"Better Days" and Chief Grape. Picture taken in Sicily. Meet with Jean-Marc in DC & VA this coming March 10th-11th-12th or during his 2012 US wine tour
se reposer (reuh-poh-zay) verb
Verb conjugation: je me repose, tu te reposes, il/elle se repose, nous nous reposons, vous vous reposez, ils/elles se reposent (past particile = reposé)
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
The Flu and The Blues
"Repose-toi bien, Maman. Je te vois à midi." That was my son, Max, who stole past my bed, on his way to swipe a pair of his father's socks. I am so far behind on laundry….
Lying here with la grippe, I wonder how much farther behind I'll fall… if I stay in bed another day? In my mind's eye, I see papers stacked high on a desk, emails filling an inbox, dishes that need putting away–and a couple of teenage girls who might like a break from pasta and canned sauce. (Jackie's best friend is here for the week. Every time it is Jackie's turn to stay at her girlfriend's, she returns home to tell me what a magnifique cook the mother is. Every time the friend stays here, I roll up my sleeves in determination. Usually it is skill that foils my plan: this time, au moins, I can blame it on the flu.)
Chief Grape is resting beside me; he is not feeling much better than I. He had the flu last week. This week it is something else. Trop de travail.
Ambition, drive, determination… Do we not sometimes chase after the wind?
Neither of us feels comfortable about being in bed on a work day and, though we lie here silently, I can almost hear that unspoken fear that tortures each of our minds: What if I never get up again?
But rest is needed, encouragement too. I look over at my tortured husband, and borrow my son's caring words: Repose-toi bien, cheri.
Thank you for so many excellent tips on how to be a better listener (previous post); this time would you mind sharing your best tips for feeling better? Advice for easing the flu–or the blues–is appreciated. Click here to leave a message in the comments box.
Note: I am sorry and feel terrible about not being able to respond to every email and inquiry. I appreciate and read each and every note you send; it is a pleasure to read about you and, while reading, I am sending best wishes your way.
French Vocabulary
Repose-toi bien, Maman. Je te vois à midi = rest up, Mom. See you at noon.
la grippe = flu
magnifique = magnificent
au moins = at least
repose-toi bien, cheri = rest well, dear
"Better Days: Version 2"
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Oh no! Someone opened the window and in-flu-enza! That’s the pits!
Max’s advice, along with drinking lots of liquids, is about the extent of current medical technology.
À votre santè!
Homeopathic globuli GELSEMIUM C30 – is our flu combatant! It triggers your immune system back to coping and fighting off the evil forces that have got you in their grip! Rest and yes, fluids, beaucoup de l’eau! Black tea pour fouetter le sang – keep your circulation sparkling! Get well soon, dear Kristi and Chief Grape!
For “vous deux”: As hard as it might be, stop feeling bad about feeling ill! Allow yourselves to sleep as much as possible, meditate, breathe deeply. Drink lots of liquid (water? chicken soup?) to avoid dehydration. You WILL feel like yourselves again and don’t forget it!
I send healing wishes your way.
Soigne-toi bien, Kristin, nous avons tous besoin de notre rayon de soleil provençal ♥ ♥ ♥
Tu es dans mes pensées et mes prières …
Dear Kristin,
Sorry you and Chief Grape are sick.
I recommend a hot bath or shower , bed rest and lots of hot tea, peppermint , black tea , and the old fashioned Vicks vaporub .
Hope that helps/ Also, peace and quiet. Think only sweet thoughts,
Rest, rest and more rest and when you think it is Ok to get up and re-enter your world – rest some more!! The thing about the flu it comes in many ominous disguises and will often come back to haunt you when you least expect it……alors repose-toi bien Kristin et Chief Grape.
work will wait and always be there, so forget about it for now. sometimes getting sick is your body’s way of saying slow down!!
remember, this too shall pass. every hour, every day that passes is time bringing you closer to feeling better.
this might sound strange, but when i get sick, i’m always grateful that it’s me and not my children who are suffering. for some strange reason, that attitude always makes me feel better faster.
