More behind the trenchcoat our daughter made, in today's story.
TODAY'S WORD : imperméable
: raincoat
: weatherproof, impervious (adj)
ECOUTEZ/LISTEN: hear Jean-Marc pronounce these French words:
MP3 file or Wav File
Imperméable. Nous sommes très fiers de Jackie pour la réalisation de son imperméable.
Raincoat. We are very proud of Jackie for completing her raincoat.
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A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE…
by Kristin Espinasse
Weatherproof
"I don't know what to write about this morning," I said to Jean-Marc, who sat at the coffee table working on his computer. "Maybe YOU could write today's post—and talk about the mood here in France at the moment…."
"Laisse-moi réfléchir," Let me think about it, Jean-Marc said, before answering, "Maybe it is time to tourner la page."
My husband was right. Each of us has shared, in his or her own way, a personal reaction to the Paris attack. November 13th, 2015 will forever be etched into our hearts. Now, the best we can do is to search for the unvanquished joy that still glimmers and sings all around us. And by singing, I'm referring to the toad that's taken up residence beneath our front porch. This week, as we quietly ate lunch beneath the still-shining sun, that bumbling, off-key crapaud piped up again and in so doing shook loose the sadness cloaking this countryside.
Just thinking about our loud-mouthed interloper makes me smile, and I can now summon a host of other hopeful images that have the same heart-strengthening effect. "Tu as raison," I said to Jean-Marc. "Maybe I could write about the trench coat that Jackie just made in design school! How do you say it in French? Le trench?"
"We don't say trench coat in French," Jean-Marc said.
His simple response absolutely crushed me. But the emotion-packed overreaction was swiftly replaced by a new determination: "Please tell me how to say trench coat in French! Google it… or find the Wikipedia definition. Better yet, make a sound file, telling everyone how proud we are of our daughter for sewing a trench coat from scratch!" Having let go a barrage of orders, I waited for the answers, only to become doubtful that any of this would add up to a very meaningful offering in my French word journal.
Just then, Jean-Marc's first answer came: "Imperméable. On ne dit pas trenchcoat. On dit imperméable."
As my mind began to translate the word back into English –from trenchcoat to weatherproof–a new, symbolic meaning shined forth and, with it, the image of a protective shield.
A further translation might be via the term our French president uttered, in trembling speech, the day of the Paris attacks. In it, he saluted citizens for their sang-froid, or ability to remain calm in the face of terror.
* * *
Examining every last detail of my daughter's "imperméable," I realize the sewing gene that she inherited from my Mom skipped a generation (which explains the crooked hem I put in a throw pillow recently). I am extremely proud of Jackie and the trench coat she worked to complete this week despite her own inquiétude. While her compatriots proclaimed "on n'a pas peur!", Jackie was sewing those very same words. At the very least it shows determination. But in this mother's eyes, her weatherproof coat is symbolic.
COMMENTS
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Thank you for reading and sharing these posts. Wishing you a beautiful weekend. "With all its broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world." -Desiderata
I leave you with a word from our good friends Lisa and Beth, who welcome you to join them in Provence each year. Experience Provence like a local on this unforgettable small group tour. Stroll the lavender fields, shop the farmers markets, enjoy private wine-tastings. Click here for more information.
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mon dieu Jackie , c,est incroyable !!! Wow that is an incredibly stylish trench coat. It does perfectly sum up the power of the indominatable French spirit. Hugs to you all from Australia xxx
I was greatly saddened by the events of November 13, but they won’t keep us from visiting Paris. On a more upbeat note, I’ve always loved learning how different languages name objects and how they translate back into English. I spent an evening 50 years ago with some German medical students who were going to take a cross-country car trip and wanted to know the English word for every part of the car in case they had trouble. When I did this, I told them they had to tell me the German word and then do a literal translation into English. I don’t remember the words, just that there were some strange ways of naming parts of a car in German. For trench coat, English names where it was used (in the WWI trenches) whereas French names what it is: impermeable).
