Have you ever heard an old word… as if for the first time? Your eyes sting; suddenly, you are seized by meaning, when a humble old mot causes your body to form a lump in your throat. Read on, in today's story column.
1. trough, manger (animals) ; feeding dish (birds)
2. crèche (Christ child's crib)
Audio File Hear today's French word and proverb: Download mp3 or Wav
Cheval affamé nettoie sa mangeoire.
A starving horse cleans its trough.
In music: 21 Christmas Songs in French and English.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Reading to my Francophone children in their native tongue is a humbling, sometimes humiliating experience—not only for the "pronunciation pause" (kid-issued breaks in which I must stop reading in order to repeat a French word that I have tripped up on), but also for the words that I still do not know, both French and in English!
Thankfully, not all readings are cause for reprimand. De temps en temps, there are eye-opening moments when suddenly, more than a word making sense, the world seems to take on new meaning as well.
It was while reading a chapter called "The birth…" or "La naissance de Jésus" to my daughter that I suddenly felt a lump in my throat and a sting in my eyes. An English word with which I've had but a yearly encounter—usually during the holiday season—suddenly defined itself as its French counterpart moved up my vocal chords and exited in a French chorus of sound and meaning. The text preceding the word (indicated in bold, below) only served to set the dramatic stage:
Là, dans la saleté et entre les animaux, elle mit son bébé au monde. Puis elle l'enveloppa chaudement et, comme il n'y avait pas de berceau, elle le déposa dans une mangeoire pour qu'il puisse dormir…"There, in the filth and between the animals, she brought her baby into the world. Then she wrapped him warmly and, as there was no cradle, she put him down in a feeding trough so that he could sleep."
Replacing the word "manger" with "feeding trough", its equivalent, gives the account an even more heartrending effect; "manger" is poetic, while "feeding trough" effectively evokes the brutal bed that was the only resting place for the delicate newborn.
* * *
As for those instances of humiliation—whether in fumbling through French text before a ten-year-old (or in the stories that I have lived and that will never be told)—my mind now calls up a peaceful bergerie, wherein an unspoiled baby would come to suffer all humility; this, instead of me.
.
.
French Vocabulary
de temps en temps = from time to time
La Naissance de Jésus = The Birth of Jesus (from the book "Grande Bible Pour Les Enfants," Chantecler edition)
la bergerie (f) = shelter (sheepfold)
une étoile = star
One of the black and white pictures that did not make it into my book. I still get a big smile each time I study the elements in this photo (taken during our wedding anniversary celebration, in Collioure's).
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Thank you for reminding me. Yes, instead of me, also. Be well, love much, enjoy these wonderful days. Thank you for this past year of wonderful posts and a thousand congratulations on the new book. Mary
This is the first time I’ve been “early” in the comments box. Thanks for “mangeoire,” a word I’d not known, and the sentence in which it was used.
Kristin, I believe your birthday was yesterday. Many happy returns, and I wish you a great year!
I have ordered my copy of “BIP,” and per Amazon, it should reach me tomorrow. I’m looking forward to reading it.
I wish toute la Famille Espinasse, and the extended family including Jules, Kip, sisters, cousins, etc. a very Joyeux Noel!
Meilleurs voeux!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Yes – I am up bright and early this morning to grab the #1 spot here in La Coin Commentaires..
..oop’s looks like our dear precious friend MARY already beat me to the spot of #1.
KRISTI – as you already know I am an early riser – woke up at 4 a.m. this morning ready to get back on the MARKETING TRAIN.
KRISTI I love your little post this morning – I can remember the day we went to that little book store and bought Max and Jackie that wonderful book you mentioned above in your post. The book was actually for Jean-Marc too as I felt it would be a great tool to introduce him to all of the wonderful stories in the Bible. But I am not here to promote that book, I’m up and ready to reactivate our marketing campaign for your miracle book, the one an only book written here in 21 days of therapy for you and all of us as we journeyed through your recooperation THIS PAST NOVEMBER.
