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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`KRISTIN,
WHEN I READ THROUGH YOUR POSTING TODAY, IT BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES OF THE STORY AND PICTURES ABOUT THE HONEY COMBS.
A FORTUNATE FAMILY YOU ARE. JEAN-MARC GOES ABOUT DOING THE NECESSARY TASKS TO MAKE A SUCESS OF YOUR LABORS. HE IS NOT PRETENTIOUS. AS I PREVIOUSLY COMMENTED, HE SEES THE TASK AND DOES IT. YOUR STORY AND PICTURES ARE A SPECIAL TREASURE. THANKS FOR SHARING.
GUS ELISON
JACKSONVILLE,FL
`KRISTIN,
WHEN I READ THROUGH YOUR POSTING TODAY, IT BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES OF THE STORY AND PICTURES ABOUT THE HONEY COMBS.
A FORTUNATE FAMILY YOU ARE. JEAN-MARC GOES ABOUT DOING THE NECESSARY TASKS TO MAKE A SUCESS OF YOUR LABORS. HE IS NOT PRETENTIOUS. AS I PREVIOUSLY COMMENTED, HE SEES THE TASK AND DOES IT. YOUR STORY AND PICTURES ARE A SPECIAL TREASURE. THANKS FOR SHARING.
GUS ELISON
JACKSONVILLE,FL
Hilarious!
Hilarious!
Kristin,
You’re powerful in working in feelings, emotions, and touching endings such as today’s: “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.”
A post or two ago I wanted to make two spelling or usage suggestions, but didn’t get to it then, so here goes now:
“Fazed me, him,” etc. NOT ” phased me, her” etc. The two homonyms have distinct meanings.
Same thing with “sight seeing” NOT “site seeing.” Views vs. locations.
Thanks for all your “light up my life” posts, one after another.
Kristin,
You’re powerful in working in feelings, emotions, and touching endings such as today’s: “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.”
A post or two ago I wanted to make two spelling or usage suggestions, but didn’t get to it then, so here goes now:
“Fazed me, him,” etc. NOT ” phased me, her” etc. The two homonyms have distinct meanings.
Same thing with “sight seeing” NOT “site seeing.” Views vs. locations.
Thanks for all your “light up my life” posts, one after another.
Never come between a man and his purse!
This is a wonderful post. Thank you.
Never come between a man and his purse!
This is a wonderful post. Thank you.
That is so sweet of Jean Marc comment about you lovely wife.
I love, love well worn leather bags and usually tell close friends not to discard their old leather purses or wallets I will take them. They have much more character when they are well used and recycle instead of buying new is the way to go!!
xoxo
That is so sweet of Jean Marc comment about you lovely wife.
I love, love well worn leather bags and usually tell close friends not to discard their old leather purses or wallets I will take them. They have much more character when they are well used and recycle instead of buying new is the way to go!!
xoxo
Loved your story about Jean-Marc and Mr. Sacks. And really loved Mr. Sac’s response.
Hope to be able to check out your new location on our annual trip to Provence this September even though there will be no vendange for a few more years.
Loved your story about Jean-Marc and Mr. Sacks. And really loved Mr. Sac’s response.
Hope to be able to check out your new location on our annual trip to Provence this September even though there will be no vendange for a few more years.
This was two-for-one today. The story of the sacoche is great.
Then I linked to read the story of your trip to Lourdes, which was posted before I found your blog. That is a very touching story indeed. The moment of splashing the water on your husband and him returning the favor, you captured such a moment of connection so well in words.
There is nothing like like a good leather bag to carry all the things needed for life. I understand that appeal.
This was two-for-one today. The story of the sacoche is great.
Then I linked to read the story of your trip to Lourdes, which was posted before I found your blog. That is a very touching story indeed. The moment of splashing the water on your husband and him returning the favor, you captured such a moment of connection so well in words.
There is nothing like like a good leather bag to carry all the things needed for life. I understand that appeal.
Hilarious! What a great little story/day brightener.
Hilarious! What a great little story/day brightener.
It is a beautiful bag and I’m glad he got it fixed.
It is a beautiful bag and I’m glad he got it fixed.
What a sweet story! Merci!
evie robillard
What a sweet story! Merci!
evie robillard
Loved every bit of today’s post, the photos, the progression, the story! Love between you and JM (and the special connection to Mr. Sacks) oozes out through the lines.
Loved every bit of today’s post, the photos, the progression, the story! Love between you and JM (and the special connection to Mr. Sacks) oozes out through the lines.
You know what “Mr. Sacks coming apart at the seams”(2nd to last photo) reminds me of? Smokey with his tongue to one side. Both may be a little worse for wear, but both are beloved and beautiful!
