Champagne party & Kristi's book signing in Paris + mystery man
Friday, January 31, 2014
I realize most of you can't drop everything and jet over to Paris, but if you happen to be there already I would love to meet you! Feb 6th at 6:30 For more info RSVP at [email protected]
Now about that mystery man mentioned in today's title. I need your help to tell his story! So please read today's column and let me know how I may improve it!
First, today's word. Forgive the simplicity and obviousness of it, but often what is easy on the eye is exquisitely complex inside.
une plante (plahnt)
: plant
Audio File: Download M3 or Wave file and hear our son, Max, read the following sentence
Qu’est-ce donc qu’une mauvaise herbe, sinon une plante dont on n’a pas encore découvert les vertus ? What is, therefore, a weed, if not a plant for which we still haven't discovered its virtues. Ralph Waldo Emerson
A Day in a FRENCH Life... by Kristin Espinasse
Thank you for responding to my note about the recent setback in my book project. I heeded your words, took a breather and let my book angels Erin and Tamara work their magic. With the wave of a wand, Erin ordered me to shoo!, or allez zou!, while she and Tami got to work: "Go turn on some Bob Marley…” Erin ordered, via email, adding with a smiley face, "Don’t worry…bout a thing…cause every little ting…is gonna be alright…” : )
Now that the book angels had my back once again, I was free to consider a needed addition to the manuscript: attribution!
Heavens! The book might have gone to print and you wouldn't even know who the model was on the cover! This wasn't the only pépin, or glitch to my book release. I still needed ask my accidental model for permission to use his photo. My sneaky picture-cropping gesture, designed to protect his privacy, had its glaring weaknesses: that plant for one, a dead giveaway! Though some of you--during the book cover vote--mistook it for a stack of letters (interesting how the painted mailbox, located center picture, played tricks on your minds!) the plant was an obvious clue-in as to who is the well-known village figure on the cover.
To understand why, I'll need to take you back to the summer I moved to Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes. My husband was embarking on his wine adventure, having found 9 hectares of vines to tend. As Jean-Marc set about discovering the terroir, I discovered our new village.
The Plant Man
It was at the Saturday farmers market that I first laid eyes on Monsieur Farjon. I was mesmerized. There he was, two, three fruit stands away from me--standing at the head of the outdoor produce aisle chatting with a farmer.
Looking at this photo today I smile, shaking my head seeing that even then he was handing out plants to the locals, expounding on (just look at his passionate gestures!) the organic treasures that could be found along the gutter or in the weedy field relegated to the electric company or beside the busy roadway leading into Sainte Cécile. Sadly, most of the villagers regarded him as an eccentric.
This made the man all the more endearing in my eyes. Almost as attractive as that bike! If there are two things in this world I love it is antique bicycles and strong French characters. But a new realm was soon to open up to me and with it, a third thing in this world to love: plants!
I did not approach Mr Farjon there at the market that day. I quickly snapped his photo and hurried off, lest he chase me down with that splendid vehicle and confiscate my camera!
Meantime--without ever having known whose photo it was I had taken--a spell had come over me. I began to notice leafy things. Specifically I developed an obsession for a certain pink (and sometimes white) wildflower growing in the most unexpected places: jutting vertically out of rock walls and coming up through cracks in the pavement. Could it be a weed? What a gorgeous mauvaise herbe at that! It would be perfect in my garden, which was currently a pile of rocks. If that plant could push through concrete, it could populate my barren yard!
One day while driving home from Bollène, I saw the weed-flower growing beside a telephone pole. At the same moment, I saw a farmer walking along the road. Chances are that guy would have information about the plant! I thought, running my car off the road and hurrying up to the stranger.
Serendipitous meeting
"That guy" turned out to be Robert Farjon. Not only had I stumbled onto the man I'd seen at the market, but I was about to learn, over the course of the next year, the extent of one man's knowledge of the Provençal plant kingdom--beginning with le lilas d'Espagne.
