Essayer: Celebrating 22 Years with French Word-A-Day: From Trick-or-Treaters to Timeless Tales
Thursday, October 31, 2024
"Woman With the Purple Hair in L'isle-sur-la-Sorgue." Her yellow skirt, red-trimmed bag, black tights, and violet highlights--she makes me want to trade my trusty jeans for something electrifying. Indeed, on the eve of the Day of the Dead, this lady is alive! For me, her tenue speaks of creativity, freedom, sweetness, and determination. Notice, also, the jack-o'-lanterns streaming in the sky... Joyeuse Halloween!
TODAY'S WORD: essayer
: to try
PRONUNCIATION: [eh-say-yay]
EXAMPLE SENTENCE:
Joyeux Halloween ! Aujourd’hui, je partage mes premiers essais d'écriture et mes efforts pour essayer encore. Happy Halloween! Today, I share my first writing attempts and my efforts to keep trying.
Twenty-two years ago, on a crisp autumn morning, the scent of candy in the air, this blog was born. In the medieval village of Les Arcs-sur-Argens, preparations were underway for Halloween—a totally new concept in France at the time. A ghoulish parade was about to begin, with local children dressed as witches, ghosts, skeletons, and little devils, going door to door to collect bonbons from village merchants, while des citrouilles d'Halloween flickered on porches, illuminating the festive spirit. There in the municipal parking lot, amidst a crowd of novice trick-or-treaters, my five-year-old Jackie and her seven-year-old frérot were giddy, and so was I…
That Halloween parade was my first cultural event to report on, and I covered the entire subject in one brief entry in this online journal. Here’s an excerpt from October 31, 2002:
Guess what? The French are celebrating Halloween! Today children will se défiler (parade) down the village streets dressed as sorcières (witches), fantômes (ghosts), and citrouilles (pumpkins). In France, the citizens haven’t yet figured out that it’s okay to be Elvis for Halloween… Les enfants (the children) will solliciter local bakeries, butchers, and various shops for candy (bonbons).
Granted, that short billet was more of a headline than a story. But soon, these paragraph-long reports grew into soulful essais—and how fitting that word is, coming from the verb essayer (to try). I soon learned that all you needed to be a writer was the willingness to essayer—the courage to try.
Since that day, I’ve been an essayist—someone who tries to put words down on paper. And, remarkably, it’s no easier today than it was 22 years ago which sometimes baffles me. But then, that’s true of every worthy pursuit, isn’t it? As you progress you build experience, but, just like jumping off a cliff, the fall is never the shorter. You may have better gear, more wisdom, and more muscle, but that doesn’t eliminate the fear, the risk of rejection from publishers and readers, and the looming threat of humiliation. Because once you have got your story down, no matter your intention, interpretation is out of your control. All you can do is try to improve your expression, day after day after day. Then one day, you repost an essay from years ago—only to get this feedback: “Loved today’s story! Your writing has improved so much!”
Maybe we don’t get better. But we get bolder!
Back to the grind… Each day brings the challenge of not knowing what to write about—in this blog post, in that magazine column, in this upcoming chapter—whatever the pen-worthy assignment might be. It can feel as daunting as a skeleton lurking in the closet, a goblin staring you down, or as unnerving as a ghostly whisper of doubt. And that brings us to today: Halloween! Just what is there left to say about that? Should I wax poetic about mums? During Toussaint chrysanthemums are the French flower of choice for cemeteries—precisely why you should never bring them as a hostess gift! Or perhaps I could describe the decorations that've gone up in town, in orange and black--so many pumpkins, spiders, and bats! Or let me tell you about the stash of candy I’ve amassed for the four trick-or-treaters who’ll hopefully ring our doorbell after sundown. Currently, les friandises are hidden from Jean-Marc, though I know our sweets thief will end up with them all tomorrow—when he’ll split le butin with his bewitching belle-mère Jules. Just don’t share with Ricci—chocolate is poisonous for dogs! Instead, we’ll offer her the pumpkin-themed jelly beans.
