As the end of the year approaches, I'm running out of steam… and so have devised a GIANT HEADLINES approach to this posting. (Photo taken yesterday, in Evanos, France.)
TODAY'S WORD
"faire monter la mayonnaise" = to give more attention to a subject–to stir up interest. We will learn more about this word in a moment….
AUDIO FILE: Listen to Jackie read today's definition
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Faire monter la mayonnaise—çela veut dire: donner plus d'importance à une affaire.
To stir up the mayonnaise–this means to give more importance to a subject, or to call attention to it.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
My heart is beating very fast… as I am one click away from discovering the winner of our "one week free rent in Provence" contest.
For most of these drawings I use random number generator….
This time it picked number "561". All I have to do now is comb through 10 pages of comments (100 comments per page) to find out who, among 1021 entrants, has won. Here goes…. And the winner is….
"A.M."
Off to match A.M.'s signature with the email address listed with this comment. A.M., if you are reading, Félicitations! I will put you in touch with Cynthia and you two can work out the details of your prize. Please take lots of photos for us when you get there!
(Update: To be clear, and in case anyone with the initials "A.M." is reading… the winner's email address begins with "abatc").
ESPALIER
Yesterday was my birthday and I received the tree of my dreams: un espalier! (Espaliers are those trees that have branches trained horizonally along a wall or support. See it, above, next to a very old, uprooted grape vine. And that is our golden, Breizh, who began having seizures last month. Keep her in your prayers!)
Almost as delightful as the arbre, is the word's original meaning: "something to rest the shoulder against." (This comes at a good time, as my arm is sore from all the ELBOW exercises I am doing lately. (See the journal entry for "luxer")
POMMES DE REINETTE
…or "pippins" are the kind of apples that will grow on this new tree! Because espaliers produce more fruit in less space, we should have plenty of fruit for une tarte tatin–a French apple pie that was born of this famous variety!
ZERO DECHET
I am reading a facinating and inspiring book by French woman, Bea Johnson. Bea has managed to turn her house into a ZERO WASTE home. Last year her family of four produced so little waste that all it took was a one quart jar to contain all their garbage (in fact, the family no longer has a poubelle, or trash can, at home!). Extreme? Qui sait? (Who knows.) I'm reading it for the books ability to open my eyes to that which I can minimize….
Read along with me when you download the ebook here!
FAIRE MONTER LA MAYONNAISE
The main tip in Bea's Zero Waste Home–is to refuse (of the 5 R's she lists: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot — refusing is the most important: don't even let the waste enter your home! Bea gives a wonderful example of refusing those free shampoo and conditioner bottles offered by most hotels. I shared this with Jean-Marc (a freebies collector!) and he instantly agreed to stop this compulsion! He even said that awareness about such freebies will help monter la mayonnaise–or stir up a topic many of us don't think much about. (Idem for all those free pens. As Bea says, we are offered a free stylo and immediately we think "Cool! Free pen!" but we don't consider the bigger picture: accepting freebies encourages the production of more (cheaply made) freebies, which end up in landfills across the globe.
I hightly recommend ZERO WASTE HOME. Read it for the awareness, the education, and the intention it'll stir up–like a good, homemade mayo!
RIGOLEZ! (GO AHEAD AND LAUGH)
I hope we know each other well enough by now that I can share the news. I've quit toothpaste! In as little as one-two-three (items, minutes) you can stir up a wonderful treat for your teeth, via this natural dentifrice:
* 4-5 tbsp French green clay, or this kind
*2-5 drops essential oil (organic grade): peppermint, rosemary, or other…
*pinches of sea salt (though some say this harms enamel, I like the taste)
*optional: water
I added enough water to make a paste (some say to stir with wooden spoon, but I used metal). And some people sprinkle the powder directly on their tooth brush and then add water. Option: Instead of green clay you can use baking soda (food grade).
- Green clay powder has another benefit: it remineralizes your teeth!
- And remember when I used it on Smokey, after his attack? Story here.
MUST NOT FORGET OUR SPONSOR…
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.
Jean-Marc, wheeling my presents to the cash register…. The espalier is in good company: blueberry bushes to warm its feet and another kumquat tree!
