Smokey says: Certes, on dirait qu'elle en a assez dans sa collection… sure, you'd say she has enough in her collection… but the truth is she adores every one of them! Today, find out who won une de ses clés… P.S. can you see the ombre or shadow of the missing key?
la reine de beauté
: beauty queen
(Find out why this word is so special… read the story column, just below)
Audio file and example sentence
(note: the audio file feature will return… just as soon as one of the sleepy Francophones in my household wakes up!)
Il se cachait alors dans un coin solitaire, fixant ses yeux ardents sur cette reine de beauté entourée d'hommages, de murmures flatteurs et d'envies jalouses.
He hid in a lonely corner, fixing his passionate eyes upon this beauty queen surrounded by compliments, flattering murmurings, and jealous desires. –from "Le Correspondant", by Charles Douniol
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A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Beauty Queens
Returning from the doctor's office, Wednesday, I lay back on my bed, tucked under les couvertures, as if a blanket's weight could anchor such rising emotions!
What exactly were these sentiments? A mixture of relief and gratitude, to be sure: lab results were now back, confirming another basal cell—and that the doctor succeeded in removing all of it (without leaving so much as a flourish on my nose. Un miracle!).
But how to explain the other bubbles that were rising to the surface of mon âme? For this, I looked back at my laptop screen, where waves of good tidings were flowing into the comments box, following our recent giveaway contest…
…Aloha from Samantha in Hilo, Hawaii!
…Mabuhay! from Manila in the Philippines. –Faith
…Bonjour… from Boutilier's Point in Nova Scotia, Canada. –Holly
There was something about your words, Dear Reader, that ignited a warm and cozy feu inside of me… a feeling of espoir and, especially, tendresse. I began to sense a tug, as the joyful greetings brought me back in time…
…Namaste from Shobha, in India.
…Hello from Tigard Oregon. –Chris
…Bonjour d'Ethiopie! –Tim
Until there I was, returned to my childhood home! Wearing my favorite golden robe and slippers, my eyes were scotched to the T.V. screen in front of me. Our mutt, Benji, by my side, his eyes were glued to that same screen… We sat, star-struck, admiring the prize-winning smiles of the beautiful representants, who announced their countries, along with warm greetings…
…Hallo aus Berlin, Germany und danke für alles. -Karl
…Buenos dias from Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico. –Sheila
…Bonjour from Arizona…. –Gaelle
I watched, enchantée, as the beauties filed gracefully down the runway virtuelle, each contestant representing a different country:
…Hola! y Saludos! from sunny Puerto Rico. –Maria
…Hello from snowy Trondheim, Norway. –Siv
…Bonjour from Perigord Vert, Dordogne France. –Janet
OUI! I now could identify the comforting, nostalgic feeling inside of me—that of returning to the warmth and innocence of yesteryear, to a favorite childhood past-time: watching Miss Monde! How similar were the greetings that filed into the comments box… to those of the glamorous Miss World candidates who filed down the runway!
Merci beaucoup, dear reader, for your lovely greetings and good tidings! You are all, all of you, beauty queens to me!
***
CLICK HERE and look for my Mom, Jules's comment,where she shares about the Eureka moment, in which she came to choose our winner. You will then see a comment by me, announcing a second winner (this time via a random computer-generated selection!
Update: My father wrote me, after reading your comments, and I think he best succeeded in describing, in one word, what your messages represent: CARE. Thank you so much for responding, with care, to these missives, anecdotes, vignettes, and essays. You fill us with hope! (Now to call Mom, who leaps out of bed each morning… to check in with you all via the comments box! She is such a copycat leaper!)
French Vocabulary
certes = most certainly, sure
l'ombre (f) = shadow
on dirait qu'elle en a assez dans sa collection = you'd say she has enough in her collection
une de = one of
une clef, une clé = key
une couverture = blanket
un miracle = miracle
un sentiment = feeling
une âme = soul
le feu = fire
l'espoir (m) = hope
la tendresse = love, tenderness, fondness
enchanté(e) = enamored
virtuelle = virtual
Miss Monde = Miss World
More keys… and so hard to part with even one of them. Perhaps I need to learn the key to giving? Maybe another giveaway would be a good way to practice?
An antiques shop in Colmar. Tell us what French antique you dream of winning. Click here to leave a message in the comments box.
