"Smokey and the Sunflower Stalk." The day Mom flew home our giant tournesol blossomed. But the joy Mom left in her wake turned into something else….
quiproquo (kee-proh-koh)
: mistaken identity
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Un quiproquo est un malentendu qui fait prendre quelqu'un pour un autre ou une chose pour une autre. A quiproquo is a misunderstanding in which one person is mistaken for another or one thing for another.
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A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Yesterday, I received a strange email. Inside was a photo of Mom in a darkened cell. Though the picture was flou, I could tell Mom was smiling and I noticed she had on her travel clothes, including her beloved Frida Kahlo cape–the one she had on when she kissed me goodbye 30 hours earlier.
In the emailed photo, Mom was pictured sitting on the ground with her favorite notebook beside her–le cahier in which she copies her scriptures. (She's almost transcribed The Book of Mark!)
I searched the courriel for a note accompanying the photo but there was none. Then I recognized a prénom above the subject line: Raul. What a coincidence! I thought, She's run into her friend Raul at the airport in Puerta Vallarta–and she's had him use his Smartphone to record and send me her picture, as evidence she's arrived safely.
Owing to the darkened shot, I supposed the photo was taken at midnight, when Mom was scheduled to arrive. It was now 7 a.m. By this time she would have had a good night's sleep in her own bed, beside which her telephone would be ringing on her little nightstand. (I could wait no longer to call her!)
John, my beau-père answered the phone. After our shy hellos, I noticed he still hadn't offered to pass the phone to Mom. That was unusual.
"What a long trip it's been for Mom…" I hinted, eager to hear Mom tell about the 24 hour journey home to Mexico.
"Yes, I hope her transfers are going smoothly," John agreed.
"What do you mean? She's not home yet?!"
"She gets in at midnight," John pointed out.
"Yes, midnight–as in 7 hours ago!"
"Oh, God!" John said, and the panick in his voice echoed in the pit of my stomach.
* * *
But there was more to the confusion than a misread ticket. There was that mysterious email I'd received, from Raul. Mom knew him from her neighborhood–before he was thrown into the slammer. And Raul, I remembered, had just gotten out of prison.
I thought back to the bizarre email. Why was there only a picture–and no message? I clicked open the email and stared at my Mom. Only now the picture looked very much like a ransom shot!
Panic took over as I calculated the time in which Mom had been missing: over 7 hours!
Where to begin the search? I emailed Raul.
Careful to keep things breezy, I began with a note of appreciation: "Thanks again for the photo!"–then segued into a positive identification: "By the way, is this Raul?" I'd noticed two prénoms in the sender's line. But one was feminine…. Perhaps it was a joint account and it was Raul's wife with whom I was corresponding? Perhaps I could let her know Mom's been praying nonstop for Raul ever since he was locked up. But before I could type a follow up email, the sender replied:
"Yes, this is Raul. Nice to meet you," came the instant response.
That was odd. We'd already met–back in February 2011 when I visited Mom in Puerta Vallarta. I guessed it was a fault in translation. I decided to follow Raul's lead. More than a lead, he was a lifeline to my dear Mom!
"Nice to meet you, too!" I typed back, as if it were correct English to carry on telling someone you'd already met "ravie de vous connaître!"
Then, very unassumingly I pried for information. "Just tried to call my Mom. She is not home yet. Have you seen her today? Was this photo taken last night? Thanks. A little worried."
"You are welcome Kristin. Nice to meet you. Saludos, Raúl."
And then I called the Camino Real airport hotel only to find out it did not exist!!!
The last email I received from Raul said this: "Your mom was at the lobby of Camino Real airport hotel in México City."
The race was on! Unable to get in touch with John (I'd sent him on a wild hare chase to PV airport) I fired off an email to John's cohort, Stan, who runs Puerta Vallarta's sports fishing and tackle shop–the name of which I'm too prude to type, so go ahead and call me an old maid! Only then we'd both be caught up in this game of assumptions, which up till now got me nowhere in this puzzling question of Mom's whereabouts!!!
As email voices go, Stan's was lighthearted and humorous. He took in the information–Mom, Missing in Action!!–and got right back to me:
No worries, Stan said, John's been in contact with your Mom. And by the way, did I have a minute to shoot the breeze about marketing? (Mom, it seems, had gone on and on about her daughter with the successful French Word-A-Day site….)