Bonjour, Kristin! It is never fun to be sick, even with your best friend along! Although I have been sick with lots of other things, I have had the flu only once, when I was about 3 years old. I remember nothing about it, but my mother used to tell me that when she asked how I felt, I said that my bed hurt! I guess I must have felt pretty bad!Her cure for anything was chicken soup and red jello. I am not quite sure why she chose that particular combination, but I always got better on it!
Have slowly recovered from the same since New years Day. Finally told the committee (me,myself & I) that a year from now I will have a completely different set of challenges, so lay down, rest and drink lots of tea with honey from my own hives. They agreeded and it did help. Because when you do finally crawl out from the covers, take a nice hot shower and put on fresh “around the house” comfy clothes you will feel much better abeit shaky but better. As for the blues, have a short self pity party and then remember you live better than 98% of the rest of the world and for sure someone else has much more real pain, sorrow and suffering. Count all the blessing you have and ask yourself if you forgot to say THANKS for those blessings, how would you REALLY feel if they went away. Now thats blue. Smile, God loves you and proves it by sending grapes for good wine! And remember how happy you make so many people each week for all you do for us! Many Thanks. Karen
Oh no…I am so sorry. I can deeply relate as I am just coming back to life after having the dreaded noro stomach virus. It is horrible! Two cruises ruined because of it, according to the news. I can think of nothing worse than being on a ship and having this mean bug. All my wishes and prayers for a rapid recovery, Kristin and Chief Grape! Reposer bien. (BTW, I love hearing you speak French on the blog!) Annette
Bonjour Kristin
Rest, drink plenty of fluids and soon you will be well. How awful for you and Chief Grape. Elaine
To feel better physically, listen to your body and rest. To feel better in every way, count your blessings. Feel better, Kristiin and Chief Grape.
I WILL BE BACK LATER TO ADDRESS THE PANDORA IN THE BOX – I OF COURSE HAVE A LOT TO SAY ABOUT OVERWORK WHICH LEADS TO DEPRESSION AND THEN ILLNESS.
‘BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!’ THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SCRIPTURES.
IF YOU DON’T START HANDING SOME OF YOUR BURDENS OVER TO GOD YOU WILL START TO BREAK DOWN MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY.
THE KEY IS TO HAND THEM OVER – UNTIL YOU DO THIS YOU WILL NEVER SEE THE MIRACLES THAT HE HAS IN STORE FOR YOU WHEN YOU ARE ‘BEING STILL.’
XOXO
MOM
A CUP OF TEA WITH LEMON,HONEY AND A SHOT OF WHISKEY. DRINK, GO TO BED WITH LOTS OF BLANKETS AND SLEEP IT OFF. DO NOT DO A THING FOR AT LEAST A DAY. NO LUNCH,DINNER OF SUPPER. WORKS EVERY TIME.
GOD BLESS’
GUS
I always try to sweat it out by pulling on the blankets while I’m in bed. Then, of course, you need lots of liquids.
Wishing you good health soon! Take care and know that you are loved my many.
My sister says it’s a February thing in the northern hemisphere … I’m recovering!
x G
Get well soon!
YEA!!!
WE’VE GOT ‘GUS’ —- AS ALL OF YOU REMEMBER GUS WON THE KEY A FEW DAYS AGO.
XOXO
JULES
Best wishes for feeling better soon.
Repose-toi bien, cheri. And not a moment of guilt over it! You’re both very hard workers and now it’s time to let yourselves rest.
Cheri Kristin,
So sorry to hear you have the flu. I am a fairly new reader and look forward to the new french word of the day,you are so beautiful.
I live in South Florida where citrus is abundant and my mom faithfully ate some every day. She rarely had colds and never the flu. If it were at all possible, I would gladly send you some of our Indian River Fruit (it is the best).
I strongly advise home made chicken soup, rest, and tea with local honey. I believe it to be not only therapeutic,but also comforting.
Love, prayers, and best wishes for a speedy recovery from sunny Florida, Cynthia
This was our story last week. I was feeling useless, helpless, laying in bed, but each attempt to get up was foiled.
I think “now” that it’s nature’s way of forcing you to slow down and rest.
The good news is, when we finally came out of the flu and got out of bed, it was with a greater appreciation for our health, feeling strong and somehow fortified from that rest.
