Winner is announced! + faire monter la mayonnaise
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
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....
AUDIO FILE: Listen to Jackie read today's definition
Download MP3 or Wav file
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.
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.
Ways to contribute:
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Or purchase my book for a friend and so help them discover this free weekly journal.
For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
As the year ends I wanted to wish you and your family a very blessed Christmas and may the New Year be the best ever!
I enjoy reading French word a day and don't even remember how long I have subscribed. Thank you and remember when the nasties write, some people have never been taught 'if you can't say something nice, don't say anything'.
God bless you real good!
Juliette
Posted by: Juliette Préjean | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 12:48 PM
Happy birthday, and merry Christmas!
I always enjoy visiting your blog.
Posted by: Jackie Layton | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 01:03 PM
Oh Chips, I am wo disappointed, sob and weep and weep and sob...*sniffing* valiantly and trying to keep my chin up even though my tail be dragon... *sniff*, *snort*, etcetera and ampersand. MArie Lamaison laughed at me when I told her 2 nights ago that I had entered this contest and said I would never win....O ye of little faith.. *sniff sniff and snuffle*
Shall I ever reccover? Crying in my shoes. Oh well .........there is always another day. O not Miss Scarlett of Annie. *sob and weep* + "sniff snd snuffle/ And congratulations and bon voyage to the winner of this fabulous week in such a divine house !!!!!!!!!
*sniff and sniff* O yes, I will be a good sport. That is the way I was brought up, however I was never successful at any sport! No eye/hand ball coordination. Oh well, ddear Kristen, thanks for the hope and wish and desire to have that extraordinary hoose en novembre ou août......*bravely* au courage I try so very hard not to *sniffle*. Best regards, Harriet Provene Van Eps.
Posted by: Hrriet Provence Van Eps | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 01:08 PM
*snort*
Posted by: Hrriet Provence Van Eps | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 01:11 PM
Merde alor, I am so ashamed that I have become so blind that I cannot even read what II have posted. So sorry, and yes I am Harriet Provence Van Eps .........So sorry to not be wearing my reading glasses. Shame on me.
Posted by: Hrriet Provence Van Eps | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 01:20 PM
I need a magnifying glass if I cannot even spell my maiden name....Provence. Go ahead and mock me and shock me and throw me down the stairs. That is a bit of James Whitcomb Riley from my youth...read to me by my grandmother Mary Eugenia King Provence. Thanks again Kristen for the sweet opportunity of the only contest I have ever entered! Raffles at church are not the same!
Posted by: Harriet Provence Van Eps | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 01:25 PM
Huge congratulations to A.M.
Bon voyage!
Et, surtout mire ...
Joyeux Noël et bonne année!
Posted by: Brenda | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 01:37 PM
Congratulations to A.M. for winning the vacation home.
I can't believe that there are still leaves on trees on Provence. I will have to visit in the winter some year. I think that it is our silver beech which still has leaves, but they are golden and will fall off in the spring.
You look very content in the picture. You should be. It is near the end of the year with another successful FWAD almost complete, a birthday with a wonderful fruit bearing tree, a wonderful husband and great children and last but not least two exceptional dogs. Braise's health will be in our prayers.
Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee
Kathleen
Posted by: Kathleen from Connecticut | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 01:45 PM
Happy Birthday to you Kristin and Merry Christmas to a beautiful lady! Boundless blessings to you and your lovely family in 2015 and always. I agree with Juliette--ignore negative comments illico presto and keep focused on those who love you and wish you the best! Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee!!!
Posted by: Sevahn Merian | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 01:56 PM
Quel âge a Breizh?
Posted by: Henry | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 01:56 PM
Joyeux Noël !
Enjoy your espalier.
Posted by: Sarah LaBelle near Chicago | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 02:00 PM
Joyeux Noel.....vous souhaitant la paix, l'amour et la rire dans la nouvelle année.
Love those pippins.....only apple for baking!