Now I can rattle on all morning about the importance of bringing up the numbers on Amazon.com …..but first I must explain I found my new Christmas present early and talked Santa into giving it to me yesterday…YES! This morning instead of sitting down at ‘The Coffee Cup’ here at the Marina in Puerto Vallarta, I am all cozy and warm at my desk pounding on the keys of my new computer! YEA! Only problem is that once again the keyboard is in Spanish and the technology I am dealing with this morning contains 8 years of improvements over my old computer. I can’t find the brackets to embrace all of my spelling errors, so please bear with me til I am able to clean my act up. Of course you all know the last senten=ce was a BIG LIE – but let’s move on to the reason we must focus on marketing Kristi’s book BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE.
Numbers are everything in the blogging world….the more attention we can bring to Kristi’s book at this pivotal moment in time – the closer we are to intoducing Kristi’s talent to non-French readers.
I’ll be back in a few minutes – please take a moment to think of all the ways we can help promote Kristi’s new book.
XOXO
JULES
Kristin, my copy arrived on Wednesday – I’m very happy to start reading it! I wish you much success with the book! Merry Christmas to you and your family! We’ve had to cancel our trip to Provence next July so we won’t get to meet you unfortunately but we will try some time in the future when we visit my husband’s family in Ste Rome de Tarn.
Denise
Mom, so relieved to have you here to orchestrate the marketing of my book. Each time I begin to announce please buy my book!, that little devil on my shoulder begins to pester me, trying to intimidate me back into my artists corner where I am supposed to create and give–and not promote and ask for help!
HI KRISTI,
CAN YOU CALL ME NOW –
XOXO
MOM
French pigeon – check. French bicycle – check. French menu board – check. Yep, I think I could know this photo was taken in France even if no one told me. To all the FWAD (and now BIP) readers: Joyeux Noël and Bonne Année.
Hope your birthday was all you wished for, Kristin.
Thank you, Kristin, for the new meaning of the word for manger. It broadens our thinking and our worship this Christmas and makes us remember the reasons we follow.
With love and Christmas greetings,
Glen and Carol Rea
When I taught French and would have the verb “manger” on the vocab list, I always talked with my students about the French vocabulary connection to the nativity…I love how learning a new language opens up so much more depth to your own native language! Joyeux Noël à vous tous!
KRISTI’S NEW BOOK…BLOOMING IN PROVENCE….IS NOW
# 77
ON AMAZON’S BEST NEW RELEASES
CAN WE MOVE IT UP TO # 7
THAT WOULD MAKE THIS THE LUCKIEST DAY EVER!!!!
SEND ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS COPIES OR TALK THEM INTO BUYING ONE TODAY….!!!
I LOVE ALL OF YOU ‘LITTLE GRAPES’ OUT THERE – LET’S ROCK KRISTI’S BOOK TODAY.
XOXO
JULES
Caught the “interested public” on the second look.
We purchased your book yesterday as a gift to me for my birthday, today (80).
We go first to your email each day that it shows up, and it never disappoints us. Keep up the good work.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, [and it will be a very good year in 2012; believe it.]
Our best,
Bill and Lee Mears
Hi Kristin,
I hope you reach you’re goal of 187 books today, something tells me you will! I just ordered my copy of BIP and I can’t wait to read it. I enjoyed reading about “stumbling on words” as I’m sure I will be doing that a lot as I continue my French speaking journey!
Joyeux Noel and Bonne Annee to you and you’re family.
Also Joyeux anniversaire….I hope you get your wish!
Chaleureusement,
Sandy from San Clemente, CA
J’ai le command! AND Wishing you a Joyeux Noel & Bonne Annee to you and yours(-:
Bisous
nancy & Ralph
Kristen…Thank you so much for the reminder that I have a french Bible. I haven’t read much of it because my french isn’t that good, but since I know “The Christmas Story”, I picked it up and could pretty well figure out even the words I didn’t know. A perfectly splendid way to spend time in these next few days.
What pas camera are you presently using? I have Amazon-wish listed a couple you have mentioned in the past, but it’s been awhile. Just now seriously shopping around….if all works well, a trip next summer… maybe we will see you then!
