Cabane de berger (the shepherd's wooden hut) photo by the Neurdein brothers. Here we have a slumbering sheepherder with his border collie and german shepherd (is it?) minding the troup. (When Mom sees this photo, she'll ditch her latest treehouse scheme… in favor of this fort-on-wheels with a nifty sliding door! Mom has had a hard time deciding where to anchor, here on the olive farm. This just may be the answer!)
un berger (une bergère)
: a shepherd, or shepherdess
la bergerie = sheep pen, sheepfold
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc read the following sentence, in French: Download MP3 or Wav file
Le berger amène ses moutons dans la plaine. Cela s'appelle la transhumance.
The shepherd brings his sheep to the flatland. This is called "la transhumance".
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
A Modern Day Nomad
Returning home from the doctor's on Monday, we ran into a roadblock along our driveway. Dozens of sheep, great and small, were feasting on the grass beside the olive trees!
They're here! Hurry, get their picture! I said to Jean-Marc, who got out of our car to check the mail. Hurry! Before they wander off!
Having collected the courrier, Jean-Marc made his way up the crowded and bleating path. There were sheep everywhere: in the road, in the meadow, and in the trees (or nearly!). I watched, amazed to see the peaceful-looking animals rip off and devour the thorny stems of the bushes, enjoying them like chewy licorice sticks.
Driving cautiously in my husband's wake, I rolled down the window to get a better look at the troupeaux, which included several nursing lambs—agneaux—and even a few black sheep. I smiled thinking of their proverbial brothers and sisters (and a few of my own family members…).
As Jean-Marc advanced, a shepherd appeared on the restanque just above. The two men began a lazy conversation. I struggled to get within earshot, but it wasn't until the shepherd whistled—and a Border collie materialized—that the path instantly cleared of its four-legged traffic and I was able to pull my car over to the side of the road.
Jean-Marc, interested in some free soil amendment for his soon-to-be planted vines, was informing the berger about which pastures belong to us, and which were the neighbors'. As the men pointed and stretched their arms, measuring the expanse of the pâturage, I stole a closer look at the sheepherder.
He appeared to be in his early thirties, an unusual age for sheepherders, who, once upon a time, were either the very young or the very old (deemed useless to the family for anything but watching sheep!).
History had changed since the down-and-out times of early shepherding; it wasn't likely that this modern day berger was a burden to his family. Shepherds these days earn a living and, from all appearances, made enough to afford a smartphone!
Apart from the portable phone, I noticed the shepherd's tattered wooden cane, une houlette. It had the famous hook at the end, useful for freeing the hoof of a trapped sheep, one that has fallen from the path.
The shepherd tucked his canne under his arm, pausing to roll a cigarette as he listened to Jean-Marc. He was no ordinary shepherd, wearing a newsboy cap and a punk haircut. His short locks were punctuated by a single strand of braided hair that signaled nonconformist. Come to think of it, weren't punk rockers noncomformists who aspired to be nomads? This shepherd was the real deal, a living, breathing wanderer.
"Tomorrow, I'll park on the other side of the field," the berger informed Jean-Marc, pointing to his beat-up shepherd wagon. It was one of those classic Estafettes, the kind Jean-Marc's grandmother drove during WWII, as she peddled house linens to the Pieds-Noirs in Morocco.
"Ça marche," Jean-Marc waved goodbye to the sheepherder, before getting back into our car.
I still hadn't had a word with the shepherd, though I was itching to know him. What a fascinating story he must have to share. But I had a feeling he was a private type—he reminded me so much of my rebel sister-in-law. And though I had so many questions, (just as I had for her), I didn't want to put him out and, admittedly, I didn't want to say something stupid or square to someone so authentic.
But then, wasn't I a little authentic too? How many times had I let my perceived squareness keep me from befriending the nonconformists? But I wasn't so straight as that. Gone were the perfectly made-up face and fluffy hair. With a bandaged nose* and, wearing a sweater with holes (my dear mom's, for comfort), I might pass for a bohemian, like him.
Before putting the car into gear, I stuck my tattered nose out the window. "Nice dog!" I offered, admiring the hardworking Border collie, and noble chien de berger. "Is she good at what she does?"
A smile now stretched across the nomad's face, revealing a row of teeth as wandering as his sheep.
"Elle est la meilleure!" the berger replied, his enthusiasm as endearing as his smile. "If one of these moutons ended up on that far off colline (with this, he stretched forth his cane, waving it for effect), Mieszka (mee-esh-ka) would be there in a flash, to steer her home."
It didn't take much, after all, to connect with the mysterious nomad who was so different from this heart-on-sleeves homebody. I had thought I had nothing to say, and yet, venturing the question, I was rewarded by the friendly, universal connection.
