Jean-Marc took this photo while out fishing for daurade (sea bream or porgy). He brought back some bulots, or whelk, instead. I'll try to post a picture soon.
la sirène (see-ren)
: mermaid, siren
.
sirène des pompiers = firefighter siren
la petite sirène = the little mermaid
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
I have never stepped foot inside my husband's boat–that is, until a few days ago. My plan was to wait until the newbie captain had logged several dozen hours on board–working out potential disasters. In this way I've escaped one incident of stranding (he and a buddy were just off the coast of Bandol when the motor died), and one minor shipwreck (he and another buddy were trying to anchor in a local calanque when they came too close to the rocky shoreline…).
But on her day of departure, after a 4-week visit in France, it was decided that a balade en mer would be a memorable way to send off Mom. We'd have plenty of time for a boat ride in the morning, then a light lunch at home before heading to the airport.
"Come on, Kristi. Let's Go!" Mom's joy was catching and off I went–as enthusiastic as an officer walking a plank.
Just like an officer–and from the moment we arrived in the marina–I began spouting directions.
"Jean-Marc–you need to turn around!" I shrieked as he drove onto the narrow boardwalk, causing cafe-goers to jump back, taking their seats and their tables with them.
From behind the wheel of our family van, my husband informed me "This is the entrance to the dock!"
Mom poked me in the side, whispering. "This is his domain, Honey, Let him work it out."
She was right. I'd better relax–or join the others in the café, watching my family go out to sea without me.
No sooner had Jean-Marc pulled up to the loading zone than Mom flew out of the car–excited to help out. I watched her grab the boat cushions–her carte blanche to begin chatting up the local sailors. I noticed how many off the locals included beautiful blonds… who draped themselves along the dock, like pretty sirènes. A low growl in my throat as we passed them made my Mom laugh, "Well, now you won't be sitting home while he's at the marina!"
We followed our good-looking captain past a line of wooden fishing boats to the end of the quai where our semi-rigide was squooshed between two larger boats. That's when Mom lept from the dock, landing in the pneuboat.
"Mom! BE CAREFUL!" I shouted.
"Give me your hand!" Mom motioned for me to shut up and get in the boat. I might have been impressed with her authority if she wasn't swaying in the rocking boat, about to lose her balance.
"Hold on to the side!" I called, jumping in beside her. My throat was pulsing from the excitement of a near slip of my own, and I clutched the little rope that lined the inside of the boat.
As Jean-Marc backed the boat out of the cramped slip, Mom took on the role of First Mate. I watched as she pushed our vessel away from the others, until we were released from the tangle of boats.
I was impressed by Mom's participation–given that she has suffered a lifetime fear of water. She was clearly putting her phobia aside in time to enjoy our last day together. But as we motored out to sea, a nascent fear arose within me.
"Did you see those waves?" I asked the tiny crew.
"Don't worry, Honey." Mom demonstrated by throwing her legs over the side of as she lay down to relax in the bow of the boat.
I hated to be a worrywart. It was so uncool. I thought about those gorgeous sirènes–letting it all hang out along the dock. They were cool–and, no matter how challenged, I would be too! I had a prized seat and didn't want to lose it to some halter-topped pouffe!
Zipping up my windbreaker, I began to notice how close we were to the water, which was more and more troubled. Suddenly our boat seemed more like a flimsy raft. As the little boat went over more and more bumps I realized it wouldn't take much to eject Mom!
"Mom! Sit up and hold on to the rope!" I shouted. "Did you notice how there are no other boats out today?" I questioned Jean-Marc, as I watched the sea begin to rise here and there.
"Don't worry," he assured me. I studied Mom's face to see if she was worried yet. A moment later she spoke up:
"Shouldn't we put those in?" She was pointing to the little buoys that were flopping outside the boat.
"You can if you like," Jean-Marc said, underplaying the omission. Next I watched wide-eyed as, standing behind the wheel of the boat, still navigating, Jean-Marc bent sideways — reaching down into the water to pull in a buoy.
"Jean-Marc!" I protested.
Mom yanked in the front buoys as Jean-Marc–one hand on the wheel–reached out of the boat for the last buoy. But what if he lost his balance — and tumbled into the water? Then Mom and I would be headed towards Africa–in a vessel without a captain!
