use a slang word?
Thanks
Are the plantains or lamb’s tongues the same as mache? I love it with avocados goat cheese, roasted pine nuts and a vinegarette.
Every year my sister and I have a contest to see who can grow the biggest sunflowers. She always wins because it is hotter out in the valley and I am near the ocean. But maybe this year if I start now and give it lots of food and maybe a sun lamp during the foggy days….maybe this year!
Are the plantains or lamb’s tongues the same as mache? I love it with avocados goat cheese, roasted pine nuts and a vinegarette.
Every year my sister and I have a contest to see who can grow the biggest sunflowers. She always wins because it is hotter out in the valley and I am near the ocean. But maybe this year if I start now and give it lots of food and maybe a sun lamp during the foggy days….maybe this year!
Dear Kristen,
I spent this past Saturday up in my apple tree (on a ladder)doing the annual pruning. I should have done it in January, (on a sunny weekend day)but that didn’t happen this year.
This morning was our food co-op delivery. I am now the proud owner of nine pounds of raw organic hulled unsalted sunflower seeds. We will be well stocked for quite a while. I use them in my bread and in our homemade granola.
It is currently 2° and raining in Beautiful Joliet.
Dear Kristen,
I spent this past Saturday up in my apple tree (on a ladder)doing the annual pruning. I should have done it in January, (on a sunny weekend day)but that didn’t happen this year.
This morning was our food co-op delivery. I am now the proud owner of nine pounds of raw organic hulled unsalted sunflower seeds. We will be well stocked for quite a while. I use them in my bread and in our homemade granola.
It is currently 2° and raining in Beautiful Joliet.