MERCI BEAUCOUP!
Thank you very much for reading my French language journal this past year. Your comments and encouragements helped keep this blog going! May the following cheers keep your own dreams fueled and may you continue to live the kind of life that brings you the most peace and joy:
Allez! Continue! et surtout BON COURAGE!
Keep going! Keep on! and especially GOOD LUCK (be strong, be brave)
Amicalement,
Kristi
Photo taken in Evanos, a tiny hilltop village not far from Bandol.
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As the year ends I wanted to wish you and your family a very blessed Christmas and may the New Year be the best ever!
I enjoy reading French word a day and don’t even remember how long I have subscribed. Thank you and remember when the nasties write, some people have never been taught ‘if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything’.
God bless you real good!
Juliette
As the year ends I wanted to wish you and your family a very blessed Christmas and may the New Year be the best ever!
I enjoy reading French word a day and don’t even remember how long I have subscribed. Thank you and remember when the nasties write, some people have never been taught ‘if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything’.
God bless you real good!
Juliette
Happy birthday, and merry Christmas!
I always enjoy visiting your blog.
Happy birthday, and merry Christmas!
I always enjoy visiting your blog.
Oh Chips, I am wo disappointed, sob and weep and weep and sob…*sniffing* valiantly and trying to keep my chin up even though my tail be dragon… *sniff*, *snort*, etcetera and ampersand. MArie Lamaison laughed at me when I told her 2 nights ago that I had entered this contest and said I would never win….O ye of little faith.. *sniff sniff and snuffle*
Shall I ever reccover? Crying in my shoes. Oh well ………there is always another day. O not Miss Scarlett of Annie. *sob and weep* + “sniff snd snuffle/ And congratulations and bon voyage to the winner of this fabulous week in such a divine house !!!!!!!!!
*sniff and sniff* O yes, I will be a good sport. That is the way I was brought up, however I was never successful at any sport! No eye/hand ball coordination. Oh well, ddear Kristen, thanks for the hope and wish and desire to have that extraordinary hoose en novembre ou août……*bravely* au courage I try so very hard not to *sniffle*. Best regards, Harriet Provene Van Eps.
Oh Chips, I am wo disappointed, sob and weep and weep and sob…*sniffing* valiantly and trying to keep my chin up even though my tail be dragon… *sniff*, *snort*, etcetera and ampersand. MArie Lamaison laughed at me when I told her 2 nights ago that I had entered this contest and said I would never win….O ye of little faith.. *sniff sniff and snuffle*
Shall I ever reccover? Crying in my shoes. Oh well ………there is always another day. O not Miss Scarlett of Annie. *sob and weep* + “sniff snd snuffle/ And congratulations and bon voyage to the winner of this fabulous week in such a divine house !!!!!!!!!
*sniff and sniff* O yes, I will be a good sport. That is the way I was brought up, however I was never successful at any sport! No eye/hand ball coordination. Oh well, ddear Kristen, thanks for the hope and wish and desire to have that extraordinary hoose en novembre ou août……*bravely* au courage I try so very hard not to *sniffle*. Best regards, Harriet Provene Van Eps.
*snort*
*snort*
Merde alor, I am so ashamed that I have become so blind that I cannot even read what II have posted. So sorry, and yes I am Harriet Provence Van Eps ………So sorry to not be wearing my reading glasses. Shame on me.
Merde alor, I am so ashamed that I have become so blind that I cannot even read what II have posted. So sorry, and yes I am Harriet Provence Van Eps ………So sorry to not be wearing my reading glasses. Shame on me.
I need a magnifying glass if I cannot even spell my maiden name….Provence. Go ahead and mock me and shock me and throw me down the stairs. That is a bit of James Whitcomb Riley from my youth…read to me by my grandmother Mary Eugenia King Provence. Thanks again Kristen for the sweet opportunity of the only contest I have ever entered! Raffles at church are not the same!
I need a magnifying glass if I cannot even spell my maiden name….Provence. Go ahead and mock me and shock me and throw me down the stairs. That is a bit of James Whitcomb Riley from my youth…read to me by my grandmother Mary Eugenia King Provence. Thanks again Kristen for the sweet opportunity of the only contest I have ever entered! Raffles at church are not the same!