There was no time to think about being lost at sea. Looking ahead my heart began to thump as I watched the water rise.
When it rose high enough for me to imagine a line of surfers riding the wave, I could easily imagine our "raft" turned upside down.
"Enough is enough! TURN THIS BOAT AROUND!
"Yah," Mom seconded. "I'm ready to head back!"
If Jean-Marc was concerned he didn't show it, but remained the picture of calm–which assured me. The boat now turned around, I watched as the port grew bigger and bigger and I could make out the "mermaids" hanging out at the marina. I was never so happy to see the old threat, and I relaxed remembering my husband's words:
"Mais c'est toi ma jolie sirène."
***
FRENCH VOCABULARY
la calanque = rocky inlet
la balade en mer = sea excursion
la sirène = mermaid
le quai = platform
un semi-rigide = inflatable boat
un pneuboat = synonym for semi-rigit boat
une pouffe (slang) = bimbo
mais c'est toi ma jolie sirène = but you are my pretty mermaid
My old man and the sea.
Another sirène. (Miss you Mom!)
Sorry for the blur, but during the exciting and bumpy ride the camera was reset.
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What kept going though my mind while reading this account of your adventure? I want this story to keep going! Perhaps this is the beginning of your novel? It is GREAT summer reading!
What kept going though my mind while reading this account of your adventure? I want this story to keep going! Perhaps this is the beginning of your novel? It is GREAT summer reading!
Thank you, Stacy. I love it when hope is jump-started! I will entertain the novel idea 🙂
Thank you, Stacy. I love it when hope is jump-started! I will entertain the novel idea 🙂
At first thought I chuckled and thought there goes the little worrier again. THEN, I saw the BOAT. That really is not a boat, but a Zodiac Raft with a super motor steered standing up instead of at the back sitting down. They are known to be very reliable in choppy seas and are used by people all over the world. They use them in Mexico and Hawaii to go out and see the whales and dive. Considered pretty safe. So next time just go out when the water is very calm and ask to go around to all the coves or calanque….find a hidden beach and have a picnic! So is that why your mother missed the plane?
At first thought I chuckled and thought there goes the little worrier again. THEN, I saw the BOAT. That really is not a boat, but a Zodiac Raft with a super motor steered standing up instead of at the back sitting down. They are known to be very reliable in choppy seas and are used by people all over the world. They use them in Mexico and Hawaii to go out and see the whales and dive. Considered pretty safe. So next time just go out when the water is very calm and ask to go around to all the coves or calanque….find a hidden beach and have a picnic! So is that why your mother missed the plane?
I so love your adventures especially with your Mom. You are so lucky to sitll have her. And Jean Marc did indeed look very handsome at the helm.
Just relax and the next time go an a very calm day.
DianeD
Mansfield, MA
I so love your adventures especially with your Mom. You are so lucky to sitll have her. And Jean Marc did indeed look very handsome at the helm.
Just relax and the next time go an a very calm day.
DianeD
Mansfield, MA
I hate small boats !! Went out in a smallish one once (many yrs ago) with a 3 yr old and a baby ) the sea became suddenly choppy and we couldnt go back , but had to continue. There were a couple of grown men on it as well and they looked very frightened , sitting with their lifejackets on ready for whatever! I was SO relieved to get ashore and swore I would NEVER again go in a boat any smaller than a Ferry !! And I havent …Loved your story though of your last hrs with Mom…I too recently had a visit with my faraway daughter(she is in Canada and I in New Zealand …) so we dont get together very often !! So very sad to say goodbye…and it doesn’t get easier with practice !!
Love to you and your mom …keep the stories comming ….
I hate small boats !! Went out in a smallish one once (many yrs ago) with a 3 yr old and a baby ) the sea became suddenly choppy and we couldnt go back , but had to continue. There were a couple of grown men on it as well and they looked very frightened , sitting with their lifejackets on ready for whatever! I was SO relieved to get ashore and swore I would NEVER again go in a boat any smaller than a Ferry !! And I havent …Loved your story though of your last hrs with Mom…I too recently had a visit with my faraway daughter(she is in Canada and I in New Zealand …) so we dont get together very often !! So very sad to say goodbye…and it doesn’t get easier with practice !!
