cadran

A cadran solaire in Serre Chevalier. Thank you, "Newforest", for leaving a comment about this sundial:

"The inscription in Latin stresses our human condition: VULNERANT OMNES ULTIMA NECAT,
= Toutes (les heures) blessent, la dernière tue.
= All hours wound, the last one kills."

cadran (kah-drahn) noun, masculine
    : (clock) face, dial

Audio File: Listen to the French word cadran, hear the following phrases:
Download MP3 * Download Wav

le cadran solaire = sundial
faire le tour du cadran = to go right around the clock
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In the Alpine village of Le Rosier a wise woman sits soaking in the sun, its reflective rays lighting up the face of her centuries-old stone chalet... which slopes to the side of a winding country road, opposite the cemetery.

I slip by our heroine, camera in my hand--French fountains, sundials, façades on my mind, discretion my hymn. I have 15 minutes to photograph this town, minus Madame (privacy), while my husband and my children wait patiently for me back at la mairie.*

Before Madame, a cup of steaming coffee and a book dress a simple iron table parched for color by the passing of time; beyond, the snowy Alps glisten. I imagine myself in the woman's shoes (make that hiking boots) some twenty years down the timeline: existing peacefully in a petit village montagnard,* just around the corner from the free-flowing fountain. Perhaps after a life of keeping up with the Joneses, this woman is now keeping quiet with the country cows: living finally, simply, in the here and now.

About two meters above the woman's head, a 19th-century cadran solaire* is painted on the façade: its fading face a reminder that not only man-made things--but also Time--eventually disappear into eternity. The previous thought has me matching up words: man/futility... nature/eternity. I think about my picture-taking hobby and what it means to me. Far from feeling disconcerted, I am inspired to enjoy "right here, right now" ... never mind that the photos that I am taking will go the way of the fading sundial: No! it is the hunting and the discovery of images that fuels the soul -- and not the collecting of them: the first is action (read: aliveness!), the second (collecting) is passive and "piling up" and the "up" part brings me back to those Joneses  -- whom I'm trying to stay a millenium away from. Indeed, the only thing I want to keep up with anymore is the laundry (I might have said "my dreams" and I'm sure my mom will have her say about that! "Laundry? Forget the laundry! Go out and play!" And so I am trying to...)

Enough philosophy, which, along with good intentions, has that "passive" quality. It's all fine and well to wise up -- and one can wax evangelic till the cows come home. But sooner or later "life" will intervene as life is wont to do just when "know it all you" thinks she has a clue about what is good and what is true. The bottom line is patience and isn't patience born of love? Stay tuned for part two of this story, where an almost enlightened expat... ends up with a flat and an unexpected piece of good luck.

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Comments, corrections, translations (for the French words in this post....) always welcome in the comments box. Merci d'avance! PS: while you're there, don't forget to answer the photo-du-jour question at the end of this edition...

Shopping:

French Clockmaker sign : a reproduction of an old French merchant's sign

Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves : made with no colorings, artificial preservatives, pulps, purees, juices or concentrates.

In French Music: "Au sourire de l'âme" by Pep's (recommended by my son, Max)

Photo du Jour (see the question, below)


Today's question: When's the last time you ordered take-out and from where? Tell us about it, here, in the comments box. (photo: A take-out joint in Marseilles)


Recommended album "Liberta" by Pep's (my son Max's favorite): from the clip, below.
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Comments

[micki white]

Cheese pizza and a chef salad for a well balanced take out on Saturday March 7th.
Ordered from the best pizza place ever...Supreme Pizza & Seafood in Exeter NH, USA

[Sabrina DiMichele]

On our last trip to Paris, we ordered from Diva Pizza on Rue Montparnasses - what a hoot!

[Jeanne]

It's been over two years since I've ordered take out! I would rather go to the many bistros and brasseries I have at my disposal, while I am still here in Paris. Carry out Pizza will wait for me in Ohio.
Jeanne

[Diane Hart]

c\Can someone give me the pronounciation for Moet. Is it mo ay or mo ette. I said the t is not pronounced, my friend says it is.

