It's time to meet up at my place–or very near it! Since leaving Domaine Rouge-Bleu, where we welcomed visitors weekly, I have not organized a cozy get-together. How about an April rendez-vous? More details in the story column below… First, the expression of the day:
Manger la soupe sur la tête de quelqu’un
: to be taller than someone else, so tall you can "eat soup on their head"
Example Sentence
Today's colorful expression was given to me by my friend Sophie, after she saw my 18-year-old for the first time in a year: Here's what Sophie said:
Max! Qu'est-ce que t'as grandi! Tu peux manger la soupe sur la tête de Martin!
Max! You are so tall now! You could eat soup on Martin's head! (Martin is Sophie's 20-year-old).
A Day in a FRENCH Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Sunday's hike along the turquoise coast spring-cleaned my soul! And it got me thinking: why not plan another meet-up? This time with readers!
The little fishing village of La Madrague (a stone's throw east of Cassis) is a real bijou. I love the classic pointu fishing boats, the knotted filets de pêche drying along les pannes, or landings, the line-up of cafés and the sun-dried characters that seem to live there.
But where exactly? Just which wobbly personnage goes with which wobbly boat?
As I zigzag along the quai, imagination in full swing, the heart of me longs to know every seaworthy soul! On second thought, let me look that one up and see if it's really what I mean:
seaworthy (adjective): Fit to traverse the seas
Fit? Ah là là, non! That would leave out the most important travelers: the misfits!
What use is life's voyage if we're always clamoring to join our "seaworthy" sisters? The ones waiting on the shiny boat? Might as well offer our thin wrists right now–and be led like thieves, via the speedcraft's connecting ladder.
Meantime the misfits beckon! A rowdy class on patched-together rafts, they're headed full steam ahead–fueled by a zillion little vapors.
Pastis vapors?
Perhaps. Et alors? Who am I to judge!
Better to search for that fleck of light in a misfit's eyes. Can you see the sparkle? And if you look closely enough, régardant de très très près, you might even catch it: the glittering coattails of a zillion little vapors leading to l'infini.
Infinity, those dots that connect us to each other for miles and miles and milleniums.
* * *
I hope you enjoyed today's story which, ironically, veered completely off track from the first nonfiction paragraphs! I'm reminded it's not a bad thing to let go and just see what happens! Will you try this today? Letting go of rigid planning? Let me know!
Comments
Also, let me know if you'd like to join me for a meet-up in April. I'll take note of the dates you mention, and start planning some reader rendez-vous. Click here to comment.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
le bijou = jewel
le filet de pêche = fishnet
la panne = landing (at the boat docks)
le personnage = character
le quai = quay, platform
le pastis = anis-flavored liquor
et alors?! = and what's it to you?! (so what?!)
Beyond a delicate wooden fence, Le Grand Bleu, or Mediterranean Sea. In the background the area called Les Lecques.
Jean-Marc and his high-school buddy, Nicolas (who was best man at our wedding, and who took this steamy anniversary photo on the same beach last summer! and who appeared here in our jittery wedding photo, in 1994:
That's Nico, between the priest and Jean-Marc (who looks like he's getting cold feet…).
Jean-Marc was in charge of the picnic, which began with an oursin, or sea urchin apéritif. He hunted these a few meters off the pebble beach. He also served up les oeufs de lompe and tarama (fish eggs and fish egg purée), smoked salmon, mini fromages de chèvre (goats' cheeses), and for dessert, Sophie and Nicolas brought kiwi and raspberry fruit tarts, lemon tarts, and chocolate tarts (minis). (Those are Sophie's toes, left. Sorry I didn't get her picture!)
That grotto, to the right, is where they put all the litter bugs, or pollueurs. You DON'T want to drop trash on French beaches or they'll toss you in a cave. (Not really. But could it put a stop to litter bugs?)
This-a-way or That-a-way? Par ici or Par là?
Back at the port de La Madrague. Look at that scooter. Some people know how to get around!
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The hat is great protection from the sun, and the bandana keeps my neck from turning rooster red. Tell me your sun protection tips. I'm always interested!
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Bonjour!
J’ai un question sur la phrase “manger sur la tete de quelqu’un”.
Est-ce qu’on peut dire “sur sa tete”?
Ou il faut utiliser la phrase entier “la tete de marie” etc?
Merci beaucoup en avance
Akhila
Bonjour!
J’ai un question sur la phrase “manger sur la tete de quelqu’un”.
Est-ce qu’on peut dire “sur sa tete”?
Ou il faut utiliser la phrase entier “la tete de marie” etc?
Merci beaucoup en avance
Akhila
I’m available 25 April or later.
I’d love to see your new place.
Carole Alexander Portland Oregon and Venasque France
I’m available 25 April or later.
I’d love to see your new place.
Carole Alexander Portland Oregon and Venasque France
For me, the best sun protection is one that does not feel too greasy–or else I stubbornly “forget” to wear it! So I have found moisturizing creams for the face, neck, and decolletage that are 30 spf but do not make me feel like I’m bathing in whale fat.