With no choice but to trust Stan's report, I let go of all anxieties and launched into a crash course in product marketing! In a nutshell, start a blog already! (Stan informed me he has one. I must have overlooked the name…)
"You should have seen this guy!" Mom gushed.
Post note: When Mom learned I'd mistaken the two Raul's, fearing one of them to be a kidnapper, she burst out laughing. "Honey, you have to write the story."
"It's too complicated. Besides. I'd have to change Raul's name," I pointed out.
"Oh, he wouldn't care. And remember, he's innocent!"
P.S. Stan, if you are reading, you had suggested (a week before) that we pull one over on Mom's humband, John–suggesting Mom may have found another love interest. Alas, Raul (of Mexico City!) was but an innocent bystander who happened to be in the lobby when Mom's eyes locked onto the Smartphone that could communicate a travel update (however failed, however creative!) to her daughter. No worries, John. Mom only has eyes for you!
To respond to this story, click here. I love reading your comments and so does Mom. I sure hope both Raul's will enjoy them, too!
New rental in Provence. In the charming village of Sablet–this spacious home is the perfect place to return to after sightseeing, bicycling or hiking. Click here for photos.
"Maman sans Tuyau"
Hello Kristin!
Thanks, Anna! As you suspected, some readers did send in a photoshopped version after I lamented about the errant hose! …
Thanks, Paul! Love the richness of this one. What a gift, indeed!
I would love for that wall to the right to be glass and iron (greenhouse). Then we could see up to the boulder, just outside it. And, where Smokey's walking, that would be enclosed, with more greenhouse glass/iron. Then one could amble from the kitchen to the garden room! The floors could be left in gravel (Mom's idea) and Jean-Marc would never have to vaccuume. 😉
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Hi Kristin,
Wow, what a trip your Mom had and how confusing to find out where she was! Glad everything worked out fine and you have a great story to tell! Love the sunflower!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Kristin,
Wow, what a trip your Mom had and how confusing to find out where she was! Glad everything worked out fine and you have a great story to tell! Love the sunflower!
Have a wonderful weekend!
I suspect Jules is a person who meets kind and helpful strangers wherever she goes since she radiates warmth and generosity herself.
You may be a prude, but obviously I am an innocent because I followed the link and completely failed to understand what I assume must be a double entendre in the name of the fishing tackle shop!
I suspect Jules is a person who meets kind and helpful strangers wherever she goes since she radiates warmth and generosity herself.
You may be a prude, but obviously I am an innocent because I followed the link and completely failed to understand what I assume must be a double entendre in the name of the fishing tackle shop!
Kristi, I’m so glad to know Jules made it back to Puerto Vallarta safely after her adventure, but I know she gave you a fright! The tackle and bait shop, Passante? It starts with the word “Master”. See if you can get there!
Kristi, I’m so glad to know Jules made it back to Puerto Vallarta safely after her adventure, but I know she gave you a fright! The tackle and bait shop, Passante? It starts with the word “Master”. See if you can get there!
Kristin,
Glad your mom arrived home safely! You must have been very worried. What a sense of adventure she has 🙂
Sandy
Kristin,
Glad your mom arrived home safely! You must have been very worried. What a sense of adventure she has 🙂
Sandy
Wow! That’s quite the adventure! I’m glad your mom eventually arrived at home safely. Thank you for the entertaining, hilarious story! That’s a very creative name for a fishing shop. 🙂
Wow! That’s quite the adventure! I’m glad your mom eventually arrived at home safely. Thank you for the entertaining, hilarious story! That’s a very creative name for a fishing shop. 🙂
And just when you may have thought “Where will I come up with a story for today?” Two, not one, popped up. A Possibly Lost Mom or Garage Renovation!
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your writings!
Susan, NYC
And just when you may have thought “Where will I come up with a story for today?” Two, not one, popped up. A Possibly Lost Mom or Garage Renovation!
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your writings!
Susan, NYC
So happy your mom is home safe — what an adventure! Kind of scary — sort of funny.
I love the ideas of the garage renovation — a green house would be lovely —-and what a view!