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Yes, congrats, Gus and Marjorie! And what a lovely lovely gesture, Kristin. A key is a very profound gift. You’ve given us all many virtual keys that have unlocked memories, feelings, thoughts and imaginings. Thank you for that.
Hmmm…what French antique would I like to have? I think I’d like to BE a French antique!–a ‘vintage’ woman with the patina of a rich life living anywhere in France. But barring that, I think I’d love an old rolling pin that had lovingly created such special times around a table.
Hi Kristin, So glad your results were positive. I know you must be very relieved. The thousands of thoughts that invade ones mind until you know for sure are almost unrecordable. Now your mind can concentrate on happy thoughts ! I hope when I get to France in April I can report the same….Will have results on Feb 29th. As for keys, we have collected very old keys at the various broncantes each trip over and have finally reached a point of no more!!! So when we finally live there we can start another collection. Hope you both and the children can join us on the 18th!
Karen
Congratulations to the winners! A key to the future from the past? And, congratulations to you Kristin about the surgery. I always wanted an antique French hot chocolate bowl and my sister Margaret gave me one for Christmas a few years ago. She has a great eye!
Many happy and positive thoughts being sent to you from Los Angeles, CA. Just a note for friends who send loving prayers but don’t always take the time to write and let you know. You’re in our thoughts.
Blessings and love, Lorrie (and her subscriber friends, both imaginary and real:)…really only real (just liked the sound of the last sentence:)
Whenever I’m in Paris, I always seem to find time to walk down an old street on the Ile de St. Louis…. where I discovered a wonderful little studio.
Most of the time the shop is closed, but I’m still like a kid in a candy store… fascinated… looking through the window where old hand-painted and hand carved Marionettes hang from the rafters.
I would LOVE to have one… maybe a princess or fairy. A vintage Guignol would bring me just as much joy! What can I say, I’m just a kid at heart!
So happy to hear your good news! N’oubliez pas votre chapeau sous le soleil.
Edie Kilgour
Brunswick,Maine
J’ai par chance, vu le commentaire de Gus, mais celui de Marjorie m’échappe. Félicitations aux gagnants! Gus, à son âge, le mérite bien.
C’est bizarre, comme toi, en lisant les quelques commentaires du dernier blogue, ça m’a fait aussi penser aux concours de beauté.
Bon weekend à ta famille Espinasse et ainsi à ta belle maman.
Your news is wonderful! The Arizona sun is shining on you!
I would love to have one of your keys! I imagine turning a lock and finding something magical on the other side of the door!
Greetings from West Virginia, Kristen! Perhaps I’m the first person from WV to comment. I’m so glad that your basal cell was removed without leaving a scar! I can relate to the stress and discomfort of these “skin issues” as I have them too. Your blog brightens my day and you are so very eloquent! Thank you.
Bravo for your good news! I’d love to possess an antique French mustard pot.
Kristin:
Congrats to the winners. It would be fun to see a photo of Gus with his prize!
Edie from Savannah
My favorite French find is the love, joy and care FWAD brings me without fail!
As for an antique, the comments above have mirrored my sentiments…a café au lait cup…ribbon…a chandelier!!!…linens…a rolling pin…or, yes! one of the enamel coffee pots from the window of that store you photographed. And Gwyn’s comment about wanting to BE a French antique! Wow,love it!
This post is filled from brim to bottom with heart-warming, feel-good treasures! Thank you, dear Kristi, how beautifully you bless us.
Thank you for the joy and warmth you bring to each of my days. Frances in Napa, California, USA
Well, I feel we are all winners! I LOVE the idea we are all part of the pageant of life with our simple shout-outs.
Choosing Gus also makes me very happy. I have a special place in my heart for all the older gents and gals whom I have interviewed for my WWII book. I try to call, or visit some each month. So, Gus, I’m thrilled you are part of this community, and won the prize!
That is good news Kristin! I am so pleased.
Xx Chris
I’ve been away and just now catching up on FWAD. That’s such good news, Kristin! What a good feeling it must be for you to know the surgery is now history and that you are doing well. I love your blog, the photos of your family, friends, villages, shop windows (the antique purple and green tiles are wonderful), and Smokey too, of course! It’s all such a day brightener. Thank you so much!
Connie, Portland, OR
Bonjour from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Your site is as perfect as my Deux Chevaux!