"Lily of Spain. That's just it's common name," Monsieur Farjon explained. "It's officially known as valerian."
Our brief encounter led to a surprise visit, when Mr Farjon rode his bike to our vineyard, a good dozen or two farm fields from the village. His bike's saddlebags were bursting with my next lesson: euphorbia, prêle, and "love in a cage" among others. Monsieur Farjon passed me a leafy bundle, as though handing over a delicate newborn, and so transmitted his instinct to protect and to revere les plantes.
Those weekly (Tuesday) lessons--or "Mardis avec Mr Farjon"--lasted three seasons: spring, summer, fall. It was cold and windy the next to last time Mr Farjon rode his bike from Sainte Cécile all the way out to our farm. But we still saw each other, often crossing paths in the village. He always had a leafy example tucked in his pocket or hat band or in those saddlebags. He was ever prepared to share about plants.
No matter how rushed I always lended my ear, listening closely as he stuttered the name of the species in question shar-shar-shar-don mah-ree (chardon marie or "milk thistle"). His slight bégaiement only made him more endearing, and it was an exercise in French to coax those botanical words out of his mouth.
As I turn this book over and look at the photo on the back, I'm reminded of one of our last encounters. I can't quite identify the flower he is holding (les immortelles?), for that day I was more focused on the beholder. Just how many more chance meetings would there be?
Soonafter we decided to move, and my last visit with Mr Farjon mirrored the first. There he was on the side of the road, near a patch of wild dents de lion. I ran my car off the road and hurried across the street, feeling as scattered as a dandelion seed.
"Mr Farjon. I'm moving. It's been such a pleasure to know you..." At loss for a meaningful way to say goodbye, I reached down and gently plucked what some would regard as a pesky weed.
Handing Monsieur the vibrant yellow flower that's strong enough to break free through concrete, I listened as he broke my heart.
"Adieu," Mr Farjon said with simplicity and with warmth.
See you in heaven? So that was it? Did he not wish to see me again--or was he only being a realist (riding his bike from the village to our farm was one thing, but riding all the way to Mediterrannean sea.... No, not a possibility).
After we moved to "appelation Bandol" Jean-Marc began another vineyard and I focused on my writing, collecting together stories from our time in Les Arcs (before we moved to Ste Cécile). When it came time to design a book cover, I stumbled once again across Mr Farjon--this time in my photo archives.
No, I couldn't use his picture... or if I did I'd have to ask. That meant I would have to contact him--Mr See You in Heaven! But what if he was already in heaven?...
No, I didn't want to find out. Then, one morning last week I got up the courage to call his niece at her vineyard. This time I was the one stuttering.
"Je... je... je voudrais utiliser l'image de votre oncle...."
Mireille said she would pass along the message and get back with me. A few days after that I received this letter by email:
Bonjour, Kristi
Je viens de voir Robert ce matin et je lui ai montré ton projet. Il est tout à fait d'accord pour que tu imprimes sa photo. Il garde un très bon souvenir de ton passage à Ste Cécile. Il m'a dit qu'il avait réalisé une centaine de fiches botaniques et qu'il les avait déposé à l'Espace Culturel de Ste Cécile.
A très bientôt Mireille
Hello Kristi
Just saw Robert this morning and I showed him your project. He is entirely OK with your printing his photo. He holds a wonderful memory of your stay in Sainte Cécile. He told me he has written a hundred or so botanical papers and dropped them off at the cultural center in Sainte Cécile.
See you soon,
Mireille
I, too, hold a wonderful memory of Monsieur Farjon and I look forward to sharing more with you in the follow up to this book: the story of our passage in Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes.... As Mireille says, à bientôt!
Leave a comment here.
Please let me know if all--or a part of today's column--would fit at the end of my book, in a chapter titled "A Note About this Book's Cover." Also, let me know here in the comments how you like the back cover of the book, which will look very much like the yellow and blue sample above. Many thanks!
