A warm welcome back to those who lost touch last spring, when this blog moved homes. On Monday I sent out a note through my old mailing list, and over a thousand of you found your way back here today—what a joy!
To catch you up: my daughter has moved to New York, where she has begun a few new jobs… including writing her weekly update here on the blog.
Enjoy today’s story, and once again—I’m so happy to have you back, dear reader! To catch up on past issues, visit the archives💌
Amicalement,
Kristi
Word of the day – S’installer / Settling in
A Franco-American in New York
by Jacqueline Espinasse
“La Vie Adulte”
I am settling in. My days are quiet, walking laps around the piers in Brooklyn Bridge Park has become part of my routine. I stare at the World Trade Center, with the Empire State Building in the distance, and I can’t help but picture the Twin Towers that once stood there. Today marks 24 years since you fell. I see you in photos, in movies, I hear people talk about you on the street—but it’s still so hard to imagine you every morning over the East River.
Thinking of all the lives lost on September 11, 2001. I hope we forever remember their stories and their courage, and may their names remain strongly engraved in stone.
It’s now been about ten laps. I’m listening to a podcast, and my ears are starting to hurt from these AirPods. Just as I’m about to head home, my phone rings: “Your mattress arrives in 2 minutes.” I’m ten minutes away—well, five now that I’m about to sprint! I finally reach my destination, barely breathing. “Ils sont où ?” I was supposed to be three minutes late! Oh well, it’s a beautiful day anyway, I’ll just catch my breath standing there. The sun feels good, birds are chirping (si seulement c’étaient Maman et Papa Tourterelle).
Mattress truck arrives. Sitting proudly on my stoop, I wave at the delivery guys, feeling like such an adult. Another adult move Vin and I have made: subscribing to the Wall Street Journal. But wait—we didn’t just go digital; it’s delivered every morning right to our door. I can’t wait to drink my tea while reading the news on a tangible paper, smelling and feeling that crisp front page. How about you, readers? Do you remember your first adult move back in the day? I’m curious.
Of course, nothing humbles you faster than a soapy mouth — so here’s a funny story. I love cooking. J’adore ça ! But some days, it just doesn’t work out. Today, it actually started off great: taco salad was on the menu for lunch. After eating this fabulous entrée, I tossed all the dishes in the sink and squeezed a bunch of soap on it, and let them soak for a while. Thirty minutes later, I got hungry for seconds. I needed a spoon, so I grabbed one from the soapy sink….
I can’t even describe the taste of that first bite. Hours later, my mouth was still bubbling. But wait, the story’s not over! For dinner, I pulled out my cast-iron pan, reheated leftover mashed potatoes and salmon from the other night, and I was back on track. Until… that first bite again. Was it the soap still glued to my taste buds, or did I forget to rinse the pan properly? Look, I’m a good cook, ask Mom or Vin, but I think we can all agree that some days, we’re just terrible chefs, so tonight, I’m ordering Mexican food! (“Chipotle” for the connoisseurs.)
Bref, adulthood feels great until a soapy spoon reminds you that no matter how grown-up you feel, you’re still a kid inside.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
la vie adulte = adulthood
s’installer = settling in
Ils sont où ? = where are they?
Si seulement c’étaient Maman et Papa Tourterelle = if only it were Mama & Papa Dove
J’adore ça ! = I love it!
bref = in short / anyway
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Hi Jackie. I enjoyed today’s story. It’s gods to see you settling in. I love the photos. For most of my adult life I had the NYTimes delivered to my door. I ended my subscription shortly before moving to France. Bisous
Hi Kristi and Jackie,
Love your story today Jackie! I have also picked up a spoon or bowl that wasn’t fully rinsed and got a mouthful of soap! LOL
Best of luck in NY!
A lovely story that reminded me of my apartment in Brooklyn – in 1972! Here’s a hit to avoid soap on your cast iron pan – don’t wash it with soap! I just use very hot water and a scraper to remove any debris, then let it dry. Of course, you should season the pan from time to time.
Kristi,Would you kindly remove me from your mailing list?Merici!PamelaSent from my iPhone
Hi Pamela, I searched for your subscription but cannot find it. Have you recently unsubscribed (since sending this message?). Let me know if I can help any further.
Thank you Jackie (and Kristi) for your post today and welcome to NYC and the US. Thanks also for remembering the victims of 9/11. I was in the air on a flight to FL for a meeting when the planes struct the twin towers. We did not know anything until our flight was pulled down in Charlotte, NC. I will never forget the horror upon entering the airport there and seeing the news on TV. I have a feeling you will be at the memorial today in NYC. Never forget the horror or the evil that exist in this world but do not fear for Christ has overcome this world, John 16:33.
All the best,
John Schaeufele
Jackie, Your story is a lovely reminder of all the lunchtimes I spent on the Promenade overlooking what is now the Brooklyn Bridge Park and its piers. Twenty-four years ago I was sitting at my desk at Brooklyn Law School on Joralemon not a mile away from the Promenade when the first plane struck the tower. It is a day I will never forget and of course we lived with the aftermath for months and months as trucks rattled past our building. It is also the 25th anniversary of my Dad’s death so September 11 is always difficult for me.
However, your discoveries in Brooklyn Heights makes me smile. I bet you go to the Chipotle on Pierrepont Street. I loved that place having been raised in Southern California. There is also a good burrito place on Court Street just off of Joralemon Street. The view from your window is lovely. It brings back wonderful memories of that neighborhood.
