le but (bewt)
: goal, aim
.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Yesterday morning a great big soupir stopped me in my tracks and had me asking why? Why do I do what I do? What am I aiming for? Am I on the right track?
I called Mom last night and caught her ironing. Le repassage? I asked her the same question that I had asked myself that very morning: Mom, are you doing what you love? I already knew the answer, for my dear Mom would love nothing more than to paint and to pursue people (on the street, at the café, via Facebook, here, in my comments box). She loves Art and Others. Tout simplement. Yet she is inside… ironing…. She hasn't picked up a paint brush in eight months, hasn't chased down an unsuspecting stranger in weeks. Instead, she irons her husband's shirts, which are coming apart at the seams.
And what about me? Am I doing what I love? I love Writing and Characters. (Well, I love characters and I think I love writing… ) I think I want to paint people via words….
This morning I wrote a story about mon enfance. Unlike many writers, I had a very happy childhood. I would now like that same carefree feeling to fly forth in my work: no rules, no regulations, only trust, play, and discovery day after day. Yes, this is what I love!
Et encore…
My wish is that my words and my photos will lighten hearts… while growing my own. I hope these missives will help to connect people, collapse cultural barriers, and cause more laughing and rejoicing. At the very least, I hope these journal entries will help us not to take ourselves too seriously, after all we are, deep down, more alike than we are different, you and me.
If I can give back even a chouïa of the knowledge and espérance that I receive from the readers who respond to these "every other day epistles," then perhaps my growing heart qui bat will signal I am, after all, sur le bon chemin, or on the right track.
:: Le Coin Commentaires ::
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"The Adoration": Smokey and Braise with Uncle Jacques. (Photo taken in January. Smokey is two months "bigger" now. Leave Smokey or Braise (or Jacques) a message.
French Vocabulary & Audio File:
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Thus the aim of art is almost divine: to bring to life again if it is writing history, to create if it is writing poetry. Le but de l’art est presque divin : ressusciter, s’il fait de l’histoire; créer, s’il fait de la poésie. Victor Hugo
le soupir = sigh
le repassage = ironing
tout simplement = quite simply
mon enfance = my childhood
un chouïa= a tiny bit
l'espérance (f) = hope
et encore = what is more
qui bat (battre) = that beats
sur le bon chemin = on the right track
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You haven’t shown up in my inbox yet since France hasn’t changed clocks yet. So I thought I’d hop straight on over to FWAD and see if you had posted yet. Quelle bonne chance! Here you are. I think the fact that I couldn’t get started with my Wednesday without first checking with you says that you are on the right track. That doesn’t mean the direction of the track couldn’t change unexpectedly, but you are on a good path now. Thank you for the sunshine in your photo. The Midwest is seriously missing it (you’d think we’re living in Oregon or something, what with the gray).
Even though I may not always have the time to read the entire article, I always look for your photos. You are both so photogenic.
Kristin, your brighten my day, even though I always long to be back in France after reading your posts. And, I LOVE your mother!
That’s funny. I often see that same “soupir” over where I live. I guess my comment would be that as long as you have enthusiasm towards something – then you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. One of my favorite quotes is:
“Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.” ~Samuel Ullman
I love reading your blog! It’s filled with lighthearted kindness, and your stories and photographs are wonderful.
Kristin,
At a cross road in my life, I understand your questions completely but please let me offer an observation (or two). Your first questions were “Why do I do what I do? What am I aiming for? Am I on the right track?” It seems to me that these questions are some that belong as part of your plan – like a business plan. What is it you want to accomplish, what will you do to try to get there and how do you measure the success of those efforts, did you achieve your goals, are you on the right track? These types of questions, it seems to me create the framework around your work, and that can fall in to multiple categories – writing/earning from the blog, photography/publishing a book of photographs, writing a children’s story, writing a memoire, etc. And, I believe you are the only one who can define the “what” and “how” of what do you.
Goal: “To have my words and my photos lighten hearts.” You need only read the 50-70 comments you receive on average every day to see that not only have your words and photos lighten hearts but your life but example has as well.
Goal: “To help to connect people, collapse cultural barriers, and cause more laughing and rejoicing.” Kristin you crossed the 25,000 reader mark this week (congratulations by the way), which is proof positive that you are connecting and the geographic diversity indicates that you are certainly crossing cultures; collapsing cultural barriers is a really tall order. And as I read the comments, I can hear the laughter and joy you have brought to your readers.