To comment on this story, click here. Keep the conversation going by sharing your own stories about connecting with people so seemingly different than yourself. And what about Border collies and the intelligence of dogs? Notice any other themes in today's essay? Thanks for sharing your thoughts, in the comments box.
*bandaged nose: the stiches from the biopsy were taken out on Monday. Good news: this time the results came back benign, and not bcc!
References:
Read about Jean-Marc's grandmother in the story "bouder" (to pout). It was Jean-Marc's grandmother who gave me some of the best mariage advice, namely ne jamais bouder! Click here for that story and the scene of the grandmother peddling linens from a military supply vehicle….
FRENCH VOCABULARY
le courrier = mail
le troupeau = herd
un agneau =lamb
le mouton = sheep (some fun & colorful "mouton" expressions, such as "revenons à nos moutons, here)
la restanque = a kind of terrace held by a wall of stacked rocks
le pâturage = field of grasses from which animals graze
la canne = cane
le pied-noir = French citizen who lived in Algeria before independence. The term included citizens, like my mother-in-law and her family, living in other North African countries, such as Morocco, during or after wartime.
ça marche = that'll work
le chien de berger = sheepdog, such as a Border collie
elle est la meilleure = she's the best
la colline = hill
Gus was so suprised and touched by the messages you left him for his 88th birthday. Gus writes (in typical Gus "all caps"):
IF I REALLY TRIED, I COULD COME UP WITH A FLOWERY PHRASE TO TELL YOU ABOUT MY FEELINGS FOR THE BIRTHDAY AFFAIR. THE BEST ONE IS A VERY SINCERE "THANKS"..
Gus is pictured, above, with daughter Mary, who is, Gus tells us, "MY ONE FLOWER AMONG FIVE SONS".
Marguerites in the lavender town of Sault. Has a friend forwarded you this post? Sign up, here, to receive French Word-A-Day in your in-box.
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that photo is wonderful – did you use a special filter or a special effect?
EXCELLENT NEWS REGARDING YOUR PERKY LITTLE NOSE!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO
that photo is wonderful – did you use a special filter or a special effect?
EXCELLENT NEWS REGARDING YOUR PERKY LITTLE NOSE!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO
Fantastic story for this cold rainy day in Roanoke, Va. You have made my day! Love that you wore your Mom’s sweater to doctor’s-Jules must be warmed by that thought. I wear my Mom’s Big Red Sunglasses! – big- I think she was going for a Jackie-O look! (And I wear them despite how goofy they probably look!) Even though she is gone, I feel a connection so often to her, with or without them! Loving wishes for healing…xox.
Fantastic story for this cold rainy day in Roanoke, Va. You have made my day! Love that you wore your Mom’s sweater to doctor’s-Jules must be warmed by that thought. I wear my Mom’s Big Red Sunglasses! – big- I think she was going for a Jackie-O look! (And I wear them despite how goofy they probably look!) Even though she is gone, I feel a connection so often to her, with or without them! Loving wishes for healing…xox.
I love the first picture! Perhaps thats the first version of a take off of todays trailors.
I love the first picture! Perhaps thats the first version of a take off of todays trailors.
Fabulous photo, Jean-Marc. It reminds of all the roadblocks Brad and I found one summer driving around the Isle of Skye in Scotland. As for your brief connection with the berger, Kristin, I myself have noticed that I get more conversation with a stranger if I can find a way to ask about something he loves than to ask for his story directly. And EVERYBODY likes to talk about his dog. So glad to hear the news from the biopsy was good. My dermatologist just steered me and my fair skin toward Neutrogena Healthy Defense “pure screen” daily moisturizer for sensitive skin. She reminded me, though, that I really should apply it a couple of times a day (yes, redo the minimal makeup I use) because the SPF doesn’t last all day.
Fabulous photo, Jean-Marc. It reminds of all the roadblocks Brad and I found one summer driving around the Isle of Skye in Scotland. As for your brief connection with the berger, Kristin, I myself have noticed that I get more conversation with a stranger if I can find a way to ask about something he loves than to ask for his story directly. And EVERYBODY likes to talk about his dog. So glad to hear the news from the biopsy was good. My dermatologist just steered me and my fair skin toward Neutrogena Healthy Defense “pure screen” daily moisturizer for sensitive skin. She reminded me, though, that I really should apply it a couple of times a day (yes, redo the minimal makeup I use) because the SPF doesn’t last all day.
