Find out what city we're moving to! La promesse d'achat
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Our first bottles of Mas des Brun Rosé just made it to Houston. You can get some at our very good friends French Country Wines. Check with them as they could also ship, depending on where you are, to other cities. Cheers!
TODAY'S WORD: la promesse d'achat
: promise to buy
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE
by Kristi Espinasse
Aujourd'hui c'est une grande journée. On va signer une promesse d'achat après 3 tentatives d'acquérir une maison. On espère bien que cette fois-ci sera la bonne. On vous demande maintenant de croiser les doigts et si tout se passe bien, on sera des Ciotadins cet été. On vous laisse avec des photos de la ville des frères Lumière....
Listen to Jean-Marc read the French text, click here
Today is a big day. We are going to sign a promise to buy after 3 attempts to purchase a house. We hope that this time it'll be the one. We ask you now to cross your fingers and, if all goes well, we will be "Ciotadins" this summer. We leave you with some photos of the Lumière brother's city.... [the city where they invented cinema]
Stories you may have missed...
La Promesse de vente - the day we promised to sell our vineyard to another. Read it here.
EVERYONE LOVES FOUTAS - Jean-Marc and I use these at the beach, for picnics, and it makes a great tablecloth, too!
TISANES - French herbal teas. My family drinks one every night, to help drift off to sleep.
APRONS, French-themed - keep the tomatoes in the tart and off of your nice shirt.
WORDS IN A FRENCH LIFE: Lessons in Love and Language from the South of France
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
Does it have a garden and small yard for Smokey??? You sound excited and this is good so fingers are crossed.
Posted by: joie in Carmel | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:09 AM
I'm happy for both of you, and I hope this goes thru. In the theatre, it's bad luck to wish someone good luck, so instead I'll say, "break a leg!" or "good show!"
We'll try to visit you again; the little hotel in Bandol was a special treat on our trip to Provence.
a bientot,
--rick chinn
Posted by: rick chinn | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:11 AM
Praying for you both! Much better than crossing fingers!!
Graham
Posted by: Graham Tearle | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:47 AM
That's wonderful news, especially since J-M will be close to his beloved water and you will be spoilt for choice with all the tea rooms and lovely little bistros and knick-knack shops!
Posted by: Sandy Maberly | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:48 AM
Félicitations et bonne chance !
Posted by: Susan Stafford | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 12:09 PM
Joie, yes, it does!
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 12:33 PM
My prayers are sent to you from Australia. We are having a very long & hot summer here, would be lovely having the sea at our back door. This will happen, I know because you both deserve it. Visualise your self living there....all the time during the day! Which you probably are doing already. The Power of Attraction! 🙏🙏💕💕
Posted by: Leonie Buchanan | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 12:45 PM
Vous auriez de la chance, Kristin et Jean-Marc: il y a en Ciotat une plage pour les chiens!
Posted by: Joanne Polner | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 12:55 PM
Tres bien! Je ne dirai pas de felicitations, mais je vais dire, "j'espere"!
Posted by: Alyssa Eppich | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 01:01 PM
Congratulations! Looking forward to photos. Will contact the wine shop in Texas to see if they can ship to New Jersey. Would love to sip your rose this summer.
Posted by: Suzanne in Monroe, NJ | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 01:09 PM
That is a beautiful choice!
Posted by: Taste of France | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 01:13 PM
La troisième, c'est la bonne!! Salut, je suis un fan de la langue française, mais je ne parle pas très bien, ma langue maternelle c'est l'espagnol! Je suis Vénézuélien et j'habite aun Chili. Salutation!
Posted by: Amado Vivas | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 01:20 PM
👏👏👏👏 and fingers and toes crossed for bonne chance! 🍀 I guess the other misses were meant to be as you seem to have found something perfect. Can't wait for the photo tour of votre maison.
Posted by: Jeanne | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 01:24 PM
Woo hoo! Bon Chance!!!!
Posted by: Joy | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 01:36 PM
Kristin -- Just checked out La Ciotat on Google Earth Pro. What a beautiful port city in a wonderful part of the world. Enjoy being a cosmopolitan!! :-) Bonne chance! John
Posted by: John Dale | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 01:47 PM
Kristi,
We loved La Ciotat both times that we stayed there. Is it on the other side of the main East West road? Can't remember the Route number 500 something. Great market and excellent boucherie.