You know what “Mr. Sacks coming apart at the seams”(2nd to last photo) reminds me of? Smokey with his tongue to one side. Both may be a little worse for wear, but both are beloved and beautiful!
wonderful and humorous pics. a reader commented about t-shirts which leads to my question on topic: while JM carries his tired or new at that time, ‘sacoche’ what did his t-shirt say in small print about GWB? I hope it was not derogatory since Bush helped elavate the wine business in the U.S. which helps all vitners!
wonderful and humorous pics. a reader commented about t-shirts which leads to my question on topic: while JM carries his tired or new at that time, ‘sacoche’ what did his t-shirt say in small print about GWB? I hope it was not derogatory since Bush helped elavate the wine business in the U.S. which helps all vitners!
Le sacoche,vraiment une omni-ceinture, envie de Batman…les mysteres caches
Wells Edmundson
Le sacoche,vraiment une omni-ceinture, envie de Batman…les mysteres caches
Wells Edmundson
Your stories are always something I look forward to, but this one was exceptionally fine! Cause for me to to post my first ever rave review (though I am long overdue).
Your stories are always something I look forward to, but this one was exceptionally fine! Cause for me to to post my first ever rave review (though I am long overdue).
I was going to suggest that you have Mr Sacks repaired while he was at home with you & Jean Marc was away.
What a surprise that would have been…:)
Jean Marc beat you to it!
I was going to suggest that you have Mr Sacks repaired while he was at home with you & Jean Marc was away.
What a surprise that would have been…:)
Jean Marc beat you to it!
Love it!! And I cannot believe the number of photos you have taken. This charming essay in photos and words could almost be a small book in and of itself.
Love it!! And I cannot believe the number of photos you have taken. This charming essay in photos and words could almost be a small book in and of itself.
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Just think how many words you have expressed with your charming photos and words. I have fallen under your spell once again and thank you for this touching story. I hope all is going along smoothly during Jean-Marc’s absence. Bonne journée ,or rather, bon soir (your time).
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Just think how many words you have expressed with your charming photos and words. I have fallen under your spell once again and thank you for this touching story. I hope all is going along smoothly during Jean-Marc’s absence. Bonne journée ,or rather, bon soir (your time).
Hilarious! A lift when I read it. merci.
Hilarious! A lift when I read it. merci.
very cute missive chere Kristi!
very cute missive chere Kristi!
With the (“Wanted-George W. Bush) t-shirt , who looked at Mr. Sack? One of your funniest Kristen. My husband is gone now but I could write about “all those little things” that identified him forever, too.That’s what makes them special. And, you too, for noticing and loving every moment of him.
With the (“Wanted-George W. Bush) t-shirt , who looked at Mr. Sack? One of your funniest Kristen. My husband is gone now but I could write about “all those little things” that identified him forever, too.That’s what makes them special. And, you too, for noticing and loving every moment of him.
Wonderful posting and photos to skim through beforehand and to enjoy again after seeing Jean-Marc last night in St. Paul! Food, wine, and company were great as was also learning about the new ventures in Bandol. I was wondering if Mr. Sacks is getting a bit jealous of Mr. iPhone, Jean-Marc’s virtual briefcase? Although commenting rarely, I always appreciate your writing and photos: they make connections at so many levels and provide great insights into your and our private and public lives. Best wishes on your newest writing project.
Wonderful posting and photos to skim through beforehand and to enjoy again after seeing Jean-Marc last night in St. Paul! Food, wine, and company were great as was also learning about the new ventures in Bandol. I was wondering if Mr. Sacks is getting a bit jealous of Mr. iPhone, Jean-Marc’s virtual briefcase? Although commenting rarely, I always appreciate your writing and photos: they make connections at so many levels and provide great insights into your and our private and public lives. Best wishes on your newest writing project.
Lovely story. Thanks for sharing it. And you should be glad that your handsome husband carries a “sacoche” instead of wearing bright yellow pants!
Lovely story. Thanks for sharing it. And you should be glad that your handsome husband carries a “sacoche” instead of wearing bright yellow pants!
Delightful charming story. I smiled as I read and looked at all those handsome pictures of your husband with that “old bag”. 🙂 Thanks Kristi for your joie de vivre approach to writing. Blessings!
http://www.writemomentswithgod.blogspot.com
Delightful charming story. I smiled as I read and looked at all those handsome pictures of your husband with that “old bag”. 🙂 Thanks Kristi for your joie de vivre approach to writing. Blessings!
http://www.writemomentswithgod.blogspot.com
Thanks, that was fun!
Thanks, that was fun!