Voilà, my stab at a Halloween report--or essay--this year. Time, now, to figure out how to close this birthday post disguised as a spooky story…
On this, l’anniversaire of French Word-A-Day, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude. Merci beaucoup, dear reader, for lining up outside my door, like the most faithful trick-or-treater, waiting to see what goodies are in store for you today. I wouldn’t be here, all dressed up in my Writer costume, if it weren’t for you showing up on the other side of this portal. And now here we are together, many Halloweens later! Max and Jackie are all grown up and will greet trick-or-treaters chez eux. So many changes in your lives, too. Yet through it all, we continue on—writer and reader—for as long as we can say bêtise ou friandise, Trick or Treat! Ultimately, while writing may be fraught with uncertainty, it is also filled with countless blessings, reminding us that every word penned is a gift shared between writer and reader.//
Ricci peeks at the candy for our trick-or-treaters: chocolate euro bills, jelly beans, chocolate skeletons, ghosts, bats, and pumpkins. Ricci jette un coup d'œil aux bonbons pour nos petits monstres : billets en chocolat, bonbons gélifiés, squelettes, fantômes, chauves-souris et citrouilles en chocolate.
COMMENTS
A big thank you in advance for your comments and corrections--all so helpful and enjoyed! Click here to leave a message.
REMERCIEMENTS
With sincere thanks to the following readers for their recent donations. Your continued support brings life to this journal and keeps it going. Merci du fond du cœur! — Kristi
Lisa S.
Mike P.
You always brighten up my days, Kristi! Thank you for your nice stories! --Mike
Merci Kristi!! Depuis 11 ans je lis tes récits sincères et partage tes moments de plaisir au sud de la France. merci bcp et un jour j’espère avoir le plaisir de vous rencontrer tous:). --Lisa. De Charlottesville Va
FRENCH VOCABULARY
AUDIO FILE: Click here to listen to Jean-Marc pronounce the French:
Les Arcs-sur-Argens = a medieval village in Provence
le bonbon = candy
la citrouille d'Halloween = jack-o-lantern
le frérot = brother
se défiler = to parade
la sorcière = witch
le fantôme = ghost
la citrouille = pumpkin
les enfants = children
solliciter= to solicit
l’essai (m) = essay
essayer = to try
la Toussaint = All Saints' Day
la friandise = candy
le butin = loot
la belle-mère = mother-in-law
voilà = so there you have it
l’anniversaire (m) = anniversary
merci beaucoup = thanks so much
chez eux = at their place
bêtise ou friandise = trick or treat
Did you notice anything missing from the above list? Any other errors? Thanks for letting me know here in the comments.
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Merci Kristi, so interesting seeing the Halloween celebrations in your corner of the world. When I was little Halloween wasn’t celebrated, but now it is a very big affair here in Australia. Your treats look delightful and I love the rustic look of the wooden holder containing them. Could it possibly be a wooden shovel?
Joyeux Halloween, Mazzie
Posted by: Marilyn Whalley | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 12:24 PM
Hi Kristi,
Wow, hard to believe I have been reading your posts since 2005 or 2006? I always enjoy them and thank you for all the years of sharing your writing, your family and your life in France with me!
Blessings,
Eileen
Posted by: Eileen | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 12:26 PM
Hi Mazzie, yes, that is an antique fireplace shovel, for the ashes. That is what we were told when a friend gifted it to us years ago. It doesn’t seem like a good idea for ashes, being wood and all 😂. We use it to serve bread at the table.
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 12:35 PM
Thanks, Eileen! I think it was Mom who found you and sent you here, after connecting with you on Facebook. 💕
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 12:37 PM
Joyeux anniversaire on the occasion of FWAD which I have enjoyed for almost 20 years now. Keep up the good work for the next 22 years!
Happy Halloween,
Jens
Posted by: Jens | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 01:04 PM
I first began reading your essays when I lived in the U.S. Now I'm reading them in Lorgues, France - a hop, skip and saut from Les Arcs! What a *spooky* coincidence!
Posted by: Gayle | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 01:15 PM
In 1997 we moved to Grenoble and introduced neighbors in our apartment building to costume parties & Halloween Trick or Treat. So much fun!
Thank you for sharing your French life and wonderful family with us. Je t’adore! Bisous, Cindy
Posted by: Cindy McDonald | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 02:25 PM
Congrats! Having been here since the beginning I have enjoyed the journey! Merci!!
Posted by: Kristine B | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 02:35 PM
Happy Halloween, Kristi. Hope your day is filled with treats and no tricks! And today's post was a treat for me.
Posted by: Suzanne in Monroe, NJ | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 02:36 PM
Mercu bien, Kristi!
You inspire me to keep writing and working on my French. Bless you!