You will be back at it with extra energy soon!
Please tell me where in Sicily you took that beautiful photo of the street full of flowers ? I would love to go there.
For the flu homemade chicken soup, water, vitamin C, and washing your hands a lot.
For the blues; walking, knitting, cooking,cleaning…and everything that keeps you active. Mini vacations whenever possible.
Hope you are better when you read this comment.
As I’ve gotten older I’ve come to believe that it is OK to just be sick. I wouldn’t push my kids to get out of bed sooner than they should, so why should I? Rest, liquids, gentle soup, tea with lemon. And let me remind you of the Fervex I told you about last summer. If nothing else, it makes you sleep good. If your head is stopped up, put Vicks Vaporub or Tiger Balm on the BOTTOM of your feet, have some tea with a lemon chunk, then crawl into bed and catch up on your videos. I swear something on your feet can clear your head.
Music! Its food for the soul and can help to revive a weary spirit. 🙂
Treatment for the flu: keep it simple, since much more than that will cost you needed energy and won’t help much anyway (poor cost/benefit trade-off)….so, clear liquids (water, broth), Tylenol to ease the discomfort, rest, and extra hand-washing to spare others. C’est ca.
Reposez-vous bien, Kristin!
As a wise person once told me, if you’re really sick you should climb into bed, turn off the lights and SLEEP. Do NOT watch TV or read or talk on the phone or anything else because your brain needs to rest as your body heals. Sleep …..
Bonjour Kristin,
I hope you and Jean-Marc are feeling better soon! I decided to get a flu shot this year in November and during Christmas my husband was hit hard with the flu. The kids were home for Christmas break from college and they too came down with a version of the flu although not as bad as my husband. I haven’t been sick all year. I think I will make sure to get a flu shot next year too!
Rest, hot tea, calming music, fresh air!
Your Mom beat me to it . Whiskey, lemon & honey & tea are a great balm for la grippe. Keep warm & rest if that’s possible (!)
Bonne santé bientôt
SEE KRISTI – I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO RAVES ABOUT VICKS VAPOR RUB….BUT JULIE IN ST. LOUIS TAKES THE CAKE…I CAN’T WAIT TO PUT SOME ON MY FEET NEXT TIME I FEEL A LITTLE FLU….
WHAT THE HECK, I’M GOING TO TRY IT TONIGHT WHEN MY FEET ARE COLD. THIS HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF THE GREATEST IDEAS.
XOXO
JULES
Remember that it only FEELS as if this will last forever: it won’t really. I think Gus’ prescription has helped me the most. And think of yourself in the third person: what would you tell someone you love? I doubt you would recommend guilt and self-flagelation! Tuck yourself in and rest unencumbered.
Kristen,
The hardest part about being sick is feeling bad about being sick! Give yourself ‘permission’ to have the body in the ‘auto’ repair shop – your bed! If you have a fever I agree with one of your readers -pile on the blankets and sweat it out & drink lots of liquids. A little hot toddy with smashed up orange pieces, honey and vodka is wonderful!! Reposed bien! Take this opportunity to thank your body for all it does-be kind to it-sweet talk it and then go to sleep!!
J’espere que vous tous les deux vous remettiez rapidement de cette grippe et que tu peux avoir un peu de calme dans ta vie. Entre temps, offre-toi un repos bien merite, et sache que tes lecteurs et lectrices t’envoient leurs meilleur voeux.
Ma chère Kristin ! Je suis désolée de lire ce matin que la grippe t’a “agrippée” ! Mais avec toutes les recettes miracle de tes lecteurs (lectrices), je suis sûre que tu guériras vite!Ici aussi au Québec, les rhumes et grippes courent les rues et plusieurs sont malades.La meilleure recette est celle de ton fils : le repos. And if you sleep it off, it will go away soon… Bonne journée ! Je te fais une bise québécoise,
Clo de Sutton, Qc
Dear Kristin,
So sorry to hear that you and “Chief Grape” are in the grip of la grippe. You’ve been through a lot lately, and I know when I’m super-stressed, it affects my immune system. You were probably a sitting duck for those evil flu germs.
