A scooter in St. Tropez. Look closely at the sagging object my husband is carrying. Meet Mr. Sacks, Jean-Marc's lovable sidekick. The photos in the following story were taken over the years….
Today's Word: la sacoche (sah-kohsh)
: handbag, saddlebag, purse, bag
from the Italian saccoccia, or "little pocket"
la sacoche en cuir = leather bag
la sacoche d'écolier = school bag
la sacoche à outils = tool bag
une soirée de sacoches (Canadian expression) = girls' night out, evening with girlfriends
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Ode to Mr. Sacks
I couldn't believe my ears when Jean-Marc, packing for his business trip, mentioned: "I'm not taking my sacoche with me."
Vraiment? My husband might as well have decided to leave an appendage behind–son bras droit, for example, the one he uses to lift his wine glass. That is how vital his trusty, takes-with-him everywhere sacoche is to him.
What with increasing restrictions for carry-on and check-in, Jean-Marc's dear sidekick, Mr. Sacks, is the latest victime of airline cutbacks!
Poor Mr. Sacks! I've never felt sorry for the old bag before. Mostly, I've felt envious. Mr. Sacks is the one who goes on all the business trips with my husband. Mr. Sacks goes to all the local wine tastings while I sit at home guzzling tap water.
Mr Sacks in Paris… the one on the left. (Make no mistake, the other bags mean nothing to Jean-Marc!)
Mr. Sacks in Ventimille, Italy, watching locals play boules, or pétanque.
I do pity, Mr. Sacks, now that his saggy little body is pouting in the corner of my husband's office. This is the first time in his 12-year-old life that he's collected dust. Normally he's on the go….
Mr. Sacks cruising the island of Cres, in Croatia. Just kidding, Jean-Marc would never put Mr. Sacks in this predicament (water). This brings me to the next point…
Regularly I am asked to hold on to Mr. Sacks while my husband sprints off to use a public restroom or when (as pictured above) he is practicing a sport. "Tu peux prendre ma sacoche?" He asks. And I always grumble, not wanting to hold the heavy "third wheel". Apart from tractor wrenches, he even keeps wine bottles (for his tastings) in there…
Mr. Sacks (on the floor, next to the bucket spittoon)
Some refer to Mr. Sacks as a "man purse". That always makes me snicker. Hahahahahaha! Man Bag!!! Sac Homme! I point at Mr. Sacks. But Mr. Sacks isn't laughing…
Me, babysitting Mr. Sacks in Malta in 2017. Jean-Marc purchased the leather bag in une maroquinerie in Draguignan, years and years ago. It was love at first sight.
Jean-Marc's got that guilty look on his face. He's always holding hands with Mr. Sacks instead of with me–and he knows it! While others worry about the other woman, I have to worry about the old bag!
Mr. Sacks is with him on bad hair days…
And on good hair days… at the beach in Sainte-Maxime.
And especially on family days!
Visiting the healing waters at Lourdes. Can you spot Mr. Sacks?
Mr. Sacks in Burgundy… with the winemakers…
But old Mr. Sacks, as you can see, is beginning to sag. I worry that items inside him will begin to fly out of his slouching pockets. I especially worry that money will fall out. For this reason, I sometimes follow close in Jean-Marc's wake as he goes about his errands. I am stumbling along behind him swatting my arms back and forth prepared to catch those banknotes that might come flying out of that sagging bag.
Mr. Sacks is coming apart at the seams, which just goes to show even sacks have middle-age crisis.
Over the years I've tried to get Jean-Marc to consider buying a new bag. Nothin' doin'! "But it's a hazard," I argue (a financial hazard at that! Just think if money really were flying out of that bag).
"I'm keeping my bag!" my husband always argues back.
A couple of weeks ago Jean-Marc announced with an ear-to-ear grin: Je l'ai fait réparer, mon sac. He had brought Mr. Sacks to the leather mender's, in town. The guy did a wonderful job, Jean-Marc told me, adding that the man was nearly 90 years old.
Any ill will or harsh feelings I may have felt regarding Mr. Sacks flew out of the picture (as those bank notes might have…). My heart smiled thinking of the wrinkled man sewing the wrinkled bag, one soul giving life back to the other, each content to be of service for as long as they were needed or wanted.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
vraiment = really
le bras = arm
droit = right
tu peux prendre ma sacoche = can you take my bag?
la maroquinerie = purse, bag, and luggage shop
le sac homme = man purse
je l'ai fait réparer = I had it fixed
mon sac = my purse
Oh dear. Here is Mr. Sacks on the little island of Porquerolles, with Jean-Marc and his formidable mop-spear. I hope you read about this confection–Jean-Marc was very proud of it–in the chapter "Lance".
Mr. Sacks in Caltagirone, Sicily… can't you see him sniffing the pretty flowers? Voilà, for this edition. If you feel like one more story, read about the time I found a heart-stopping message inside of Mr. Sacks.
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Mr sac is a bit lost without it on its US wine tour. This sacoche has crossed the States a dozen times… But what I miss even more is my lovely wife who gets more and more beautiful with time.