Posted by: Gail Schilling | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 02:36 PM
Bonjour Kristi … Les Arcs is my home away from home .. in the beginning (early 2000’s), one saw almost no reference to Halloween. I just left last week and the Hyper U was loaded with costumes, candies, and huge displays plus Halloween events for the kids .. I always look forward to your next posts
Posted by: Mary-James | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 03:13 PM
Bonjour Kristi,
I spent a semester in Cannes over 35 years ago and I remember thinking that the French LOVED Halloween! Maybe it was more of a young adult excuse for partying back then and hadn't really reached the stage of traditional trick-or-treating? Either way, it is fascinating to see how this odd American tradition is spreading around the globe. Merci toujours pour partager ta vie Francaise avec nous.
Posted by: Renée D. | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 03:38 PM
I so enjoy these weekly installments. Having found your blog a year ago or so, it has become a morning ritual that is a balm for my soul. Thank you for writing a window into your life. With all the noise of this world right now, you remind us that real life is still going on and that it is indeed beautiful. Thank you!
Posted by: Jennifer de la Port | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 03:44 PM
Et Joyeux Toussaint!
Posted by: Joan | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 04:00 PM
Bonjour Kristi,
Ici, à Carmel-sur la Mer en Californie on a célébré Halloween au cinéma. Nous avez vu « Stage Fright » réalisé par Hitchcock avec les anciennes actrices, Marlena Dietrich et Jane Wyman. Par les étendards au courant, c’est un film comique, mais il y avait un fin un peu surprenant.
Amities, Joanne
Posted by: Joanne | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 06:26 PM
Bonjour Kristi,
Ici, à Carmel-sur la Mer en Californie on a célébré Halloween au cinéma. Nous avez vu « Stage Fright » réalisé par Hitchcock avec les anciennes actrices, Marlena Dietrich et Jane Wyman. Par les étendards au courant, c’est un film comique, mais il y avait un fin un peu surprenant.
Amities, Joanne
Posted by: Joanne | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 06:26 PM
Bonjour Kristi,
Ici, à Carmel-sur la Mer en Californie on a célébré Halloween au cinéma. Nous avez vu « Stage Fright » réalisé par Hitchcock avec les anciennes actrices, Marlena Dietrich et Jane Wyman. Par les étendards au courant, c’est un film comique, mais il y avait un fin un peu surprenant.
Amities, Joanne
Posted by: Joanne | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 06:26 PM
Bonjour Kristi,
Ici, à Carmel-sur la Mer en Californie on a célébré Halloween au cinéma. Nous avez vu « Stage Fright » réalisé par Hitchcock avec les anciennes actrices, Marlena Dietrich et Jane Wyman. Par les étendards au courant, c’est un film comique, mais il y avait un fin un peu surprenant.
Amities, Joanne
Posted by: Joanne | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 06:26 PM
It’s been a wonderful 22 years, Kristi. I’ve been a fan (of and on) for the duration. You are in my favorite part of the world and enhanced my understanding of the local culture. Merci, Kristi.
Mervin Moore.
Posted by: Moore, Mervi | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 06:37 PM
"Maybe we don’t get better. But we get bolder!"
I love that thought! Yes! this is what should carry us forward.
I remember my first Halloween in France. I had almost forgotten what day it was because there weren't many decorations, but then in the afternoon I saw short witches and ghosts going from shop to shop collecting bon bons. It was so delightful. But now I must go clean off my porch and set my chair up for the first trick or treaters to arrive in a couple of hours on my American street. I'll have well over 100 children because the weather is good. I just hope I have eaten too much of the candy I bought and have enough for my visitors.
Congratulations on this grand anniversary!
Posted by: Julie Farrar | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 09:52 PM
Happy Halloween hope you are having a safe and spooky evening with your family. Boo! Love your writing and your pictures. Congratulations on this anniversary.
Posted by: Nancy | Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 10:09 PM
I have loved your posts from the first time I read FWAD. Happy Hallow’en and Happy Writing Anniversary! Sending best wishes for continuing essays.
Posted by: Jill Ferrie | Friday, November 01, 2024 at 01:30 AM
Kristi, I have loved all your wonderful stories over the years, and this sentimental one as well.
[Heart emojis] Keep them coming!
Posted by: Augusta Elmwood | Friday, November 01, 2024 at 02:04 AM
Loved your metaphor! We are eager for whatever treats you choose to give us. The picture is delightful with Ricci looking wistfully at the goodies you are handing out.
Sometimes, we all are looking for a new perspective on life- you provide that with your words. I agree that interpretation is up to the reader. That is the tricky part of writing.
I can always find some bit of wisdom or a laugh from your delightful photos.
Thank you for taking the time to collect your thoughts and share them with us. Congratulations on many years of wonderful posts that have lifted spirits and given a view of what life is life in France. Bless your perseverance and open heart.
