avoir la tête sur les épaules (ah-vwar-lah-tet-soor-layz-ay-pawl)
: to be sensible, to have a good head on one’s shoulders
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today’s expression: Download MP3 file or Wave file
Pour faire un si long voyage seule à 15 ans, Jackie doit avoir la tête sur ses épaules. To go on such a long trip alone, at the age of 15, Jackie must have a good head on her shoulders.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE
by Kristin Espinasse
Jackie’s back! After a 4 week stay with her grandparents in Idaho, we met our daughter at the Marseilles airport. We are so proud of her for travelling solo from Sun Valley to Salt Lake City–then on to Paris and Marseilles. At the age of 15 she navigated the various airports, waited for long stretches for connecting flights, and got through customs–without any assistance at all. Bravo jeune fille! Tu as bien la tête sur les épaules!
Nearing the airport exit, on our way to pick up Jackie, Jean-Marc suggested we search the sky for her plane. After all, how many other avions were arriving at 5:12pm?
“There she is! There’s our girl!” I said, pointing to the sky above the deep blue Mediterranean. Our heads were craned before the windshield as we watched the plane descend like a metaphor. Thanks to this voyage de découverte, Jackie was gaining in Independence and confidence–learning to fly with her own wings or, as the French say, voler de ses propres ailes.
Entering the airport périphérique, I learned our plan was to meet Jackie at the zone de livraison des bagages.
“Baggage claim! Why aren’t we meeting our daughter at the gate?!”
Before Jean-Marc had a chance to answer, I bet this was part of the plan: he was rooting for our daughter to make it all the way through the voyage–from security check in Ketchum, Idaho, to baggage claim in Marseilles, France.
“Go ahead,” he encouraged me. There’s still time to meet her at the gate. While Jean-Marc parked the car, I hurried toward the terminal.
Speeding to meet Jackie, I took a wrong turn in Hall 4–the arrival and departure terminal for international flights. By the time I got to “arrivals” (downstairs) the gate was clear. Everyone had already met up with their loved one.
At baggage claim I ran into our friend Astrid, who was there to pick up her son from a similar trip (his voyage of independence took place in Miami, Florida). There was no time to chat; after a quick bise I sped off to find my daughter–but ran smack into Jean-Marc instead. With a giant ear-to-ear smile he announced our girl was waiting outside on the curb.
Pushing past my husband, I darted towards the tall glass doors–all but smashing in to them. Why weren’t they opening? The answer came quickly enough as the doors slid open automatically, revealing the empty sidewalk beyond.
But where was she? Was this some sort of father-daughter prank? I give in! I give in! Bring on the much-anticipated reunion! I scrambled to and fro in frustration until… Was that she? Beside the parking meter there was a tall figure with a mane of long blond hair. The apparition stopped me in my tracks and got me doubting.
No, this was a woman. Studying the stranger’s body language–upright, yet relaxed–I didn’t recognize my girl, who tends to slouch.
But could it be Jackie? I picked up my pace again–deciding to run around to the side and get a better look before bounding in and swooping her into my arms. I’ve made the mortifying mistake before, of embracing a complete stranger. With a bit of caution, the embarrassment might be avoided.
But love throws all caution to the wind. Racing, now, toward the upright woman, whose back was to me, I threw my arms around her. My joy was sprinkled with relief on hearing the sound of her voice.
“Maman! Maman!”
* * *
That’s my girl. Welcome home!!!
Before picking up our daughter at the airport, I saw this butterfly while watering the garden. As the papillon softly flapped its ailes, I thought of Jackie. This picture is for her. The leopard wings are just her style.
French Vocabulary
bravo jeune fille! = way to go, young lady!
tu as bien la tête sur les épaules! = you’ve got a good head on your shoulders
un avion = airplane
le voyage de découverte = discovery trip
voler de ses propres ailes = to fly with one’s own wings
le périphérique = beltway, ring road
la zone de livraison des bagages = baggage claim
le hall = air terminal
la bise = kiss
maman = mom
- Pronounce It Perfectly in French – with exercises in sound discrimination and accurate sound creation. Order your copy here.
- Blossoming in Provence: “a fun read that helps the reader with the French language” –JanetB
Black, black, or black? What to wear to the concert in Arles? Lately I’m picking my husband’s brain for fashion advice. He didn’t like the shoes here (the ones on the right are my daughter’s), but suggested the black flip-flops my mom had left behind. Good idea! Let’s go casual.
