The James Dean of France… and why I'm not a cougar–in today's post. Read on!
maman poule (mah-mahn-pool)
: mother hen
You can also say "une mère poule."
Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc Download MP3 or Wav file
Une maman poule c'est une femme qui couve trop–ou surprotège–ses enfants. Alors qu'est-ce que c'est une femme poule? Cette expression n'existe pas. Mais le personnage, oui! D'après mon mari!
A mother hen is a woman who coddles–or overprotects–her children. So then what's a "wife-hen"? The term doesn't exist… but the character does! According to my husband!
A Day in a FRENCH Life… by Kristin Espinasse
"Freudian Slips are on Sale at the Mall. But I'm Paying Dearly for mine"
Last week it was LES SOLDES here in France and I promised to take my daughter to the mall–no matter how much I dread shopping. It's not that I don't love pretty clothes–the problem is finding them, i.e. striking a balance between price and quality–whilst not being faux-flattered by a salesperson, or talked into a buying that Made on Mars far-out dress.
This far out on our shopping trip my 16-year-old and I had managed to make down-to-Earth decisions and after two and a half hours–and a pair of baggy pants and a top for her–and a new blazer for me!–Jackie suggested one last trip around the mall:
"On fait un dernier tour vite fait?" she said, adding, with a batting of her eyelashes, "You are being sooo patient, Maman!"
I flashed Jackie a toothy smile, never mind my teeth were grinding. Anything to make my daughter believe I am patient. We were on our third tour or trip around the mall here at the Centre Mayol in Toulon and after leaving a popular surf shop–where we were jostled around by a troubled sea of shoppers–it came as a relief to enter a quiet boutique.
It didn't take long to understand why we weren't being trampled on or waiting in long lines for a dressing room. The pricetags! I looked up at the name of the shop, which read "Harper's Bazaar". It shared the same moniker as the fancy magazine, which touts itself "sophisticated, elegant… the fashion resource for women who are the first to buy the best…."
But we weren't looking for the best! A happy-medium–or juste-milieu (yes, a "fair middle!") was what we were after. It was time to remind my daughter of our mission and I did so by a swift suggestion. "On se casse d'ici?" Let's get out of here!
Just as I was backing out of the store, a dazzling smile stopped me in my tracks.
"Je peux vous aider?"
"Oh no, thanks, we were just looking."
But my daughter was so transfixed by the salesboy that she bi-passed her usual timidy and pointed to a pair of shoes :
"Vous avez la taille 38?" Jackie asked.
I looked at the silver high-tops in question. They were covered with menacing studs. "I don't think those will be in style much longer," I said, pointing to the metal accouterments.
"It's still the style," the salesboy was assuring. That's when I noticed more than his smile.
I stood staring at the tall, dark, and handsome figure before me when my mouth ran off before my brain could tame it:
"You have beautiful teeth!" I said, noticing the gap between his "front two." (The French have a delightful term for this: "happiness teeth" or les dents du bonheur.)
Coming to my senses–and lest my daughter be horrified by my complimenting the salesboy–I cleared up any confusion: "When you are a 46-year-old woman you can finally say these things!"
Only, that's when a heard a cough. Turning around I noticed the only other middle-aged woman in the store. She was shopping at the rack behind me. I wondered, was that a yes or a no cough? Was she agreeing or disagreeing with what I'd just said?
Never mind! Now was as good a time as ever to throw caution–and maybe my checkbook!–to the wind.
"Can my daughter try a 38 and a 39?" (Maybe the larger size would win us one more year of use, something that could be factored into the price, afterall!)
"Bien sûr," he said, running his hand through his untamed hair.
As the salesboy went to get the shoes, my mouth delivered another unbridled compliment. "You are very charming!"
"They call me 'The James Dean of Tunisia,'" he laughed, disappearing into the storage room.
I love it! More than a pretty face he was clever.
"His name really is James Dean," his supervisor added, joining us in the shoe aisle. "His Tunisian name sounds exactly like it, anyway. He is called "Shahms-ay-deen."
"C'est incroyable!" I said, and spent the next few moments trying to pronounce the name I had just heard, until, soon enough, I was hearing the name of the 50s teen heartthrob–only with an ooh-là-là twist: Shahms-ay-deen.
"But how do you spell it in Tunisian?" I wanted to know, just as soon as the salesboy returned. And, as he wrote down his name (officially spelled "Chams-Eden), I asked if I could snap his photo (see below)….
If up until now I had convinced myself my compliments were no more than a sincere appreciation of an exquisite character, I was dumbfounded by what came next–what could only be explained as a Freudian slip…
This happened at the cash register, as Jackie and I waved goodbye to the dashing salesboy…..
"Thank you." I said. "My sister and I will be back soon!"
***
Postnote: In the whirlwind of recounting my story, I forgot to tell you why I am truly innocent–a veritable "wife-hen" and NOT a cougar! Anyway, it's what my husband calls me (a wife-hen, that is). But will he still call me this after reading today's missive? Nah. He NEVER reads my stories!