Bon chance Kristi.
Kathleen
Posted by: Kathleen from Connecticut | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 01:58 PM
Best😉 Beautiful🌞 From frozen, snowy central PA☃️❄️Sharon
Posted by: Shar | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 02:00 PM
Good to have your feedback. And the house is on the south side.
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 02:03 PM
Prayers that this may be the one and that your journey to your new home may be over! I looked at pictures of La Ciotat online and it seems dreamy beautiful! Nice benefit is you would be just down the road from Corey right??!! So much fun! Blessings over you and Jean Marc.
Posted by: Jenine | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 02:08 PM
How terribly exciting!! I looked it up online and it's in a fabulous area (but will you still suffer the Mistra?). Here is the movie site you refered to: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Arrivée_d%27un_train_en_gare_de_La_Ciotat
I'd love to see that movie but I'm sure it's not available in Ohio! Ha ha
We've been looking for a place too since we spent a month in Souillac in February with friends. But we'd rather be in your area. I'll check out the site you posted for homes! What a wonderful time in your lives - enjoy, enjoy!
Posted by: [email protected] | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 02:24 PM
So happy for you K&JM, it WILL be third time lucky, and you will be so pleased that the other two houses fell through. After 5 years in the provence countryside outside of Vaison LR we moved to our 3rd choice - a TOWN house!!! I'm sitting here now in a village with a bakers, la poste, bank, epicerie and a restaurant all within a dogs stroll... heaven - and much quieter than the farm - everyone is at work!
Posted by: Teresa Ewart | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 02:34 PM
Kristin:
Bon chance on you move.
Looks like a lovely area. Hope it all works out for you.
Edie from Savannah
Posted by: edie schmidt | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 02:43 PM
Kristi and Jean-Marc, I am over the moon happy for you! You will adore being able to walk everywhere and having an enclosed garden for Smoky. I can hardly wait to see your new home! BRAVO!
Posted by: Cynthia Gillespie-Smith | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 02:54 PM
Good morning!, wonderful news. Just looked at map and it looks beautiful there. So glad you found something near the sea which you both enjoy. So, as one person said, break a leg.
Posted by: Nancy | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 02:55 PM
What an exciting adventure to take on at this point in your life! I am in the process of downsizing and hoping to make a major change in my life as well. It is healthy to finally slowdown and enjoy life! Enjoy!!! love bj
Posted by: betty Tuininga | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 02:56 PM
La maison natale des frères Lumière est sur la place Victor Hugo de la ville Besançon. Amusez-vous bien à La Ciotat, une belle ville, aussi.
Posted by: Allen Hawthorne | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 02:56 PM
Do I see a little boat in JM's future?
Posted by: Alice | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 02:57 PM
What wonderful news - congratulations!!
Posted by: Lynn | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 03:02 PM
Kristin, I'm so happy for you! What a wonderful location! Crossing my fingers for you...
Sandy Howell
Posted by: Sandy | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 03:09 PM
Fingers, eyes, everything crossed for this to be the start of your next chapter. The healing force of living by the water will fill you both every moment.
Love,
Vicki
Posted by: Vicki | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 03:18 PM
Dear Kristi et Jean-Marc - Félicitations! You must be excited and relieved to have made a decision and found your next home. I too can't wait to see and hear all about the new place. Et tellement près de la mer! Quelle un rêve! :-)
Posted by: Beth | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 03:29 PM
How wonderful for you and your family. I will visualize you signing the papers !! I am also thrilled to hear others say how they liked La Ciotat as well. We have been to Provence 3 times but in September I am taking my sister who has never travelled. After a long flight from Canada we will be staying in La Ciotat for a week. I was feeling nervous and not sure what the town is like, but I am reassured now, knowing you are living there and others have said lovely comments. Phew !! Kristi and Jean Marc - good luck and I also look forward to seeing photos. Exciting to be so close to the water and just relax after all is done . Bonne Journee, Patricia
Posted by: Patricia | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 03:30 PM
I am so excited for you! All of us readers are so blessed that you are bringing France to us with your many adventures. Years from now, after many new memories in your new place, you will think back and be so grateful the other homes didn't work out. To be near a harbor, and a city with such history, you will have endless topics for your readers! And we, the followers, get to experience it all through you, perhaps while sipping Jean-Marc's wine!