Mr sac is a bit lost without it on its US wine tour. This sacoche has crossed the States a dozen times… But what I miss even more is my lovely wife who gets more and more beautiful with time.
That has got to be one of the best stories to date!
It points to the fact that it is the small ( often unnoticeable) objects in our lives that go unmentioned or unnoticed. When in actuality they play a large roll in our day-to-day lives!
That has got to be one of the best stories to date!
It points to the fact that it is the small ( often unnoticeable) objects in our lives that go unmentioned or unnoticed. When in actuality they play a large roll in our day-to-day lives!
So happy to read your responses. Mom encouraged me to take a ditch day today because my mind is a little worn out. I am glad I did not do a rerun or Mr Sacks would not have had his day!)
Bruce, the photo of JM and the kids was taken in Lourdes. There is even a story, if you have a chance… http://french-word-a-day.typepad.com/motdujour/2008/08/bapteme.html
So happy to read your responses. Mom encouraged me to take a ditch day today because my mind is a little worn out. I am glad I did not do a rerun or Mr Sacks would not have had his day!)
Bruce, the photo of JM and the kids was taken in Lourdes. There is even a story, if you have a chance… http://french-word-a-day.typepad.com/motdujour/2008/08/bapteme.html
That was so great. I understand his love affair. But I have a Mme. Sacks also in the form of a leather back pack that has been to Europe 3 times, is stained with wine, and has been to the leather doctor. Mine only goes out on special occasions these days. Jean-Marc’s is only 12 years old and mine…..well, probably about 35!
That was so great. I understand his love affair. But I have a Mme. Sacks also in the form of a leather back pack that has been to Europe 3 times, is stained with wine, and has been to the leather doctor. Mine only goes out on special occasions these days. Jean-Marc’s is only 12 years old and mine…..well, probably about 35!
Loved todays post and the pictures. We humans are so interesting – I have a bag I refuse to get rid of – purchased in the 1980’s, brown leather bucket bag. It only gets used a few months a year. There is just something comfortable about it – totally understand JM keeping his bag and glad to know others hang on to sentimental and useful things. Have a great weekend.
Loved todays post and the pictures. We humans are so interesting – I have a bag I refuse to get rid of – purchased in the 1980’s, brown leather bucket bag. It only gets used a few months a year. There is just something comfortable about it – totally understand JM keeping his bag and glad to know others hang on to sentimental and useful things. Have a great weekend.
Looking forward to seeing JM in Seattle next Friday but are disappointed that M. Sacks has stayed at home. Our return to France this year is at the end of May, returning home mid-October. We hope to get south at some point and will let you know when we do.
Looking forward to seeing JM in Seattle next Friday but are disappointed that M. Sacks has stayed at home. Our return to France this year is at the end of May, returning home mid-October. We hope to get south at some point and will let you know when we do.
Kristi this was an especially endearing post, and the accompanying photos really enhanced the text. JM reminds me of my husband, Gordon, in his refusal to be parted with an ‘old friend’, no matter its battered state. In Gordon’s case, though, it’s often a pair of shoes!
Kristi this was an especially endearing post, and the accompanying photos really enhanced the text. JM reminds me of my husband, Gordon, in his refusal to be parted with an ‘old friend’, no matter its battered state. In Gordon’s case, though, it’s often a pair of shoes!
A wonderful tribute to Mr. Sacks…I’m still smiling!
A wonderful tribute to Mr. Sacks…I’m still smiling!
You’ve given me smiles this morning, with your words and your pictures! Thank you, Kristi!
You’ve given me smiles this morning, with your words and your pictures! Thank you, Kristi!
As usual, Kristi, thoroughly delightful story. I’ve heard it called a “murse” as in “man-purse.”
As usual, Kristi, thoroughly delightful story. I’ve heard it called a “murse” as in “man-purse.”
What a wonderful story about “Mr Sacks!” I have been following your blog for some time here in the Southern California desert. None of “chief grape” wine here but enjoy your writing!
Richard
What a wonderful story about “Mr Sacks!” I have been following your blog for some time here in the Southern California desert. None of “chief grape” wine here but enjoy your writing!
Richard
Delightful post! Yay…and meeting a happy ending at the repair expert. A reward well earned after safely containing contents in all those travels. As a seamstress I can relate to saving treasured textiles and accessories for people. Thanks for sharing the photos so cleverly captioned. Reminding me how much I appreciate my bags everytime I leave the house.
Delightful post! Yay…and meeting a happy ending at the repair expert. A reward well earned after safely containing contents in all those travels. As a seamstress I can relate to saving treasured textiles and accessories for people. Thanks for sharing the photos so cleverly captioned. Reminding me how much I appreciate my bags everytime I leave the house.
I can’t believe you had so many photos of him with his bag!!!
I can’t believe you had so many photos of him with his bag!!!
Please let me join in with everybody else: the cutest most adorable story ever! It put a smile on my face. Merci!
Please let me join in with everybody else: the cutest most adorable story ever! It put a smile on my face. Merci!