What a cutie. I mean what cute knees… er elbows… er what cute knuckles!
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In the headline, “couger” is misspelled. Should read “cougar.”
In the headline, “couger” is misspelled. Should read “cougar.”
LOL; delightful story and comments…I’m only 85 and would’ve loved to be in your shoes…oh, your daughter’s new ones!
LOL; delightful story and comments…I’m only 85 and would’ve loved to be in your shoes…oh, your daughter’s new ones!
LOL! My husband has les dents de bonheur, i will tease him with that. Thanks for a great laugh!
LOL! My husband has les dents de bonheur, i will tease him with that. Thanks for a great laugh!
I will check back in a couple days to read what others have written. At a mature age we are often not willing to admit that we had experienced such flushes of exuberance… Good thing your daughter was WITH you.
I will check back in a couple days to read what others have written. At a mature age we are often not willing to admit that we had experienced such flushes of exuberance… Good thing your daughter was WITH you.
‘The James Dean of Tunisia’ does resemble your husband…
‘The James Dean of Tunisia’ does resemble your husband…
Such a fun story! I was grinning and laughing the whole time. Hey! You might have discovered the next top male model! I’m going to have to ask my grown daughter if I ever flirted in front of her. I’m almost 70 and like another reader I’ve been known to say ‘I might be old but I’m not dead !’ Whatever can bring whimsical smiles to our face and heart, it is a good thing! Loved Jean-Marc’s comment – too cute!
Such a fun story! I was grinning and laughing the whole time. Hey! You might have discovered the next top male model! I’m going to have to ask my grown daughter if I ever flirted in front of her. I’m almost 70 and like another reader I’ve been known to say ‘I might be old but I’m not dead !’ Whatever can bring whimsical smiles to our face and heart, it is a good thing! Loved Jean-Marc’s comment – too cute!
Love the story with pictures! Found a typo – dread.
Chams-Eden must have been equally charmed by you and your beautiful daughter. Thanks for starting my morning with a smile.
Love the story with pictures! Found a typo – dread.
Chams-Eden must have been equally charmed by you and your beautiful daughter. Thanks for starting my morning with a smile.
Hilarious! When I see a handsome young man, I sometimes have to remind myself that I’m no longer 25… I’m now 58 and would be mortified, like you, to be caught flirting with one!
(As you know by now, you’ll want to change “couger” to “cougar” in a couple of places, and “dred” to “dread.”)
Hilarious! When I see a handsome young man, I sometimes have to remind myself that I’m no longer 25… I’m now 58 and would be mortified, like you, to be caught flirting with one!
(As you know by now, you’ll want to change “couger” to “cougar” in a couple of places, and “dred” to “dread.”)
I read the “James Dean” story and had a great laugh. Jackie will overcome her “timidity” by learning from her Mom. Both of you are good sports. Is there a French expression for that?
I read the “James Dean” story and had a great laugh. Jackie will overcome her “timidity” by learning from her Mom. Both of you are good sports. Is there a French expression for that?
I’m sure that Jackie was mortified..but hey…don’t we older women (you are still young) still look at the gorgeous young men? The comment about being her sister was interesting.
Kathleen
I’m sure that Jackie was mortified..but hey…don’t we older women (you are still young) still look at the gorgeous young men? The comment about being her sister was interesting.
Kathleen
If I was waited on by that young man…I probably would have said, “My mother and I will be back.” because I would have become so befuddled. He is movie star material. Wowie-zowie. I would think sales have improved since he started working there. Great story, I could really feel the experience. And with a French accent…yikes.
-Ginene
If I was waited on by that young man…I probably would have said, “My mother and I will be back.” because I would have become so befuddled. He is movie star material. Wowie-zowie. I would think sales have improved since he started working there. Great story, I could really feel the experience. And with a French accent…yikes.
-Ginene
Hilarious! I laugh b/c I tend to say things that can be totally taken out of context. And it’s usually my daughter that does the “cough” thing and then later tells me how humiliating that was!
Thanks for being so real – you feel like a friend I’ve known forever!
Bless you!
Beth
Hilarious! I laugh b/c I tend to say things that can be totally taken out of context. And it’s usually my daughter that does the “cough” thing and then later tells me how humiliating that was!
Thanks for being so real – you feel like a friend I’ve known forever!
Bless you!
Beth
Hmmm, I think a little trip to Toulon is in order! Really, what a funny story. I snickered in sympathy the entire time.
Hmmm, I think a little trip to Toulon is in order! Really, what a funny story. I snickered in sympathy the entire time.
Sooooooooooooooo funny – but I can see why it happened. Has Jacqui got over the embarassement yet?!!!!!!!!!!
