One of the dumbest things about moving to France is leaving your sister behind. Today, mine celebrates a birthday and I won't be there to take her picture as she blows out her candles. But with any luck she'll have received the funny postcard I sent which brings me to the theme of today's missive: mailboxes!
la boîte à lettres (bwat-ah-letr)
: mailbox, letter box
also boîte aux lettres
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Today is my sister's anniversaire de naissance and I'm looking for a way to surprise her. I went through my photo archives, searching for a picture of Heidi, when another idea came to mind: put today's letter in theme with all those beloved mailboxes that I have captured over the years.
For the care packages and heartwarming letters found inside, the mailbox is the perfect symbol of thoughtfulness, which is just one of my sister's many qualities—for more, read on….
When I moved to France I was lazy about keeping up with the holidays we loved to celebrate as kids. I didn't realize how meaningful some of them were to me until a package would arrive in the mail bursting with colorful heart candy and "Be My Valentine" cards—the ones we used to swap as kids after Mom bought them at Bashas or Walgreens or at Metrocenter mall.
For Easter, Heidi would send packages full of jellybeans, the bright colors and original flavors (peanut butter!) sent me right back to my American childhood, where my sister and I built forts and tree houses and castles in the sky… or at least imagined them from the top of the old shed where we ate our jellybeans while gazing at the clouds above us, dreaming about our enchanted futures.
(Jean-Marc made our beehive mailbox when he tended bees back at our vineyard)
When I finally made it to college (on probation) I began to have doubts as graduation approached. What could I do with a degree in French besides go on to grad school? Yes! I would go on to grad school, then to super grad school. A masters then a Ph.D!
On learning about my plans, my down-to-earth sister had a memorable pep talk with me: You can't make a career out of school!
Without Heidi's encouragement, I might still be writing my thesis instead of this "thrice-weekly" column from France, where I moved instead of into a graduate dorm (at Thunderbird School of Global Management… Not that I would have ever passed the entrance exam!)
Look at the French handwriting on the "no more bread today sign" in the baker's window. The pretty cursive reminds me of Heidi's neat penmanship, which is as unchanging she is. (You know what they say about lovely people: don't ever change!)
I once had the surreal experience of judging my own penmanship. When I say surreal, this is because I was in the unusual position of objectively seeing the writing. It happened one day when I noticed a card on my mom's nightstand and, reaching over to read it, I was struck by the untamed handwriting. The cursive leaned forward or backward–sometimes the letters were straight up and down. No two "e" were the same. The Y's had curly tails on one line, on the next they were uncurled.
"Whoever wrote this is a little flaky!" I remember thinking, dubious about Mom's latest admirer… when next my eyes fell on the signature. It was my own.
(I'm against handwriting analysis, as you can sympathize. Though I do believe my sister's handwriting–flowing, elegant, structured–happens to hint at her personality.)
Continuing on with the bits and pieces about our sistership, I will never forget our New York trip, around 2006. I was excited to meet with my first editor, at Simon and Schuster! My sister and a group of ladies met up with me to celebrate. I wanted to blog about our girls getaway, but I worried about privacy. Heidi is a private person, I told myself. She will not want me to post her photo or talk about her.
So I made up my mind to post about other parts of that NYC trip… and to this day my sister teases me: "Remember that time you went to NYC all by yourself? she snickers, referring to the fact that I did not post one photo of our girls group (and there were some FUN pics to be sure!)
Her light-hearted comment made me realize how I tend to assume that people are one way… when really they might be completely different! I thought I knew my sister through and through; instead, I continue to learn about her each time we spend time together.
What else did I want to tell you about my sister (no, that's not her there on the right), now that I know I can dish out the goods? Just kidding, Heidi! Your secret's safe with me. Not that you have many. If you did would you tell me? Of course you would! I'm your sister! (a blabbermouth no more. That was then. This is maintenant!)
…That brings me to French. Heidi spoke it first. (She took writing first, too.) That makes me a copycat, which is a little sister's birthright!
If mailboxes were people this one would be me. I think Heidi would agree. I may live in France and my life may seem glamorous but inside I'm still that potato-bellied little kid. I ate all the Dolly Madison's. I ate all the bologney sandwiches. I ate all the Pop Rocks. You did all the dishes after preparing the sandwiches and letting me have the last Hostess Cupcake. You still make sure everyone's got something to eat.
