A troupeau of sheep grazing on another pasture. Photo by Jean-Marc.
la brebis (breh-bee) : ewe
brebis égarée = lost sheep
Audio File:
(check back later for the recording) Il avait eu une époque où il croyait que ses brebis pouvaient tout lui apprendre sur le monde.There had been a time when he thought that his sheep could teach him everything he needed to know about the world. —Paulo Coelho
"What's that?" I turn off the tap, and set down the greasy sauteuse I am washing. Straining to hear my husband, I wonder if he thinks these are bionic ears, the way he's always chatting me up from the other side of thick stone wall.
Our own mouton? My mind conjures up an Arcadian scene. I see a handsome and friendly grazer roaming our land all year long, living amidst age-old olive trees, the stone borie, and a soon-to-be-planted vineyard. As much as I like the picture, I remember my neighbor's frustration with her own sheep and goat. Du soucis! du soucis! she shakes her head, whenever I ask about the pastoral pests.
"Oh… I don't think that's a good idea," I call back to my husband. "We already have Smokey and Braise to look after…."
My husband laughs at my misunderstanding. "And by the way," he adds, "I read your berger story and those aren't moutons you are referring to… Ce sont des brebis!"
Brebis! Of course! How unfortunate–as it was just the word I had been searching for in order to avoid so many "mouton" references in my story. But more than a synonym, I needed to once and for all understand that mouton did not refer to all sheep… only mature male sheep!
I often recall that scene, and the humbling truth behind her message. No matter how many degrees she held, or how many books she had written, and no matter how spiritual she was, she focused not on how much she knew, but on just how little she comprehended.
The shepherd shook his head, étonné, and I realized that he was clearly unfazed by the harsh weather.
Standing beyond our doorstep, the berger was asking for some exact dimensions regarding the boundaries of our land.
"Attendez," I said, grabbing my raincoat.
Outside, I hurried along a muddy trail, trying to keep up with the shepherd. After pointing out the boundary lines, I was slow to return home. I had so many questions for the berger, but didn't know how to ask them.
I pointed to his dog. "Noushka? C'est ça?"
"Non, her name is Mieszka," Like the first Polish king.
I gathered Mieszka was the shepherd's endearing queen. Having played the dog card twice, what else was there to say?
"No," he laughed. "Meat".
"Oh…" I said, wishing to change the subject, and feeling guilty for being such a hypocrite (not two weeks ago I had made côtelettes d'agneau for my son and me, to go along with the unpalatable chickpea fritters).
"You sure you aren't cold?" I asked, changing subjects.
"My nose is freezing!" He laughed. I thought about how one of those cagoules would serve him, the kind of mask skiers… or muggers…. wear.
I stole another glance at the berger, who might have been an outlaw. You never knew. He had already reminded me of one of those nonconformist types, the keep-to-themselves characters who never want their picture taken. What were they hiding from anyway? Probably les flics!
I pushed aside the chattering in my untrusting mind. What did I know? I don't know anything! How many times had I pegged an innocent for a criminal? Meantime, it was the ivy-league types that were stuffing helpless women into the trunk.
I didn't have a warm ski mask to offer the innocent berger, but I could give him something for the rain….
Returning, I stood with him for a few more minutes, the berger directing the umbrella over me, and I directing it back over him. If he was going to stay dry, I'd better go home.
"Would you like me to bring you some hot coffee?" As soon as I asked I realized my mistake.
"Non, merci," the berger said politely.
"Last night the sheep got loose and stumbled into the neighbor's yard, eating all the artichokes in the potager!"
"Oh no!" I felt terrible for the shepherd, who had spent the previous morning braving the snow, then the rain–only to face another harsh reality!
I decided to bake a yogurt cake, adding extra heapings of cocoa for comfort. With any chance, I could track down the berger and offer him something for his troubles. How, I wondered, did he find the time to shop? (Maybe he slipped off to the market, and that's when the sheep got loose?). And where did he prepare his food? And was he sleeping in that beat-up estafette?
When I couldn't find the berger, it occurred to me that maybe he was napping under one of the olive trees. After all, it was l'heure de sieste. Did sheepherders doze?
I worried that if I got out of the car to pursue him, I might disturb him from a needed siesta. Then again, maybe this is where his trouble began earlier? Maybe he needed to be awakened?!
All these assumptions were getting me nowhere, and the truth was, I was too chicken to pull over and hunt down the berger.
And then a warm thought encouraged me….