Great sunflower – thanks for the post & photos.
Be well!
So happy your mom is home safe — what an adventure! Kind of scary — sort of funny.
I love the ideas of the garage renovation — a green house would be lovely —-and what a view!
Great sunflower – thanks for the post & photos.
Be well!
what an adventure for all..and the conservatory idea sounds great
what an adventure for all..and the conservatory idea sounds great
Another great ‘real life’ story! Just think how much less stress there would have been if no cell phones existed- John just would have had told you her plane was delayed and stopped in Mexico City and she would be home at midnight. Ta da, no drama! But oh was it ever a good story for us, in your retelling!! Glad all is well and now you’re on to another great thing – a conservatory. Quelle bonne idee!
Another great ‘real life’ story! Just think how much less stress there would have been if no cell phones existed- John just would have had told you her plane was delayed and stopped in Mexico City and she would be home at midnight. Ta da, no drama! But oh was it ever a good story for us, in your retelling!! Glad all is well and now you’re on to another great thing – a conservatory. Quelle bonne idee!
Hi Kristin,
We have chatted by email before… I’m a Canadian who has a little place in Pezenas (Pez). My aunt, Jan Macklam, has also chatted with you be email. It just so happens that mid-July, Jan (who will be in Pez with my mom and their other sister… all of whom are avid readers of your blog), will overlap in Pez with me and my cousins for a few days. We are having a party on a borrowed property on the edge of town, with fun, musical talent from Ireland and Canada, and lots of laughs.
It dawned on me that you are doing book-signing trips to different places… so if you are available, we’d love to have you come to our party (with as many friends/family you would want to bring along)! While you are in Pez, we could organize a book-signing, meet-and-greet … there is a large contingent of English-speaking (trying to be French-speaking) folks in Pez… Irish, English, American… and of course, Canadian!
I realize this is short notice, but thought that it was worth extending the invite… you just never know what might work out! So, the time that all of your long-time blog readers overlap is July 14-16. I’ll be staying on until Aug. 10th, so if a book-signing trip would only work later, I’d still be happy to arrange things. If you’d like more details, please email me.
BTW, love the conservatory idea!
A bientot!
Melanie
Hi Kristin,
We have chatted by email before… I’m a Canadian who has a little place in Pezenas (Pez). My aunt, Jan Macklam, has also chatted with you be email. It just so happens that mid-July, Jan (who will be in Pez with my mom and their other sister… all of whom are avid readers of your blog), will overlap in Pez with me and my cousins for a few days. We are having a party on a borrowed property on the edge of town, with fun, musical talent from Ireland and Canada, and lots of laughs.
It dawned on me that you are doing book-signing trips to different places… so if you are available, we’d love to have you come to our party (with as many friends/family you would want to bring along)! While you are in Pez, we could organize a book-signing, meet-and-greet … there is a large contingent of English-speaking (trying to be French-speaking) folks in Pez… Irish, English, American… and of course, Canadian!
I realize this is short notice, but thought that it was worth extending the invite… you just never know what might work out! So, the time that all of your long-time blog readers overlap is July 14-16. I’ll be staying on until Aug. 10th, so if a book-signing trip would only work later, I’d still be happy to arrange things. If you’d like more details, please email me.
BTW, love the conservatory idea!
A bientot!
Melanie
Such a wonderful story, thank you! Been reading your blog for awhile now and I feel like I know you and your family because of your easy and friendly writing style. I’m so glad everything turned out okay with your Mom. I can only imagine how scary that must have been for you. She’s such a lovely person, as are you – the pomme does not fall far from the tree! Oh, and the name of Stan’s sports shop in Puerta Vallarta is hilarious! I can only assume they have a sense of humor, too!
Such a wonderful story, thank you! Been reading your blog for awhile now and I feel like I know you and your family because of your easy and friendly writing style. I’m so glad everything turned out okay with your Mom. I can only imagine how scary that must have been for you. She’s such a lovely person, as are you – the pomme does not fall far from the tree! Oh, and the name of Stan’s sports shop in Puerta Vallarta is hilarious! I can only assume they have a sense of humor, too!