I agree with Liz who said something like — when her children are fine, she’s fine. So, as you’re lying next to your husband (which is a comfort, I’m sure), reach out — hold his hand and think of your two sweet, beautiful, healthy, and happy children. Your mom also had excellent advice in telling you to turn things over to God. Easier said than done, I know. I’m still struggling with this one, too.
Will be thinking of you both and hoping you feel much better soon.
Blessings,
Cassie
Oh my goodness. And now I see you have 34 comments to read and/or respond to. Well, don’t stress. I see stress as a debilitating malady that steals our energy and weakens our immune system. Therefore, ‘la grippe’. So best advice is to follow the sage wisdom of your son. Get well soon. Best, Lisa
HI AUDREY,
JUST A NOTE TO LET YOU KNOW WE NOW HAVE ‘GUS’ ON BOARD IN OUR COMMENTS BOX….
GUS WROTE THE WORDS THAT WON MY HEART – I FOUND GUS’S COMMENT ON PAGE 12 OF THE COMMENTS AND WENT TO BED THAT NIGHT WITH HIS WORDS FLOATING THROUGH MY MIND.
ANYWAY – GUS IS LIKE ME – HE USES ALL CAPS SO AUDREY YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE CAREUL NOT TO THINK HIS CAPPED COMMENTS ARE MINE.
GUS, WITH ALL OF HIS WISDOM RECOMMENDED THE HONEY, LEMON AND A
SHOT OF WISKEY…!!!
MY HUSBAND JOHN LAUGHED WHEN I READ ‘GUS’S COMMENT OUTLOUD TO HIM THIS MORNING AS WE WERE LYING IN BED ENJOYING THE QUIET JOY OF JOHN’S DAY OFF.
AUDREY, I ALWAYS RECOGNIZE YOUR COMMENTS BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE SAME NAME AS MY DEAR – DEPARTED MOM.
TODAY IS HER SECOND ANNIVERSARY IN HEAVEN….YOU FELT LIKE AN ANGEL TO ME WHEN YOU SIGNED YOUR NAME. THANKS AUDREY FOR THE DOUBLE MESSAGE, WHICH YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW YOU WERE SENDING.
THIS IS WHAT I LOVE SO MUCH ABOUT THE COMMENTS BOX…BELIEVE IT WHEN I SAY KRISTI AND I SAVOR EACH WORD ALL OF YOU OUT THERE SHARE WITH US.
XOXO
JULES
Dear Kristin,
Sleep, sleep, and more sleep! Chicken broth with garlic and chile, maybe even a shot of brandy, pile on the covers and sweat. Then sleep some more. Thank you for the lovely energy you put into your blog, but I for one can handle as much of a break as you need if it means you are caring for yourself. Be free, be well! Merci bien!
Ma Chère Kristin,
Calmez-vous avec la pensée que la mère de l’ami de Jackie ne fait pas que vous faites et si elle a fait je suis certain – pas aussi. Occupez-en alors! Vous monterez de nouveau pour conquérir tous ces tas déplaisants qui vous attendent! Reposez-vous alors bien, mon ami.
Just keep looking at wonderful pictures like this and you’ll feel better in no time. I thought it might have been Lyon, but alas, you were “a l’etranger”.
Hi Kristin,
Many years ago when our daughter was about two, we shipped her off to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house because I had the flu. I will never forget spending at least one week on the sofa in the family room (so as to spare my husband my germs) – and EVERYTHING hurt! I couldn’t even comb my hair because my scalp was so sensitive. I coughed and ached and made a promise to myself to never, ever again pass up getting a flu shot! That’s probably the one resolution we keep each year, and neither of us have had the flu since. Now, to convince my daughter to get her annual flu shot – but only after she’s had a real bout with the flu will understand. We wish you a speedy recovery – all the tips you’ve received from readers sound very helpful. But, sleep and fluids are probably still the best. And, as one person wrote – it only FEELS like it will last forever. It won’t!
I WAS JUST VISITING ONE OF MY FAVORITE SITES TO CHECK OUT THE WEATHER WHERE KRISTI AND JEAN-MARC’S VINEYARD IS LOCATED.