Sooooooooooooooo funny – but I can see why it happened. Has Jacqui got over the embarassement yet?!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVED THIS. I AM GUILTY OF THIS SAME KIND OF ADMIRATION. AT LEAST, ALL MY “LOVES” ARE MOVIE STARS OR TV ONES. NOT THE GUY NEXT DOOR. NOT A REAL PERSON. I JUMPED WHEN I SAW THAT PICTURE, I THOUGHT, I HOPE THAT IS NOT HER SON. HE IS SOOOOOOO PURDY, I LOVED JAMES DEAN TOO. I LOVE YOUR BLOGS OR WHATEVER I SHOULD CALL THEM. LOVE ALL THE PICTURES. FRANCE IS SO CHARMING, OKLAHOMA IS UGLY. JOY WOOD
I LOVED THIS. I AM GUILTY OF THIS SAME KIND OF ADMIRATION. AT LEAST, ALL MY “LOVES” ARE MOVIE STARS OR TV ONES. NOT THE GUY NEXT DOOR. NOT A REAL PERSON. I JUMPED WHEN I SAW THAT PICTURE, I THOUGHT, I HOPE THAT IS NOT HER SON. HE IS SOOOOOOO PURDY, I LOVED JAMES DEAN TOO. I LOVE YOUR BLOGS OR WHATEVER I SHOULD CALL THEM. LOVE ALL THE PICTURES. FRANCE IS SO CHARMING, OKLAHOMA IS UGLY. JOY WOOD
True…the older we get , the “braver” we become…I’ve read that as we age we tend to loose those restricting inhibitions of youth and I’m sure that’s right. I used to embarrass my daughters…but now I manage to embarrass my husband by just blurting out what I think (nothing bad though…just good stuff…like compliments) Anyway , loved today’s post and that gorgeous boy !!(think i would be all aflutter in his presence too)…and I’m 75 !!
True…the older we get , the “braver” we become…I’ve read that as we age we tend to loose those restricting inhibitions of youth and I’m sure that’s right. I used to embarrass my daughters…but now I manage to embarrass my husband by just blurting out what I think (nothing bad though…just good stuff…like compliments) Anyway , loved today’s post and that gorgeous boy !!(think i would be all aflutter in his presence too)…and I’m 75 !!
The young people I work with would write OMG, Mom what are you doing? I would agree with other comments that whatever our age, ‘we are not dead yet”! What a great way to start a totally snowy day on Cape Cod! Thank you!
The young people I work with would write OMG, Mom what are you doing? I would agree with other comments that whatever our age, ‘we are not dead yet”! What a great way to start a totally snowy day on Cape Cod! Thank you!
So Jackie was entranced as well, overcoming her timid(it)y.
I really liked your opening line, Freudian slips on sale at the mall.
Silver high tops with studs on them, that gets me curious. Did she buy them?
So Jackie was entranced as well, overcoming her timid(it)y.
I really liked your opening line, Freudian slips on sale at the mall.
Silver high tops with studs on them, that gets me curious. Did she buy them?
Awesome post! Super fun to read! He’s adorable. Et vous avez acheté les baskets????????
Awesome post! Super fun to read! He’s adorable. Et vous avez acheté les baskets????????
Soooo cute…..!
(the story too)
I would have bought the entire store…..
Soooo cute…..!
(the story too)
I would have bought the entire store…..
You may have launched a career!
You may have launched a career!
Our dear Kristi,
Another wonderful post that filled us with smiles!
How gifted you are!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love
Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
Another wonderful post that filled us with smiles!
How gifted you are!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love
Natalia XO
The funniest, of course, is Jean Marc’s comment :-).. How has he managed to be the first one to reply?
..and the boy certainly GOT IT..
.. the charm and innocence..
It’s my 46 y.o. in me speaking.. 🙂
The funniest, of course, is Jean Marc’s comment :-).. How has he managed to be the first one to reply?
..and the boy certainly GOT IT..
.. the charm and innocence..
It’s my 46 y.o. in me speaking.. 🙂
Oops! 🙂 45 y.o. In me speaking. 🙂
I forget my age; most days anyways.
Oops! 🙂 45 y.o. In me speaking. 🙂
I forget my age; most days anyways.
When I am no longer interested in admiring handsome men or eating ice cream, call the undertaker! I can appreciate beautiful people of either gender the way I can appreciate art or a beautiful starry sky. One of the joys of getting older is that one can get away with flirting with young men and they don’t feel threatened. I get lots of hugs and smiles from younger men and have never received more compliments than when I let my hair revert to its natural white. I am almost 72 and I say “Older women rock”. P.S.–I’ve noticed that many younger women don’t know how to flirt; remember, girls, it’s all about the man not you!
When I am no longer interested in admiring handsome men or eating ice cream, call the undertaker! I can appreciate beautiful people of either gender the way I can appreciate art or a beautiful starry sky. One of the joys of getting older is that one can get away with flirting with young men and they don’t feel threatened. I get lots of hugs and smiles from younger men and have never received more compliments than when I let my hair revert to its natural white. I am almost 72 and I say “Older women rock”. P.S.–I’ve noticed that many younger women don’t know how to flirt; remember, girls, it’s all about the man not you!