desalterant

Thirst-quenching in the village of Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes. To better view the trompe l'oeil on the back wall, click on this photo.

Please don't miss Evelyn's very thoughtful article, over at Musings from Red Bell Farm, on our Domaine Rouge-Bleu wine! (The first post is here. The second, here). Mille mercis, Evelyn!

désaltérant,e (day-zahl-tehr-ahn, day-zahl-ter-ahnt) adj

    : thirst-quenching

désaltérer (day-zahl-tehr-ay) verb

Audio File and Example sentence
Listen to my son, Max, pronounce these French words:
Download MP3 file for "Desalterant"

Ce thé-glacé m'a bien désaltéré.
This iced-tea really quenched my thirst.
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     Rent Robin's Paris apartment!

A Day in a French Life...
by Kristin Espinasse

A statement I often hear, on meeting, for the first time, readers of this online journal is: I feel like I know you already!
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My reaction to this warm reception is (to use a freckle-faced expression from my southwest American childhood) this: far from feeling creeped out, I feel a sudden urge to pinch my arm: for this is the surreality of a writing dream come true.
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Another thing I hear, from people who do not (necessarily...) read online journals, but who are just now discovering blogging, is "I just don't understand how someone can put their whole life out there for others to read..." This reflection is sometimes followed by a shiver of distaste.
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Though the first assumption has me giddy with gratitude (thank you for regularly reading my journal!), this second assumption makes me want to roll my eyes, not that I am a roller-of-the-eyes kind of person. (Come to think of it, via so many words strung together in a line, I can be any kind of person, what with the luxury of fiction! Hélas,* I still haven't figured out how to tell a tall story... or one with all those "story arcs," plots, subplots... protagonists, antagonists, or acrobatics. I never did understand the vocabulary of professional writing.)
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What you are reading here is, hopefully, the ordinary happenings of day-to-day life. Only, since this word journal went "thrice-weekly," in 2005, there is the need to sort and select, so that la plupart* (oh, now there's a fun French word!) yes, la plupart of this French life, once lived, goes poof--into the Provençal air--to forever be forgotten. I hate that part of plupart.
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Case in point: having spent so much time today writing this behind-the-scenes billet,* I have failed to tell you about the day (last Thursday, in fact) that my son taught me to skip rocks (no small revelation: it was the day that I learned how to learn: via a combination of trust (believing my son when he said "Maman, c'est fastoche!"*) and absolute, unfaltering attention (while studying the precise back-n-forth whiplash movement of his 14-year-old wrist); these two learning ingredients would produce instant perception (I skipped a rock across the river on my first try!). One instant of attention--plus faith--and I would not have to read a 561 page manual on the dynamics, the physics, the logistics--or the black magic--involved in stone skipping. What freedom! What joy! Just listen to your growing boy.
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There are so many more instances, innumerable, that I would like to record here and share with you. Only, like waves, they rush in, as life lived, only to quickly spread out along the shore, seeming to disappear... before easing back into the ocean of memory. I vow, now, to quit lamenting all that is left unrecorded--and the misunderstandings that sometime ensue--and trust that such souvenirs have found a fertile place to roam, outside this public journal, in the privacy of home, sweet home.

***
Postnote: "So what's with the word "désaltérant?" you might ask. "It doesn't seem to have anything to do with this story!"

Hmmm. You have a point there. Then again, it has everything to do with this story! It is an example of one of those "stories that got away". I had hoped to tell you about learning the word "désaltérant" (from my brother-in-law, who declared my home-brewed iced-tea a great thirst-quencher!), this, while lunching at our picnic table, where we chatted about sports (my being polite to him) and flowers (his being polite to me), and wine (our being polite to Jean-Marc). Voilà!
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Comments, corrections--and stories of your own--are always welcome and appreciated in the comments box.

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~~~~~~~~~~French Vocabulary~~~~~~~~
la plupart (des gens, des choses) (f) = most (people, things); le billet (m) = post, column, letter; Maman, c'est fastoche! = Mom, it's so easy!

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***

Speaking about stories that got away... I also didn't get the chance to tell you about this guy. By the looks of its wing, you can tell there's quite a tale behind this picture (the result of my prying the poor proie out of the many arms of a very unhappy house spider. Click on image to enlarge it.

Comments

[Pat Cargill]

Postnote: "So what's with the word "désaltérant?" you might ask. "It doesn't seem to have anything to do with this story!"

For me "desalterant" has a lot to do with the quinching of our deep desire to connect with others; for your readers, we not only hear stories of everyday French life, but also--because you are spiritually open and free to be yourself--we also share in just how your life is affecting you and bringing meaning and understanding to your days. Of all our human needs, self-expression and connecting with others are way up there on the list. Both are available here and I sing "glory days" for having this opportunity.

One has to be quite brave to open up for the world to take a listen to/look at. Sometimes others do not appreciate or understand what is put out there, but c'est la vie...it's a choice in how we live in this goofy human tribe we are a part of. Vive la difference.