Kristin, your daughter’s creation in design and execution is an amazing accomplishment. It’s very obvious that she is very talented. You should be very proud of her skills. It’s always very satisfying to see your children find their talents and pursue them. She has apparently found her’s. Keep up the encouragement.
Roger
Chere Kristi, being someone who sews ‘un peu’, I’m in awe of Jackie’s talent and skills. My mother taught Home Ec (anyone remember?) and tailoring was her forte, a skill at which I failed miserably. Jackie tu es formidable !
I am so proud of Jackie for producing this amazing imperméable! What a project! What a gal! Yes, it’s a sad time for France, but I agree that we need to turn the page; never to forget, but to continue with our lives and to be strong. Let’s enjoy the sunshine while remaining ready to protect ourselves from the cold and sometimes devastating rain.
Symbolism aside, it’s a beautiful coat. Félicitations, Jackie!
As always, I enjoy your writing very much! I had to dig deep into my faltering memory for the Hungarian word for trenchcoat. I finally succumbed to Jean-Marc suggestion and looked it up on Google.Trenchcoat in Hungary is called Ballonkabát. Oh yes,no I remember!
As for your friendly frog, we have a bullfrog in our neighborhood on the bank of our pond. Hearing him,as I walk by with my dog, always makes my day.
Big hugs!
Marika in Colorado
Great job on the trench coat Jackie!
Very impressive sewing project, Jackie!!!
The French people should be proud of their country’s response to the recent horrendous events! I was proud to be a Francophile as I watch the authorities respond to the crisis.
In the wake of the recent events, moving on, individuals might consider the words inscribed in the grave of an American icon John Wayne . . . . .
“Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learnt something from yesterday.”
Meme pas peur!
As someone who sews, I can tell you that tailoring a coat or jacket is one of the most difficult things. Sew a blouse — OK. Sew a skirt — OK. But make a coat? Now that’s truly noteworthy. Chapeau, Jackie!
Thank you so much for your beautiful post today.
Your daughter’s remarkable talent is such a reminder to me of the fruits of a passion directed by valuing beauty, love, hope and life. All qualities nurtured by her loving parents.
Sadly lacking in those who’ve chosen darkness.
Finding symbolism on so many levels in Jackie’s beautiful impermeable. Kudos to you both … and thanks!
Jacki did a great job. What a classic style and yet a tres nouveau impermeable. Yes, the origin of words is fascinating. I did not know that Trenchcoat came from WW I.
The Americans are with the French in solidarity. We must keep on living and not hide. Enjoy the good weather, the sun and warmth as long as it lasts. We get little bursts of warm and then frost here in Connecticut.
Congratulations to Jackie on her fine accomplishment in producing a stylish garment from scratch, quite a feat, in my past life I enjoyed a few seasons with the famous LONDON FOG company helping to style a sports wear line for the 1974/75 seasons and fully realize the talent and hard work it takes to make your way in the fashion business, keep up the hard work Jackie, you definitely have the gift of talent. My BEST to you and YOURS. Lou
So honest, humbling, and symbolic! Imperméable certainly sounds better than ‘trench,’ and Jackie’s work is beautiful. In your short essay, Kristin, you have delivered such a powerful message of love and resilience amidst instability! These days, my focus is on my family and I am reminded, yet again, of the importance of setting aside our differences in order to focus on what is most important, what makes us impermeable and weatherproof: LOVE.
Dear Kristi,
The impenetrable impermeable! Jackie has continued the legacy of the trench coat…to carry on during strife and duress.
Bill’s comment about the history of the trench coat was most enlightening. Now I understand why my grandfather, who was in WWI in France along with his three brothers, loved his trench coat so.
After what must have been many weeks or months of effort, it seems rather coincidental that Jackie finished up her impermeable under such circumstances. She sewed a lot of strong will and determination into those seams. May she wear it proudly!
What an accomplishment for Jackie! Such a benefit for her to have parents who set an example about living one’s dreams.
What an accomplishment for Jackie! Such a benefit for her to have parents who set such a positive example of living one’s dreams.