Love to you and your mom …keep the stories comming ….
Our dear Kristi,
Your wonderful post today left me both laughing AND catching my breath!
Since I’ve never been any kind of nautical person, I totally admire both you and dear Jules for joining Jean-Marc on an adventure in his boat! Such wonderful fun together (especially his last comment about you being his jolie mermaid!)
XO’s to you all, and to your Dad and belles-meres!
Love, Natalia
Our dear Kristi,
Your wonderful post today left me both laughing AND catching my breath!
Since I’ve never been any kind of nautical person, I totally admire both you and dear Jules for joining Jean-Marc on an adventure in his boat! Such wonderful fun together (especially his last comment about you being his jolie mermaid!)
XO’s to you all, and to your Dad and belles-meres!
Love, Natalia
Your story toughed me as I am not exactly ‘sea worthy’ and have some of these very same fears!
But, what always touches me the most is the wonderful, sometimes complex, relationship you have with your Mom – and how very special it is. Gayle wrote everything I was feeling about missing being with my daughter and having her live across the country from us. I miss her so, love when I go to stay for a period of time, and then miss her all over again when I get back home. So, each moment together is so special and memorable, even we are really ‘doing nothing’ – just living, spending the day in each other’s presence. I’m about to leave her again, after a 6 week visit, and I’m sadly counting the days, while still trying to make each day count! (I will be glad to get home and see my husband, her dad – and sleep in my own bed! I’m looking for the positives of leaving her! I’m so glad you had such a great time with your Mom, just watching the birds, and making bread crumbs is monumental! Everything and anything can be so very special. You two are both very, very lucky to have each other!
Your story toughed me as I am not exactly ‘sea worthy’ and have some of these very same fears!
But, what always touches me the most is the wonderful, sometimes complex, relationship you have with your Mom – and how very special it is. Gayle wrote everything I was feeling about missing being with my daughter and having her live across the country from us. I miss her so, love when I go to stay for a period of time, and then miss her all over again when I get back home. So, each moment together is so special and memorable, even we are really ‘doing nothing’ – just living, spending the day in each other’s presence. I’m about to leave her again, after a 6 week visit, and I’m sadly counting the days, while still trying to make each day count! (I will be glad to get home and see my husband, her dad – and sleep in my own bed! I’m looking for the positives of leaving her! I’m so glad you had such a great time with your Mom, just watching the birds, and making bread crumbs is monumental! Everything and anything can be so very special. You two are both very, very lucky to have each other!
DEAREST FRIENDS,
Once again all of your comments have touched my heart. It is now almost 8 a.m. here in Mexico and it’s hard to believe that 2 hours ago Kristi called me – 6 a.m. – confessing that she had received over 3 private hate-mails regarding her story above. I won’t go into the details of the messages to Kristi’s private e-mail, but I will say that coming back here to the comments box just now has healed my heart with your comments of support and love and UNDERSTANDING for Kristi’s unique openess (sp?) of sharing her life full-boar and enedited with her followers. You are all so special in your own way when it comes to your comments and I appreciate your insight and encouragement each time you take the time to lift Kristi up – I feel that you truly know the whole routine Kristi goes through each morning she sits down at her little card table (remember the photo’s of JM’s departed relatives table Kristi uses for her desk).
Jean-Marc and I have been Kristi’s ginny-pigs (sp?) from day one of her writing career and we willingly have come to the table for her disection (sp?) and sometimes be-heading. We love offering up ourselves to her process of learning and growing as she explores her intimate respones to our personalities.
Joie and Judy – I feel like you are two of my best friends in this journey, along with Bill Facker and Herm…I could go on and on listing your names but you know who you are. …and Hampton, for you to take the time to consider my life and desires just brings me tears. I can’t list all of your names right now, but please know that I never just read your comments just once…I go back again and again and savor your words as much as I do Kristi’s.
