gens du voyage
Monday, April 20, 2009
That's my mom, center stage, ever curious about what lies just around the corner. She's a gypsy at heart. Read on, in today's story column.
gens du voyage (zhan-doo-voy-ahzh) noun, masculine, plural
: people of the voyage, gypsies
French synonyms: Romas, Gitans, Tsiganes, Manouches, Romanichels, Bohémiens, Sintis
Shopping:
1. Practice Makes Perfect: Advanced French Grammar
2. Learn French in your car : comprehensive grammar and vocabulary for beginners and advanced students
3. Bilingual storybook (Little Red Riding Hood) with side-by-side text in French and English. the accompanying CD helps with French pronunciation
A Day in a French Life...
Kristin Espinasse
Mom's gypsy blood is boiling this morning. It all began with that donkey (our neighbor's) that she threatened to swipe... and saunter off with. We talked her out of it. For now, she is bartering, poking, nudging--trying to get me to take her to the art-supplies store. So I said, "Mom, I'll take you anywhere you want to go... if you'll write today's post. This conversation began at 7:58 this morning and, at 8:29, the following missive arrived in my inbox. Enjoy it!
(Mom would like to add one disclaimer: "Please forgive all spelling and punctuation errors and keep in mind that I consumed copious amounts of Jean-Claude's Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Domaine Rouge-Bleu around the picnic table yesterday.
My Darling Kristi, I just realized this morning that I have never told you about my first mentor, the exciting French Circus Madam...
.
Nestled at the very end of the path, surrounded by a real picket fence (this is 1956!) was the first glimpse of what would shape my future -- color all of my dreams -- and ultimately lead to yesterday's lunch with my true French family here in Provence in 2009.
PS: Regarding Mom's painting, in today's story, don't forget to read the story of her Tango with Jean-Marc.
Related books:
Bury Me Standing: The Gypsies and Their Journey
The Gypsies: In a rare publishing event, Jan Yoors' The Gypsies became an instant classic upon its original publication.
A vélo in Orange (a nearby town). Missing a little French in your weekend? Become a contributing member of French Word-A-Day... and receive the weekend photo (and sometime film...) edition, Cinéma Vérité, as a gift.
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety