Today's word is yet another example of how I learn English from the French…
bivouaquer (bee-vwack-ay)
: to bivouac
un bivouac = an improvised camp site. An individual sleeping shelter under the stars (or more often rain clouds) made out of natural materials or very rudimentary supplies. (from Wiki Answers)
Question …but just what does "to bivouac" mean?
Answer: to make a temporary encampment somewhere.
Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc: Download MP3 or Wav file
Bivouaquer, c'est s'installer sommairement dans un lieu naturel pour y manger ou dormir.
Bivouaquer… it means to settle oneself simply (in minimalist conditions) into a natural environment and then to eat (picnic) or to sleep there.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
I thought today's word had nothing to do with the goings on around here at the moment. My plan was to feature the word–overheard yesterday at a picnic–and then post a few unrelated photos from Mom's visit. (I've promised to take some time away from posting and email, in order to spend as much time with Mom as possible).
Only, when I went to look up the word "bivouac", I learned it is the same in English. Zut! That means I have to find another word to share… On the other hand, maybe I am not the only one unfamiliar with this funny word bivouaquer, a verb that is alive and well in France (I must have heard it half a dozen times, yesterday, as the French are already talking about vacation plans, which, for some, will include roughing it, ie, bivouaquer.)
Meantime, life's not so rough for Mom at the moment. She is temporarily encamped–or en train de bivouaquer–in the room that was to be my office… (I've grown fond of this cozy corner of my bedroom and continue to write from here). Off to see what she is up to now….
Thank you for reading and for the encouraging and poignant comments you sent in, following last Friday's post. If there are slumps, doubts, victories, embarrassments, yearnings, and hi-falutin' aspirations in a writer's journey–your supportive comments even out the bumpy road, helping me to see the horizon in time to renew my commitment to simply settle down and write my heart out.
Amicalement,
Kristin
To comment, click here. I leave you now with a few snapshots from Week One with Mom…
She made it–all the way from Mexico! Here is Mom's welcome party fan club. From left to right: 17-year-old Max, 4-year-old Smokey, Mom, Smokey's mom, Braise, and 15-year-old Jackie. I told Mom to get up off the paw-stained floor, but she was so happy to be surrounded by ALL her loved ones that she could have cared less about the dirt.
Some bivouac! Mom loves her room, where she can see and hear all of the activity in the courtyard. At night she loves to watch the stars that twinkle over the Mediterranean Sea.
Mom's bags arrived 24 hours after she did. We shared my make-up and a chat before heading to Sanary sur Mer for lunch. That's Mama Braise, on the left. (A funny aside: Mom is wearing my red pajama pants. I wouldn't notice this until AFTER we finished lunch at the cafe and a stroll around Sanary. Her baggage arrived later that afternoon 🙂
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It's fun to walk along the port in Sanary sur Mer, where all the historic fishing boats "les pointus" are lined up. Many of the wooden boats have signs displaying the historic characteristics of the modest vessels, some nearly 100 years old.
Mom's purse. It looks like Jean-Marc's humble side kick, Mr Sacks, has competition!
Time for a siesta. But first, enjoy the fancy ironwork on this campanile.
Me and Mom. "Just pretend it's my stand." Mom said, after a local artist offered Mom her seat for the photo.
More photos coming soon. Meantime, I'm making the most of my time with Mom. This newsletter/blog may be a little sporadic in the coming weeks–as we slow down our day and celebrate.
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Well, you picked one of my favorite words…again! When I speak to American students about my book, ALAN’S LETTERS (which you so kindly let me mention last May) the vocabulary word I am most frequently asked about is “Bivouac”; but when I speak to French students, the question is never asked. Alan used it frequently in his WWII letters home, but we don’t use it here in the same context as vacations…could it be we like our comfort too much? By the way- love the red pj’s- a great match for that necklace!
Well, you picked one of my favorite words…again! When I speak to American students about my book, ALAN’S LETTERS (which you so kindly let me mention last May) the vocabulary word I am most frequently asked about is “Bivouac”; but when I speak to French students, the question is never asked. Alan used it frequently in his WWII letters home, but we don’t use it here in the same context as vacations…could it be we like our comfort too much? By the way- love the red pj’s- a great match for that necklace!
I so enjoy your posts Kristin and wish I was there with you. I miss Sanary and Bandol so much having spent five years of my youth in Toulon. Perhaps someday I will make it back there. Much love to you and your mom. Enjoy your visit and Mother’s Day.
I so enjoy your posts Kristin and wish I was there with you. I miss Sanary and Bandol so much having spent five years of my youth in Toulon. Perhaps someday I will make it back there. Much love to you and your mom. Enjoy your visit and Mother’s Day.
I laughed when I saw her on the floor with all the kids and dogs – the relief of being out of the plane and having the journey finished is wonderful. There is nothing like family time – enjoy! One business note – I sent for the Carla Bruni CD you recommended and it is delightful. Love it. thank you for your lovely posts and good taste in music.