Goal: “To help us not to take ourselves too seriously.” By example, you lead in this category by dancing in your living room, bravely trying new things like video cooking classes, and/or sharing your trepidations and successes about speaking in public.
Goal: “To give back even a chouïa of the knowledge and espérance that I receive from the readers”. Kristin on some days your little blog becomes a real forum, where your readers are not only interacting with you but with one another, sharing suggestions, knowledge and encouragement – it’s truly unique in my experience to date.
So the answer, I expect you’ll hear from most if not all of us, is that your heart is most certainly “sur le bon chemin”. Your “business plan” has brought you to where you are today but, as with all plans, they should be re-evaluated given experience, successes and failures, and refined for where you want to go next. We’re all looking forward to those chapters is this wonderful life you share with us.
Allow me to continue however, as you posed a question to your mother that seems to be resonating in you too, “are you doing what you love?” From my vantage point, it appears that you do. The love you have for not only what you do but for your husband, your children, your farm, your animals, your friends, your parents, your uncles, your adopted country, the country of your birth, and for learning is very apparent to us all, and we love that you share it all with us – that is a gift at which not many could succeed.
And finally, I personally want to tell you what an inspiration you have been to me. I would never have braved the world of blogging if it had not been for you. Despite encouragement and prodding from family and friends for years to “write, you’re good at it”, I never found a venue that seemed to feel right … and then I stumbled across your blog and began reading. I’ve used your blog as a model and you have no idea how much I’ve learned about Typepad from you! But most importantly, your bravery to take the steps toward doing what you want to do have inspired me to do the same. For this I am so grateful to you.
You’re a success in my book, now just tweak “les buts” and hopefully we’ll see where that takes you next.
Five words….”Your stories brighten my life”. C’est tout! Carry On!
xoNancy L.
I think that sort of questioning starts for women around age 40 – I was too busy before that to even wonder what I was doing! Now at much older age and perhaps a bit wiser, I still ask the questions though. I am a bit like you in that I like to write and take photos to brighten others lives. But we all need to take time off from doing “what we like” to recharge. And if your Mom is ironing perhaps she is getting strength for the future. Iron is a strong element!
There is a scene in Steve Martins’ movie about family life where his mother-in-law says “Life is like a roller coaster, just hold on and enjoy the ups and downs!” That’s about all any of us can do!
HAPPY ST PATRICK’S DAY!!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I love the picture of Uncle Jacques and I am indeed envious of him as he pets and adores the two beautiful Goldens. I had 5 French uncles who have all passed away and I miss them so much: Gerard, Alphonse, Louis, Theophile (my Father, one of the six) Eugene Raoul, and Robert. Your wonderful writings and pictures bring so many memories, some so dear and others a bit sad. Merci Kristin
Querida Kristi,
Mission accomplished!!! I do feel you are in the right track since you always transport me to where you are (physically or emotionally) and always touch my heart.
I can only see you getting even better on what you are already doing and loving it even more… also sure, as Julie said, direction may change unexpectedly but… isn’t life like that?!
My “compass” to know if I am on the right track or not is Inner Peace… when I don’t feel it I know I need to make some changes or see and accept other opportunities.
I admire you for having the ability to open your mind and heart to all of us in such beautiful, simple and honest way.
I do feel connected 🙂
Besitos,
Andrea @ Austin, TX
p.s. Love Jules too!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to Smokey, Braise and Jacques! What a lovely photo. It truly captures the love and devotion these three quite obviously share. Sweet characters all.
Bonjour from Florida!
I would really like to take my family back to France. What would I really like to do? Stay over the summer while they are still young enough to learn the language. I wonder if they have summer camps for kids? Something that’s not $5000 a week! 🙂
Bonjour from South Carolina! I just returned from taking my nine year old twin girls to Paris. We are all in love with France, and can’t wait to return. Love your column–am learning lots of new words, considering investing in Rosetta Stone. And to Amy S. above me–if you find that affordable summer camp, let me know!
Kristen: I no longer read FWAD for the french lesson, but for the experience you deliver everytime I read your blog. Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Bonjour Cherie,
Such a wistful post from you today! Look at your children, at your home, and at the community you have created through your art… clearly you are on the right path. Your words and images bring so much pleasure to so many. These moments of doubt and souci are tout simplement, a part of living, and a part of the creative process.