L’Oreal makes one of the best, in my opinion. I should war a big hat like yours, but most of my time out in the sun is spent on a tennis court.
For me, the best sun protection is one that does not feel too greasy–or else I stubbornly “forget” to wear it! So I have found moisturizing creams for the face, neck, and decolletage that are 30 spf but do not make me feel like I’m bathing in whale fat.
L’Oreal makes one of the best, in my opinion. I should war a big hat like yours, but most of my time out in the sun is spent on a tennis court.
We are just up here in Aix-en-Provence and would enjoy taking part in a meet up in your area almost any time from April 1 to 15 and 28 to 30.
We are just up here in Aix-en-Provence and would enjoy taking part in a meet up in your area almost any time from April 1 to 15 and 28 to 30.
What a lovely idea! April 25 or later would work for us. Sounds like a wonderful excursion.
Bunny Freidus & John Steel. Telluride, CO and Ménerbes, FR
What a lovely idea! April 25 or later would work for us. Sounds like a wonderful excursion.
Bunny Freidus & John Steel. Telluride, CO and Ménerbes, FR
Akhila, good question. Sophie probably said it that way: il peut manger la soup sur sa tete. Any francophones reading? Can you help us out and share example sentences? Thanks!
Carol, Robert, Bunny and John (and those who are commenting now) will look forward to seeing you end of April! Ill post more info as the date approaches.
Akhila, good question. Sophie probably said it that way: il peut manger la soup sur sa tete. Any francophones reading? Can you help us out and share example sentences? Thanks!
Carol, Robert, Bunny and John (and those who are commenting now) will look forward to seeing you end of April! Ill post more info as the date approaches.
Hi Kristin,
My mom used to say, “you are a tall drink of water” when she would see my son. I have also heard the phrase, “I could eat beans off the top of your head”
I wish I could twitch my nose like in the old show Bewitched and be able to meet you for a nice walk along the ocean!
Hi Kristin,
My mom used to say, “you are a tall drink of water” when she would see my son. I have also heard the phrase, “I could eat beans off the top of your head”
I wish I could twitch my nose like in the old show Bewitched and be able to meet you for a nice walk along the ocean!
Manger la soupe sur la tête de quelqu’un
: to be taller than someone else, so tall you can “eat soup on their head”
Error: their
(it’s also appropriate to say: so tall that …)
The French do not make a mistake and say la tête des quelqu’uns. (one head many people)
The French say one tête, one person–quelqu’un.
[It looks like my font makes a space after the apostrophe, but we all know that there is no space.]
also note that the French use the article “la” to mean “the”
la soupe the soup–not just any soup but the specific soup, the soup on the head of some one person
English “translation” should also correspond in “number” :
to eat the soup [that is] on someone’s head
to be so tall that you can eat the soup that is on someone’s head.
We must respect every language in its best form.
Manger la soupe sur la tête de quelqu’un
: to be taller than someone else, so tall you can “eat soup on their head”
Error: their
(it’s also appropriate to say: so tall that …)
The French do not make a mistake and say la tête des quelqu’uns. (one head many people)
The French say one tête, one person–quelqu’un.
[It looks like my font makes a space after the apostrophe, but we all know that there is no space.]
also note that the French use the article “la” to mean “the”
la soupe the soup–not just any soup but the specific soup, the soup on the head of some one person
English “translation” should also correspond in “number” :
to eat the soup [that is] on someone’s head
to be so tall that you can eat the soup that is on someone’s head.
We must respect every language in its best form.
I’d love to meet up, Kristin. I live in Aix and am a fellow France Today columnist/contributor (the “En Provence” column).
I’m flexible on dates and can never 100% guarantee that I’ll be available (work!), but would love to at least try.
Sophia
I’d love to meet up, Kristin. I live in Aix and am a fellow France Today columnist/contributor (the “En Provence” column).
I’m flexible on dates and can never 100% guarantee that I’ll be available (work!), but would love to at least try.
Sophia
I would love to meet up. End of April would probably work for us…see you soon, I hope 🙂
I would love to meet up. End of April would probably work for us…see you soon, I hope 🙂
Sophia and Meredith, looking forward to seeing you, too. april 28th is looking like a good date 🙂
Joanne, will go back and have a look.
Eileen, love your Moms expression!
Sophia and Meredith, looking forward to seeing you, too. april 28th is looking like a good date 🙂
Joanne, will go back and have a look.
Eileen, love your Moms expression!
I’ll be in villefranche for the month of April so it might be possible if it’s on a weekend!
I’ll be in villefranche for the month of April so it might be possible if it’s on a weekend!