Joyeux Noel & Bonne Annee! (hmmm can’t remember exactly)
tammy
Your posting today gave my heart a strong squeeze. Yes, thank you for reminding us that the perfect baby came to take our place at the alter of humiliation. What an eloquent rendering of this miraculous event.
As for your marketing efforts, I wish you all the best in selling your book. I will order your book today and look forward to reading it. I’m lucky to have discovered your blog in the past year. You make everyone who reads it feel like they are your new friends. At least that is how I have responded to your writing. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks Kristin, “Away in a manger, no crib for his bed” … that song suddenly has deeper meaning for me. Mele Kalikimaka, Merry Christmas, and Joyeux Noël to all! (And a special Feliz Navidad to you, Jules, for your extraordinary dedication as a Mother!) PRAY FOR PEACE AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Aloha!
Bill, Happy 80th!
Good news! 66 copies sold so far today! 121 to go… Do you think we will make it?
Mom, get back in here and tell us what to do next! Here is the direct link to Amazon, in case anyone would like to paste it directly into their Facebook updates box:
http://www.amazon.com/o/asin/1467929794/mdj-20
Let me know if you have shared the link. Meantime, Ill be back a little later to let you know how many books have sold in between time!
Thank you, Kristin, for continuing to write and post your thoughts. I am always blessed by reading them. Un très joyeux Noël à vous et à votre famille !
Happy, Happy Christmas and the very BEST of New Years, Kristin! I’ve bought my copy of the book and can’t wait to read it. I never know which I love more – your thoughtful insights or your glorious photos. I’ve given up trying to decide and just tell people I love them BOTH.
Whoops! In all the holiday rush, I missed wishing you a Happy Birthday – so HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! And here’s wishing you and your family All Good Things!
Lots of love,
Linda
Kristin,
Your “book selling pitch” worked like a charm. I just ordered two – ainsi vous pouvez atteindre une étoile.
My daughter who lived in Paris as a student got me started on your blog and I look forward to it’s arrival each and every time. Your experiences give this “Zonie” hope that I can someday “speak” French.
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année
Chere Kristin,
J’ai commande votre nouveau livre il y a trois jours et hier Amazon m’a informe que le livre est en route. Je vous souhaite des tres bonnes fetes aussi bien qu’un grand succes avec les ventes du livre.
Merci beaucoup, Linda, and to all who have left a lovely word!
Bill, thank your review at Amazon. Mom said shes going to print it out!
Tammy, I use this pocket camera most of the time (easy to carry in purse! never miss a photo):
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003962DXE/mdj-20
I also use this one, which is a lot of fun and makes me feel like a photographer
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0012OGF6Q/mdj-20
BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE
IS NOW
# 44
AMAZONS BEST NEW RELEASES
LET’S GO ‘LITTLE GRAPES’ —TIME TO KEEP THE FIRE HOT.
WHERE IS CHIEF GRAPE AND GRANDPA GRAPE IN THIS PURSUIT OF ALL
THINGS THAT WILL MAKE OUR KRISTI HAPPY TODAY.
KIP HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR NEW NICK-NAME….GRANDPA GRAPE JUST MAKES ME SMILE. BUY SOME MORE COPIES OF YOUR DAUGHTERS BOOK….
XOXO
JULES
Hi Kristin,
First of all, I want to say “Happy Birthday”, though it was yesterday, but yesterday I was sick and could not do anything.
I am so glad that you are doing much better.
I like the post, but I have a question. You said: “Replacing the word “manger” with “feeding trough”, its equivivalent,…”. Is it its equivivalent? Manger is a verb, but a feeding trough is a noun. It probably should be “mangeoire” instead of “manger”, non?
Joueux Noel et Bonne Annee!!!
Olga.
Thanks Mike–for the two copies ordered! Good to know how you found out about the blog — is the other copy for your daughter?
Mom, Love Grandpa Grapes. Book sales update: 76 copies sold so far today! 111 to go…
Kristin,
mais oui. elle mérite une bonne lecture pour trouver votre blog.
Sure hope amazon.com includes in its totals books sold at amazon.ca in Canada, as that is where I bought my copy of Blossoming and where I directed my e-friends and others — as well as amazon in the UK! Oh, they MUST!