Apologies for the near duplicate post. Not sure if my end or yours, but first I saw no comments (I usually read them all), then my post disappeared off yet did not seem to post. Then I posted again and my post and all the others scrolled through. Sorry.
“Voici l’anglais avec son sangfroid habituel” became
“Here’s the Englishman with his usual bloody cold”
I really have always liked the word “imperméable”. It is somehow comforting to know that it promises to keep the rain from getting to me. It is a perfect representative of the fierce French spirit and joie de vivre.
Dear Kristi,
HUGE KUDOS to Jackie! Her works is exquisite. I saw the photo and began reading, not
having ANY idea that she had made the coat! I love the “imperméable!”; the style is classic and her workmanship exquisite. I know you and J-M are proud of her; she
should be very proud of herself. This really bodes well for her future as a top couturier.
She dignifies and typifies the French spirit, “imperméable!”
Micki in Houston
Formidable! Jackie’s skill & talent, & your ability as a writer to turn J-M’s mot French into un mot juste. Brilliant, Jackie & Kristi! Bravo! Courage! Fortitude! Hope! Impermeables.
Jackie’s coat is absolutely amazing. What talent! Your skills are in your words. It was a brilliant post this morning. Just the image the world needs after all the violence. Impermeable resilience, to carry on feeling hopeful and grateful to the good rather than giving into the evil.
One of your most beautiful posts. Tears in my eyes.
Beautiful coat! trench NON !impermeable OUI ! the indomitable spirit of France!
Thank you for this beautiful post. I love that you connected your daughter’s brilliant work (impermeable!) with the resiliance of the French. Jackie’s trench coat is beautiful (we all want to know where and how to get one!). It’s such a balm for the soul to see your photos on Instagram of your beautiful farm and family. I continue to hope for peace and compassion in the world instead of violence.
Greetings to all as we send our prayers and tears across the ocean. Sang-froid is such a good term for what holds up the French people. Courage! Jackie’s impermeable is magnificent. Just amazing that she could achieve such professional results at such a young age. I only know one person in my cadre of friends and relatives who has done anything of that order of difficulty. She received a degree from the University of Wisconsin in what was “Home Economics” at the time (60’s) and made a fur parka with zipper and a few other difficult creations.
Ciao Kristi,
Please tell Jackie that I wore a similar trench coat in ’68-69 when I worked as an assistante d’anglais in Rouen. It was my first French clothing purchase, and I copied the style of the French girls and tied the belt buckle loosely in the back. I felt so cool. Bravo Jackie!
Very eloquent, heart felt and beautiful blog Kristy. Thank you
Kristin:
Cheers to Jackie! Tailoring is not easy.
My sewing gene is in the deficit column too.
so I appreciate her smart “trench coat” and your blog as well.
Edie from Savannah
Hi, Kristin, I’m so glad you are able to move forward with your lives. That is the best
course, I’m certain. What a beautiful raincoat and what a wonderful symbol. How
marvelous that all this should come together in such a meaningful way. I haven’t
completely moved on yet so please bear with me as I offer my own expression of
what I saw from a distance here in California:
La Réponse Française
Shocked survivors blindly rush
Into an eerie nightmare hush
To search and rescue in the blood-bathed streets
And mourn the corpses wrapped in sheets.
Ambulances have come and gone; sirens have ceased.
First barely heard, now loud, the crowd’s voice has released
The familiar refrain of the Marseillaise in a hearty roar,
Protesting the ISIS terror that’s struck, just moments before.
As Frenchmen everywhere affirm that France will rise,
Already French bombers fly toward Syrian skies.
Though an ISIS cell briefly darkened Paris with its sword,
The mighty Lion still stands in the Place de la Concorde!
Thank you for the space to give expression to what I saw and heard. Wishing you
and yours the blessings of family and friends.
Joanne, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Tailoring is so very difficult to get right. All I can say is Wow! Jacquie. What an amazing job you did with a very, very challenging project. You have true talent. Can’t wait to see all the amazing places it will take you.
I thank you, Ktisten and Jean-Marc and Jackie.