So here is a big hug from one who loves to meet you here three times a week. You have done wonders, and will do many more!
Johanna DeMay
Albuquerque, NM
They (the dogs) are clearly smiling! Simply wonderful. (Jacques, too.)
Kristin – I’ve been speaking French with my husband for 28 years, and today I learned a new word from your column “choiua.” You’re doing a very courageous job – showing the world that life in France is lovely at time and not-so-lovely at times – just like a lot of other places – and when the ironing piles up, remember how lucky we are to have a pile of clothes, an iron that works, and a place to press out the wrinkles! Janet
I have found that when I consider “am I doing what I want to be doing” there are considerations beyond what I want that have to be factored in. For example, I’d love to spend a summer just driving around, photographing France, but do I want to be away from my grandchildren for a whole summer when we can be playing together outside. No, not really. So we have to make adjustments to our own (perhaps, selfish) dreams. My dear belle-fille has talked about going to France when our granddaughters are old enough to have some appreciation for the journey, so maybe that’s the solution – spend a month in France with the family visiting for part of the time. Just more things to consider…
I love the picture of Jacques and the dogs, but I’m curious about what looks like a picture propped up on the wine bottles in the wine rack – that’s an odd place for a picture to be “hung”.
Hiya Smokey and Braise,
Aren’t you glad it’s getting so nice out! I’m off chasing birds and bees (you’d think I’d know better, I’ve been stung in the “gueule” several times)
Woofily yours,
Kristin,
You are “sur le bon chemin”…you bring so much fun and joy to people and that is a good thing. Jules….I do not like le repassage.
Great picture of Uncle Jacques and the dogs!
Hey there, you
Kristin, it must be nearing spring!! I am thinking this is why you are getting an itch, want to branch out, try something new, go down a different path, are reconsidering this one. Perfectly normal, have no fear. I recently heard an artist speak who talked about the busy-ness of business, about how it’s good to have your fingers in a few carefully chosen pots, and to always be thinking ahead (like you’re already doing). But, in my opinion, sometimes you just need a little break from the “doing” to reflect on what comes next. (Too bad the bills just keep coming in the mail!!) So long as it, whatever that may be, feels right (write??!!) in your heart, then you are naturally on the “correct” path. Go forth, bon courage, and it will all piece together, become something new and even more wonderful, when you least expect it.
You are definitely on the right track!
Bonjour ! Ironing is not so bad — it helped me during my culture shock because it is something that has a beginning, middle and end — you can clearly see your progress as the garment becomes smooth and crisp; also you can see the laundry basket empty and display all the finished items on hangers. When I arrived from the US to my husband’s tiny Paris apartment there was barely any room for me — not to mention my shoes, his shirts, my coats…. Shock of living in a small space was tough for me ….. The seemingly mindless act of ironing was soothing, productive and calmed me. I could not believe how much le cintre (a hanger) cost in Paris and by chance found a strange clothing store/tailor who always had a box of bundled, used hangers for sale — six for an euro. Now we are in a slightly larger but still impossibly small apartment — avec mon grand chien noir au Oregon — Luca the Lucky Laborador/Great Dane rescue dog. I still iron. At lunch the other day with my husband’s colleagues from work , one person remarked on the nicely ironed shirts their old confirmed bachelor friend now wears in his new married man status. (Old shirts, new look.) Everyone confessed an aversion to ironing. I scored a victory — not in ironing but I actually understood the conversation. Repasser et repassage — bridge to my new life in France.
We love you Kristin! And of course we love French Word a Day!
Kristin, What Claudia said goes for me. You have brightened many a gray day with les bons souvenirs of my former home. You have challenged my heart with your (and Jules’) thirst for life and its most basic joys. As a result, I’ve spent much more time this winter hanging out with my son (ice fishing, ping-pong) and just cuddling with Toby (our mixed breed, rescued puppy). Most of all, your word smithing has brought innumerable smiles to my face. I just love to read a well-turned phrase…one of the great benefits of being literate. Your writing is superb. Please keep it up.
Many of us feel the same way, the economy is quite tough right now. Oh for happier/less stressful times. Hopefully they are right around the corner and soon we will all be in better spirits—and not ironing! Your photos and writing definitely brighten the days here.