Monsieur Farjon visited me at a book signing I did in Sainte Cécile. He brought along two bagfuls of just picked plants. As book sales were as slow as a snail's pace, we spent the time studying acanthus, milkweed and lunaria while the bookworms filed by my stand.
Two places to stay in the South of France:
“La Trouvaille”--a true find in Provence! Affordable vacation rental in this beautiful old stone house in the charming village of Sablet.
New rental in Provence! La Baume des Pelerins, in Sablet--spacious, comfortable the perfect place to return to after a busy day’s sightseeing, bicycling or hiking.
A Message from Kristi: Ongoing support from readers like you keeps me writing and publishing this free language journal each week. If you find joy or value in these stories and would like to keep this site going, donating today will help so much. Thank you for being a part of this community and helping me to maintain this site and its newsletter.
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
Hi Kristin,
I remember reading about Mr. Farjon in your blog post in 2008 and what a sweet post it was. I love the photo of him and the story! What a special remembrance of him and I'm sure he will treasure it! Love the back cover too!
Posted by: Eileen deCamp | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 12:54 PM
Absolutely, use the story....how fortunate you are!!
Chaille Reed
Posted by: Chaille Reed | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 01:27 PM
I love the post and think it would fit perfectly in the book. I would use the photo of the two of you on the back without any of the words. Your subtitle and the photos(front and back) sell the book. It's more enticing and confident that way, in my opinion.
Posted by: Leslie NYC | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 01:28 PM
Sweet story! I vote to use it.
Posted by: Karin | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 01:54 PM
Omgosh - I'm so glad you chose the photo you did. Perfect ... and so is the story. Since it might go to print I just want to make mention that "its" as in "Lily of Spain. That's just it's common name" shouldn't have an apostrophe. Best advice: when in doubt, break the word down. It's becomes "it is". Leslie NYC is correct as well - photos front and back as is, then the story (perhaps the last one in the book itself)standing alone. Nicely done, Kristin.
Posted by: Linda R. | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 01:57 PM
Most definitely explain , briefly, your relation to Monsieur Farjon. Your story today is SO you.
Back cover layout is lovely.
Posted by: Nancy Mulloy-Bonn | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 02:02 PM
Sorry I can't make the book signing...I will be in Paris for 3 weeks in July....maybe you will have another one then?
I think your story of Mr. Farjon is very touching and would be a nice addition as the last chapter.
Also...if you were an unknown author to me the words on the back cover would draw me in to your warmth and style of writing.
Great job!
Posted by: Diane Gravitt | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 02:19 PM
Bonjour Kristi,
I vote to include all of today's story in a chapter "A Note about the Book's Cover"!
Merci for today's lovely story.
Tish from Powhatan VA
Posted by: [email protected] | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 02:20 PM
Hi Kristin, Congratulations on so many fronts. And to reconnect with M. farjon; to know that he is well is a wonderful gift. Just wish that Paris were a bit closer on Feb. 6th.
Mary
Posted by: MJH DesignArts | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 02:21 PM
It's a wonderful story and I look forward to reading it again in your book. I'm glad you chose my favorite book cover. The story makes it even more special.
Posted by: Joyce White | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 02:24 PM
Its adorable. But what about the 100 pages left at the cultural center? What becomes of them? Another lovely book would be publishing them along with english translations? Perhaps a biography of him?
Posted by: Tammy | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 02:27 PM
Add the chapter about Mr. Jardon, absolutely. It's a lovely story. We see so many "anonymous" book covers that are designed to fit a book, but not that actually have a direct relationship to the book and have a story to tell. I'm always intrigued when I read "About the cover."
The front and back are very appealing. You are lucky to have such great designers!
Posted by: Miss Footloose | Life in the Expatlane | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 02:47 PM
Oh yes, use this story at the end. That was my favorite cover and love knowing the delightful story behind it, one that made me smile and almost cry.