[Sheri]

Does Taco Bell count?? The easiest gluten free take out around!! Not very classy, but so real life!

[Kristin]

Hi Sheri and yes, Taco Bell counts! (It's Jean-Marc's favorite when he visits the States...)

[Marianne Rankin]

Last week, we ordered pizza from Papa John's, which my son now likes better than Domino's. Pizza is OK, but in my opinion, its main virtues are that someone else cooks it, it is delivered to your door, and there is almost no cleanup!

Since you changed web hosts, I can't see a link to send an e-mail. I don't mean to clutter up the comments box, but is there a way to get "Au Sourire de l'Ame" as a CD? I don't have an MP3 player or iPod. If Max recommends it, it is probably good! Thanks.

[Marianne Rankin]

In response to Diane's question, the pronunciation is Mo ET. At least, that's how I heard it pronounced in a radio ad for the wine which I heard a few years ago.

[Newforest24]

Thanks for the beautiful 'sundial'!
-> Un grand merci pour le très beau "cadran solaire".

When's the last time I ordered take-out? and from where?
... must be ages ago... (roughly 20 to 25 years perhaps!)
I ordered about 4 or 5 times Chinese 'Take Away' dishes, from one of the local Chinese restaurants. There are quite a few in my area.
At the same period, I certainly ordered a few times a takeaway "Fish and Chips" (fish = cod in crispy batter), from one of our local "Fish and chip" shops.
Anyway, when was the LAST time?
I honestly can't remember.

Looking forward to the second part of the story!
-> J'attends avec impatience la seconde partie de l'histoire!
-> J'ai hâte de lire la seconde partie de l'histoire.

[Sandy]

Just yesterday we ordered a sausage and mushroom pizza from Bella Roma in our small town of 6000. We used to get pizza in the nearby city of Peoria, IL, but since Bella Roma opened, we can get good pizza right in town. It's delicious!

[Kristin I]

Two weeks ago: two pizzas, pepperoni and cheese, for a houseful of kindergartners.

Pizza and birthday cake -- de rigeur for birthday parties around here, it's the only safe choice!

[Chris Golding]

I love pizzas, and my thoughts this week are with the pizza delivery drivers injured at the weekend. Report from www.lemonde.fr:

Un samedi soir normal à la caserne de l'armée britannique de Massereene, à quelques kilomètres au nord-ouest de Belfast, la capitale de l'Irlande du Nord. Ce samedi 7 mars, comme souvent le week-end, les soldats avaient passé commande d'une vingtaine de pizzas. La soirée a tourné au bain de sang, laissant deux militaires morts.

Vers 21 h 40, les sentinelles ouvrent les portes aux livreurs de Domino's Pizza quand deux assaillants sortent d'une voiture stationnée aux abords du bâtiment pour ouvrir le feu.

Selon la police nord-irlandaise, ils se sont ensuite approchés de leurs victimes à terre pour mieux les achever. L'attaque a aussi fait quatre blessés, les livreurs de pizzas et deux autres soldats, dont l'un serait dans un état grave.

[Angela]

Very much enjoyed your post this morning. It’s always difficult to find a creative headspace when the clock is ticking so good for you for beating old Father Time!!

This painter Jill Louise Campbell has a unique style that is very uplifting and fresh. Each year she goes on a retreat and then when back on Saltspring Island in BC, Canada paints her heart out. At her leisure, the lucky gal.

http://web.mac.com/duartcampbell/JLC_Gallery_Home/Home.html

Enjoy!:)
Angela

[Chris Golding]

Listen here to the correct pronunciation of Moet:

http://www.stratsplace.com/dict/d188.wav

[Newforest]

About "le Champagne Moët & Chandon" and Diane's question on the pronunciation of Moët:

"Moët" is the name of a Dutch family who moved to France in the XVth century - or perhaps the XIVth Century? - in the Champagne region. They got specialised in winemaking.

I know that the word "Chandon" was added in the early part of the XIXth century following the marriage of a Chandon young lady into the famous Moët family.