Carl T. Herrman
Lazy H Ranch
Kristin,
We have all been thinking of you and glad full recovery is underway. I receive myriad work emails but I open yours first every day. You bring sunshine and joie de vivre.
Best,
Margot
margotlansing@comcast.net
happy to hear that your path is looking bright! Keep making pathways full of sun and good cheer! Best, alicia
I’m glad the surgery went so well, and that you don’t have a scar. You are a trooper and survive all that is thrown your way. You share your most inner thoughts with us, your admirers, your virtual friends, acquaintances, friends and family. Thank you for FWAD.
Congratulations to the winners. Keys open many things, including the heart.
Jules what wonderful words and thoughts, as usual.
Vive, Gus! It is appropriate for him to win the key as he seems to have discovered the key to long life. What an honor for you to be his muse, Kristin.
Jules, you are an inspiration to all with your joi de vivre.
So glad you are over the surgery, Kristin. I wear PF 50 under my makeup every day, rain or shine. One basal cell operation on my nose was enough, thank you. Your beauty shines through always because of your heart.
Chère Kristin –
What wonderful news about your health! This has been such a hard week with the deaths of Whitney Houston and Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Shadid of The New York Times. In addition, my neighbor and friend François is hospitalized with an as-yet-unknown-how-serious illness.
You remind me that living every day to the fullest is essential! “Learning French” sounds overwhelming, but learning a few new words every week . . . ça je peux faire !
Best wishes from Cambridge MA.
Yes, Gus is a great choice!
As far as antiques go, I think by now such a gadget may be one. In France in 1972, I saw something used to light a pilot light on a French stove. One side of a metal item that was squeezed struck the other, kind of like striking a match, or metal on flint. Think if the gas you could save.
I meant to meantion in my previous post that I think flowers are always a good gift for anyone, but maybe the assistante where Kristin’s surgery was done would appreciate a bouteille de Rouge-Bleu.
Again, so relieved that the operation was a success!
You have an amazing mother! How blessed you must feel everyday! And I love Gus’ words and hope at 87 I too am “AWAKENING TO THE BEAUTY OF LIFE”
Merci Kristi for bringing us together!!
Chère Kristin,
I do see the shadow (l’ombre) of the mystery antique just at the level of Smokey’s collar! What fun and joy you bring to our homes with each FWAD….I think of them as conversations….plus a French lesson never to be had in a classroom.
JULES, you chose the perfect person to receive the antique French key! Congratulations, Gus and congrats to Marjorie, also. I love reading yours and everyone’s comments.
P.S. Kristin, so very glad you are feeling well and that the last surgery went really well. Best wishes, Cynthia
Another P.S….I was just thinking that you might want to hang a map of the world and get Jackie and Max to put pushpins in it to mark where the many readers of FWAD live. It would be full of pins!!
First….Jules, you choice for the winner was perfect. Reminds us all to live for the moment no matter our age.
Kristin….I had to smile from ear to ear when I saw that board with all the keys and ‘Ole Smokey in front of it. My collection is not quite as large, as some are still in use in this house….one in a door!Don’t you sometime wonder what doors and lives those keys opened?
Bon soir from Carmel.
I’m with Gwyn: I’d like to BE a French antique. I worked with a young man half my age several years ago. I was wearing a t-shirt he admired. “Wow! Is that vintage?” he asked. “No, darlin’. I am,” I answered. It’s so fun to be older and sassier as I go!
Oh, those keys are magnificent!! Being an antiques dealer, I never can find just the right key for my French pieces. Those keys are definitely treasures in disguise. I’m so glad that all is well. Mary
What a wonderful gift: The Key!
The Key to life. The Key to happiness. The Key to friendship. The Key to love. The Key that connected you to all your readers and your readers to you…it’s just lovely.
I’m so glad you are feeling better. Hugs!
P.S. You have a wonderful mom!! I always love reading what she has to say.
What happened to Newforest?
Chère Kristin, I have long considered posting a comment to share my gratitude for your writing. I’ve read every post and both your books. What put me over into the “just got to respond” category today? A comment by your mother: ..”THAT HE WOULD CONVEY HIS MESSAGE TO YOU IN MY FAVORITE ‘ALL CAPS’ EXPRESSION OF ‘ LOOK HERE – I AM ALIVE!!! CAPS….” My own father is almost 91 and he, too, writes in all caps. After some futile attempts to get him to stop since most people read it as shouting, I gave up. Now, Jules’ interpretation seems most appropriate! I’ll never read another word from my father without thinking “LOOK HERE! I’M ALIVE!”. Merci mille fois.