Posted by: Adrienne Kinkaid | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 02:50 PM
Charming story! A few corrections respectfully submitted. "If there are 2 things I love......it is...." Should be "they are" since the subject is plural (things). Also, should be serendipitous with a t. Agree with the comment about your usage of it's and its. Good luck with the new book. Love the cover.
Posted by: Kathryn in San Antonio | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 02:55 PM
I love it!
And I agree with the comments above. Do include the story as a chapter. The covers will draw people into the book. It's lovely!
Posted by: MarilynL | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 03:06 PM
Kristin, You have another book in the making right before you eyes,"Mardis avec Mr Farjon",
think about it.... your story, his notes - as inserts (love seeing his handwriting on the lined paper), and perhaps finding a watercolorist to do the illustrations.
what a lovely informative book that would be!
Posted by: Jeanne | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 03:08 PM
You must use this story as an explanation of the book cover. But it is more than that. It is a story of "passion". You have a passion for what you do, he has a passion for what he does. Your passion is capturing the passion of others using your photography and writing. His passion is loving all things that grow in the ground and passing that love on to others. Really not a great deal of difference between you two!
Posted by: David | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 03:12 PM
You should definitely include this story in your book. What a wonderful character.
Posted by: Deborah | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 03:22 PM
Charming story and perfect book cover, Kristi! And I've learned something -- we live just off rue des Immortelles and now I find that les immortelles are PLANTS! OH, how I wish I could be in Paris for your book signing - please post lots of photos.
Posted by: Cynthia Gillespie-Smith | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 03:23 PM
Please include the story! It is wonderful! I learned beekeeping from a very knowledgeable and experienced man in his late 80's. Les plus agés amongst us have a knowledge about our world that came from experiences with the world--not google--and are priceless. How lucky that you were able to learn so much from him.
Posted by: Nancy S. | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 03:42 PM
Kristi, I really enjoyed today's story. I like the proposed book cover photo, also. It seems to have just a little mystery about it. Your proposal to have an ending chapter as an attribution to the man in the picture is great! Robert Farjon reminds me of my grandfather, who was a chemist, archeologist, and for the last 30+ years of his life owned and managed a successful nursery. Many people called it Mr. Spring's weed patch, but they still came from all parts to buy plants (especially the dwarf crepe myrtles he developed) or get a free kitten if they wanted. I spent many hours there, playing, working (actually for pay!) and soaking up lots of stories and what some would call trivial nonsense, but most of it has proven to be useful, informative, and fun. Merci for a great story and reminder of my eccentric older "plant" man.
Posted by: Rick Spring | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 03:53 PM
A charming story, Kristin, and I hope you do include it as you suggested toward the end of your book.
Posted by: Jane Hoppe | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 03:53 PM
Yes, include the photo of the two of you on the back cover. Wonderful idea......What a heart-warming story. I do remember him from a former tale.....How so very French his writing is......so perfect. Perhaps you could include a page with that? Makes it all so personal. And how historical - who today will fill his footsteps?? His writings should also be preserved for posterity......
Posted by: Maureen | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 03:56 PM
As the interaction between Monsieur Farjon and yourself is the quintessence of your forays or essais into French life (one that you are happily still doing), I think that the chapter is just perfect and very touching. That is unless you consider the suggestions to write "Mardis with Mr. Farjon" as a book in itself!
And I love the back cover as it is...I agree with Diane's comment for people discovering you for the first time, it is essential.
Bon Weekend!
Posted by: Heather in Arles | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 03:58 PM
Most certainly, use the story and the 2 photos. I loved the way you cropped the photo for the cover. Voila! The entire image appears on the back cover. Very imaginative. Everyone has a story and I love this one. Go for it!
Posted by: Angela George | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 04:01 PM
The story about Mr. Fajon adds a great deal to the book. It's a great story, and knowing who that mysterious man on the cover is is very important. And I am intrigued by the 100 entries at the cultural center--surely they should not remain hidden.
