These are now the good old days. Yesterday we drove 2 hours north, to the notary's office, to meet 9 people involved in our complicated, 4-hour transfer of property. Ça y est! We've sold our home and vineyard! We move on August 21st… (Photo by the previous previous owners of this stone mas, the Fraser and Moss family. Thank you, Maggie and Michael, for selling us your home in August of 2012 and for all you did to help us along the way. Thanks especially for your support in turning this page.).
un grigri
: a signature, a scribbles signature
Listen to Jean-Marc read the following sentence in French
Hier, nous sommes allés à Sarrians, pour faire plein de petits grigris chez le Notaire pour signer la vente de notre vignoble.
Yesterday we went to Sarrians, to do a lot of signatures at the notary's to approve the sale of our vineyard.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE
"Holy Sow! What Now?"
by Kristin Espinasse
In two weeks we will wake up in La Ciotat, this whole tender histoire behind us. I won't go into the story of 5 thrilling, beautiful, and difficult years at our made from scratch vineyard, because I have a sanglier in the oven and boxes to pack!
While clearing the cellier, that pig was one of the surprises we encountered (they don't mention wild boars in ANY of those decluttering articles I've been reading). The giant gigot (one of many given to us over the years by a local chasseur) was discovered in the congélateur, followed by a shuddering "Holy Sow! What now?"
My conscience whispered, "To toss it is to let that pig die in vain!"
Common sense barked, "Just cook it!"
Just cook it? For 4 hours–during France's heatwave? Surely that was NOT the voice of reason speaking!
Along with all the other moving-houses chaos in my mind, I've been preoccupied about just how we'll eat that giant hairy cuisse. Until I remembered the new owners of this house are coming by tomorrow night. I guess we won't be offering them a humble slice of We-can't-cook-cuz-we're packing Pizza!
Mon Dieu. The new owners of this house…. That makes us squatters! Nothing but two sweaty squatters cooking a giant pig in somebody else's oven. A further irony is that neither Jean-Marc nor I want to eat that poor beast!
This episode caused us to re-think our need for a 6-drawer freezer and other follies of consumption and accumulation we are currently dealing with. May we learn from our mistakes. Can you, dear reader, relate?
FRENCH VOCABULARY
le grigri = signature (slang)
le sanglier = wild boar
le cellier = pantry, larder, storeroom, cellar
le gigot = leg, thigh
le congélateur = freezer
le chasseur = hunter
la cuisse = leg and thigh
One great joy of living here at the vineyard has been this kitchen window, where our golden retriever, Smokey, hangs out while I cook. More memories from our vineyard here.
TABLECLOTH, Provence-themed – see a selection.
LAGUIOLE steak knives are for sale in many of the local French market stands. Order here.
FRENCH KITCHEN TOWELS by Garnier-Thiebaut. Order here.
Espadrilles - seen them everywhere in the south of France and elsewhere! Click here.
THE PARIS PEACE T-shirt – "so many people have stopped to ask me where I got it" -Betty. Click here
La Tarte Tomate. Here's that Tomato Tart recipe you keep asking for this time of year! Click here
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
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Thanks for all the wonderful memories you have left with us from Mas des Brun. What an adventure! And now another begins, with all of us eagerly following along. Et donc, en avant!
Dear Kristi and Jean-Marc,
I love reading your blog, and want to send you words of encouragement for your move. Several years ago, we moved from our home of 25 years, the house where we raised our children. While we felt some nostalgia at leaving the house where we had spent so much of our family life, we soon learned that the people are what make a house a home. As so many others have mentioned, you are so talented that wherever you live it will reflect your lovely personality, and that of your family. As for being selective in what to take with you, we were pretty ruthless in getting rid of things before we moved. It was a wonderful feeling, not to be encumbered by so many things. We really felt a sense of freedom at having reduced the number of our possessions. Very best of luck in your new home.
Amicalement, Karen
And with change comes growth! I know I know…sometimes we get tired of growing …until later when we see the gift. I wish U both a smooth transition! Love Nyla’s comment!
Another huge step has been taken!! Here’s to the next one. May that step find you ensconced in your new life in La Ciotat!! I can’t believe amid all the activity and the huge job of moving that you are baking a boar and having company!! You are tireless. I’m very impressed!!! Enjoy your last days at Mas des Bruns and be ready to receive ‘a whole new exciting life’!!
Thank you! I have just read your comment aloud to Jean-Marc, and we are delighted by the story.
Not yet. I will post pictures when we get there. 💛
Best wishes on your newest endeavor! The biggest decisions are behind you, yes?
We have 31 years here of accumulation!
I feel your pain. Mais bonne chance dan voter novelle maison
I am currently in the process of sorting, discarding, and packing up what I want to keep from my ‘life’ while simultaneously caring for my 8 month old grandson full time. My home just went on the market and is expected to sell quickly (hopefully) with a quick closing. I feel your pain in every joint, muscle, and bruise created. Sleep deprivation aside, it is freeing to pare down what you no longer need. Best of luck in your move!
Congratulations on finalizing your plan. What an adventure you have now…n’est ce pas?
Félicitations et bonne chance ! You and Jean-Marc are an inspiration to everyone who is facing a significant change in their lives. Wishing you all the best as you move on to the next exciting phase!
Good luck to a less stressful life. A chance to enjoy yourselves even more. Mary-Audrey Mellor
Good luck to a less stressful life. A chance to enjoy yourselves even more. Mary-Audrey Mellor
Good luck to a less stressful life. A chance to enjoy yourselves even more. Mary-Audrey Mellor
Good luck to a less stressful life. A chance to enjoy yourselves even more. Mary-Audrey Mellor
Felicitations! Onward and upward!
I’m just getting caught up on reading your blogs and would like to comment on the significance of August 21, your moving date, here in the Pacific Northwest. That’s the day when the lights went out for over two minutes due to the total eclipse of the sun!
I can see you both turning out the lights at Mas de Brun and being in the dark for a few moments before moving on to your new life in La Ciotat. It is a beautiful village and I know it will be what the doctor ordered in maintaining your health and happiness.
Thank you, Bruce, for the symbolism you shared. It painted a warm picture in my mind. We are settled, now, and enjoying this new departure.