Posted by: Cheryl | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 03:35 PM
Somehow this promise to buy seems to me to offer 2 deserving people a home to allow Jean-Marc a way to indulge his love of the sea while giving Kristi new opportunities to expand and sharpen her varied interests and talents. I so hope you get this home and believe you will be glad you never bought the three previous properties. I'll bet your adult "kids" will like his location, too.
Posted by: Frederick Caswell | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 03:41 PM
BRAVO!!!! Tout est croisé!!!!
Posted by: PD Raffy | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 03:50 PM
Hip-hip-hourrah! Doigts et orteils croises! Joan
Posted by: Joan | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 03:50 PM
What a wonderful place for you two to settle! Looking forward to tales of your new adventure.
Posted by: Barbara Blizzard | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 03:56 PM
Dear Kristi,
So excited for you! Praying that this will go through and will bring you and Jean-Marc a sense of peace. The path through life may be circuitous, but as long as we steadily walk it, it can take us where we need to be...
Posted by: Chris Allin | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 04:03 PM
Bonne chance Kristi et Jean Marc!Je me croises les doigts pour vous!
Posted by: Deborah Zajac | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 04:09 PM
Congratulations--can't wait for the details. xoxo Mary
Posted by: mary tindukasiri | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 04:19 PM
Very exciting, can't wait for all the details.
Posted by: Karen Cafarella | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 04:28 PM
La Ciotat is so beautiful! I'm crossing all crossables for you and can't wait to hear more! :)
Posted by: Katia | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 04:28 PM
What lovely news to be greeted with this morning! I am excited for you both and will keep my fingers crossed! Sounds charming!
Posted by: [email protected] | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 04:42 PM
Guess i put my email in the wrong box! whoops! :)
Posted by: Daphne | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 04:44 PM
Kristi and Jean-Marc,
I too will be praying fervently that this one works out. I have faith that the others did not go through because God has the right one planned for you - eventually. It is difficult to wait!
Best, Kerry
Posted by: Kerry | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 04:51 PM
Les doights croisses!!!
Posted by: Marie-Louise LaFond | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 05:03 PM
OOPA Les doigts croises! :)
Posted by: Marie-Louise LaFond | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 05:04 PM
I'm excited and happy for you and Jean-Marc! My fingers are crossed.
Best wishes, Cynthia
Posted by: Cynthia Lewis | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 05:27 PM
I do hope all goes well for you!! AND, that you will be able to grow lavender, thyme and rosemary...for without them, ahh how could we cook?? Your new cite looks quite like the areas around Nice...await your adventures!
Posted by: Patricia Cowan | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 05:37 PM
If it's meant to be, it will be! I have heard wonderful things about La Ciotat. I'm sure you will the post good news as soon as you hear!
Posted by: Andrea Hughes | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 05:52 PM
Oh, it sounds lovely! Best wishes for it to come together smoothly for you!
Posted by: Karene | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 06:02 PM
Kristin and Marc: i do hope that you get this house, but I could not bring up any pictures on of Mas des Brun Rose. A niece lives in Katy which almost a part of Houston, and I shall ask her to get me a bottle or two. Now,I shall await the good news. Love, Viv
Posted by: Vivian | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 06:56 PM
Great news! This sounds like a wonderful find. La Ciotat has a terrific festival, "Il était une fois 1720 à La Ciotat", in the fall. I've used a photo of the port as my screen saver ever since I attended it years ago, and it always inspires. Looking forward to photos & stories about your new home.
Posted by: V. Gardner | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 06:56 PM
Our dear Kristi and Jean Marc,
We share your happiness over this wonderful news!
Open doors at last!
In our prayers for blessings in the next exciting step in your lives!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Love
Natalia. xo
Posted by: Natalia | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 07:16 PM
Hi Kristi!
So happy for you! I will say a little prayer for you and hope everything works out. Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures in La Ciotat!