Allen
Posted by: Allen Laskin | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 04:02 PM
Kristi, What a precious story! Reminds me of a favorite memory I have of meeting a little Welsh lady on a park bench in the Brecon Mountains. She was laughing to herself, noticed me & began to explain that she had gone to the grocery & ordered a pasty. The young man at the counter had given her a cream filled pastry by mistake! What a good sense of fun she had as she laughed & told me she couldn't eat that messy pastry without a fork! When she heard my Alabama accent she became my instant friend even begging me to go home & stay with her. Thus began our eight year friendship as pen pals. I receive all the latest news on the royal family and best of all her stories of her younger days after the war. What a joy!
Posted by: J Newsom | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 04:05 PM
Ne changez rien! C'est une belle histoire.
Posted by: Tory | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 04:06 PM
I love the story and the back cover! Delightful!
Posted by: Kathy Acton | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 04:08 PM
I thought maybe that was your Monsieur Farjon! He has not only inspired you to see plants more - but here across the ocean to Colorado USA (where we have a severe shortage of oceans)I have been inspired to see plants differently too.
Posted by: Della - where there are oceans of snow today | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 04:38 PM
I have missed having Monsieur Farjon as part of your life/stories and so glad to learn he is still able to ride his bike!
Posted by: Peggy Welborn | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 04:41 PM
What a wonderful story! Yes! Use it as the last chapter of your book! I
Posted by: Kristine | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 04:49 PM
Marvelous! The story and pictures delighted me. Looking at the book cover caused me to reflect on my trip to Provence, thank you! For me, your new book is a must! I concur with the above posts, the pictures and story will make it complete.
Posted by: Kay | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 05:08 PM
What a wonderful story and isn't meeting someone like Monsieur Farjon one of the very best things about life anywhere! Congratulations on your new release which I look forward to reading. I'm sure all of us will be with you in spirit in Paris!
Posted by: Patricia Sands | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 05:14 PM
I love that story! Do include it all with only one minor change: title it "The Story of the Cover."
Posted by: Nancy Zuercher | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 05:16 PM
Monsieur Farjon! I should have realized.Yes!to including the story. I recall thinking you were fortunate to have connected with him. His sharing of plants and knowledge and your appreciation of them are gifts that will keep on giving through the generations.
Posted by: Donna Grieder | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 05:19 PM
Kristin, When he said he made a "centaine de fiches", I think he means he made glass slides of his flowers...the kind you would put under a microscope...or samples like we put as kids between two pieces of wax paper (puis repasser...then iron), with biological titles and explanations for the school.
Posted by: Chris Miasnik | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 05:20 PM
This is such an extraordinary story!
You might want to consider a future book entitled RENCONTRES in which you write anecdotes about all the wonderful village people you have met over the years.
Amities, Janine
Posted by: Janine Cortell | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 05:34 PM
You're an angel, Kristin. Thanks for bringing these wonderful characters to life for us.
Posted by: Jim in always sunny and 72 Carlsbad | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 05:45 PM
Such a lovely story should indeed be included
at the books end!!! And the back cover picture
I think, is perfect!!:-)
Posted by: Kar Hofmann | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 05:51 PM
It should definitely be included, but perhaps simplified and shortened a bit. This mirrors the saying that people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime....and sometimes they overlap!
Posted by: Dana | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 06:17 PM
Oh, and I love the handwritten notes-include for sure!
Posted by: Dana | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 06:18 PM
I, too, love the whole story---charmant, perfect as is --(one other little typo, probably already changed: "Adieu," he said with simply and with warmth.")…I love the back cover, too. Congratulations.
Posted by: Ruth Massaro | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 06:18 PM
Hi Kristin:
My first post with you...I'm CiCi from Park City, Utah.....David above captured the aura of this story in one word...."Passion"
Bless you and your magical life you are sharing with all of us!