Huge congratulations to A.M.
Bon voyage!
Et, surtout mire …
Joyeux Noël et bonne année!
Huge congratulations to A.M.
Bon voyage!
Et, surtout mire …
Joyeux Noël et bonne année!
Congratulations to A.M. for winning the vacation home.
I can’t believe that there are still leaves on trees on Provence. I will have to visit in the winter some year. I think that it is our silver beech which still has leaves, but they are golden and will fall off in the spring.
You look very content in the picture. You should be. It is near the end of the year with another successful FWAD almost complete, a birthday with a wonderful fruit bearing tree, a wonderful husband and great children and last but not least two exceptional dogs. Braise’s health will be in our prayers.
Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee
Kathleen
Congratulations to A.M. for winning the vacation home.
I can’t believe that there are still leaves on trees on Provence. I will have to visit in the winter some year. I think that it is our silver beech which still has leaves, but they are golden and will fall off in the spring.
You look very content in the picture. You should be. It is near the end of the year with another successful FWAD almost complete, a birthday with a wonderful fruit bearing tree, a wonderful husband and great children and last but not least two exceptional dogs. Braise’s health will be in our prayers.
Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee
Kathleen
Happy Birthday to you Kristin and Merry Christmas to a beautiful lady! Boundless blessings to you and your lovely family in 2015 and always. I agree with Juliette–ignore negative comments illico presto and keep focused on those who love you and wish you the best! Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee!!!
Happy Birthday to you Kristin and Merry Christmas to a beautiful lady! Boundless blessings to you and your lovely family in 2015 and always. I agree with Juliette–ignore negative comments illico presto and keep focused on those who love you and wish you the best! Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee!!!
Quel âge a Breizh?
Quel âge a Breizh?
Joyeux Noël !
Enjoy your espalier.
Joyeux Noël !
Enjoy your espalier.
Joyeux Noel…..vous souhaitant la paix, l’amour et la rire dans la nouvelle année.
Love those pippins…..only apple for baking!
Joyeux Noel…..vous souhaitant la paix, l’amour et la rire dans la nouvelle année.
Love those pippins…..only apple for baking!
Merci Kristen for sharing your stories this year, have loved them. A very happy, healthy , joyful Christmas and may 2015 be a great year for you and your loved ones. From Pauline in Perth, Australia.
Merci Kristen for sharing your stories this year, have loved them. A very happy, healthy , joyful Christmas and may 2015 be a great year for you and your loved ones. From Pauline in Perth, Australia.
I know you are totally enjoying Béa’s book. I return to it often to refresh my memory on sustainable practices. Unfortunately my husband is not so inclined so it’s an uphill battle! Looking forward to all you have to offer in the new year. Heureuse Année 2015.🎉
I know you are totally enjoying Béa’s book. I return to it often to refresh my memory on sustainable practices. Unfortunately my husband is not so inclined so it’s an uphill battle! Looking forward to all you have to offer in the new year. Heureuse Année 2015.🎉
I so enjoy your blog. I love brushing up on my french and viewing the beautiful pictures. We intend to visit France as soon as private school tuition has ended in a couple of years. I will use your site as a resource and may reach out to you for a few suggestions! Merry Christmas! God Bless !
I so enjoy your blog. I love brushing up on my french and viewing the beautiful pictures. We intend to visit France as soon as private school tuition has ended in a couple of years. I will use your site as a resource and may reach out to you for a few suggestions! Merry Christmas! God Bless !
About Breizh’s seizures…do you know that eating grapes or grape stems can cause seizures in some dogs? Our cocker spaniels used to love to catch and eat grapes tossed at them. They also suffered from seizures, often really bad ones, but none of the vets we took them to over the years ever mentioned that seizures could be the result of eating grapes. It wasn’t until our daughter’s dachshund ate a small bit of grape stem and ended up on i.v.’s at the vet for several days that we learned of the connection. I’d imagine it could be tricky to keep Breizh from grapes and stems since you live among them. Good luck.
Felicitaions pour ton anniversaire et aussi les fetes de Noel et l’annee prochaine! Et, bien sur, merci pour tes mots chacque semaine!