Posted by: Eileen | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 07:52 PM
I will be very happy for you no matter where you land, but I must admit that I was hoping it might be near us. We have a home in southern Oregon which has a wine region similar to Provence and another home in San Miguel de Allende, which would be closer to your mom. Good luck.
Posted by: Lori Black | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 07:53 PM
Congrats to you guys! It sounds wonderful! I knew you would find your nest!
Photos when you can. Stay well & happy trails!
Posted by: Faye in Gleneden Beach, OR | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 07:56 PM
So pleased that you have finally found a new home - Ciotat looks charming. Good luck with all your plans and we look forward to hearing the next part of your life adventures! Wish we could get Jean Marc's Mas Des Brun Rose here in Cornwall x
Posted by: Ed | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 09:08 PM
May all go well for this offer, Dears!
Posted by: Kitty Wilson-Pote | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 09:24 PM
Congrats! It's so beautiful along that coast that it's hard to go wrong. May your transaction go smoothly.
Posted by: Lee Isbell | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 09:32 PM
My fingers are crossed for you - will be awaiting good news.
Posted by: Susan Carter | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 09:36 PM
Thank you, Cheryl. I am so touched reading through these comments. Jean-Marc and I are excited at the thought of living in this bustling port, and look forward to the stories we can share, via the characters we meet and places we see.
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 09:51 PM
WOW! Kristi, you will be moving to the big city. According to reports La Ciotat even has a McDonald's! 🤠
Posted by: Jim Alsip | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:03 PM
Fingers AND Toes crossed for you both!!
Posted by: Kathleene | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:05 PM
I'm crossing my fingers for both you! What a beautiful area. May it all go well and may you enjoy many happy years there.
Posted by: Gwyneth Perrier | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:16 PM
Couldn't be happier for you both and always appreciate your generous sharing of your thinking and your hopes. Have I missed it or have you told us how you'll both occupy your time in La Ciotat?
Posted by: Marshall Morton | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:34 PM
All the best for a smooth transaction. There was a splendid exhibit on the Lumière brothers in Bologna when I was there last autumn.
Posted by: Passante | Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 12:54 AM
Here is hoping your "promesse d' achat" becomes a beautiful reality....and thanks for the French Country Wine tip...since Lafayette, La. Isn't so far from Houston, I hope t hey will ship ...am always looking for a good rose.
Posted by: Faye LaFleur | Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 01:14 AM
Dear Kristi and Jean-Marc,
Such a change! What a beautiful place to live!! And what God has in store for you!!
For those of us who are pretty much in place until we go home to Heaven, following your adventures both big and small, and sharing in your humility with your ups and downs with such faith in God, both of you are wonderful friends though we have never met.
Prayers for you all, every day. God bless, C-Marie
Posted by: C-Marie | Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 03:23 AM
I am praying that whatever is best for you happens! We don't always know what that is, but I hope that your choice is the best and that it succeeds!
Posted by: Cerelle Bolon | Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 05:00 AM
Kristi & Jean Marc, Jackie & Max, I don't know how this could not work out and be right for all of you. It seems so so perfect. May many blessings go with you on this beautiful journey.
Posted by: Classis | Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 04:43 PM
Can you tell we are all very excited for you both! Ciotat has always looked so amazing in any of the previous photos/visits you have shared. I think city life, with a yard and garden - and a gorgeous port are just about as close to Heaven as you can get! Wishing all goes smoothly for you and your dreams come true!
Posted by: Judi | Friday, March 17, 2017 at 03:36 AM
How exciting!!! And what an enormous change. Look forward to hearing more!
Posted by: Ophelia | Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 02:04 PM
Chere Kristi,
En fin! Peutetre il y a toujours une raison pourquoi. La Ciotat sounds great and I will pray that this is where you belong. Bonne chance!
Posted by: Diane Young | Monday, March 20, 2017 at 09:36 PM
Thank you, Diane. Your prayers help so much!
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Monday, March 20, 2017 at 09:48 PM
Kristi et Jean-Marc,
Bon courage! bon chance! bonheur! dans votre nouvelle maison.
La Ciotat est un de mes endroit préféré.
Marti
Posted by: [email protected] | Wednesday, September 06, 2017 at 04:33 PM