May that magic number “187 books sold today” be reached before midnight Pacific Time!
Quel bel aventure, n’est-ce pas?
YEA KRISTI !!!
BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE
IS NOW
#32
ON AMAZON’S BEST NEW RELEASES
IF ALL OF YOUR WONDERFUL FRIENDS WOULD JUST GO OUT AND BUY ANOTHER ROUND OF BOOKS WE COULD GET KRISTI ON THE REAL
TOP 100 – BEST SELLERS LIST IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD !!!
XOXO
JULES
Ordered the book! I’ve enjoyed your blog for several years but have never commented before. Love following you and your family. Studied French many, many years ago and it is good to try to bring it back to the surface of my mind.
My best to you and your family for a good Christmas and New Year.
Judith Wellingon, KS
A little last minute but I have ordered your book! I can’t wait to read it, I’m sure I will enjoy it as much as French Word a Day. Thank you Kristi for enriching my life by sharing your life. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Merry Christmas to you all, Kristin. Our book has been shipped.
Tom and Beth
Once again your blog touched my mind and heart and dampened my old eyes. Isn’t it wonderful that a heart so small as yours can hold the enormous empathy and love which are clearly reflected by your reaction to reading the story of Jesus’ birth.
Many years ago while struggling with my religious beliefs it became clear that we too often think of, describe , or illustrate the manger scene as clean, neat, and pretty while, in reality, barns or other animal shelters with their mangeoises are usually more or less dirty and stinky! Visualizing that is the staggering impact.
And, please forgive me, it always vastly impressed and impresses me that poverty was his way of living his words — “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth….” and “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
You have enriched my life by your words and actions. Comme toujours, Fred
Kristin, just weighing in with best wishes on continued success of your book and appreciate your blog so much. You brighten the world and bring people closer together. Mille mercis et grand hugs!
KRISTI DARLING,
I’m sure you are fast asleep now – I hope you are having sweet dreams.
i am so proud of you – you are such a sweetheart.
XOXO
MOM
At 9:oo p.m. EST, Blossoming is at 36 at Amazon! Fly, baby, fly!
IT IS ALMOST THE ‘NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’ …
All of us little ‘Angel Grapes’ are busy working in Santa’s office, busy working on our computers telling everyone down on EARTH to buy Kristi’s new book BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE.
We are whispering in all of our ‘contacts’ on our address page to quickly go to to FRENCH-WORD-A-DAY and click on Kristi’s new photo on the left hand side of her blog page – the big photo of Kristi’s book BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE. Once all of our friends are there and they click on the book they will automatically be zoomed over to AMAZON where they will be looking at KRISTI’S BOOK right on the order page.
WE ARE ALSO WHISPERING IN ALL OF OUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS EARS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE. WE ARE BUSY SETTING UP THE LINK THIS MORNING SO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS WILL KNOW
WHAT WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS – AND WHAT TO SEND THEIR LITTLE OLD GRANDMOTHERS FOR CHRISTMAS.
YES, ANGEL GRAPES ARE BUSY TODAY – CHRISTMAS IS TOMORROW AND WE ARE GOING TO GIVE
KRISTI
THE BEST CHRISTMAS SHE HAS EVER EXPERIENCED.
I LOVE THE NUMBER 7
LET’S ALL WORK HARD TODAY TO MOVE BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE UP TO
# 7
on AMAZON’S BEST SELLERS LIST!!!
WE CAN DO THIS!!!
XOXO
JULES
Thank you very much Beth and Tom and everyone who bought a book yesterday. Are you ready to know how many books were sold?…
Thanks Mom for being the best PR Mama. I could not have dream up a better marketeer.
Kitty, thanks for posting about your Amazon.ca purchase of Blossoming. I noticed the book is available there–via resellers. Be careful not to pay too much. The book should cost $14. It might be a little more, via a reseller, but if this makes it possible to get the book shipped outside the US, then it might be worth it — just make sure the price is near $14.
THanks, Judith, for commenting for the first time. Welcome! Any other lurkers willing to come out and play today? 🙂 On en mord pas – we dont bite!