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….
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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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I appreciate this educational service you offer. I have always wanted to learn French, and this is helpful. Do you know of a French Bible or New Testament with the two languages side by side for smooth navigation.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
I appreciate this educational service you offer. I have always wanted to learn French, and this is helpful. Do you know of a French Bible or New Testament with the two languages side by side for smooth navigation.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
.. Kristin… belated Bonne Anniversaire et Joyeuses Fetes et Bonne Annee!!! Congrats to AM, upon being the winner of the fab vacay! As for Breizh, our son has a yellow lab, Joey, now 8 years old and had had ‘seizures’ for the last year. The Vet said that he has canine epilepsy… and it can come on at an older age in dogs. His seizures are only about 2-3 minutes, but he lies down and ‘quivers’, tho no foaming at the mouth. We lie down beside him and pet him and talk him sofly thru it telling him how much we love him…. then he pops up and seems none the worse for wear. They seem to happen about every 6 months, as we are keeping a log. Our pets are our ‘other children’ in our families, so you have our sympathy. May 2015 be one of your very best years ever! Judi Dunn, Tallahassee, Fl.
.. Kristin… belated Bonne Anniversaire et Joyeuses Fetes et Bonne Annee!!! Congrats to AM, upon being the winner of the fab vacay! As for Breizh, our son has a yellow lab, Joey, now 8 years old and had had ‘seizures’ for the last year. The Vet said that he has canine epilepsy… and it can come on at an older age in dogs. His seizures are only about 2-3 minutes, but he lies down and ‘quivers’, tho no foaming at the mouth. We lie down beside him and pet him and talk him sofly thru it telling him how much we love him…. then he pops up and seems none the worse for wear. They seem to happen about every 6 months, as we are keeping a log. Our pets are our ‘other children’ in our families, so you have our sympathy. May 2015 be one of your very best years ever! Judi Dunn, Tallahassee, Fl.
Happy Birthday! Merry Christmas! I look forward to another wonderful year of your blog.
Happy Birthday! Merry Christmas! I look forward to another wonderful year of your blog.
Kristin, forgive me for forgetting that we share the same birthday. I should have wished you a happy one yesterday (the 22nd). My favorite greeting this year was from a friend who “sang” to me through his email, “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?” Many blessings in the coming year and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Kristin, forgive me for forgetting that we share the same birthday. I should have wished you a happy one yesterday (the 22nd). My favorite greeting this year was from a friend who “sang” to me through his email, “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?” Many blessings in the coming year and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Congrats to the winner; enjoy to the fullest!
And, Happy Holidays to the Espinasse family! Thank you, Kristi, for giving us all a chuckle, an idea, or some moments of pensiveness when reading your wonderful blog. Best wishes to you for the coming year.
Sue and Bill in Scottsdale
Congrats to the winner; enjoy to the fullest!
And, Happy Holidays to the Espinasse family! Thank you, Kristi, for giving us all a chuckle, an idea, or some moments of pensiveness when reading your wonderful blog. Best wishes to you for the coming year.
Sue and Bill in Scottsdale
Thank you for your wonderful stories my dear friend and sharing your pictures as well. Looking forward to your adventures in 2015.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Safe and Happy New Year!
xoxo
Thank you for your wonderful stories my dear friend and sharing your pictures as well. Looking forward to your adventures in 2015.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Safe and Happy New Year!
xoxo
Congratulations to A.M.!!!
Joyeux anniversaire!
Joyeus Noel et bonne annee 2015!
Deborah
Congratulations to A.M.!!!
Joyeux anniversaire!
Joyeus Noel et bonne annee 2015!
Deborah
Congrats to the winner, A.M.!
Kristi, some years ago our dog began having seizures. The emergency vet told us it’s almost always something they ate, but in Daisy’s case it turned out to be hypothyroidism – hmmm, just like me – anyway, it’s an easy fix if that’s what it turns out to be – and just needs a blood test to know either way…hope that helps!
Congrats to the winner, A.M.!