Bonjour de Joan a Kankakee IL
Salut Kristin et Jacques
Woof! Woof! Smokey et Braise
Great photo!
À bientôt
Herm
Phoenix, AZ
Kristin, I love French Word A Day! Think of the community you have created – people from all over the world – how great is that??? Keep up the good work!
Bruce Chatwin asked a related question with the title, ‘What Am I Doing Here?’
http://www.amazon.ca/What-Am-I-Doing-Here/dp/0140115773
Smokey R Dokey: You are becoming more famous than Lassie and you are much more handsome. Jean from S’port
Bonjour Kristin,
I have no doubt que vous etes sur le bon chemin, you make us all fee better, and remind us to take things lightly…yes lightly! I love repassage, something soothing in the sound of a passing iron, the smell of steam, the perfection …. have never had enough room anywhere I lived to do it with pleasure! The pups are delightful..big kisses to them both!
xoxo
Thank you, Kristin, and BONJOUR from Astoria, Oregon!
Salut Bill et ami(e), Thanks for these lovely thoughts… Im reading comments now and just got to Bills question about the painting hanging on the wine rack. It is (indeed an odd place to be hanging out…) but this oil painting by my mom is a favorite. Truth is, I still have a phobia of putting holes in the placo-plastre walls that Jacques (pictures) built for us…. I have got to learn to weild a couple of those crochets or hook things and a hammer. Too afraid to make a mistake! I guess thats what touch up paint is for?
Salut Jacques et les annimaux aussi!
Jacques, vous devez etre un bon ami des chiens. Evidement, les chiens vous adorent! J’aime tellement les photos de la belle France, specialement les photos de Provence. Comme je voudrais y retourner un de ces jours. J’habite ici a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, au nord-est des Etats Unis.
bonne continuation avec le site internet, Kristen. Je l’aime beaucoup.
bien amicalement,
Bill Goff
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dear Kristin,
I save your e-mail for last to read because it is always my favorite!! Just like that last perfect bite of dessert that you work your way around to fully savour at the end!!!
Merci!…….Kathleen Wishart
I find your blog very enjoyable. Thanks for all you write, it is always interesting and often picturesque.
A French lover of Provence exiled in Isère !
Kristin,
Horray – you did it! I wasn’t sure if you were going to be able to squeeze in time for Karen’s newsletter. You did it, woo hoooo! I’m proud of you. Aren’t YOU proud of you??? I’m glad you wrote about Jules. Reminds me I need to talk to her . . . don’t forget to just be, quietly, and smell the roses and all the joy you have created in your own life. But also the joy you have brought to so many others. Bisous, Robin
Dearest Smokey and Braise,
I love you!
Your fan, Auntie Barb
Dear Kristin — Have been thinking similar thoughts. Maybe it’s spring…. or even the moody, cloudy days we’re having in Tennessee. Your writing is a joy..truly… I only hope you find it so. Do you know Mary Oliver’s poem “The Wild Geese”? You might like it.
Hope to visit and buy some wine in May.
Ophelia
Chère Kristin,
Just a couple of language questions. Did you mean to put “sigh” for the definition of “soupir”? I read “sign” in my copy, and I don’t think that’s correct. Also, I believe the verb “battir” is irregular, so that one would write “…le coeur qui bat” rather than “batte.” I don’t mean to be picky, but thought I’d check with you.
Amicalement, Jim Herlan
Dear Kristi,
I am so proud of you for what you have accomplished over the years…who would have thought it as you toiled over your first computer so long ago? You have brought happiness and learning to thousands of adoring people around the globe with your unique writing and photos. Please tell your audience (AGAIN) to say where they are from.
Kip in Palm Springs, California
I think there is truth to what Ophelia said out springtime causing us to reflect about our lives and looking ahead. In the autumn, I am equally reflective but mostly looking back. The change of seasons with the change of light and colors inspires reflection and creativity. The path you have taken, Kristin, has allowed you to learn more about yourself and to build a wonderful community.
Bonjour de Hutchinson, Minnesota. Vos chiens sont adorables!