There is a trema on the “e” ---> ë
The “t” must be pronounced, as in Dutch

The correct pronunciation is ‘Mo - ett’. To pronounce properly, you must think of a “w” in front of “ett” ('Mowett')

[Newforest]

Re: Moët et Chandon
Full details here -->

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo%C3%ABt_et_Chandon

[Newforest]

Re: Moët
confirmation auditive de 'Mo-wett'

The whole story from 1743 up to now:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo%C3%ABt_et_Chandon

Hi Chris,
How awful! Thanks for "Le Monde" article about what happened.
From "The Guardian" online, here is the story about the Pizza delivery used to trigger ambush.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/mar/09/northern-ireland-british-killings

[Sandy Maberly]

Mark and I stopped by a Chinese Take-away in Hale, Barnes, England (suburb of Manchester)at the end of January, while on our yearly sojourn to his homeland. Hmmmm prawn toast is one of my usual selections, while Mark seems to gravitate to something in curry sauce with "chips".

[Kristin]

Marianne,

I didn't see the CD version, so I've included a video (of Max's favorite song by this artist)for you in today's post -- at the end. Enjoy!:
http://french-word-a-day.typepad.com/motdujour/2009/03/cadran.html

[Douglas]

I had a pizza from the freezer last week. 350F for 25 minutes. Does that count? Finger at lip. If not, the last time I personally ordered a pizza was in Reno, Nevada about 12 years ago. I can't remember the place, but I remember Nevada. It's beautiful.

[Jules Greer]

KRISTI DARLING - IS MAX STILL SINGING THE SONG OF FREEDOM - THE FAVORITE SONG OF ALL
SOON TO BE 14 YEAR OLDS.

DON'T YOU REMEMBER THE MELODY - I WILL SHOW YOU AGAIN - SOON - NINE MORE DAYS !!!

[mim]

Before we left home to come to Paris again, we decided to ordered take out from a little place in our neighborhood called 8 1/2. They make the best little pizzas, that and an order of broccolini, yum. Here in Paris, we like to order take out pizza from Pizza MoMo on rue St. Antoine. It's nearby and made to order in a brick oven.

[Lee]

Maybe not the last take out but certainly a nice memory: from Pizza Kebab à Emporter in your own Ste Cecile le Vignes. I was visiting there with Beth & Lisa's Provence Lavender tour. One of the ladies and I were on our own for dinner that night but it was the day of the week when most of the restaurants are closed. Thank goodness for pizza establishments. We were too hungry to carry our take out back to the residence, so we ate at a little table on the sidewalk out front. It was my involved first discussion in French to get information on what -- exactly -- was included in the various menu possibilities. My little diary says "Pizza Royale," so I'm guessing that's what we picked. I remember the occasion more than the pizza. (Sorry, Pizza Kebab.)

[Jill]

Friday night, Thai food in Sydney. All Sydney suburbs used to have a Chinese restaurant, now it is Thai food which is ubiquitous and very delicious. The flavours of Asia tend to match balmy late summer evenings in Sydney. We sat outside on our deck as the sun went down letting our weekday cares fade with the help of our chili jam chicken, coconut curry prawns and a nice bottle of Victorian chardonnay.

[gretel]

I also have to confess to ordering a pizza for the family on Friday night that was home delivered ( although we did go out for dvd's) due only to sheer laziness and pouring rain! We did get a shock when the delivery boy didn't knock but marched straight into the house and deposited the pizza on the table....SO CHEEKY!! ....only to find out he was our nephew!

Beautiful thoughts today Kristin...the "here and now" is most important and...who are those "Joneses" anyway :)

[Angela Bell]

Don't worry about the laundry. It just reproduces itself anywa.

[gretel]

Sorry...that was Sunday night pizza...losing track of time...maybe need a new "cadran"?

[Slv]

CAffe Fratelli, Duke of York Square, London Beautiful location, Italian joy, very good takeout. But have a coffee,linger and people watch.