Oooh…I don’t think that I am available then! Drat! But I will keep it in mind just in case and let you know. I love that you are doing this and that you have so many takers…Any chance that Smokey and Braise will make an appearance? 😉
Oooh…I don’t think that I am available then! Drat! But I will keep it in mind just in case and let you know. I love that you are doing this and that you have so many takers…Any chance that Smokey and Braise will make an appearance? 😉
We be there, except April 16-22…..sorry we’ll miss the Apres Midi in Paris…….tell JM the beach is nice ici.
Charle
We be there, except April 16-22…..sorry we’ll miss the Apres Midi in Paris…….tell JM the beach is nice ici.
Charle
We would love to join you for un rendez vous if we are nearby at the end of April. How fun!
We may be in Marseillan by then though not yet sure. Definitely will try to attend. We have been to the small ports nearby several times, but never to La Madrague. Always loved that you hosted wonderful gatherings at Domaine Bleu. So hope we can make it over!
We would love to join you for un rendez vous if we are nearby at the end of April. How fun!
We may be in Marseillan by then though not yet sure. Definitely will try to attend. We have been to the small ports nearby several times, but never to La Madrague. Always loved that you hosted wonderful gatherings at Domaine Bleu. So hope we can make it over!
Heather, no worries. Well do onein May, too! Now to train Smokey or Braise. I could bring one… but two would be double trouble.
Yay, Charles and Sandra. See you then!
Heather, no worries. Well do onein May, too! Now to train Smokey or Braise. I could bring one… but two would be double trouble.
Yay, Charles and Sandra. See you then!
Your photos are beautiful. We are still waiting for spring to arrive in the Pacific Northwest.
My tips for avoiding the sun…..live in this neck of the woods.
Thanks for the blue sky!
Your photos are beautiful. We are still waiting for spring to arrive in the Pacific Northwest.
My tips for avoiding the sun…..live in this neck of the woods.
Thanks for the blue sky!
I will be with you all in spirit! So wish I could be there!
Karene in Southern California
I will be with you all in spirit! So wish I could be there!
Karene in Southern California
What a beautiful day you have shared. Thank you! Wish I could be there for at least a month but not this year.
Sun tips – use L’Oreal 50 spf (face, neck and hands) everyday, a hat and scarf/turtle neck depending on the weather. Gray and rainy here so really appreciate your pictures. Have a great day!
What a beautiful day you have shared. Thank you! Wish I could be there for at least a month but not this year.
Sun tips – use L’Oreal 50 spf (face, neck and hands) everyday, a hat and scarf/turtle neck depending on the weather. Gray and rainy here so really appreciate your pictures. Have a great day!
If only! I would love to be with you and vos amies in Bandol. Please take lots of pictures as it gives us the stuff of which dreams are made.
If only! I would love to be with you and vos amies in Bandol. Please take lots of pictures as it gives us the stuff of which dreams are made.
If I could I’d fly there in a minute to have lunch with you and other in La Madrague. Just thinking of it makes me happy.
If I could I’d fly there in a minute to have lunch with you and other in La Madrague. Just thinking of it makes me happy.
Hi, Kristin, did I miss something? Did you & Jean-Marc sell Domaine Rouge-Bleu?
Hi, Kristin, did I miss something? Did you & Jean-Marc sell Domaine Rouge-Bleu?
Re: seaworthy. Maybe seafaring or…(sorry, I don’t know how to translate this to french) vagabundos del mar? I think pretty much all sailors think of themselves as vagabonds, rebels, and even misfits. It’s a pirate thing. Ah France…maybe this fall.
Re: seaworthy. Maybe seafaring or…(sorry, I don’t know how to translate this to french) vagabundos del mar? I think pretty much all sailors think of themselves as vagabonds, rebels, and even misfits. It’s a pirate thing. Ah France…maybe this fall.
Our dear Kristi,
What a wonderful post today,accompanied(as always)by such gorgeous pictures!
Am proud of you for never forgetting your sunblock!SO IMPORTANT! Cancer survivor that I also am, plus living in the West, it is one item we can never go without. I’ve had terrific results with Lancôme,Bienfait,50 plus sunblock. Non greasy and absorbs quickly.
Will be with you in spirit for the meet up. A beautiful hostess(you!) and lovely company,all in such a setting….wow!!Love, Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
What a wonderful post today,accompanied(as always)by such gorgeous pictures!
Am proud of you for never forgetting your sunblock!SO IMPORTANT! Cancer survivor that I also am, plus living in the West, it is one item we can never go without. I’ve had terrific results with Lancôme,Bienfait,50 plus sunblock. Non greasy and absorbs quickly.
Will be with you in spirit for the meet up. A beautiful hostess(you!) and lovely company,all in such a setting….wow!!Love, Natalia XO
Wish I could join you! The walk along the coast sounds very special and beautiful.
And by the way, I think Jean-Marc looks so happy in your wedding photo that he can hardly contain himself! : )
Bonne journée ou bien soirée?
Wish I could join you! The walk along the coast sounds very special and beautiful.
And by the way, I think Jean-Marc looks so happy in your wedding photo that he can hardly contain himself! : )
Bonne journée ou bien soirée?