Sending hugs on this very difficult day.
Kristi,
I love that photo of you and Ricci on the rocks overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s a winner!
Many thanks, Suzanne.
Jackie, you certainly make your mother proud! I see her influence in your self-honesty and your talent in photography. Thank you for your Franco-American memories of September 11th. Blessings on you and Vin. Stay safe.
Many thanks, Diane!
So much to like (love!) in today’s post. First, I agree that photo of Ricci and Kristi is splendid. Kristi, you are always so elegant, and look as if you are in a setting for Vogue magazine even while climbing rocks with your dog! Secondly, Jackie’s post shows that she has her mom’s way with words and a similar ability to mix some melancholic or thoughtful moments (Sept. 11) with humor and lighter topics. Jackie, I love that you used the word “stoop.” Maybe you know already that it comes from the Dutch word “stoep?” Using that word marks you as a true New Yorker. Very happy for you and your handsome Vin bringing such positive energy to Brooklyn Heights!
Thank you, Ellen, for such kind words! Jean-Marc took the photo. I will share your positive words with him, too. I am so happy to read these enthusiastic comments about Jackie’s stories. I’m adding her entries to my current manuscript, for the next volume (2) of A Year in a French Life. Notes like yours keep us going!
It is fun to see how you are discovering New York – have you tried pizza? Thank you for your remembrance of 9/11.
Kristi, love the photo of you and Ricci!
Our dears Kristi and Jackie,
Another wonderful and well written post,Jackie,which shares with us with all the joy and optimism of this very special time as you and Vin begin your life together(!)– your darling apartment,your new routines– all the events that weave together to make this both cherished and unforgettable!
The pictures are fantastic! Particularly the one of your beautiful Mom and Ricci! It captures her beautiful spiritual and inner light, and is one of the very best I have seen!
Blessings always ,mes cheres.
Arms tight around you.
Love
Natalia xo
Jackie, your “little kitchen” looks very much like in France! The stove top looks like the one I had in Paris 50 years ago!!😊
hello, Jackie: You write as wonderfully well as your mother does. I have lived in Brookyn for most of my life (these past 30 years, though, in NC). I do miss many things about Brooklyn; the subways, the restaurants, the milling crowds, the boardwalk in Coney Island & family. So, I hope you & Vin will create & share a lovely life in NY. Stay safe & keep writing PS. I would like to contribute to your blog; I generally send a check to your mother; may I do the same with you? May I have your address please? Thanks. ann sorocki
Some days we are all just kids…you are not alone, and remember that you never want to give up that wonderful part of you …make bubbles from that soapy spoon! Love salmon and mashed potatoes….
Hello Kristin and Jackie, I enjoy reading your posts in Australia. Having sold our house in Provence, when COVID prevented us travelling, I feel very nostalgic for the 20 years we spent there. Your stories return me to that familiarity. Thankyou, Jenny
Sounds like you’re off to a good start: a comfy mattress! Wishing you all the best in your new city/country/apartment! Amicalement, Judy F
Jacki! We get the weekend edition of the WSJ and I spend all week reading all the amazing articles and reports and book reviews. During the week Mike reads me reports from the WSJ while I cook dinner.
And about your cooking experiences….that\’s how we learn.
Love your writing.
9/11/01 permanently burned into memory. Living here to help parents. My mom had had a stroke. Home from work that day. Bringing in the morning coffee to their room. Turning on the TV, “Let’s see what’s going in in the world”. The first plane had hit the first tower. We thought it was an accident. Until the second plane hit. We watched in horror. My dad, then retired, had worked in downtown Manhattan.. As the towers collapsed he said “Those buildings are full of people.” Somewhere between angry and heartbroken. Then, sickening, these were passenger jets. Then the Pentagon. Then Pennsylvania. Major roads locked down. We went down to our local beach late that afternoon just to turn off the news. Many families with quieter than normal kids and tight lipped parents. Then the F# jets came over, low, fast, wings loaded. Not air show playing, hunting. Then a smell of electrical fire. The towers rubble burning, shifting wind. Then weeks and weeks of funerals. It took me years to not need the news on 24 7. Whew. Gimme a minute. So. Jackie, cool apt/house. My fledge was starting college in Montreal. Yeah, high-school french was not enough…”le pick-up ne marche pas.” But that’s another story….
We were outside of our building in Brooklyn Heights having been told to evacuate when those fighter planes flew overhead. People ran and hid under bushes not knowing if they were our planes or it was an attack. So frightening.
❤️
Lovely to read your fabulous blog Jacqui you write so well. Twenty years ago and its still raw. Thank you for remembering. Lol Tess
Enjoyed everything from the dynamic duo, as well as the talented husband/father photographer! Kristi has been captured as the goddess she is. Exquisite!
Brava for all the beautiful photos and sensitive writing. It seems apropos coming from a place of great history, in the footsteps of world-famous writers, movers and shakers, and the brave father of our country. Brooklyn, with its colorful and storied past, meets an intrepid new young writer, brimming with panache. Love the shoe/stoop photo!
Merci!
KJ
👏 Artist and Francophile, and appreciative native New Yorker waving from Florida 🙋♀️
(whose great-great grandfather, Pierre Laramie, was a Brooklyn sea captain)