About Breizh’s seizures…do you know that eating grapes or grape stems can cause seizures in some dogs? Our cocker spaniels used to love to catch and eat grapes tossed at them. They also suffered from seizures, often really bad ones, but none of the vets we took them to over the years ever mentioned that seizures could be the result of eating grapes. It wasn’t until our daughter’s dachshund ate a small bit of grape stem and ended up on i.v.’s at the vet for several days that we learned of the connection. I’d imagine it could be tricky to keep Breizh from grapes and stems since you live among them. Good luck.
Felicitaions pour ton anniversaire et aussi les fetes de Noel et l’annee prochaine! Et, bien sur, merci pour tes mots chacque semaine!
Love your postings!!
Merry Christmas!!
Love your postings!!
Merry Christmas!!
Happy Birthday!! Hope your day was as wonderful as you.
On a different note, it is ironic for me that you mentioned the toothpaste. I bought one without fluoride. My dentist had me using a prescription strength one for some time now. A friend of mine mentioned that my memory loss could be due to using flouride. She had no idea I was using the extra strength. Apparently studies show this can attribute to the loss. My short term memory has taken a nose dive. My long term has s 30 second recall. I have always had a great one. It scares me. As I too get closer to 50, I wonder how much worse it will get. I read something the other day that said when the change happens it will return. My friend who is 70 said don’t count on it. Not to bring you down just after a birthday but it was kind of fitting.
Happy Birthday!! Hope your day was as wonderful as you.
On a different note, it is ironic for me that you mentioned the toothpaste. I bought one without fluoride. My dentist had me using a prescription strength one for some time now. A friend of mine mentioned that my memory loss could be due to using flouride. She had no idea I was using the extra strength. Apparently studies show this can attribute to the loss. My short term memory has taken a nose dive. My long term has s 30 second recall. I have always had a great one. It scares me. As I too get closer to 50, I wonder how much worse it will get. I read something the other day that said when the change happens it will return. My friend who is 70 said don’t count on it. Not to bring you down just after a birthday but it was kind of fitting.
Happy Birthday – fashionably late comme toujours, but it’s on my calendrier so my good wishes were with you yesterday as well. Your aforementioned book looks like a thought-provoking read. I’ll have to find it. Joyeux Noël, Kristin et famille.
Happy Birthday – fashionably late comme toujours, but it’s on my calendrier so my good wishes were with you yesterday as well. Your aforementioned book looks like a thought-provoking read. I’ll have to find it. Joyeux Noël, Kristin et famille.
Dear sweet Braise, wishing you well and free from all maladies! Kristen, I adore espaliers–look forward to seeing it produce. Merry Christmas and best wishes in 2015 to all your family. Thanks again for your lovely blog which has accomplished a number of good things, among which has been the gathering together of so many francophiles into a warm, loving community. Cheers, mes amis!
Dear sweet Braise, wishing you well and free from all maladies! Kristen, I adore espaliers–look forward to seeing it produce. Merry Christmas and best wishes in 2015 to all your family. Thanks again for your lovely blog which has accomplished a number of good things, among which has been the gathering together of so many francophiles into a warm, loving community. Cheers, mes amis!
Someday I will win one of these contests, lol!
Mais, merci mille!
Warmest wishes for a blessed 2015!!
Someday I will win one of these contests, lol!
Mais, merci mille!
Warmest wishes for a blessed 2015!!
Dear Kristi,
I can’t tell you how much joy your posts bring me. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into giving us these wonderful glimpses into your life. I wish you and your beautiful family a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year!
Dear Kristi,
I can’t tell you how much joy your posts bring me. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into giving us these wonderful glimpses into your life. I wish you and your beautiful family a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year!
Thank you for all your wonderful posts. They make me want to be in France! I want to wish you Un Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee!!
Thank you for all your wonderful posts. They make me want to be in France! I want to wish you Un Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee!!
Je prie pour belle Breizh. xoxo
Je prie pour belle Breizh. xoxo
Hi Kristin
You continue to be even more AMAZING with every year. What a treasure to know you. Merry Christmas to the Espinasses.
Hi Kristin
You continue to be even more AMAZING with every year. What a treasure to know you. Merry Christmas to the Espinasses.