Posted by: CiCi Butler | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 06:29 PM
Monsieur Farjon is a treasure, and his story will be a great add to the book. I agree with Leslie in NYC about all of the verbiage on the back cover promoting the book; not really necessary and perhaps a bit amateurish? Your photos and writing speak for themselves. If anything a brief statement about great stories and characters from France brought to life that are guaranteed to improve your French vocab.
Posted by: Ruth | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 06:34 PM
Thank you for every encouraging comments, for the corrections and for the very helpful suggestions. I am deeply touched by your support and will keep your words in mind! Im delighted to add this chapter and hope to delight Monsieur Farjon, too! Yes, those botanical notes and, as Chris noted, possible dried examples, are a treasure. Who knows what is in store for them. It is wonderful to imagine!
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 06:54 PM
I remember your last post about Monsieur Farjon and what you thought would be your last visit with him and that caused me to guess that you were moving. So he is back and his story deserves to be at the back of your new book. I love the layout for the back cover. The front is a bit of a tease and the back brings the two of you together.
Posted by: Suzanne | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 06:58 PM
By all means include the letter of permission. You most certainly
will give M. Farjon's work a reciprocal boost if you mention his
botanical contribution to the cultural center in Set. Cecile. Writers
should help one another! Joanne, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
Posted by: Joanne Ablan | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 07:04 PM
It's unanimous -- yes and yes! Wonderful story and back cover, featuring two of our favourite wondrous human characters!
Posted by: Kit Wilson-Pote | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 07:35 PM
Our dear Kristi,
How totally,absolutely wonderful!
You've given us--your fortunate readers--
the gift of a warm and entertaining story,and given M.Farjon an even more special gift: that of being acknowledged and regarded as a person of worth.
How appreciated he must feel!
How we all wish to be found this way!
THANK YOU!
Love, Natalia XO
Posted by: Natalia | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 07:45 PM
I love your pictures and this very touching story. Thank you. Wish I could see you in Paris!
Posted by: Rose Johnson | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 08:12 PM
Kristin:
I particularly liked the first part of your post about your initial meeting with the "plant man" and think it's an excellent idea to include that or all of your musing about M.Farjon.
Bon chance in Paris!
Edie from Savannah
Posted by: edie schmidt | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 08:25 PM
What a lovely story Kristin. M Farjon is a wonderful example of the French love for horticulture, trees and plants. They are a nation of horticulturists. Love and respect for their landscape shows so clearly when one travels through France. Although almost entirely modified by horticultural activities France is still really beautiful after thousands of years of good husbandry. Salut M Farjon! From South Africa.
Posted by: Alastair Grant | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 08:42 PM
Endearing, indeed, Kristin. Mr Farjon and
your story! It reminds me of a greeting card by Flavia Weedn: "Some people come into our
lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same."
Posted by: Chris Allin | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 09:17 PM
What a darling man, and what a story to unleash the mystery of your cover. By the way I'm so delighted you are using this photo! I agree by adding the story to the book, there's a lead right to the sequel. Really enjoyed reading about your inspiration from meeting him.
Your photos of your gardens and activities surrounding them are wonderful and motivating for us out here too. Today's blog story seems to provide more intricacies of your experiences surrounding the connection with plants. All those connects with others and relationships communicate the heart. Thank you Kristin.
Posted by: cigi | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 09:23 PM
What a wonderful stry, and I love the cover, it's full of warmth and character. I hope it goes really well. I wish I was in aparis to visit you atnd Ann at the signing, alas I am Downunder where there are a myriad of weeds in the cracks of concrete and at every old electricity station frontage :-)
Posted by: Kim | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 09:38 PM
Love the story and the photos. Please do include them in your book. What a lovely man and how nice for you two to have formed a friendship. Great front and back covers! Keep up the good work, Kristin. And how I wish I were going to be in Paris for your book signing.
Priscilla in La Nouvelle Orleans
Posted by: Priscilla Fleming Vayda | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 10:04 PM
When I see Mr Farjon with a twinkle in his eye, I smile and wish I could meet him. I just love the beautiful story and it will be a wonderful chapter in your book. What a wonderful memory.