Posted by: joie in carmel-by-the-sea | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 02:07 PM
Merci Kristen for sharing your stories this year, have loved them. A very happy, healthy , joyful Christmas and may 2015 be a great year for you and your loved ones. From Pauline in Perth, Australia.
Posted by: Pauline Kneebone | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 02:25 PM
I know you are totally enjoying Béa's book. I return to it often to refresh my memory on sustainable practices. Unfortunately my husband is not so inclined so it's an uphill battle! Looking forward to all you have to offer in the new year. Heureuse Année 2015.🎉
Posted by: Jeanne | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 02:42 PM
I so enjoy your blog. I love brushing up on my french and viewing the beautiful pictures. We intend to visit France as soon as private school tuition has ended in a couple of years. I will use your site as a resource and may reach out to you for a few suggestions! Merry Christmas! God Bless !
Posted by: Brenda Sima | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 02:46 PM
About Breizh's seizures...do you know that eating grapes or grape stems can cause seizures in some dogs? Our cocker spaniels used to love to catch and eat grapes tossed at them. They also suffered from seizures, often really bad ones, but none of the vets we took them to over the years ever mentioned that seizures could be the result of eating grapes. It wasn't until our daughter's dachshund ate a small bit of grape stem and ended up on i.v.'s at the vet for several days that we learned of the connection. I'd imagine it could be tricky to keep Breizh from grapes and stems since you live among them. Good luck.
Felicitaions pour ton anniversaire et aussi les fetes de Noel et l'annee prochaine! Et, bien sur, merci pour tes mots chacque semaine!
Posted by: Suzanne Jones | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 02:47 PM
Love your postings!!
Merry Christmas!!
Posted by: Debby Polly | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 02:52 PM
Happy Birthday!! Hope your day was as wonderful as you.
On a different note, it is ironic for me that you mentioned the toothpaste. I bought one without fluoride. My dentist had me using a prescription strength one for some time now. A friend of mine mentioned that my memory loss could be due to using flouride. She had no idea I was using the extra strength. Apparently studies show this can attribute to the loss. My short term memory has taken a nose dive. My long term has s 30 second recall. I have always had a great one. It scares me. As I too get closer to 50, I wonder how much worse it will get. I read something the other day that said when the change happens it will return. My friend who is 70 said don't count on it. Not to bring you down just after a birthday but it was kind of fitting.
Posted by: Buffy | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 03:01 PM
Happy Birthday - fashionably late comme toujours, but it's on my calendrier so my good wishes were with you yesterday as well. Your aforementioned book looks like a thought-provoking read. I'll have to find it. Joyeux Noël, Kristin et famille.
Posted by: Linda R. | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 03:06 PM
Dear sweet Braise, wishing you well and free from all maladies! Kristen, I adore espaliers--look forward to seeing it produce. Merry Christmas and best wishes in 2015 to all your family. Thanks again for your lovely blog which has accomplished a number of good things, among which has been the gathering together of so many francophiles into a warm, loving community. Cheers, mes amis!
Posted by: Pat Cargill | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 03:07 PM
Someday I will win one of these contests, lol!
Mais, merci mille!
Warmest wishes for a blessed 2015!!
Posted by: sophie | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 03:08 PM
Dear Kristi,
I can't tell you how much joy your posts bring me. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into giving us these wonderful glimpses into your life. I wish you and your beautiful family a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year!
Posted by: Cassie Alexandrou | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 03:30 PM
Thank you for all your wonderful posts. They make me want to be in France! I want to wish you Un Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee!!
Posted by: Agnes Zammit | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 03:54 PM
Je prie pour belle Breizh. xoxo
Posted by: Cindy | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 03:55 PM
Hi Kristin
You continue to be even more AMAZING with every year. What a treasure to know you. Merry Christmas to the Espinasses.
Posted by: Virginia | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 03:58 PM
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.
Posted by: Tony | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 04:11 PM
.. 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.