I laughed when I saw her on the floor with all the kids and dogs – the relief of being out of the plane and having the journey finished is wonderful. There is nothing like family time – enjoy! One business note – I sent for the Carla Bruni CD you recommended and it is delightful. Love it. thank you for your lovely posts and good taste in music.
Hi Kristin! Oh, those photos, and your truly beautiful mother (red pajama pants notwithstanding!) You made me sooo homesick for France…I’m stuck here in Chicago looking at gorgeous pictures of where I’d RATHER be!
You’re very lucky to have your mom there, esp. on Mother’s Day. Enjoy une grande fete and drink a glass of vin blanc pour moi. With fond regards,
Anne Hamada (remember Robin, the British cocker? I was with him, Linda and Abigail last July. Such a lovely visit we had.)
Hi Kristin! Oh, those photos, and your truly beautiful mother (red pajama pants notwithstanding!) You made me sooo homesick for France…I’m stuck here in Chicago looking at gorgeous pictures of where I’d RATHER be!
You’re very lucky to have your mom there, esp. on Mother’s Day. Enjoy une grande fete and drink a glass of vin blanc pour moi. With fond regards,
Anne Hamada (remember Robin, the British cocker? I was with him, Linda and Abigail last July. Such a lovely visit we had.)
Kristin et JULES … ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY !!
Aloha,
Bill
Kristin et JULES … ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY !!
Aloha,
Bill
Have a wonderful Mother’s Day Kristin! You are so lucky to be hanging out with your mom. Embrace this time….and take lots of photos.
I love Jules style — she’s classy and kind of hippie at the same time!
Thanks so much for sharing some of your life.
The best to you & your mom!
Have a wonderful Mother’s Day Kristin! You are so lucky to be hanging out with your mom. Embrace this time….and take lots of photos.
I love Jules style — she’s classy and kind of hippie at the same time!
Thanks so much for sharing some of your life.
The best to you & your mom!
Oh glad your mom is there. I love it when she visits you. This year mothers day will be very bittersweet for me, the first without my mom. Savor it.
Oh glad your mom is there. I love it when she visits you. This year mothers day will be very bittersweet for me, the first without my mom. Savor it.
It’s all about that fishy handbag! Everyone will want one!
It’s all about that fishy handbag! Everyone will want one!
Our dear Kristi,
These wonderful pictures brighten each and every day! Your and your beautiful mom have such a loving bond;one that reaches clear across the Atlantic and wraps itself around our hearts,too.
How blessed you are and how blessed we are to share this with both of you.
THANK YOU!!!!
Love,
Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
These wonderful pictures brighten each and every day! Your and your beautiful mom have such a loving bond;one that reaches clear across the Atlantic and wraps itself around our hearts,too.
How blessed you are and how blessed we are to share this with both of you.
THANK YOU!!!!
Love,
Natalia XO
Enjoy every second with your Mom – what an extra special Mothers Day for you both
Enjoy every second with your Mom – what an extra special Mothers Day for you both
Hi Kristi and Jules,
Love, love the pictures. Happy Mother’s Day to you both. Wish I was there giving you both a big hug!
xoxo
Hi Kristi and Jules,
Love, love the pictures. Happy Mother’s Day to you both. Wish I was there giving you both a big hug!
xoxo
Over the years of reading this blog I feel as if I sort of know you and your mom. I know we all would get along famously if we ever met in person! Happy Mother’s day to both of you!
Over the years of reading this blog I feel as if I sort of know you and your mom. I know we all would get along famously if we ever met in person! Happy Mother’s day to both of you!
Happy Mother’s Day to you and Jules…enjoy and do something outrageous. Love her vetements and the way that she expresses herself. You both have great style.
Enjoy your time together and it is so wonderful to have such a great relationship with your Mom.
Kathleen
Happy Mother’s Day to you and Jules…enjoy and do something outrageous. Love her vetements and the way that she expresses herself. You both have great style.
Enjoy your time together and it is so wonderful to have such a great relationship with your Mom.
Kathleen
Kristin-Que vous ayez de la chance d’avoir votre mère avec vous et votre famille!Jules me semble d’être’une femme qui a beaucoup d’esprit! Joyeuse Fêtes de Mères.
Kristin-Que vous ayez de la chance d’avoir votre mère avec vous et votre famille!Jules me semble d’être’une femme qui a beaucoup d’esprit! Joyeuse Fêtes de Mères.
Delighted you have shared a few scenes with us; love Jules’ purse and perch to star watch!
Happy Mother’s Day! May joy and laughter flow between you and your mom blessing everyone in your presence!
Delighted you have shared a few scenes with us; love Jules’ purse and perch to star watch!
Happy Mother’s Day! May joy and laughter flow between you and your mom blessing everyone in your presence!