[karen]

Kristin - I totally agree... it's all so simple when you open up to the possibility that you can learn so much from the smallest moments - when you slow it all down and focus (kind of like a camera) - and there are hundreds of those moments throughout the day. We'd be foolish to think that we can know someone based on their oh-so-wonderful creative retelling of one of those hundreds of moments.

It's also an interesting point in life when you can let yourself learn from your children and not always be the teacher. I've only gotten there recently myself.

Does "fastoche" have the exact same meaning as "facile"?

P.S. Helping (yeah, right) my son yesterday with prepositional phrases, adjective phrases, subjunctive clauses (blah, blah, blah) as he takes a summer class in preparation for high school, I realized that there are things that my brain just refuses to allow in anymore. Just how is this useful for writing or speaking in everyday life?, I ask myself as I remain positive that we can get this work done together. I was very obviously of NO help to him yet he politely allowed me to sit there and work with him as an equal. It's nice to shed those roles and just let ourselves BE!!

[Kristin]

Pat: thank you for finding a connection between the word and story of the day -- and for your always humble, fun, and creative (and very kind!) feedback.

Hi Karen: I know that feeling of sitting beside our student/children as an equal (and, in some cases, as a "lesser"). My daughter dismissed me years ago, as math teacher. (Her dad is a former accountant).

[suzanne cappozzo]

I lived in France many years ago, in rouen, and I get such a kick out of your posts. there are so many funny moments when one lives in France--some of the people I knew in Rouen were always having "une crise de foie" which my girlfriend and I adopted with such enthusiasm. Whenever things would go awry, we would exclaim in English, "I'm having a liver crisis!" a bientot, j'espere

[martina]

Undoubtedly sitting in your front yard, enjoying the garden, view and company of your family is a summertime pleasure. Being able to sip your iced tea and Jean-Marc's Rouge bleu wine would make it very special. Ahh the memories you are building!

[Mike]

I think the natural response that we feel as if we know you is triggered by a strong sense that you write (talk?) as if you know us - each of us - individually. I now live in a small community, having spent most of my life in conurbations and it has been a privilege for me, having to learn that communities can and do care for each other. I also think that websites such as yours attract the like-minded. It's one of the pleasures of our internet based society.

[Cynthia in the French Alps]

Love the Tromp L'oiel photo. Chambery has some of the best examples I've seen anywhere in Europe, especially in the Cathedral. Definitely worth a look if you get in the area. Cynthia in the French Alps

[Mona]

Dear Kristin,

I suppose since I feel like I have 'forever' known you it just seems normal to want to read your daily life stories. And as stories go, they are delightful, and as a story-teller, well you are truly talented, you are wiser than your age (ca, c'est un vrai compliment!)

Thank you for sharing...I love the word desalterant. I am going to use it a lot today.

Happy Monday (for you it is almost evening I think)

[Julie Schorr]

Kristin,
It takes a certain amount of courage to open up your life, thoughts, pictures for the world to see and invite them to comment. Your writings help people to connect with eachother and that is the beauty of the blog. For those of us who grew up without the internet, (my daughter stared at me in disbelief when I told her I actually graduated from college without the internet!) the idea of blogging may take some getting used to. I have been a faithful reader of French-word-a-day for several years and have purchased all of your books. I use them daily with my students and they have helped me to remember stories of my own from my life in Belgium and France; my own experiences I had forgotten. Your postings have helped me to connect with my students better and they have enabled me to remember to talk about all the fascinating cultural details we often overlook to teach the subjunctive!! Thank you for sharing all of it, the good, the challenging, the frustrations,the tragic, and the triumphs!
Bon Courage et merci mille fois!
Julie

[Marianne Rankin]

The word "desalterer" took me back to my summer in France in 1972, during which I learned it from the French family I stayed with - truly one of the best summers ever, and the memories of which I cherish to this day.

No, we can't record everything, whether in a blog, a diary, or anywhere else, and we need to "kiss the joy as it flies," as William Blake said.

One reason we feel as if we know you is not only that you share many anecdotes about your family, we hear their voices on the audio files. I really appreciate the latter, to be sure my ear remains accurate, and I've grown to anticipate the voices I hear. Maybe sometime you could post a photo with everyone in it?

In regard to the-glace, how do you make it? Put tea bags in Domaine Rouge-Bleu bottles and let them sit in the sun? My mother-in-law puts tea bags in a pitcher or jar, sets them in the sun, and calls it "sun tea."

Julie mentioned "all" your books. Seems to me I wrote once in the past about books in addition to "Words in a French Life" and was told there weren't any others. Have I missed something?

You have many fans, and we appreciate the window into your world.

[Stewart]

Hélas, I didn't spot a translation for hélas anywhere! ;) It seems to be fairly easy from context, though; I'm guessing "Alas!"

As a writer myself (although more of the "tall tales" variety, I suppose) I hope that I can one day achieve a similar result to what you do on this wonderful and informative blog. It's a lovely snapshot of life.