Posted by: judi dunn | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 04:16 PM
Happy Birthday! Merry Christmas! I look forward to another wonderful year of your blog.
Posted by: Karen | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 04:18 PM
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.
Posted by: Tom McCullough | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 04:23 PM
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
Posted by: Sue Lennox | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 04:31 PM
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
Posted by: Karen Cafarella | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 04:33 PM
Congratulations to A.M.!!!
Joyeux anniversaire!
Joyeus Noel et bonne annee 2015!
Deborah
Posted by: Deborah | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 04:49 PM
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!
Posted by: shelley | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 05:09 PM
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
Posted by: Trina, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 05:11 PM
Oh, and how could I forget? HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: Trina, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 05:14 PM
Hi Kristin,
Love the espalier!
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année !
Posted by: Eileen deCamp | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 05:17 PM
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
Posted by: edie schmidt | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 05:50 PM
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!
Posted by: Juli P | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 06:16 PM
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!
Posted by: Sherrill | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 06:32 PM
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)
Posted by: Joanne Polner | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 06:36 PM
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
Posted by: Natalia | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 06:41 PM
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
Posted by: Suzanne Dunaway | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 07:13 PM
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!
Posted by: Sheryl in Denver | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 07:20 PM
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.
Posted by: Diane Young | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 10:09 PM
Bonne Anniversaire et Joyeux Noel a votre petite famille.
Posted by: Pauline Lowe | Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 11:42 PM
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.
Posted by: Maria | Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 12:27 AM
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
Posted by: carole fitzgerald | Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 12:12 PM
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.
Posted by: Kathryn | Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 12:14 PM
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
Posted by: Barry from Alabama | Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 04:29 PM
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.
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 04:36 PM
a very Merry Christmas and an exciting new year for us all
Posted by: catharine ewart-touzot | Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 05:16 PM
Belated Happy Birthday to you, Kristin, and a very Merry Christmas. I must thank you again for sending me a copy of Still Alice. I couldn't put it down and finished it in several days, record time for me. Such a great book. I look forward to seeing the movie when it comes out in January, if it is only half as good as the book, it will be a wonderful movie.
Posted by: rhonda | Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 07:19 PM
I really enjoy your postings and photos even if I get a bit behind reading them.......Then I catch up all at once. I have been trying to ease up on the trash myself and now I want an espalier also. I have the perfect place for one. My mother made me brush my teeth with salt and baking soda years ago and I prefer it to any toothpaste....and am deadset against the addition of fluride to everything ! hopefully they don't do that in France?
Joyeux Noel and Happy birthday....!
Posted by: Carol in Texas,USA | Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 09:06 PM
When I was a child, my mother always had baking soda in kitchen and when we ran out of toothpaste, this is what we used for brushing...salt too, but had not thought of it eroding enamel...so good to know this!
As always, merci pour votre blog...so happy I heard about it & I can practice my French. And love France...seems to call to me.... possibly because my family derives from there. Raised in bilingual family but now that parents/grandparents have died, don't get to hear/speak it often & am forgetting! Am hoping for return trip this coming year!
Bonne année à vous et votre famille!
Posted by: Faye in lafayette, la. | Friday, December 26, 2014 at 06:46 PM
I have recently been acquainted to your website. What a joy. I look forward to learning how to speak French...as well as hearing about your beautiful life. What a lovely way to learn French. I plan to visit one day and hope to meet you. My daughter has an eleven year old golden retriever. He brings us much joy,
The information about the French way and the area is so exciting. I look forward to each entry.
Merci beau coup. Bonne anne.
Posted by: Nancy Edmondson | Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 12:39 AM
Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks for sharing your life with us, and have a great 2015!
Posted by: Chris | Monday, December 29, 2014 at 04:26 PM
Always enjoy your post, poor "Breeze", I know how you feel, lost my beloved Border Collie last year to a stroke...will pray for your sweet one and you!
Love the espalier, have been working on one for several years!
Posted by: Patricia Cowan | Monday, December 29, 2014 at 05:53 PM