I JUST TYPE IN ‘WEATHER – CITY OF SAINTE-CECILE’ IN THE GOOGLE BOX AND UP POPS THIS WONDERFUL SIGHT THAT NOT ONLY GIVES ME THE 7 DAY WEATHER FORECAST, BUT ALSO THE HOTELS AND MY FAVORITE – THE GOOGLE EARTH MAP WHERE I CAN PUT THE LITTLE YELLOW MAN ON THE ROAD NEAR KRISTI’S HOUSE AND CRUISE AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
I HAVE FIGURED OUT WHAT IS CAUSING JEAN-MARC’S DEPRESSION AND HAVE COME UP WITH AN ANSWER TO HELP HIM.
ONE OF THE CURES FOR DEPRESSION AND IT’S BROTHER ANXIETY IS >
DELEGATION…!!!!
I CAN SEE BY THE WEATHER THAT SPRING IS IN THE AIR EVEN THOUGHT IT IS 8 C —-THAT MEANS THAT ALL 30,000 VINES ARE JUST WAITING TO POP OPEN WITH THIS YEARS NEW GROWTH.
THIS MEANS JEAN-MARC MUST PRUNE ALL OF THEM BEFORE LEAVING FOR HIS WINE TOUR IN THE UNITED STATES.
THIS IS ENOUGH TO MAKE ME DEPRESSED AND OVERWHELMED AND FULL OF ANXIETY …. SO MY DEAR SON JEAN-MARC PLEASE USE MY PRESCRIPTION AND PICK UP YOUR PHONE AND START DELEGATING.
I’M SURE THERE ARE ALOT OF WELL QUALIFIED PEOPLE NEARBY IN YOUR AREA THAT WOULD LOVE TO STEP UP AND RUN THE PRUNING OF YOUR VINES THIS YEAR.
ALSO, YOU JUST MIGHT BE GIVING THEM A GIFT OF WORK THAT THEY HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR.
DO THIS FOR ME THIS YEAR…RELEASE THIS GIGANTIC TASK TO SOMEONE ELSE AND TRUST THAT YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE TO DO THE WORK TO YOUR STANDARD. THEN USE THIS TIME TO REST AND BUILD YOURSELF UP FOR YOUR GRUELING 3 WEEK TOUR OF THE U.S.
XOXO
MOM
I hope you get better soon! I’ve been struggling with a “bug” that’s caused me to miss 4 days of work and yes, I feel like I can’t catch up.
Don’t know if you can find them in France, but the only thing I can eat without…repercussions…are Nilla Wafer cookies.
Wow…a lot of great advice in the preceding comments! Put all these in a book and it would be a big seller. When I have the flu, I like to climb in to bed which has fresh warm sheets and my favorite pillow to send me to dreamland. Think of nothing but your blessings as you drift up to where you belong.
I’m going to have to save a reference to this blog for the next time I get sick. So much good advice from so many readers! Definitely abide by the advice of Julie F, Judi and GUS and many of the others, realize you really ARE sick and give yourself permission to get the much needed rest. I certainly would follow GUS’ advice. He’s been around long enough to know and he has the key to prove it! Je t’envoie de grosses bises.
Sometimes our body has to put the brakes on us because we don’t know when we are doing too much. In other words, the immune system just can’t hack it any more. Rest is the best thing even though you have a million things to do.
Work through that guilt, Kristin. Doing the right thing should not make you feel guilty.
Hope you feel lots better soon.
Anne
Take Oscillococcinum, drink tea and get off the computer! Go read a book of French poetry and tell us all about it after you’re rested. Computers keep us stimulated and it sounds like you need some serious rest. Bon courage!
Kristin:
Rest up and feel better. Spring is in the air. I saw 3 little yellow daffodils in my front yard the other day and a fat robin striding down the driveway.
Edie from Savannah.
I think the very best suggestion is the hot lemon tea. My mom was from Austrailia, and always made me her special recipe when I was ill. It was just what Gus described: Hot tea, lemon & whiskey. You put vapor rub on your chest (and feet?) wrap up well, and go to bed. No reading, TV, just sleep!
It always worked.
Get better soon! It is OK to go to bed — how can you take care of others when you are sick?