Posted by: Jo-Anne | Friday, November 01, 2024 at 04:55 AM
Merci & congratulations, our dear Kristi, for all your years as an essayist: we are delighted! appreciative! that you did. And author of books (which I have.)!
Have so enjoyed your stories about life in belle France--the family, the sweet memorable 💗dogs💓, the laughter and tears. Wherever we live our lives are connected and it is an honor and pleasure to to feel that connection.
Toujours, your biggest fan in SW Virginia...hugs, xox
Patty
Posted by: Patty | Friday, November 01, 2024 at 01:37 PM
Loved this post and learning Halloween vocabulary! What is the translation of “ tenue” descibing the lady in the purple hair! So halllweenish!
Have you ever been to Salem, Massachusetts in the U.S. it’s the home of Halloween and people come from all over the world! Home of the Salem Witch trials but much mor fun today!
Thanks Kristi, for all you do to keep French alive in this American Francophile’s life!
Posted by: Kay Martin | Friday, November 01, 2024 at 03:02 PM
Kisti,
Absolutely brilliant writing: expressive, visual, and metaphorical! You captured the life of the moment against time's passage.
Marion Johnson
Posted by: Marion Johnson | Friday, November 01, 2024 at 04:20 PM
Dear Kristi,
Congratulations on 22 years! You have truly had a profound impact on so many readers.
I found you in 2012 while recuperating at home after a hospital stay. Looking for something of comfort, my world became brighter when I found your journal. You took me back to France where I lived as a teenager. Memories and sensations returned. It all became real again. My husband had also lived in France and spending formative years there together had always impacted us, but your journal helped us feel reconnected to a meaningful place through your stories. You have brought so much joy to our lives…enough to last the rest of a lifetime. Thank you for that. ♥️
Posted by: Chris Allin | Friday, November 01, 2024 at 06:25 PM
I don't remember exacting when I found you, but have found sweet friends through these wonderful stories, in person and on line. Have gotten to meet you and the family a few times. Having gotten to know Jules through the adventures as well. Thank you for continuing to bring us, the readers; joy from your stories. And congrats on 22 years! Big Hugs and Love
Posted by: Karen Cafarella | Saturday, November 02, 2024 at 03:18 AM
Dear Kristi,
I have been following you for a long time! You have gotten better and better through the years. I love your honesty and transparency. I realize it must be difficult to come up with an idea for each blog when "life" is happening all around you and you know you have a deadline. However, you always come up with something interesting and educational. I didn't even know the French celebrate Halloween, or how. Your photos are always a plus. Nice to see what goodies you gave out. Continued success!
Posted by: Diane Heinecke | Sunday, November 03, 2024 at 01:20 AM
We'd been living here a few years and I was getting bolder with speaking French. Not better, but bolder. The French, being kind, often told my how well I was doing. After my usual apology. I would thank them and say that I was trying.... J'essaye. It took me awhile to realize that, with my bad pronunciation, I was saying 'I know' Je sais. How rude!
One of many of my confident verbal blunders....
Posted by: Kate | Sunday, November 03, 2024 at 01:10 PM
Kristi,
Bon anniversaire de ton blog! Ton blog est un rayon de soleil pour moi. J'attends toujours avec impatience tes emails. Merci pour le partage de ta vie et les petits leçons pour nous. J’adore le post de Halloween en France ! C’est vrai- nos talents améliore mais le peur continue. Ton talent est très apprécié !
Posted by: Jeanine Woods | Sunday, November 03, 2024 at 03:17 PM
I think you are so amazing and smart. Never change! I belong to a guild of 9 ladies, who put on a Halloween party for around 50 children, from 6 to 18 yrs., every Halloween for so many years it is hard to count. They are shut-in children with mental health issues. It is so much fun watching their joy and happiness playing game and eating all the donuts, cookies and cupcakes they want after they went trick or treating on the campus.
Posted by: Rosemary Lockhart | Monday, November 04, 2024 at 09:27 PM
Dearest Kristi! Congratulations - and thank you - for 22 years of sharing your stories with us! I’m thankful you were bold enough to begin this blog all those years ago. That was certainly a leap of faith! I remember at that time, until you introduced me, I had no idea what a blog was. You have succeeded in enriching our lives with your words and stories, which uplift and inspire others. I believe that through experience we grow. Grow to be better, bolder and (hopefully) wiser! You wear your experiences beautifully and your writing is proof of that. Well done, my friend!
Posted by: Stacy Lund | Tuesday, November 05, 2024 at 12:51 AM