Kristi, some years ago our dog began having seizures. The emergency vet told us it’s almost always something they ate, but in Daisy’s case it turned out to be hypothyroidism – hmmm, just like me – anyway, it’s an easy fix if that’s what it turns out to be – and just needs a blood test to know either way…hope that helps!
Will certainly pray for Breizh’s healing and comfort.
Appreciate the information on zero waste home. Wow! What a goal! The years I lived in NYC, I appreciated, at least, the city’s recycling efforts … and felt so guilty throwing trash out when I returned to Florida.
I abhor those disposable pens; particularly the advertising pens seem to be very short on ink only to be thrown out sooner. My preference is for fountain pens and have plans to purchase converters so I can use bottled ink vs. disposable cartridges in the future.
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année 2015
Will certainly pray for Breizh’s healing and comfort.
Appreciate the information on zero waste home. Wow! What a goal! The years I lived in NYC, I appreciated, at least, the city’s recycling efforts … and felt so guilty throwing trash out when I returned to Florida.
I abhor those disposable pens; particularly the advertising pens seem to be very short on ink only to be thrown out sooner. My preference is for fountain pens and have plans to purchase converters so I can use bottled ink vs. disposable cartridges in the future.
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année 2015
Oh, and how could I forget? HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Oh, and how could I forget? HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Hi Kristin,
Love the espalier!
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année !
Hi Kristin,
Love the espalier!
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année !
Kristin:
Bon anniversaire et bon Noel!
I hope you and your family have a “paisiable” holiday. I also hope your lovely dog gets better.
Here’s to the New Year and new adventures!
Edie from Savannah
Kristin:
Bon anniversaire et bon Noel!
I hope you and your family have a “paisiable” holiday. I also hope your lovely dog gets better.
Here’s to the New Year and new adventures!
Edie from Savannah
Kristin,
My Golden Doodle (golden retriever/poodle mix), too has started having seizures periodically this last year. I fully understand the feeling of helplessness and a bit of panic when it happens. Plus the fact that our vet, at least, does not seem to know what causes them. As they are fairly infrequent, we are not treating her, but I wanted to let you know that you and Breize are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joyeux Noel!
Kristin,
My Golden Doodle (golden retriever/poodle mix), too has started having seizures periodically this last year. I fully understand the feeling of helplessness and a bit of panic when it happens. Plus the fact that our vet, at least, does not seem to know what causes them. As they are fairly infrequent, we are not treating her, but I wanted to let you know that you and Breize are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joyeux Noel!
Happy Birthday, Kristi! Looks like you had a lovely day! Hope Breizh gets past whatever is causing her seizures soon. Lots of positive thoughts going her way.
I want to try to espalier my potted fruit trees also as I have very limited space. We’ll see what happens! 🙂
Big congratulations to A.M.! You have a lot of companions from which to choose here, I am sure, if you need any extra company on your little holiday! 😉
Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee (sorry, don’t know how to get the accents in) to your family, Jules, your father and Marcia and all your lovely readers here! Thank you for all your hard work, lovely thought-provoking posts, and willingness to bring all of us along on your journey!
Happy Birthday, Kristi! Looks like you had a lovely day! Hope Breizh gets past whatever is causing her seizures soon. Lots of positive thoughts going her way.
I want to try to espalier my potted fruit trees also as I have very limited space. We’ll see what happens! 🙂
Big congratulations to A.M.! You have a lot of companions from which to choose here, I am sure, if you need any extra company on your little holiday! 😉
Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee (sorry, don’t know how to get the accents in) to your family, Jules, your father and Marcia and all your lovely readers here! Thank you for all your hard work, lovely thought-provoking posts, and willingness to bring all of us along on your journey!
Bon Anniversaire, Krisitin!
Pour toi et ton cadeau, le nouveau espalier, voici une chanson avec la musique agréable. Pour le monde, allez à U-tube pour chercher la musique:
Pomme de reinette et pomme d’api
Tapis tapis rouge
Pomme de reinette et pomme d’api
Tapis tapis gris (bis)
Bon Anniversaire, Krisitin!