Posted by: Karen from Phoenix | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 10:26 PM
Definitely use the story! That is exactly the kind of stories I love to read! As for the picture, in my opinion it needs a little work: I don't like the white margins; I find it unbalanced- you should crop a lot from the left side; it's a shame you are all dressed up in a gaily colored dress, which contrasts muchly with M Farjon's attire (but then it does make kind of a philosophical statement). By the way, totally unrelated: if you don't show a picture of Braise/Smokey frequently, I start to worry! Please!
Posted by: Zoe Willet | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 10:30 PM
Endearing indeed, Kristin! Mr Farjon and your story. It reminds me of my favorite Flavia greeting card: "Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people stay for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same."
Posted by: Chris Allin | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 10:31 PM
I think it would be very interesting to include this story about M. Farjon and how he contributed to your book. I love the back cover with both of you!
Posted by: Melissa | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 10:44 PM
Yes, please add his story to your book. And I love the picture on the back as well.
Birdie
Posted by: Birdie Cutair | Friday, January 31, 2014 at 10:56 PM
Great story and photo. Thanks.
Won't be in town until 21 Feb ... how disappointing for me.
Hope it's a huge success.
Ronni
Posted by: Ronni Ebbers | Saturday, February 01, 2014 at 01:49 AM
Perfect.
Posted by: Pat Cargill | Saturday, February 01, 2014 at 03:07 AM
Kristin how beautifully you tell the story of Mr Farjon and his plants, and above all the joy he has provided in your life with his knowledge of theflowers you have around you. Because I also was intrigued with the wild flowers I encountered when wandering the fields and by-ways of France when seeking suitable subjects for my paintings, I have memories worth all the treasure in the world, thank you, I so love your stories
I am sure you will choose the the correct picture for your cover whatever it is.
June, Gold Coast Qld
Posted by: june furey | Saturday, February 01, 2014 at 03:20 AM
After all of these favorable comments and "aye" votes, I'm certain that you will include the story of M. Farjon as a chapter in your beautiful new book. Congratulations! The cover is wonderful with the blues of the side bag on Monsieur's bicycle; the blue shirt and trousers ;the blue writing on the post box......all making us think of France. And then you solve the mystery with the totally charming photo of you and M. Farjon on the back cover. Nothing could be more perfect. Have a wonderful book signing. Best regards.
Posted by: Cynthia Lewis (Eastern Shore of Maryland) | Saturday, February 01, 2014 at 04:35 AM
What a lovely character Kristin . You must include this in your book . These wonderful village characters need to be preserved. We had them in my village & sadly now most have gone . We had a M. Garel (92 years old), who insisted on helping take nails out of the old shutters from our barn when we were restauring it to make our home. Then there was M.Gispert, who had come over the Pyrénées during the Spanish Civil War, had been a barber & was a terrible flirt !! Such rich characters . I miss them so.
Trust you have a great book signing,
Audrey
Posted by: Audrey Wilson | Saturday, February 01, 2014 at 11:24 AM
Adieu, oh my god! What a spécial store & to have Côme a cross such a déar gentleman . I had tears when reading this story today. I think it would be very important to share such a wonderful tréasure.
Posted by: Elizabeth | Saturday, February 01, 2014 at 12:34 PM
You are lucky to meet such a rural expert, who knows his plants from a long life of learning them. It is the best way to learn about plants, from someone who knows them personally. The Story of the Cover, very interesting indeed.
The story is sweet to read. Some other reader/commenter thought it could be a little shorter, and I agree with that, if it is to be the Story of the Cover. That is, be a bit shorter than the other stories in the book?