I LOVE ALL OF YOU
XOXO
JULES
DEAREST FRIENDS,
Once again all of your comments have touched my heart. It is now almost 8 a.m. here in Mexico and it’s hard to believe that 2 hours ago Kristi called me – 6 a.m. – confessing that she had received over 3 private hate-mails regarding her story above. I won’t go into the details of the messages to Kristi’s private e-mail, but I will say that coming back here to the comments box just now has healed my heart with your comments of support and love and UNDERSTANDING for Kristi’s unique openess (sp?) of sharing her life full-boar and enedited with her followers. You are all so special in your own way when it comes to your comments and I appreciate your insight and encouragement each time you take the time to lift Kristi up – I feel that you truly know the whole routine Kristi goes through each morning she sits down at her little card table (remember the photo’s of JM’s departed relatives table Kristi uses for her desk).
Jean-Marc and I have been Kristi’s ginny-pigs (sp?) from day one of her writing career and we willingly have come to the table for her disection (sp?) and sometimes be-heading. We love offering up ourselves to her process of learning and growing as she explores her intimate respones to our personalities.
Joie and Judy – I feel like you are two of my best friends in this journey, along with Bill Facker and Herm…I could go on and on listing your names but you know who you are. …and Hampton, for you to take the time to consider my life and desires just brings me tears. I can’t list all of your names right now, but please know that I never just read your comments just once…I go back again and again and savor your words as much as I do Kristi’s.
I LOVE ALL OF YOU
XOXO
JULES
Hi Judi – sorry I mis-spelled your name…XOXO JULES
Hi Judi – sorry I mis-spelled your name…XOXO JULES
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when I read this sentence: “I had a prized seat and didn’t want to lose it to some halter-topped pouffe!”
For some reason, not sure what it was, but this whole narrative of your day was particularly enjoyable and I like them all!
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when I read this sentence: “I had a prized seat and didn’t want to lose it to some halter-topped pouffe!”
For some reason, not sure what it was, but this whole narrative of your day was particularly enjoyable and I like them all!
Thank you, Rick. I was nervous about writing that sentence and am so happy it made you laugh, which was my hope.
Mom, love your message and am so grateful for our phone conversations. Thank you.
Thank you, Rick. I was nervous about writing that sentence and am so happy it made you laugh, which was my hope.
Mom, love your message and am so grateful for our phone conversations. Thank you.
Very funny story! I had no idea it was really such a small vessel until the end. You really make me laugh!
Very funny story! I had no idea it was really such a small vessel until the end. You really make me laugh!
a serendipitous post because the night before I got it, I watched the movie Ondine, about a water nymph. Bon courage chere Kristi!
a serendipitous post because the night before I got it, I watched the movie Ondine, about a water nymph. Bon courage chere Kristi!
Ok Kristi
I was scared! You made it seem like you were on a raft of logs tied together. Get a grip, girl! That boat has a captain AND a motor!
Shazam! And if you are not comfortable, jury wish him ‘Bon voyage!’
and meet him later with a lovely ‘cuppa’ something!
Ok Kristi
I was scared! You made it seem like you were on a raft of logs tied together. Get a grip, girl! That boat has a captain AND a motor!
Shazam! And if you are not comfortable, jury wish him ‘Bon voyage!’
and meet him later with a lovely ‘cuppa’ something!
Dear Kristi,
As I am so much older than you,, your posts many times remind me of the me I used to be. My wonderful husband didn’t mind a fishing boat with a motor but a sail boat always made him nervous. I grew up sailing on Long Island Sound and loved it. When we were first married I had a Sailfish ( really a large surfboard with a sail), I would drop the kids off at school and take the dog and off we would go for the morning. The kids would throw out bottles with messages in them and wait impatiently for the answers. My husband would always tease me and suggest as we left the last buoy in the harbour. ” Is it time to go back, now? What happy memories. PFT
Dear Kristi,
As I am so much older than you,, your posts many times remind me of the me I used to be. My wonderful husband didn’t mind a fishing boat with a motor but a sail boat always made him nervous. I grew up sailing on Long Island Sound and loved it. When we were first married I had a Sailfish ( really a large surfboard with a sail), I would drop the kids off at school and take the dog and off we would go for the morning. The kids would throw out bottles with messages in them and wait impatiently for the answers. My husband would always tease me and suggest as we left the last buoy in the harbour. ” Is it time to go back, now? What happy memories. PFT
Thank you for the boating story, Kristin. I was raised in a family that had a small motorboat, and we spent almost all our sunny weekends and vacations on rivers and lakes, including the often-treacherous Buoy 10 area where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. My first boating memory is of being terrified in 30′ high fast swells when my father yelled to a nearby craft asking them to stay close in case we needed help (the swells were flooding our one motor). We ended up fine with no help, and my father took appropriate precautions for future trips there. In fact, my father’s lessons about safe boating and my passion for swimming and swimmable water led me to an adulthood with my own humble boats, both sailing and motorized craft. I found that it really helped me to learn enough about boating to be able to evaluate for myself whether I was in a safe situation or not, and to be confident that I had the necessary equipment and training to take care of myself and others if we did have a problem. And, in 60 years of boating in small craft with amateur [but licensed-required in Oregon]] operators in some very tricky waters, I’ve never been put in danger.