Kale, parsley, zucchini, favas and tomatoes. Next year I’ll remember to plant corn and melons and carrots in our potager garden.
Smokey: I love me some fruit salad. Recipe at the end of this story.
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Merci to you and you’re family, for sharing. You are creating an ever growing family throughout the world, with your beautiful writing.
Merci!
Merci to you and you’re family, for sharing. You are creating an ever growing family throughout the world, with your beautiful writing.
Merci!
A puddle of tears from me. I look forward to hearing about her experiences in Arizona!
A puddle of tears from me. I look forward to hearing about her experiences in Arizona!
Welcome home Jackie, and thank you Kristi for sharing this beautifully written treasure of a story with us.
My 17 DD just returned from a solo visit to NYC (Summer School Program), and is now back in Australia 🙂 What a sight it was to view her walking out from customs!! My heart leapt for joy, and I let out a good old-fashioned American whoop for good measure!
You have provided Jackie with confidence and strong wings- well done. xx
Welcome home Jackie, and thank you Kristi for sharing this beautifully written treasure of a story with us.
My 17 DD just returned from a solo visit to NYC (Summer School Program), and is now back in Australia 🙂 What a sight it was to view her walking out from customs!! My heart leapt for joy, and I let out a good old-fashioned American whoop for good measure!
You have provided Jackie with confidence and strong wings- well done. xx
I, too, had tears in my eyes and am relieved to discover I’m not the only softie who is easily brought to tears. Your writing does that to me very often, Kristin!
I, too, had tears in my eyes and am relieved to discover I’m not the only softie who is easily brought to tears. Your writing does that to me very often, Kristin!
Kristi, once again your story re Jacky’s return expresses all the feelings we have when we reunite with a member of our family who has travelled far. I thought the photo of the butterfly said it all. Jacky has emerged from her chrysallis. I think its one of the loveliest pictures you have posted
thank you as always, June, G.C.
Kristi, once again your story re Jacky’s return expresses all the feelings we have when we reunite with a member of our family who has travelled far. I thought the photo of the butterfly said it all. Jacky has emerged from her chrysallis. I think its one of the loveliest pictures you have posted
thank you as always, June, G.C.
Just beautiful, Kristin. And could it be that you are hugging not only your amazing daughter, but also a tiny bit of the fairy dust of America that you cannot help but miss, in spite of the pleasures and distractions of la belle France? What a sweet combination in each of you.
Just beautiful, Kristin. And could it be that you are hugging not only your amazing daughter, but also a tiny bit of the fairy dust of America that you cannot help but miss, in spite of the pleasures and distractions of la belle France? What a sweet combination in each of you.
What a lovely thought, Ellen, about the fairy dust! How delightful and how thoughtful!
Thank you all for your tender messages, which are much appreciated.
What a lovely thought, Ellen, about the fairy dust! How delightful and how thoughtful!
Thank you all for your tender messages, which are much appreciated.
As you know, I am not a Mom, mais j’ai deja pris pas mal des avions dans ma vie et franchement felicitations Jackie!! That is a long haul trip and a tiring one. I know and have seen many an adult that falls apart at the stress of it. Of course, I am not in the least surprised by all we have heard about your gorgeous girl here.
How I would love to join you for the cruise! Alas, not this time but I am sure that the evening will be a stunning success.
Bisous.
As you know, I am not a Mom, mais j’ai deja pris pas mal des avions dans ma vie et franchement felicitations Jackie!! That is a long haul trip and a tiring one. I know and have seen many an adult that falls apart at the stress of it. Of course, I am not in the least surprised by all we have heard about your gorgeous girl here.
How I would love to join you for the cruise! Alas, not this time but I am sure that the evening will be a stunning success.
Bisous.
Kristin:
I remember our son’s first solo trip away from home. We missed him but we knew it was a chance for him to become more independent.
I sure this was a great experience for Jackie too. We love that they have a chance to spread their wings even though we really miss them when they are gone.
Edie from Savannah
Kristin:
I remember our son’s first solo trip away from home. We missed him but we knew it was a chance for him to become more independent.