Pour toi et ton cadeau, le nouveau espalier, voici une chanson avec la musique agréable. Pour le monde, allez à U-tube pour chercher la musique:
Pomme de reinette et pomme d’api
Tapis tapis rouge
Pomme de reinette et pomme d’api
Tapis tapis gris (bis)
Our dear Kristi,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!You are a blessing in our lives and we ask God to grace you and your beautiful family always!And!Wonderful news about your elbow!!
There are medecines to help dear B’s seizures.
We will keep her in our prayers
Another wonderful post and pictures today.
THANK YOU!!
Love
Natalia. xo
Our dear Kristi,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!You are a blessing in our lives and we ask God to grace you and your beautiful family always!And!Wonderful news about your elbow!!
There are medecines to help dear B’s seizures.
We will keep her in our prayers
Another wonderful post and pictures today.
THANK YOU!!
Love
Natalia. xo
I use baking soda to brush my teeth and it’s great and sweetens the mouth. Maybe with a little clay now that I know that trick. When you apples are ready, I’ll send you the world’s best tarte tatin (she says modestly), but it’s true. All the other recipes are off on one small direction….
curious? Happy to send mine. Hope the doggy is better. Love from Loulou
I use baking soda to brush my teeth and it’s great and sweetens the mouth. Maybe with a little clay now that I know that trick. When you apples are ready, I’ll send you the world’s best tarte tatin (she says modestly), but it’s true. All the other recipes are off on one small direction….
curious? Happy to send mine. Hope the doggy is better. Love from Loulou
Please tell “AM” that if s/he needs a new BFF, I am volunteering. So now, my only hope for a trip to France in 2015 is Santa. Sure hope I was good this year. Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee! Bisous!
Please tell “AM” that if s/he needs a new BFF, I am volunteering. So now, my only hope for a trip to France in 2015 is Santa. Sure hope I was good this year. Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee! Bisous!
Chere Kristi,
Bonne Anniversaire (un peu tarde,) Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee. Prayers are with Braise. Really like your birthday presents and know you will enjoy them. God bless the family Espinasse.
Chere Kristi,
Bonne Anniversaire (un peu tarde,) Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee. Prayers are with Braise. Really like your birthday presents and know you will enjoy them. God bless the family Espinasse.
Bonne Anniversaire et Joyeux Noel a votre petite famille.
Bonne Anniversaire et Joyeux Noel a votre petite famille.
So sorry to hear about Breizh’s seizures. I do so enjoy hearing about your lovely dog’s escapades, and love the photos that you post of them. Please keep us updated as to her situation. And I will definitely keep her in my thoughts.
Best wishes for Christmas and for the New Year.
So sorry to hear about Breizh’s seizures. I do so enjoy hearing about your lovely dog’s escapades, and love the photos that you post of them. Please keep us updated as to her situation. And I will definitely keep her in my thoughts.
Best wishes for Christmas and for the New Year.
Dear Kristin , I love that photo you look so peaceful. Joyeux Noel to you and your family, looking forward to your newsletter in 2015 . Your friend Down Under Carole xxx
Dear Kristin , I love that photo you look so peaceful. Joyeux Noel to you and your family, looking forward to your newsletter in 2015 . Your friend Down Under Carole xxx
Je lis ce blog depuis des années et je l’aime beaucoup. Bon anniversaire à vous et je vous souhaite un Joyeux Nœl et une Bonne Année.
Je lis ce blog depuis des années et je l’aime beaucoup. Bon anniversaire à vous et je vous souhaite un Joyeux Nœl et une Bonne Année.
Merry Christmas Kristin!
May you and your family have a wonderful Holiday Season.
May 2015 continue to inspire your writing and fill you camera with wonderful images.
Barry
Merry Christmas Kristin!
May you and your family have a wonderful Holiday Season.
May 2015 continue to inspire your writing and fill you camera with wonderful images.
Barry
Thank you, Barry, and everyone here for taking the time to send such thoughtful notes. What a blessing you are! Enjoy this week and may the new year be filled with wonderful things for you and those you love.
Thank you, Barry, and everyone here for taking the time to send such thoughtful notes. What a blessing you are! Enjoy this week and may the new year be filled with wonderful things for you and those you love.