Second-to-last mailbox photo… time to bring this birthday tribute to a close…
Here is one of your biggest fans. Jean-Marc is always asking, "Have you talked to Heidi? How is Heidi? What's new with Heidi?" It's true. We all are fascinated by your life. That makes you a rock star (and we, the groupies).
… I was going to say "guppies" instead of groupies and I'm smiling now, thinking again about the good old days when I would catch guppies and you were the groupie (Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin). Remember when Mom burned your Stairway to Heaven album? Afraid we'd receive subliminal messages!
Sacré Mom. She did the best she could. Looking at you, I'd say she did an amazing job.
With lots of love, and wishes for a Happy Birthday. I love you, Heidi!
Kristi
French Vocabulary
un anniversaire de naissance = birthday
sacré = sacred, almighty ("sacré Mom" in this story is used in this sense: "You gotta appreciate our mom!" or "what a character Mom is!"
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
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Bonjour Kristin!
I really enjoyed today’s blog, Heidi sounds like a wonderful sister! And your tribute to her was jut lovely!
Bon anniversaire Heidi!
~ Dana
Bonjour Kristin!
I really enjoyed today’s blog, Heidi sounds like a wonderful sister! And your tribute to her was jut lovely!
Bon anniversaire Heidi!
~ Dana
I meant to say “just lovely”. Sorry about the typo. 🙂
I meant to say “just lovely”. Sorry about the typo. 🙂
I’ve seen a few really interesting mailboxes, some of which look like little houses. My favorite is one that looks like a flying fish: the fins spin when the wind blows.
I’ve seen a few really interesting mailboxes, some of which look like little houses. My favorite is one that looks like a flying fish: the fins spin when the wind blows.
Happy Birthday, Heidi! ! ! 🙂 Such colorful mailboxes! Thanks for such a lovely post, Kristin!
Happy Birthday, Heidi! ! ! 🙂 Such colorful mailboxes! Thanks for such a lovely post, Kristin!
Happy Birthday Heidi. Hope to meet up with you soon.
Happy Birthday Heidi. Hope to meet up with you soon.
Bonjour! I am totally new to your blog, but I am already quite enchanted. Happy birthday to Heidi.
Bonjour! I am totally new to your blog, but I am already quite enchanted. Happy birthday to Heidi.
Hi Kristin,
Nice tribute to your sister Heidi! Love all the photos of the mailboxes.
Hi Kristin,
Nice tribute to your sister Heidi! Love all the photos of the mailboxes.
I am sister-less, but so grateful that my two girls have each other!
To address the question about “plus de pain” rather than “pas de pain,” this is short for “Il n’y a plus de pain,” “There isn’t any more bread.” They are sold out, but the shop may still be open to place an order or pick up pastries if this is a boulangerie/patisserie combination, as some are.
I am sister-less, but so grateful that my two girls have each other!
To address the question about “plus de pain” rather than “pas de pain,” this is short for “Il n’y a plus de pain,” “There isn’t any more bread.” They are sold out, but the shop may still be open to place an order or pick up pastries if this is a boulangerie/patisserie combination, as some are.
Your post really struck a chord – as someone who was once told ‘your writing makes a pretty picture but doesn’t communicate well’ I sympathize. My writing has been much like yours, except everything in mine is a sharp point, e’s, n, m, r, s …
I also got a degree in French (et un séjour à Besançon) and intended to go to Thunderbird. Life intervened. I have two lovely daughters. And I am finishing my second graduate degree (LIS, not French). Merci a vos postes.
Your post really struck a chord – as someone who was once told ‘your writing makes a pretty picture but doesn’t communicate well’ I sympathize. My writing has been much like yours, except everything in mine is a sharp point, e’s, n, m, r, s …
I also got a degree in French (et un séjour à Besançon) and intended to go to Thunderbird. Life intervened. I have two lovely daughters. And I am finishing my second graduate degree (LIS, not French). Merci a vos postes.
Joyeux Anniversaire Heidi! You are one lucky lady to have such a wondeful sister and it sounds like she’s been extra lucky to have you as well. Wish I had a sister!
Hope you had a wonderful day Heidi and received some good snail mail in your box.