Kristin – Just finished reading ‘Blossoming in Provence’ and loved it! When it came in the mail yesterday and I cracked it open, I was thrilled to see your acknowledgement of someone I have the pleasure of working with – Tami Dever (TLC Graphics). She does all of the graphic design gratuit for the church she attends (and I work for) like the bulletins, logos, etc. Elle est tres creative! A wise ecrivain (much like you) popped into my head while reading some of last week’s comments – Solomon. He had some divinely inspired conseils for dealing with certain types of people in Proverbs 23:9. BTW – see how good my Frenglish is since I’ve started readin your work???
Kristin – Just finished reading ‘Blossoming in Provence’ and loved it! When it came in the mail yesterday and I cracked it open, I was thrilled to see your acknowledgement of someone I have the pleasure of working with – Tami Dever (TLC Graphics). She does all of the graphic design gratuit for the church she attends (and I work for) like the bulletins, logos, etc. Elle est tres creative! A wise ecrivain (much like you) popped into my head while reading some of last week’s comments – Solomon. He had some divinely inspired conseils for dealing with certain types of people in Proverbs 23:9. BTW – see how good my Frenglish is since I’ve started readin your work???
It’s wonderful that this year Jules is there, just in time for US Mother’s Day on May 12 and in two more weeks, la Fête des Mères.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to you both, belles dames!
It’s wonderful that this year Jules is there, just in time for US Mother’s Day on May 12 and in two more weeks, la Fête des Mères.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to you both, belles dames!
Dear Kristin,
Thank you for sharing your lovely photos. So happy the family is all together again. Of course Braise and Smokey were all over Jules- those adorable attention hogs!
Jules-hope you and Kristin have some wild fun while your together. Looks like the party has already started! You both look beautiful and so relaxed. Here’s to joy and renewal during your time together.
Sending my love and hugs. I’m with you in spirit! Happy Mother’s Day once again.
Carolyn
Dear Kristin,
Thank you for sharing your lovely photos. So happy the family is all together again. Of course Braise and Smokey were all over Jules- those adorable attention hogs!
Jules-hope you and Kristin have some wild fun while your together. Looks like the party has already started! You both look beautiful and so relaxed. Here’s to joy and renewal during your time together.
Sending my love and hugs. I’m with you in spirit! Happy Mother’s Day once again.
Carolyn
Dear Kristi,
You’re probably in bed by now but Happy Mothers Day to you and Jules, who always lights up our lives. Love the photos. You are sweet to share them with your mama there. Know La Famille Espinasse will have a great visit with Jules. Your house is so beautiful. Dormez bien.
Dear Kristi,
You’re probably in bed by now but Happy Mothers Day to you and Jules, who always lights up our lives. Love the photos. You are sweet to share them with your mama there. Know La Famille Espinasse will have a great visit with Jules. Your house is so beautiful. Dormez bien.
Just look at all thé commenta!! You are well-loved for WHO You are, just as You are- warts and all as my mom user To say. I loved thé photo Of You and your mom, face to face with her In Your red jammie Pants.
Just continue to be Kristin. You do that very well and our heavenly dad is pleased !!
Just look at all thé commenta!! You are well-loved for WHO You are, just as You are- warts and all as my mom user To say. I loved thé photo Of You and your mom, face to face with her In Your red jammie Pants.
Just continue to be Kristin. You do that very well and our heavenly dad is pleased !!
So happy to see everyone together once again. Jules looks right at home, especially behind that canvas with a brush in her hand. Perhaps she needs her own “petit coin” chez toi, so she can really get to work on her latest creation! Thanks for the pictures, as always. Enjoy your visit, Jules!
So happy to see everyone together once again. Jules looks right at home, especially behind that canvas with a brush in her hand. Perhaps she needs her own “petit coin” chez toi, so she can really get to work on her latest creation! Thanks for the pictures, as always. Enjoy your visit, Jules!
Just saw your column “le Dernier Mot”, on page 106 of ‘France Today’ magazine. Felicitations!
looking good.
Jeff C.
Just saw your column “le Dernier Mot”, on page 106 of ‘France Today’ magazine. Felicitations!
looking good.
Jeff C.
I just bought two DVD’s through your Amazon link, so they need to thank you!
🙂 Happy Belated Mother’s Day!!
I just bought two DVD’s through your Amazon link, so they need to thank you!
🙂 Happy Belated Mother’s Day!!
I’m amazed when I see mothers wearing high heels. If your kids run off you can’t run after them.
I’m amazed when I see mothers wearing high heels. If your kids run off you can’t run after them.
So happy to see you enjoying each others company. You have such a special relationship mother and daughter, Your visits are quite precious and well they should be.
Jules I love the red Converse. I used to have a pair of red Hawaiian print Converse hightops. Now you could see those babies coming a mile away. Love to you both.bj
So happy to see you enjoying each others company. You have such a special relationship mother and daughter, Your visits are quite precious and well they should be.
Jules I love the red Converse. I used to have a pair of red Hawaiian print Converse hightops. Now you could see those babies coming a mile away. Love to you both.bj