I can totally relate to this story, Kristin. I have my own Mr. Sacs. Darlene surprised me with an identical sac two years ago because this one was already in a disheveled state at that time. Two years later, the new sac still sits in my office closet. I just can’t let go of my trusty companion, no matter what the appearance. It is an integral part of my day to day existence … familiar, comfortable, and functional. I think somehow it is also a badge of pride, displaying for all to see that we are “seasoned”, capable, and “all grown up”. Aloha!
I can totally relate to this story, Kristin. I have my own Mr. Sacs. Darlene surprised me with an identical sac two years ago because this one was already in a disheveled state at that time. Two years later, the new sac still sits in my office closet. I just can’t let go of my trusty companion, no matter what the appearance. It is an integral part of my day to day existence … familiar, comfortable, and functional. I think somehow it is also a badge of pride, displaying for all to see that we are “seasoned”, capable, and “all grown up”. Aloha!
Hello dear! I am in a hurry, preparing to fly out the door to see Mr. Chiropractor. Just wished to say I am so glad I took the time to lift my spirits with this witty and sweet ode to Mr. Sacks. The photos were fun and my heart swooned over the last line.
Hello dear! I am in a hurry, preparing to fly out the door to see Mr. Chiropractor. Just wished to say I am so glad I took the time to lift my spirits with this witty and sweet ode to Mr. Sacks. The photos were fun and my heart swooned over the last line.
Just saw Jean-Marcs note. Awwww! (Awwww!) But I think he thinks he has been renamed from Chief Grape to Mr Sack… That is what I get for finally naming Mr Sack who, all these years has gone by Mon Sacoche: Tu as vu mon sacoche? Il est ou mon sacoche? Zut, Jai laissé mon sacoche au restaurant! Tu peux prendre mon sacoche?
Just saw Jean-Marcs note. Awwww! (Awwww!) But I think he thinks he has been renamed from Chief Grape to Mr Sack… That is what I get for finally naming Mr Sack who, all these years has gone by Mon Sacoche: Tu as vu mon sacoche? Il est ou mon sacoche? Zut, Jai laissé mon sacoche au restaurant! Tu peux prendre mon sacoche?
Mr. Sacks reminds me of the bookbags I carried as a girl, growing up in the 50’s, though mine were made of canvas, not leather. I thought them much more useful than the backpacks of today. Alas, a leather bag is a drawback when flying today, with so many rules in place in regards to weight. Loved the story, and on Jean Marc it definitely does not look like a purse 🙂
Sandy
Mr. Sacks reminds me of the bookbags I carried as a girl, growing up in the 50’s, though mine were made of canvas, not leather. I thought them much more useful than the backpacks of today. Alas, a leather bag is a drawback when flying today, with so many rules in place in regards to weight. Loved the story, and on Jean Marc it definitely does not look like a purse 🙂
Sandy
Trop mignon, Madame Kristen! Merci pour les rires 🙂
Virginia
Los Angeles
Trop mignon, Madame Kristen! Merci pour les rires 🙂
Virginia
Los Angeles
Our dear Kristi,
There just could NOT be a more happy way to begin the weekend than with today’s WONDERFUL blog and pictures!
Once again you gave all of us something we can (with smiles) relate to! (My hubby still carries the briefcase I got him for Christmas in 1978; it does NOT have a name–the briefcase,not hubby LOL–and definitely needs a facelift!)
Your writing is such a gift and we are so privileged to be part of your life!
THANK YOU!
LOve, Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
There just could NOT be a more happy way to begin the weekend than with today’s WONDERFUL blog and pictures!
Once again you gave all of us something we can (with smiles) relate to! (My hubby still carries the briefcase I got him for Christmas in 1978; it does NOT have a name–the briefcase,not hubby LOL–and definitely needs a facelift!)
Your writing is such a gift and we are so privileged to be part of your life!
THANK YOU!
LOve, Natalia XO
Delightful story and wonderful photos aussi. Bravo!
Delightful story and wonderful photos aussi. Bravo!
Great story today. Had to go read the one about Lourdes, where I have been 4 times and wish I could go again. What does that T shirt say that Chief Grape is wearing that has a picture of George Bush on it? I can t read it.
Great story today. Had to go read the one about Lourdes, where I have been 4 times and wish I could go again. What does that T shirt say that Chief Grape is wearing that has a picture of George Bush on it? I can t read it.
Loved the story and the pictures. Jean-Marc exudes confidence and Mr. Sack deserves a renaissance every few years because he’s your husband’s closest buddy. Why is it that in Europe there are always flowers popping up from streets, window boxes, etc.? I so envy their love of nature and wish I had their gifts of imagination.
Loved the story and the pictures. Jean-Marc exudes confidence and Mr. Sack deserves a renaissance every few years because he’s your husband’s closest buddy. Why is it that in Europe there are always flowers popping up from streets, window boxes, etc.? I so envy their love of nature and wish I had their gifts of imagination.
Bet you’re glad you saved all those photos. A nice idea for your column.
Geary Arceneaux
Bet you’re glad you saved all those photos. A nice idea for your column.
Geary Arceneaux
Really enjoyed this tale – thanks for pulling it out of the air (or wherever you got it!)
Really enjoyed this tale – thanks for pulling it out of the air (or wherever you got it!)