With every hope that you soon will be able to enjoy the beautiful sea near Bandol with your full playfulness, Leslie
P.S. If you want a boating and/or swimming coach (who is not related to you) to help you toward that goal, just whistle!
Thank you for the boating story, Kristin. I was raised in a family that had a small motorboat, and we spent almost all our sunny weekends and vacations on rivers and lakes, including the often-treacherous Buoy 10 area where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. My first boating memory is of being terrified in 30′ high fast swells when my father yelled to a nearby craft asking them to stay close in case we needed help (the swells were flooding our one motor). We ended up fine with no help, and my father took appropriate precautions for future trips there. In fact, my father’s lessons about safe boating and my passion for swimming and swimmable water led me to an adulthood with my own humble boats, both sailing and motorized craft. I found that it really helped me to learn enough about boating to be able to evaluate for myself whether I was in a safe situation or not, and to be confident that I had the necessary equipment and training to take care of myself and others if we did have a problem. And, in 60 years of boating in small craft with amateur [but licensed-required in Oregon]] operators in some very tricky waters, I’ve never been put in danger.
With every hope that you soon will be able to enjoy the beautiful sea near Bandol with your full playfulness, Leslie
P.S. If you want a boating and/or swimming coach (who is not related to you) to help you toward that goal, just whistle!
Thank you, Leslie! Loved your words about geting to know about boating. Both Max and Jean-Marc got their licences.
Patience, loved your story os setting sail with your dog!
Nance, I used to be fearless and swam like a fish as a child. I thought I could swim across the ocean! It is true, my sense of adventure has diminished, since motherhood–but it is coming back.
Melanie, Just saw the movie trailer thanks to your note.
Thank you, Leslie! Loved your words about geting to know about boating. Both Max and Jean-Marc got their licences.
Patience, loved your story os setting sail with your dog!
Nance, I used to be fearless and swam like a fish as a child. I thought I could swim across the ocean! It is true, my sense of adventure has diminished, since motherhood–but it is coming back.
Melanie, Just saw the movie trailer thanks to your note.
Chere Kristi, Mon Amie,
Your dexterity avec les mots continues to grow — fun to read a joy indeed!
You continue to enrich my life. Merci beaucoup!
Fully recovered from my major surgery but now 86 and no longer as steady on my feet. Strenuous physical activity brings on the aches and pains. Still drive and socialize — go “nuts” otherwise.
Miss you. “Jewels”, you inspire me. Love to all de Fred
Chere Kristi, Mon Amie,
Your dexterity avec les mots continues to grow — fun to read a joy indeed!
You continue to enrich my life. Merci beaucoup!
Fully recovered from my major surgery but now 86 and no longer as steady on my feet. Strenuous physical activity brings on the aches and pains. Still drive and socialize — go “nuts” otherwise.
Miss you. “Jewels”, you inspire me. Love to all de Fred
Hi Fred,
What a ‘Sweetheart’ and ‘Sweetiepie’ you are. Those are little names I have always called Kristi…now you qualify!!!
XOXO
JULES
Hi Fred,
What a ‘Sweetheart’ and ‘Sweetiepie’ you are. Those are little names I have always called Kristi…now you qualify!!!
XOXO
JULES
Boat too small for ME!
Boat too small for ME!
