Pierre Then And Now
Pierre grew up during the war, so he was sent from Paris to live at his grandmËre's in the country, where she caught rabbits for their dinner and knit him socks. There are no pictures of him as a child -- save this famous one, by Robert Doisneau, often seen as a poster or postcard. Here's another link to it, small, in case the first one doesn't work for those on dial-up. (He's the boy on the left, climbing the fountain at the square St. Sulpice.)
Pierre worked as an eboniste (master cabinetmaker, and points out woodwork he's done all over Paris when I walk around with him and my friend Emily), but now he's retired and living on a small state pension. He spends about $10 on his shirts at the budget men's store Yves Dorsay, and probably half that on his ties. Nevertheless, he never goes out without looking completely put together (even dashing) -- as so many Parisian men do -- even as he marches my friend Emily around the sights of Paris, up and down the subway steps and through the gardens at Bagatelle, the CemetiËre Des Animaux, and other sights you probably won't find in the guidebooks.
I think it's pretty clear, from this picture, that Pierre got an extra helping of the sense of mirth so many French people have -- which comes out even in conversation about something so mundane as housecleaning.
Not too long ago, I asked Pierre, "Pierre, when I go to a store, but I'm not ready to buy something yet, do I tell them 'Je reviens' or 'Je retourne'?" His response: "Neither. All the salespeople speak English." Typical jokester Pierre. P.S. It's "Je reviens."
These blog entries are wonderful!
Lena at July 19, 2004 7:48 AM
Aww, thanks. And you're lucky enough to have met Pierre. Come to think of it, I'm pretty lucky to have had that chance, too! I wanted to get him a Leatherman in the States, and bring it here, but I was worried I'd be shipped off to Gitmo with hint of dog instead of Paris if I put one in my suitcase.
Amy Alkon at July 19, 2004 8:02 AM
Two questions:
1. What is a leatherman? (other than someone I'd like to meet in a dark alley in the middle of the night)
2. Is "Gitmo" an abbrev. for Guantanamo Bay?
Lena at July 19, 2004 4:30 PM
2. oui
1. A leatherman is a tool. An inanimate object kind of tool. Look it up on Amazon.
PS The thought crossed my mind, too. Of course.
Amy Alkon at July 19, 2004 5:39 PM