You are a reine de beaute, Kristin! And so is your mother. Your optimism and faith – and hers – are inspiring. So glad your latest procedure was successful. Sante’!
Kristen, I’m so glad your post surgery news is so positive. You have been on my mind a lot lately and I can now breath easier. I love all French antiques but would love a mustard pot or street sign.
Congrats to you on your successful surgery and congrats to the winners of your fantastic keys! One of our prized possessions is a “key holder” from our special friends Alexandra and Marc in La Rochelle – although not an antique it has a special meaning to us.
Continued good health – you are in our thoughts.
Robert and Angela
Hope you are feeling much better today. I join all your other admirers in a WHOOHOOOO that your surgery is behind you with a great report! Hallelujah!!!
This blog feels like a room of old friends. Like the energy when a group of women go out for a glass of wine, and are in love with one another and their ability to spend time together. My favorite brocante find… the pots that were used for all kinds of purposes, glazed in yellow and resplendent in flaws. The few I have are my cherished possessions.
Congratulations, Gus, Margorie and (of course) Kristin. Gus, I’m intimately involved in the lives of several people of the “troisième age”. I wish they all embraced your perspective on life.
What antique would I like>> Could that include Jeanne Moreau, Brigitte Bardot or Francoise Hardy (I’ll opt for Francoise)? No seriously: An antique desk with secret compartments!
Hmm, perhaps an old photograph or French poster, or a rubber stamp depicting a French image or word, or a small hand bell. Is there anything along these lines at the antiques shop pictured?
Wish I could have managed toget on the site last week and win a key but technology wouldn’t let me!!! Regardless, heal and remember sun-block – with love from a very beautiful BERMUDA. Liz.
Kristen. First, I drink (a glass of wine) to your good health and to your family who have all endured an upsetting experience.You were such a worry. Wherever did you acquire such a vast collection of keys? At my age, I am an antique and am in the process of giving away my treasures. Gus, you have a wonderful way of expressing yourself. Wish I could do the same.
Bonjour mon amie,
First of all, I’m so happy you’re well and the doctor was able to remove all of the basal cells. Thank God for this blessing. You have been through quite an ordeal these past few months. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are always with you.
What a beautiful message from Gus! I would love to see his face when he receives his key. I agree with him wholeheartedly-you always remind me of the beauty in life, even when times are tough. My best days are when I see the extraordinary in the ordinary and the savor the simple joys of everyday existence (which includes your wonderful blog).
I share your love of keys and have since I was a child. My father has a cedar closet that belonged to my grandfather that opens with a key just like the ones in your house. And the first house my husband and I bought together had many doors that shared a common old fashioned key. When we moved last summer (very emotional) I had my husband take one of the door knob/lock units out of an extra door in the basement so I could always have it and one of the keys. We haven’t yet decided what to do with it, but I’m sure the moment will present itself.
You’ve also reminded me of the locksmith shop I visited last week where I had some extra keys made. He had a magnificent display of antique keys on his wall and I couldn’t stop staring at them! You would have loved it.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane and I hope your winners enjoy their keys!
Bonjournee et a bientot!
NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS DID I IMAGINE THAT MY FEELINGS WOULD GET SUCH RECOGNITION. THE INFORMATION REQUESTED IS,
GUS ELISON
8206 CARAVELLE DR.
JACKSONVILLE, FL. 32244
Congratulations, Gus! You are an inspiration to all of us, too.
It makes me a bit delirious reading all these lovely comments. My heart is overflowing with the love you all exude. Aren’t we all the luckiest???
Wow! I’ve never looked at the comments here before, and I am amazed at this virtual community!
What brought me here was your question – I am a painter, and I have always wanted a deep green pot or jar (I think it’s a provencal glaze, maybe an oil jar?) to put flowers in and paint, like Cezanne and Odilon Redon and many others have.
Thank you for your mots – I’ll have to check in more often, I see!
Ah, Miss World, sharing your inner beauty with us comme d’hab! SO happy to hear the good news about that pesky nose. Let’s hope that’s the last of it.
AND MAMA JULES, YOU ARE TOO CUTE AS USUAL!