Ah! What memories. I’m 81 now but would still go sailing in an instant. Yes. Been aground, lost in fog, didn’t see the range. didn’t know the rules of navigation or how to read a chart. But we took courses and learned. Yes, I failed the weather course but still know where the storms are coming from. My memories differ from others. I guess that’s why being at sea makes life special. Give your mate a chance to enjoy all he has worked for. I guarantee, Kristen, you can do this and have better stories to tell for the experience.
Ah! What memories. I’m 81 now but would still go sailing in an instant. Yes. Been aground, lost in fog, didn’t see the range. didn’t know the rules of navigation or how to read a chart. But we took courses and learned. Yes, I failed the weather course but still know where the storms are coming from. My memories differ from others. I guess that’s why being at sea makes life special. Give your mate a chance to enjoy all he has worked for. I guarantee, Kristen, you can do this and have better stories to tell for the experience.
Few things are more dangerous than a man and his newest toy!
Excellent story, Kristin! Thanks again for sharing!
Few things are more dangerous than a man and his newest toy!
Excellent story, Kristin! Thanks again for sharing!
Kristi, you deserve the Medal of Honor for makng it through that trip. I have always liked boats – on lakes. The thought of being in a small boat on the ocean is pretty scary. Congrats, Jules, for keeping the stiff upper lip and being a source of strength for Kristi. My idea of fun in the ocean is body surfing in my younger days. I think Jean-Marc is a born boatman so don’t be concerned about him. Try an occasional trip with him – maybe you’ll develop more confidence.
Kristi, you deserve the Medal of Honor for makng it through that trip. I have always liked boats – on lakes. The thought of being in a small boat on the ocean is pretty scary. Congrats, Jules, for keeping the stiff upper lip and being a source of strength for Kristi. My idea of fun in the ocean is body surfing in my younger days. I think Jean-Marc is a born boatman so don’t be concerned about him. Try an occasional trip with him – maybe you’ll develop more confidence.
Kristin
You seem to be like a fish in water when you write! You make it appear so simple….
Don’t mind the naysayers… Most of us have learnt that if you have nothing positive or constructive to say… keep silent.
And Jules, what an intrepid 14 yo.. Wow!! As a (past) timorous child, I admire and envy your childhood experience with Rusty. While I’ve learnt to overcome my fears with insects, spiders,snakes etc… water is still my foe.. Tu n’avais pas froid aux yeux, ma chère! I hope you don’t mind le tutoiement… 🙂
Keep going, all you wonderful guinea pigs, family, sailors, dogs, writers and sirènes!
Kristin
You seem to be like a fish in water when you write! You make it appear so simple….
Don’t mind the naysayers… Most of us have learnt that if you have nothing positive or constructive to say… keep silent.
And Jules, what an intrepid 14 yo.. Wow!! As a (past) timorous child, I admire and envy your childhood experience with Rusty. While I’ve learnt to overcome my fears with insects, spiders,snakes etc… water is still my foe.. Tu n’avais pas froid aux yeux, ma chère! I hope you don’t mind le tutoiement… 🙂
Keep going, all you wonderful guinea pigs, family, sailors, dogs, writers and sirènes!
Hi Kristi and Jules,
What a great story! I would have been just as excited as Jules to get into the boat and enjoy the ride as I love boats and water. But when I saw the boat and imagined the waves you were talking about, I probably would have been a bit nervous as well! Glad you had such an exciting adventure together before you said adieu. I’m sorry you miss each other so much now-I hope you can be together again soon.
Loved your ideas for Jules, Judy! Jules-you should seriously think about those!
Kristi, I loved what you said about the “pouffes”. Hilarious! I would have been thinking the same thing. But of course, JM only has eyes for one very special sirene. You’re always the “catch of the day” in our port!
Love, Carolyn
Hi Kristi and Jules,
What a great story! I would have been just as excited as Jules to get into the boat and enjoy the ride as I love boats and water. But when I saw the boat and imagined the waves you were talking about, I probably would have been a bit nervous as well! Glad you had such an exciting adventure together before you said adieu. I’m sorry you miss each other so much now-I hope you can be together again soon.
Loved your ideas for Jules, Judy! Jules-you should seriously think about those!
Kristi, I loved what you said about the “pouffes”. Hilarious! I would have been thinking the same thing. But of course, JM only has eyes for one very special sirene. You’re always the “catch of the day” in our port!
Love, Carolyn