I can well understand your concern about your mom…so many “not so good” things happening today…but all’s well that ends well….good adventure story for us, however!…like idea of conservatory & love the lone sunflower…thanks for French words as well!
I can well understand your concern about your mom…so many “not so good” things happening today…but all’s well that ends well….good adventure story for us, however!…like idea of conservatory & love the lone sunflower…thanks for French words as well!
What a cute (but hair raising at the time) story! And I love the photo of your mom WITH the hose. Makes it real. And anyway she’s what catches the eye.
Anne
P.S. We have a friend in common, Phyllis Adatto.
What a cute (but hair raising at the time) story! And I love the photo of your mom WITH the hose. Makes it real. And anyway she’s what catches the eye.
Anne
P.S. We have a friend in common, Phyllis Adatto.
Never underestimate the power of the older woman for adventure! Way to go Jules!
Sorry that you went through so much Kristin. I can remember going through a similar worry with both of my parents returning from Europe during Hurricane Gloria…Alas,we do manage to pass the worry on down!
Never underestimate the power of the older woman for adventure! Way to go Jules!
Sorry that you went through so much Kristin. I can remember going through a similar worry with both of my parents returning from Europe during Hurricane Gloria…Alas,we do manage to pass the worry on down!
Loved the mysterious story. Glad it worked out great. Thank you, Raul, whereever you may be. Xo
Loved the mysterious story. Glad it worked out great. Thank you, Raul, whereever you may be. Xo
I read my French blogs with coffee each morning and today it started with a lovely story from Tongue in Cheek, with “The Blue House In San Francisco” in the title. I thought to myself that the only famous blue house I know of is Frida Kahlo’s home in Mexico City. Then I move on to French Word a Day, where Kristin is telling an amazing story of her mother presumably lost, but found in Mexico City wearing a Frida Kahlo cape.
Happenstance perhaps, but I found it quite interesting. Love your stories and hope to be visiting the south of France in the near future.
I read my French blogs with coffee each morning and today it started with a lovely story from Tongue in Cheek, with “The Blue House In San Francisco” in the title. I thought to myself that the only famous blue house I know of is Frida Kahlo’s home in Mexico City. Then I move on to French Word a Day, where Kristin is telling an amazing story of her mother presumably lost, but found in Mexico City wearing a Frida Kahlo cape.
Happenstance perhaps, but I found it quite interesting. Love your stories and hope to be visiting the south of France in the near future.
Dear Kristin,
A potential disaster turned into an adventure…my heart was in my throat, followed finally by a good chuckle. I remember hoping after the delayed take-off that perhaps you would let us know that your mom made it home okay. Never even imagined this story, but oh so glad that she is home, safe and sound. Such a beautiful, happy sunflower…our Kansas sunflowers don’t bloom until August but when they do it is Provence on the Prairie! Now I have visions of a glassed-in garden room…windows on three sides with french doors opening up on one side. I see your workspace in a corner, looking out onto your garden…plants and flowers…a table and chairs for that cup of morning coffee or tea. A sanctuary during cool, windy or rainy weather. Oh the possibilities~
Dear Kristin,
A potential disaster turned into an adventure…my heart was in my throat, followed finally by a good chuckle. I remember hoping after the delayed take-off that perhaps you would let us know that your mom made it home okay. Never even imagined this story, but oh so glad that she is home, safe and sound. Such a beautiful, happy sunflower…our Kansas sunflowers don’t bloom until August but when they do it is Provence on the Prairie! Now I have visions of a glassed-in garden room…windows on three sides with french doors opening up on one side. I see your workspace in a corner, looking out onto your garden…plants and flowers…a table and chairs for that cup of morning coffee or tea. A sanctuary during cool, windy or rainy weather. Oh the possibilities~
Kristin:
I’m glad your mom was just “misplaced” and not lost.
I’m also glad she found the kindness of stranger and handsome ones at that! Travel in our world today as much more stressful and it doesn’t get any easier as you get older.
Edie from Savannah
Kristin:
I’m glad your mom was just “misplaced” and not lost.
I’m also glad she found the kindness of stranger and handsome ones at that! Travel in our world today as much more stressful and it doesn’t get any easier as you get older.