[Chris]

Kristin, I for one, am so grateful that you are here. You fill all my wants and needs. You allow me:

to keep in touch with France.
to learn new french words and expressions.
(so I may continue to practice)
to read wonderful stories both creative and from day to day events.
to re-live memories from my trips in France.
to share stories and input from others who are here as well. (you have a wonderful audience, who have become more like a family now)
and above all the rich beautiful photos you have captured for all of us to join you and your family in France.

Merci Kristin.

[Douglas]

Kristin - I feel as if I know you, but I also feel that you are easy to get along with, and that you'll always see things in the right light. You'll give the benefit of the doubt.
Regarding your blog, you're more educated in the arts, but I'm sure you know that James Joyce said something to the effect that if Dublin were wiped off the face of the Earth, it could be put back together again (in the mind) by reading 'Ulysses.' I often spend time envisioning (that's the word, I just checked) your area of France through your eyes. I sure missed a lot during four trips years ago.
BTW, some people from Nice passed through here last week. They said it was warmer here in Newfoundland than in Nice. But that only lasted a day I'm sure.

[Carey]

Bless your heart for saving that dragonfly.

[Patty B]

Kristin, I also would be interested in other books that you have written. I only know about the one. Also, I love hearing about your life and family in France because a twist of fate would have meant that my French husband and I lived in France rather than the US. It was our plan to live in France, but the fates had other plans. Patty

[JR]

Impressive photo! Love the colors and clarity of the lucky dragonfly to escape the spider's web.

Happy Bastille Day!

[Kristin]

Suzanne: "liver crisis" = too funny. Reminds me of an email I received from "Newforest", who explained that: "the French are preoccupied with the state of their liver and they complain of having "mal au foie", having "le foie lourd"! What the French call "une crise de foie" is the result of a plain over-indulgence at the table - in other words, it's a severe indigestion after eating (and drinking) excessively. The pains are linked with the stomach and the intestine but have nothing to do with the liver... still.... the French point at their... LIVER!"

Marianne: thanks for sharing William Blake's "Kiss the joy as it flies"! Re my books: I self-published 4 books, three of which were made into "Words in a French Life" and republished by Simon and Schuster. The fourth book is yet another collection of blog posts (as were the first three), which can be found in the 2006/7 archives of this site. Enjoy!

Stewart: you are right about hélas = alas ... and thank you, and everyone, for your encouraging feedback!

JR: Thanks for your photo feedback! As you may have noticed, I listened to you... and am now including the fuller-sized images again (instead of the 500 pixel small size. Enjoy!

Patty, Carey, Douglas, Chris, Mona, Julie, Martina, Cynthia... Merci for your positive words, and to anyone I have left out!

[Pat Cargill]

"une crise de foie" - what a great expression! somehow it seems appropriate for all sorts of situations. comme le mot "reconnoitre," which i have adapted for all sorts of uses (it is such a wonderful word), this will be added to my collection of appropriated for fun word list. i cannot tell you how many times my husband has said, "i don't think you are using "reconnoitre" in the correct way," to which I reply, "yes, i know--such a great word!" (followed by a good internal laugh)

i am looking at this post and wondering why i chose no-caps. in keeping, peut-etre, with other renegade grammer activities? thank you, dr. freud. Et oui, c'est vrai, je suis une rebel sans cause!!

[Pat Cargill]

...and speaking of causes,

Happy Bastille Day. I am waving my tri-color even as I speak. (At least in my heart) Recently read:

"Vive la Revolution", by Mark Steel--"A Stand-Up History of the French Revolution." Loved it.

Also on my shelf: "Luncheon of the Boating Party," by Susan Vreeland - fabulous tale of Renoir's painting of the same name. I did not get there, but the La Maison Fournaise, it's setting, can still be enjoyed by diners. Will read again.

And am reminded by the Blake reference of another: "Burning Bright" by Tracy Chevalier, set in late 18th century London, featuring poet, artist and printer, Wm Blake, who "was most noticeable for the red cap he wore, of a sort Jem had never seen, with a peak flopped over; a turned-up rim; and a red, white and blue rosette fixed to one side." (The "bonnet rouge" de la Revolution)

[Peg Rimler]

"Crise de foie" may be a frequently used expression, but believing that the French language offers numerous opportunities for punning, I have found "crise de foi" even more useful!

I really enjoy your blog, Kristin! Thank you!

Peg

[Sharon]

Hi Kristen,

I tried the soup recipe you shared about two weeks ago and it is really good. Thanks for sharing the recipe for the Herbs de Provance as the one I purchased at the store has tarragon and I am not a fan of tarragon. I don't speak French, but I do enjoy reading your blog and I have enjoyed our visits there with hope of visiting many more times. In the meant time, could you continue to post some recipes. Everyday recipes would be nice. I realized that eating in restaurants was not an experience of typical French fare.

Thanks again for the view into your life.

Sharon

[Kristin]

Sharon : Glad to know you tried the soup recipe (I hope James has seen your note). I'll post another "recette" soon. Thanks.