Thank you. Yep, there is actually nothing that separates us from one another (except ourselves) and dogs bring us into wholeness. Great story…..and how is the nose??
xoxo
Mary
Thank you. Yep, there is actually nothing that separates us from one another (except ourselves) and dogs bring us into wholeness. Great story…..and how is the nose??
xoxo
Mary
Amazing timeless story! La meme chose….., please correct
ma grammaire. And the painterly photo; C’est formidable!
Thanks,
Jim from Boston
Amazing timeless story! La meme chose….., please correct
ma grammaire. And the painterly photo; C’est formidable!
Thanks,
Jim from Boston
Beautiful photo!
Beautiful photo!
wonderful story, photo. I’ve been reading you for several years now and your eye or ear for detail has grown so much. You take us there.
wonderful story, photo. I’ve been reading you for several years now and your eye or ear for detail has grown so much. You take us there.
Good news re your pretty little nose! Thanks for that picture perfect photo. I loved your story today..you made my day.
Good news re your pretty little nose! Thanks for that picture perfect photo. I loved your story today..you made my day.
Nice story. Thanks.
Nice story. Thanks.
Beautiful photo of the sheep, very much like artwork! Wonderful story. I read a story on another blog recently about a shepherd, and he was young also. I enjoyed seeing the picture of Gus and his daughter too. I hope your nose is healing very well. I had a biopsy on the same day as your doctor visit and I had a report just a few days ago that it was benign, thankfully. Thank you for sharing France with us.
Beautiful photo of the sheep, very much like artwork! Wonderful story. I read a story on another blog recently about a shepherd, and he was young also. I enjoyed seeing the picture of Gus and his daughter too. I hope your nose is healing very well. I had a biopsy on the same day as your doctor visit and I had a report just a few days ago that it was benign, thankfully. Thank you for sharing France with us.
Excellent news from Kristin and Debbie. I’m happy for both of you. Isn’t it amazing how conquering the initial fear of speaking to someone most often leads to a positive result. We were created to communicate with one another … to share the joy and empathize with the painful experiences. Our human family truly carries one another through life, enriching the experience as we move along together. Your writing is a great example of this enrichment, Kristin. Thank You!
Excellent news from Kristin and Debbie. I’m happy for both of you. Isn’t it amazing how conquering the initial fear of speaking to someone most often leads to a positive result. We were created to communicate with one another … to share the joy and empathize with the painful experiences. Our human family truly carries one another through life, enriching the experience as we move along together. Your writing is a great example of this enrichment, Kristin. Thank You!
Yea for BENIGN!!!!!!
Great story,comme toujours. And I love the photo, too.
Yea for BENIGN!!!!!!
Great story,comme toujours. And I love the photo, too.
Hi Kristin,
I loved today’s story and Jean-Marc took a pretty good photo! I also enjoyed clicking back and reading about JM’s sister and grandmother. Nice picture of Gus and his daughter too!
Hi Kristin,
I loved today’s story and Jean-Marc took a pretty good photo! I also enjoyed clicking back and reading about JM’s sister and grandmother. Nice picture of Gus and his daughter too!
Prayers answered Kristin! Loved today’s post. Merci et santé!
Prayers answered Kristin! Loved today’s post. Merci et santé!
Great news about the biopsy! Years ago when we were in the English countryside hiking we came across a farmer moving his flock of sheep to a new pasture (the ones contained by the stone walls) and to get to the new pasture they had to lead the flock over a foot bridge – very interesting to watch. We were told that when the land is sold the sheep go with the land.
Great news about the biopsy! Years ago when we were in the English countryside hiking we came across a farmer moving his flock of sheep to a new pasture (the ones contained by the stone walls) and to get to the new pasture they had to lead the flock over a foot bridge – very interesting to watch. We were told that when the land is sold the sheep go with the land.
Thank you for this post! Good news, memorable photos and interesting writing. You have made my day. Mille mercis.
Thank you for this post! Good news, memorable photos and interesting writing. You have made my day. Mille mercis.
Loved reading this story…and following the “rest” of the story to
your grandmother-in-law…a lot to learn from her past experiences.
How cozy is the cabane de berger….!! Perfect for a backyard “get-away”…!!!
Loved reading this story…and following the “rest” of the story to
your grandmother-in-law…a lot to learn from her past experiences.
How cozy is the cabane de berger….!! Perfect for a backyard “get-away”…!!!
I guess I popped in just to say that I enjoyed your shepherd/sheep wagon story on a snowy, chilly day when the wind is howling like a banshee (which basically means the snow will blow into another county fairly soon.) I also recognized your cluster of marguerites in front of the blue door and am glad to have an identity “marguerites in the lavender town of Sault” to go along with the photo. : )
Loving the mention of the red sweater that belonged to your mom. Thanks for the all-around warm story.