Edie from Savannah
Hilarious account of your anxiety while mom’s enjoying an adventure! I must say she did what she thought was prudent – and TRIED to notify you, in the only way she could think of! It’s amazing how we naturally transition into parenting our parents, and how they are often blissfully unaware. I have had similar instances where mom was off having a grand old time, and did not even think we were worried sick that she was lost or taken ill! Truthfully, I do the same thing already, so I can only imagine what a hard time my kids will have with me when I’m a senior!
Hilarious account of your anxiety while mom’s enjoying an adventure! I must say she did what she thought was prudent – and TRIED to notify you, in the only way she could think of! It’s amazing how we naturally transition into parenting our parents, and how they are often blissfully unaware. I have had similar instances where mom was off having a grand old time, and did not even think we were worried sick that she was lost or taken ill! Truthfully, I do the same thing already, so I can only imagine what a hard time my kids will have with me when I’m a senior!
Please may I come help you build your greenhouse?! It’s a fabulous idea!
Please may I come help you build your greenhouse?! It’s a fabulous idea!
P.S. Did you ever find out why your beau-père did not just tell you her flight was delayed? Obviously he knew this somehow … was it just too early in the morning for him to think clearly yet?
I also wanted to suggest tracking your loved ones’ flights til they are safely landed. There are several websites that refresh the info every few minutes, so you always get a heads-up to delays, and then you can decide when a call to the airline is necessary. We have even texted updates to the traveller while they are sitting in a plane that hasn’t left the gate yet! The most common one is: flightaware[dot]com. Hope that helps!
P.S. Did you ever find out why your beau-père did not just tell you her flight was delayed? Obviously he knew this somehow … was it just too early in the morning for him to think clearly yet?
I also wanted to suggest tracking your loved ones’ flights til they are safely landed. There are several websites that refresh the info every few minutes, so you always get a heads-up to delays, and then you can decide when a call to the airline is necessary. We have even texted updates to the traveller while they are sitting in a plane that hasn’t left the gate yet! The most common one is: flightaware[dot]com. Hope that helps!
I can’t believe you were as calm as you sound with the missing Mom. I admire your ability to keep on looking for answers without totally freaking out. Jules is lucky to have you and I suspect she is quite aware of that. It sounds like the makings of at least a short story. whatta you think?
I can’t believe you were as calm as you sound with the missing Mom. I admire your ability to keep on looking for answers without totally freaking out. Jules is lucky to have you and I suspect she is quite aware of that. It sounds like the makings of at least a short story. whatta you think?
I am new to your blog Kristen. My daughter, who lives in Courbevoie, and sent me the link to your blog.
I really enjoyed your story. I know whenever our daughter visits, I can’t relax until I know she’s safely home. We pray her all the way there!
I am new to your blog Kristen. My daughter, who lives in Courbevoie, and sent me the link to your blog.
I really enjoyed your story. I know whenever our daughter visits, I can’t relax until I know she’s safely home. We pray her all the way there!
You had me on the edge of my seat with every word! Wonderful writing of a wild adventure (internal and external)! Glad to hear Jules made it safely home.
You had me on the edge of my seat with every word! Wonderful writing of a wild adventure (internal and external)! Glad to hear Jules made it safely home.
Our dear Kristi,
You have written too many wonderful posts to even count,but today’s….wow!Is one of your four star best!
Your description of this entire worrisome time had me both laughing(Raul in jail???) and then praying for a safe outcome for dear Jules.(who,by the way,is an inspiration!I had a hard time making such a trip at your age,much less even contemplating such a thing at the age I am now!)
Your beautiful home is coming along by leaps and bounds.How wonderful to transform such ideas into reality!
THANK YOU for sharing everything with us.What a way to begin the weekend!
Love
Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
You have written too many wonderful posts to even count,but today’s….wow!Is one of your four star best!
Your description of this entire worrisome time had me both laughing(Raul in jail???) and then praying for a safe outcome for dear Jules.(who,by the way,is an inspiration!I had a hard time making such a trip at your age,much less even contemplating such a thing at the age I am now!)
Your beautiful home is coming along by leaps and bounds.How wonderful to transform such ideas into reality!
THANK YOU for sharing everything with us.What a way to begin the weekend!
Love
Natalia XO