When Jackie is ready to market her coat, I will be first in line to buy one. It’s perfect for strolling around Paris.
I agree with everyone’s comments. This whole thing brings 9/11 back so fresh, and the only way to get through was to find little joys each day and eventually they filled our lives with good once again.
Jacqui’s creation is the imperméable of my dreams…bravo Jacqui!! That you both designed and then fabricated this beautiful coat is a mark of extraordinary talent and skill. If you ever decide to make this imperméable for a client, let me know…I’d love to order, purchase and wear a Jacqui creation.
I am not imperméable, as I was overwhelmed with the pain of the attacks on Paris, Beirut and the Russian jetliner, but I hope to live up to the French example of resilience, fortitude, and love in the face of violent hatred.
With admiration, Leslie
Jackie is one talented young woman! Like everyone else, I was horrified at the attacks on Paris, but am amazed at the indomitable French spirit in face such barbarity!
Thank you for the heartwarming essay today. We all need some positive in our lives to help offset the sadness. Best wishes to your daughter.
I think you have hit on the best idea – we will be impermeable. Evil cannot break through our indomitable faith in God and good. We shall overcome. How wonderful that Jackie inherited her grandmother’s talent. Like you, I was passed over for the sewing gene which my mother had in abundance. Time to start preparing for Advent, a time of reflection and looking forward to the great news of Dec. 25.
Tailoring a “Rain Coat” is extremely difficult sewing. It
tests the most capable seamstress. Congratulations to dear Jackie!
Our dear Kristi,
Such a beautiful post today,and one that gives us hope and courage to survive through unimaginable happenings.
You have been–and are–in our prayers.
Jackie’s incredible talent has given all of us a most cherished gift:the wish to enjoy all the tomorrows that God’s grace may give us.
Please thank her for us!
Love
Natalia XO
Beautifully said, Natalia. Thank you!!!
Jackie, c’est incroyable! Votre impermeable est magnifique! Tres, tres chic!! Mama Kristi must be very proud, as you should be. Congratulations!
So must hope and love in your post today, Kristi. Thank you – loving hearts heal!
I’m not one for commenting but simply, thanks for raising my spirits in these dark days
Jacqui, I’m incredibly impressed with your impermeable. Sewing a tailored coat is a huge job. Designing and sewing a complicated design like a trench coat at your young age seems like a miracle. You must be very talented and have had some great teachers. Did you use wool gaberdine? I ask because wool at least conforms to the iron although gaberdine is a pain to tailor because of its hard surface and cotton or synthetics don’t give nearly as much. While you can tailor with cotton, synthetics just defeat the heat and steam necessary to form the garment into shape. Your imper looks like it conformed nicely to your wishes. Félicitations et bonne chance in your chose métier.
My French niece posted a very beautiful poem on her FB page that I wanted to share with you. Sorry it takes up so much space but I think it’s worth it:
Paris
Où fait-il bon même au coeur de l’orage
Où fait-il clair même au coeur de la nuit
L’air est alcool et le malheur courage
Carreaux cassés l’espoir encore y luit
Et les chansons montent des murs détruits
Jamais éteint renaissant de la braise
Perpétuel brûlot de la patrie
Du Point-du-Jour jusqu’au Père-Lachaise
Ce doux rosier au mois d’août refleuri
Gens de partout c’est le sang de Paris
Rien n’a l’éclat de Paris dans la poudre
Rien n’est si pur que son front d’insurgé
Rien n’est ni fort ni le feu ni la foudre
Que mon Paris défiant les dangers
Rien n’est si beau que ce Paris que j’ai
Rien ne m’a fait jamais battre le coeur
Rien ne m’a fait ainsi rire et pleurer
Comme ce cri de mon peuple vainqueur
Rien n’est si grand qu’un linceul déchiré
Paris Paris soi-même libéré
Louis Aragon, 1944
Jackie, I don”t know much about “couture” but your “impermeable” is stunning, felicitations!!! Kristi, Your are such a joy to know and love. Jean-Marc, how hugely proud you must be of both of your adult children and your wife as they are of you. Impermeable,OUI!