[JacquelineBrisbane (Oz)]

Take-away (Aussie for take-out) in my neck of the woods is either mediocre or over-priced! Or both. Last time was in... 2002. Issues such as "hidden" msg ("glutamate"), trans-fats and gmo's keep me at home; though eating out in Brisbane's West End IS still an affordable treat. My faves: the Ottoman Café for Turkish food and the famous Three Monkeys for great teas and coffee. Our Brisbane Stich N Bitch group meet there every Tuesday, très sympa!

[Betty Bailey]

Actually we do a lot of take-out from a Central Market near us. This is a "high-end" grocery store with wonderful produce, lots of organic, and specialty foods. It's wonderful. This is my solution to vegetarian (moi) and a carnovore (him)...I can get his meat there and my veggie entrees and loads of other stuff we don't need but do love! This subject, though, reminds me of the funniest take-out place I've seen. It was years ago in New Orleans and was called "Takee-Outee"....Chinese food of course run by a nice Chinese man with a sense of humor!

Your newsletter today is so beautifully written, Kristin. I envy you your writing talent. I think more books are in order!

[Bob]

En Lauris- Provence - dernière année, ma femme et moi etions en vacance. Nous restons a une chambre d'hôte - proprietère -une femme charmante -qui s'appele "Pimprenelle"!
Pimprenelle arranged an evening soirée pour nous avec des amis de Pimprenelle - who asked us all to bring a dish. So mary and i went back to a smal restaurant in Lauris where we had eaten the night before and requested a 'take out' clafoutis!!
The guests at the soirée were VERY impressed!
Bob

[Debbie Chavers]

Ummm....Chigago style cheese pizza from our local pizzeria in Tennessee. A way to travel via your stomach? Culinary delights from around the globe, via breakfast, lunch, dinner...and do not forget snacks. One of my favorite snacks...beignets and strong coffee from Louisiana. Umm..now I am hungry!

[Jordan Dunn]

After weathering another new England snow storm last Monday my family and I ordered our favorite Thai take-out. Pad-Thai noodles and crispy Donald Duck with Thai curry sauce.(that's what they call it)We order Thai take- out every couple weeks to add a variety to our personal menu since no one here has even attempted to try and cook it.

[Fred Caswell]

The first of my trips to France was spiced with daily surprises and discoveries. One was that advertising or marketing in France can be the same as it is in "The States" (probablement partout) -- taking amble freedom with the truth!

As a hungry wide-eyed septuagenarian in Baune, a sign over a small pizza booth in a park read "pizza with olives"(that's with an "s"). The price was not bad and j'adore a good pizza. Disappointed and angry seeing my longed for treat arrive with just one single olive sitting in the middle of the small pie, I challenged the lone cook with clear gestures and words pointing out his add stating "olives", not "olive". His response was to turn and walk away without a word, no doubt pleased to have suckered another invader.

Kristi, I scanned the posts above and saw but one reference to your philosophical comments. I feel compelled to send you a special courriel concerning your opening thoughts. As ALWAYS, please reply ONLY if and when you wish to and time can be spared. Comme toujours!

[Emily M]

C'est vrai, how true. We learned, academic types like to drown ourselves in theory, facts, philosophy and conclusion-making, all-the-while forgetting to go out and live!

Due to severe budgetary negatives, I've not ordered takeout since probably my undergraduate college life 15 years ago. I've since developed quite a finicky unrelenting preference for food prepared only by my own two hands.

But I'm happy for all you pizza lovers out there who've found your favorite spot!

[Newforest]

Hello Kristin,
I've come back several times to have a look at the 19th century sundial, clicked on the photo and examined it in its larger size. The inscription in Latin stresses our human condition:
VULNERANT OMNES ULTIMA NECAT,
= Toutes (les heures) blessent, la dernière tue.
= All hours wound, the last one kills.
A sundial stands two meters above the heroine's head... and gets you in a philosophical mood about man-made things, & about TIME, all disappearing.
I don't think 'man-made things' should always be considered as 'futile'. They don't physically last forever, they may get destroyed. What remains is enough to teach the following generations about our ancestors, about men in different parts of the world, their abilities, their achievements, their aspirations, their beliefs... Somehow, they speak to us (if we are in the right frame of mind to 'listen'). Directly or indirectly, I think that ancient buildings, old 'objects' of all sizes, just as much as artistic or literary treasures, link us with past generations, past centuries. They help us to think, to appreciate, to progress, to know where we stand, to create, and to be ourselves...