I sure this was a great experience for Jackie too. We love that they have a chance to spread their wings even though we really miss them when they are gone.
Edie from Savannah
I love this story,my daughter is still young (11y) but I would like her to be brave like Jackie and travel the world at such a young age. I tell my kids that the world is a big place and encourage them to go see as much as they can.
I love this story,my daughter is still young (11y) but I would like her to be brave like Jackie and travel the world at such a young age. I tell my kids that the world is a big place and encourage them to go see as much as they can.
Kristin, very nice write up about your reunion.
If Jackie is inclined to share, I’d also be interested to hear something of her experiences and impressions in her mother’s native land — and about returning to France. Did a month seem a long time to her?
GL in Arizona
Kristin, very nice write up about your reunion.
If Jackie is inclined to share, I’d also be interested to hear something of her experiences and impressions in her mother’s native land — and about returning to France. Did a month seem a long time to her?
GL in Arizona
Good evening Kristin,
I always enjoy what you write, I just don’t always feel a short response in myself. They are usually thoughts and extended thoughts of my own memories you trigger. So thank you for bringing some warmth to me.
I just saw a video and I thought about something you wrote a few days ago about planting corn next year. Ever since I was a child I have hated slicing corn off the cob and in the video they placed the corn on the center part of a bundt pan which holds it in place. Who would have thought! Anyway thought you might enjoy hearing that one.
Have a great day and welcome home Jackie!
Sharon
Good evening Kristin,
I always enjoy what you write, I just don’t always feel a short response in myself. They are usually thoughts and extended thoughts of my own memories you trigger. So thank you for bringing some warmth to me.
I just saw a video and I thought about something you wrote a few days ago about planting corn next year. Ever since I was a child I have hated slicing corn off the cob and in the video they placed the corn on the center part of a bundt pan which holds it in place. Who would have thought! Anyway thought you might enjoy hearing that one.
Have a great day and welcome home Jackie!
Sharon
Gordon, Ill see if Jackie would be interested in sharing. Good idea. However, she will be here with a couple of friend these next ten days… Wth little motivation to write 🙂
Sharon, love the bundt pan tip! Now to see about growing corn. I am still getting over the humiliation of my neighbors remark, when he informed me I had planted chicken and pig fodder and not sweet corn (a few years ago). Apparently there is a difference!
Gordon, Ill see if Jackie would be interested in sharing. Good idea. However, she will be here with a couple of friend these next ten days… Wth little motivation to write 🙂
Sharon, love the bundt pan tip! Now to see about growing corn. I am still getting over the humiliation of my neighbors remark, when he informed me I had planted chicken and pig fodder and not sweet corn (a few years ago). Apparently there is a difference!
You have brought tears to my eyes, Kristin. Am picturing your emotional reunion. And remembering when my 13-year-old daughter flew off with her school group from California to New York and Washington, D.C. She left as a frightened girl, and came back a confident young woman. I was a mess, but she was all grown up. It did wonders for her independence. Now, at 18, she’s a little too independent, I think, haha. Lovely pictures, too. (I think Jackie’s shoes are adorable, but probably not as comfortable as flip-flops. At our age, comfort is important!)
You have brought tears to my eyes, Kristin. Am picturing your emotional reunion. And remembering when my 13-year-old daughter flew off with her school group from California to New York and Washington, D.C. She left as a frightened girl, and came back a confident young woman. I was a mess, but she was all grown up. It did wonders for her independence. Now, at 18, she’s a little too independent, I think, haha. Lovely pictures, too. (I think Jackie’s shoes are adorable, but probably not as comfortable as flip-flops. At our age, comfort is important!)
Hi Honey,
Your photo is a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly…xoxo
Mom
Hi Honey,
Your photo is a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly…xoxo
Mom
I enjoy reading your blog! I have this fascination over the French language. Reading your blogs regularly can provide ways to help me know more about this language
I enjoy reading your blog! I have this fascination over the French language. Reading your blogs regularly can provide ways to help me know more about this language
What a wonderful story.Thank you for sharing.It brings precious memories of my children traveling solo, and of anxious moments
waiting for their return.
Your children are so lucky to have you and JM as parents.
What a wonderful story.Thank you for sharing.It brings precious memories of my children traveling solo, and of anxious moments
waiting for their return.
Your children are so lucky to have you and JM as parents.