I guess I popped in just to say that I enjoyed your shepherd/sheep wagon story on a snowy, chilly day when the wind is howling like a banshee (which basically means the snow will blow into another county fairly soon.) I also recognized your cluster of marguerites in front of the blue door and am glad to have an identity “marguerites in the lavender town of Sault” to go along with the photo. : )
Loving the mention of the red sweater that belonged to your mom. Thanks for the all-around warm story.
YOU DID IT AGAIN! YOUR CHOICE OF PICTURES AND WORDS HAVE A WAY OF TRANSPORTING THE READER TO THE SCENE. I COULD SMELL THE SHEEP AND THEIR BLEATING FILLED MY ROOM. I ENJOYED YOUR NEW SURROUNDINGS, PERHAPS AS MUCH AS YOU DO.
YOU DID IT AGAIN! YOUR CHOICE OF PICTURES AND WORDS HAVE A WAY OF TRANSPORTING THE READER TO THE SCENE. I COULD SMELL THE SHEEP AND THEIR BLEATING FILLED MY ROOM. I ENJOYED YOUR NEW SURROUNDINGS, PERHAPS AS MUCH AS YOU DO.
Kristin, I’ve said this before, I believe, but I think this is my favorite post ever, for so many reasons. Wonderful news about your nose :). Love that you took a chance and connected with the shepherd! Terrific pictures! (Yes, that is a German shepherd dog in the first pic.) I haven’t read the other story links yet, but I am going back to do so. I love so many other aspects of this post, but I don’t want to make this too long.
I’ve missed hearing from your mom lately. Glad you mentioned her. Hoping she is ok. And I am so glad you have felt like writing more frequently. It’s always a delight to hear from you!
Kristin, I’ve said this before, I believe, but I think this is my favorite post ever, for so many reasons. Wonderful news about your nose :). Love that you took a chance and connected with the shepherd! Terrific pictures! (Yes, that is a German shepherd dog in the first pic.) I haven’t read the other story links yet, but I am going back to do so. I love so many other aspects of this post, but I don’t want to make this too long.
I’ve missed hearing from your mom lately. Glad you mentioned her. Hoping she is ok. And I am so glad you have felt like writing more frequently. It’s always a delight to hear from you!
Salut Kristin,
Excellent photos today.
In Arizona past, cattle and sheep drives were common each spring and fall. As the snow melted in the mountains and the new grass began growing, livestock were moved up on Mogollon Rim. In the winter, they were moved back down to the lower elevations.
Now when I “Google” the subject, I get a list of dude and guest ranches touting vacation roundups giving the modern day “tenderfoots’’ (and bottoms) a taste of the old west.
However, the Bill Williams Mountain Men still do their 200-mile ride each spring.
Salut Kristin,
Excellent photos today.
In Arizona past, cattle and sheep drives were common each spring and fall. As the snow melted in the mountains and the new grass began growing, livestock were moved up on Mogollon Rim. In the winter, they were moved back down to the lower elevations.
Now when I “Google” the subject, I get a list of dude and guest ranches touting vacation roundups giving the modern day “tenderfoots’’ (and bottoms) a taste of the old west.
However, the Bill Williams Mountain Men still do their 200-mile ride each spring.
This picture of the sheep looks like a painting. I love it! I feels so cozy and the story about the shepherd was wonderful.
Every once in a while we have an unforgetable encounter that will stick with us the rest of our lives. This is one I will remember always.
This picture of the sheep looks like a painting. I love it! I feels so cozy and the story about the shepherd was wonderful.
Every once in a while we have an unforgetable encounter that will stick with us the rest of our lives. This is one I will remember always.
Wishing for a “Like” button on here today. Enjoyed the story, the pictures. And so many of fellow readers’ comments. (And happy for your benign diagnosis, too!) Were there a Facebook-style “Like” button, I’d would have used it often! Thanks, Kristin, for your writing and for assembling this virtual community of kind-hearted folks.
Wishing for a “Like” button on here today. Enjoyed the story, the pictures. And so many of fellow readers’ comments. (And happy for your benign diagnosis, too!) Were there a Facebook-style “Like” button, I’d would have used it often! Thanks, Kristin, for your writing and for assembling this virtual community of kind-hearted folks.
Thank you for sharing another personal story. Jean-Marc’s photo is amazing too. Then there is the good news about your latest diagnosis. Thank you for starting my day in such a good way.
Thank you for sharing another personal story. Jean-Marc’s photo is amazing too. Then there is the good news about your latest diagnosis. Thank you for starting my day in such a good way.