Men die -"the last hour kills" says the inscription on the sundial- and in a sense, yes, they 'disappear'. Whatever they did and created doesn't simply disappear with them but it is 'passed on' to us and not necessarily via museums and libraries!
About 'taking' photos: I do understand and agree with what you see as an action to be done 'right here, right now'... In comparison, 'collecting' photos may seem 'passive'. Still, it's worthwhile taking the trouble to do so, adding description, explanation, date, classification. Not just simply good for your own memory, but, the people to whom the result of your hobby will be passed on will always greatly appreciate!
According to your flair, the heroine might have spent her life 'keeping up with the Joneses', but has perhaps managed to be herself (?) - at last- living a quiet life in the mountains. All this may be true, of course. Who is she? or, who is she leading us to meet? Kristin, you've got the art of "nous tenir en haleine" *
Looking forward to know more about the 'flat and an unexpected fortune' you'll reveal in the second part of the story...

* -> "tenir (quelqu'un) en haleine"
= to hold / to keep (somebody) spellbound.

[Lisa Richtmann, Winchester, MA, USA]

I took out wonton soup this afternoon from a Chinese restaurant. It was tasty!

By the way, Diane... You do pronouce the t in "Moet." It's one of those irregular names that the French specialize in!

[JacquelineBrisbane (Oz)]

Note to Fred, aren't philosophy and food sometimes the same thing? My philosophy on food: eat as much organic, locally grown food as you can afford, shun gmo's, additives, trans-fats.... Grow what you can and share.... Eat sitting down, with good wine, some music, no tv.... Also: talk to your chooks in as many languages as you can. (Or is that a "principle")!?! :)

[JacquelineBrisbane (Oz)]

And another thing! Cadran is réveille-matin au Canada. Cute!

[Newforest24]

Hello Jacqueline,
Although I don't grow my vegetables, (I would if I could), I share your view on eating organically grown food, as much as possible. I bake my own bread, I buy local produce from the nearest farmshop and from farmers' market. I do buy some fruit or veg - and fish - that come from different parts of the country too, of course.
Here in the UK, 'take out' is called 'take-away' - my earlier post will tell you what take-away food I bought, whenabout, and how often!
By the way, the "cadran" is a 'dial', or the face of a watch, of a clock. Here, as it is a 'SUNdial', you have to add the word "solaire" in French ---> "un cadran solaire".
Interesting to know the meaning of "cadran" in Canada!

[Mary W.]

Our last take-out meal was a little over four years ago while we were visiting New Zealand in celebration of our 35th wedding anniversary. We had been visiting a friend on the South Island and then went off on our own to explore the countryside. We discovered that, away from the cities, the smaller towns roll up their sidewalks between 5 and 6 pm so that there are few restaurants that are open for the evening meal. We learned to eat our big meal in the middle of the day. Before the bakery closed for the afternoon (there's one in each town), we purchased "savoury pastries" (individual pies or turnovers containing meat, poultry or cheese) for our evening meal. (About half of the baked goods in bakeries there consist of "savouries" while the other half are breads and sweets.) All motel rooms have cooking facilities so that visitors can heat water for tea. Buying ahead for the evening meal is a good idea because the dampness of the island climate begins to make the air chilly about 4 p.m., even in printemps (November there). It was fun, though. To follow our "main course", I layered fruit and honey between dollops of yogurt in wine glasses. Purchased cookies rounded out the dessert.

Kristin, it sounds as though you are about to receive a visit from your maman. Enjoy! I have fond memories of visits with mine while she was still alive.

[Kristin]

Thank you, Mary! The countdown has begun: Mom will be here in 6 days and 21 hours...