Kristi-thanks again for a precious story. LOVE the mailboxes as I’ve always had a thing for mailboxes and letters. One of my resolutions this year is to write letters more often as I love giving and receiving them. You’ve inspired me to start! I have a PO Box right now so unfortunately no charming mailbox. Someday….
Have a great day Kristi and I look forward to Friday’s post.
Joyeux Anniversaire Heidi! You are one lucky lady to have such a wondeful sister and it sounds like she’s been extra lucky to have you as well. Wish I had a sister!
Hope you had a wonderful day Heidi and received some good snail mail in your box.
Kristi-thanks again for a precious story. LOVE the mailboxes as I’ve always had a thing for mailboxes and letters. One of my resolutions this year is to write letters more often as I love giving and receiving them. You’ve inspired me to start! I have a PO Box right now so unfortunately no charming mailbox. Someday….
Have a great day Kristi and I look forward to Friday’s post.
I loved these pictures of the mail boxes. It was so enjoyable. Thank you.
I loved these pictures of the mail boxes. It was so enjoyable. Thank you.
It’s so timely you mentioned buying cards at Bashas. I just read in the AZ Republic that Eddie Basha died the other day.
It’s so timely you mentioned buying cards at Bashas. I just read in the AZ Republic that Eddie Basha died the other day.
Kristin,
It is so lovely to see how much you honor and appreciate you sister, Heidi! I lost my dear sister, Debbie, in 2003 and am today in the throes of cleaning out the garage and shed of all the old ‘collectibles’ and ‘momentos’ and it’s been heart wrenching, filling me with smiles and tears, reliving the wonderful moments again, and yet saying one last ‘good-bye’ to her – trying to decide what ‘things’ to let go of and what to keep… Sisters are very special and I’m so glad to read your beautiful tribute to yours – even miles away, I’m sure she is always near and dear to your heart! xxoo Judi
Kristin,
It is so lovely to see how much you honor and appreciate you sister, Heidi! I lost my dear sister, Debbie, in 2003 and am today in the throes of cleaning out the garage and shed of all the old ‘collectibles’ and ‘momentos’ and it’s been heart wrenching, filling me with smiles and tears, reliving the wonderful moments again, and yet saying one last ‘good-bye’ to her – trying to decide what ‘things’ to let go of and what to keep… Sisters are very special and I’m so glad to read your beautiful tribute to yours – even miles away, I’m sure she is always near and dear to your heart! xxoo Judi
Kristi,
Thank you for one of the best birthday tributes I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Ironically, I just read it to your sister (who has been so busy over the past two days that she never saw the blog). Tears everywhere…well done.
Kristi,
Thank you for one of the best birthday tributes I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Ironically, I just read it to your sister (who has been so busy over the past two days that she never saw the blog). Tears everywhere…well done.
Brian, so happy to see your message! Very touched you read Heidi her surprise – I could not have imagined a better or more meaningful delivery! Hugs to you both.
Brian, so happy to see your message! Very touched you read Heidi her surprise – I could not have imagined a better or more meaningful delivery! Hugs to you both.
Judi, just saw your message (for some reason these comments are not showing up in my mailbox, where I usually read them). Sending bon courage and warmest encouragements as you sort through these lovely memories and decide what to keep.
Judi, just saw your message (for some reason these comments are not showing up in my mailbox, where I usually read them). Sending bon courage and warmest encouragements as you sort through these lovely memories and decide what to keep.
Kristin,
Thank you so much! I had a little ‘fall down’ this afternoon and your words helped me to pick myself up again – and continue on! Sorted all the crystal today. Making headway. Thx! Judi
Kristin,
Thank you so much! I had a little ‘fall down’ this afternoon and your words helped me to pick myself up again – and continue on! Sorted all the crystal today. Making headway. Thx! Judi
How lucky to meet Heidi,her husand and Jean Marc’s nephew on the eve before her birthday at the L.A. wine dinner. You have a beautiful family.
How lucky to meet Heidi,her husand and Jean Marc’s nephew on the eve before her birthday at the L.A. wine dinner. You have a beautiful family.
Not to be a critic, but it’s BOLOGNA, NOT BALONEY
Not to be a critic, but it’s BOLOGNA, NOT BALONEY