Posted by: Sarah LaBelle, near Chicago | Saturday, February 01, 2014 at 03:01 PM
Dear Kristen,
Wow, I love simplicities in life brought about by the Mr. F's of the world. These gentle ones teach us so much about caring, sharing, patience, and love. It always seems so cliche, but you don't meet special people like him everyday. Some how they transforms in those lessons, whether daily, weekly or yearly. I know that you know to consider yourself more than lucky for meeting him. Now your job is to be the messenger of his message. In my case, "he" is a "she" and I love her. If I were putting my thought onto paper and needed a final chapter in my book--you bet it would be her and even better a captured picture together. She is so rich in spirit, aging gracefully, and very content because they understand what we don't yet and its beyond weeds.
Janine Burge
Posted by: Janine Burge | Saturday, February 01, 2014 at 03:58 PM
Kristi, love the story and the new book. All the previous comments mirror my own thoughts so I won't repeat it all. I will say that I definitely like Jeanne's idea of a new book featuring M. Farjon, his flowers and plants, anecdotal stories, watercolor pictures, etc. it would make a beautiful "coffee table" reference book! Looking forward to getting a copy of your Essais soon!
Posted by: Sandy Maberly | Saturday, February 01, 2014 at 05:04 PM
I come in at the tail end of the voting here, but concur in it all. I did want to make a comment related to the Ste Cécile market where you met M Farjon. I've frequently visited many of the well-known markets in Provence, but must say I like the modest one in Ste Cécile the best. It's on a more human scale, seems primarily populated by the local people, and is a lovely place to be. I'll be back!
Posted by: Lee Isbell | Saturday, February 01, 2014 at 07:28 PM
What a lovely encounter and friendship. Please do include it in the book and the picture is so charming. I hope you use it as well. I wish to run into a M Farjon in San Antonio. Enjoy your weekend.
Posted by: Nancy, San Antonio, Texas | Saturday, February 01, 2014 at 11:59 PM
You must absolument include the story. I am so jealous of your time with him for you see I am a paleoethnobotanist and always extremely interested in what people have to say about plants who are knowledgeable and above all, passionate about them.
Posted by: Pam in New Mexico | Sunday, February 02, 2014 at 01:16 AM
Hi Kristin,
Would love to be able to jet over to Paris to see and meet you and Ann. Alas, it is not in the cards, but I wish you and Ann all good wishes!
Love the book cover and back, and by all means, do include the story of M Farjon. It is all very touching and heart warming!
Posted by: Georgia from Northern CA | Monday, February 03, 2014 at 05:42 AM
Just wonderful, Kristin. So happy to read about M. Farjon again.
Posted by: Julia ~ Falling Off Bicycles | Tuesday, February 04, 2014 at 07:58 PM
Rarely is a book's cover so meaningful and the story so charming. Include it but all means. If you are interested, I can also recommend a very old French herbal that lists uses for many of the plants you mentioned. The book if a free google book.
Posted by: Lanier Cordell | Wednesday, February 05, 2014 at 03:06 AM
Yes, include the story of Mr. Farjon in the book. If you can, maybe also include the photo at the end of today's FWAD - a great one of both of you.
Posted by: Marianne Rankin | Wednesday, February 05, 2014 at 03:18 AM
Yes you should use it. I loved the first book and I am sure this one will be sweet taste of France also.
Posted by: Delilah | Sunday, February 09, 2014 at 06:54 PM
Kristin, je suis très touchée par votre description de votre rencontre avec Mr Farjon à Sainte Cécile les vignes! Je suis ravie que des personnes comme vous, nous rappelle 'les gens de souche' les trésors de notre campagne que nous prenons souvent comme acquis! Merci, j'irai à Sainte Cécile pour voir les planches que Mr Farjon à faite sur les sois disant 'Mauvaises herbes'! A bientôt de vous lire Jos
Posted by: jos | Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 09:16 AM
Terrific story that says as much about you as about M. Farjon. As I think about it, it also says quite alot about the wonders of rural France. I hope you use the whole story.
Posted by: Marshall Morton | Friday, February 28, 2014 at 04:46 PM