Irène
From New Orleans, the weather is PERFECT! Cool, dry and sunny! (For Kristin’s Dad)
Dear Kristin,
If you’re not on the right track for you, you surely are for me! Your French Word-A-Day relaxes my soul and brighten’s my day. French Word A Day transports me to another world and makes me so content. Thank you for that–you will probably be responsible for extending my life!
Hello Jim Herlan,
Sorry, there isn’t a verb “battir”
but there is a verb “bâtir” and a verb “battre”
1) bâtir = to build, 2nd group verb
root: bât + IR
To conjugate the PRESENT of the Indicative:
–> Root + endings is, is, it
–> Root + endings issons, issez, issent
– je bâtis
– tu bâtis
– il, elle, on bâtit
– nous bâtissons
– vous bâtissez
– ils bâtissent
2) battre = to beat – 3rd group verb
root: batt + RE
To conjugate the PRESENT of the Indicative:
–> (root “minus one t”) + endings s, s,
for the 3rd person singular, leave it as it is, with only “t” at the end.
–> (Root “with its double t”) + endings ons, ez, ent
– je bats
– tu bats
– il/elle/on bat
– nous battons
– vous battez
– ils/elles battent
Hope it helps a few people, struggling with French verbs.
Kristin was talking about … le coeur qui bat …
BONJOUR from Broussard, Louisiana!! Yes(oops, je desole, OUI!!!) I too, LOVE “all things French”. I’ve been enjoying your “visit”, for about two months now. And feel we have sooooo very much in common, although, I fall short of your Beautiful French life a bit….back to the point, OUI,I feel Blessed to be enjoying what I do. I have a “French Treasures Shop” named BONJOUR in Broussard, LA. My husband’s British parents moved to France about 25 years ago, and we, in turn, bought a “ruin” about 10 years ago. I feel as though I connected to my core when I first visited France (we bought our place that first summer!). Most of us here in south Louisiana have heritage lines that tie us to that beautiful country, and I felt as though I could here the music of the French language(much of the same dialect) I would hear at my grandparents weekend bar-b-ques. Our home is in Brittany, and as it happens, that is where my French ancestors came from!
We are Blessed to be able to spend our summers in the cool countryside, escaping the sub tropical heat of Louisiana summers. My “belle mere” introduced me to “Braderies” that first summer and immediately I was hooked. We’ve furnished our renovated barn/pig sty into a a “Country French” dream. We’ve had friends visit each summer and they too, all fall madly in love with EVERY aspect of France.
“BONJOUR” started with my passion for “Braderies” and is a petite piece of France here in south Louisiana. The exterior is painted yellow and “Bretagne Bleu”, customers are greeted in French and offered “Cafe Francais” to sip on as they listen to “la musique Francaise” and they discover all of the French treasures offered. So, OUI, I am getting to “share” my passion each day with delightful customers who mirror the same passion and share thier stories of France. MERCI BEAUCOUP MON DIEU for this Blessing, and Merci Kristen for “sharing your PASSION” with us!!!!
Kristin, you sound a bit “down” today. It is easy to be down, especially as one gets older, and sees more years behind one than before. Some days/months/years are mainly to be survived, and “What do I want?” is a rhetorical question, irrelevant because what one wants is in the background, overshadowed by what one must do, like it or not. But please don’t underestimate yourself. Not only do most adults wonder about lots of things, it seems you are “succeeding” more than many. I’ve admired your ability to adapt to a new culture without losing your own, your learning to cook and do many other things French, your wonderful family, the blog, the photography, etc. Nothing I’ve done compares. When you have a wondering-if-I’m-on-the-right-track kind of day, think of things such as the people who attended Jean-Marc’s wine-tastings because you told us about them, just to give one example.
In an old “Peanuts” cartoon, Lucy says that she doesn’t want any “downs,” she just wants “Ups, ups, and ups!” Sorry, but life isn’t like that. But as shadow helps us appreciate the sunlight, less-than-ideal days help us value the good ones.
You ARE on the right track.
Sunny and in the 60s in University Park, MD.
Bonjour Kristin! Jacgues too. It is beautiful day here in Oregon,and I am just going to open the windows to enjoy it.
You are on the right path I believe, especially for all of us!
Julie from Portland
Bonjour Kristen! Merci beaucoup for the small touches of French living. The 10 days we spent in Paris were the most exciting of my life and we will be returning some day, hopefully to spend a month or more!!
Auvoir! Suzi