Little did the berger know—and little do we all know—that out there, somewhere, someone is trying to comfort us without our even knowing.
***
To comment on this story, click here. These stories are never finished, and I will continue to peck at the keyboard even after hitting the publish button. If you see any typos or have any questions, feel free to join the conversation in the comments box.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
le berger, la bergère = shepherd, sheepherder (more here)
la sauteuse = frying pan
le mouton = sheep
la borie = a dry stone hut, pictures here
du soucis! du soucis! = nothing but worry!
c'est pour manger = it's for eating
la brebis = ewe, female sheep
ce sont des brebis = those are ewes
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Hi Kristi! Before I read your story, I have to comment on the above sheep photo: I LOVE IT!!! Now I will read your story.
Hi Kristi! Before I read your story, I have to comment on the above sheep photo: I LOVE IT!!! Now I will read your story.
Impatiente de lire la suite!!!
Thank you soooo much!
Impatiente de lire la suite!!!
Thank you soooo much!
Doesn’t “mouton” mean a wether, rather than a mature, male sheep?
Doesn’t “mouton” mean a wether, rather than a mature, male sheep?
A mature male sheep is a bélier.
A mature male sheep is a bélier.
Holy COW! So many words for sheep.
Holy COW! So many words for sheep.
Adeline, thanks. Not sure there will be a follow up to this story… Meantime Im sitting here, eating day-old shepards cake… before it goes
bad. Still so many questions for the berger…
Mark, thanks for the correct word. Good to learn another sheep term… now to remember it!
Adeline, thanks. Not sure there will be a follow up to this story… Meantime Im sitting here, eating day-old shepards cake… before it goes
bad. Still so many questions for the berger…
Mark, thanks for the correct word. Good to learn another sheep term… now to remember it!
Two heart-touching items here, brought to us by that berger: (1) Estranged friend still being credited in a loving way, and (2) Someone is out there wanting to bring us comfort without us knowing!
There is more than just a cool way to learn some French words here, just as there is more than a yogurt cake cooling in the back seat of a car somewhere in that exquisite place so far from my world.
Two heart-touching items here, brought to us by that berger: (1) Estranged friend still being credited in a loving way, and (2) Someone is out there wanting to bring us comfort without us knowing!
There is more than just a cool way to learn some French words here, just as there is more than a yogurt cake cooling in the back seat of a car somewhere in that exquisite place so far from my world.
This is a fascinating article/thread but I’m really confused now – can someone make a list of what the words are for the various sheep – male, female, for breeding, for meat, for milk, etc etc – please?!
When I met our local berger and spoke with him recently, he referred to the beast he had as mouton so I copied. Once I’d left him, I regretted that I hadn’t asked when his moutons lamb (as it might not be the same as in the UK )…….if moutons are male sheep, it’s just as well I never got to ask that question!!!
Hope someone can do a comprehensive list so I can be a bit more capable when I have my next berger conversation.
Thanks,
L.
This is a fascinating article/thread but I’m really confused now – can someone make a list of what the words are for the various sheep – male, female, for breeding, for meat, for milk, etc etc – please?!
When I met our local berger and spoke with him recently, he referred to the beast he had as mouton so I copied. Once I’d left him, I regretted that I hadn’t asked when his moutons lamb (as it might not be the same as in the UK )…….if moutons are male sheep, it’s just as well I never got to ask that question!!!
Hope someone can do a comprehensive list so I can be a bit more capable when I have my next berger conversation.
Thanks,
L.
My Darling Kristi,
I love you Honey – thank you for sharing your life with me. Your beautiful mind is so refreshing, your stories so pure.
XOXO
MOM
My Darling Kristi,
I love you Honey – thank you for sharing your life with me. Your beautiful mind is so refreshing, your stories so pure.
XOXO
MOM
No vocabulary!!!-I have to look up all of those words on my own? LOL!!!
Comment est-ce qu’on ecrit “LOL” en francais?
No vocabulary!!!-I have to look up all of those words on my own? LOL!!!
Comment est-ce qu’on ecrit “LOL” en francais?
Mary and Mom, thank you so much. I tried to stuff all of the moments into one story, only to run out of time to share it perfectly. But this year, in addition to positive thinking, is the year of letting it all hang out!
Lorraine, good idea. I think we can get that list up soon!
Cyndy and Randy, LOL (in French MDR = mort de rire or dying laughing) Randy, Some of the vocab is posted now. Off to pick up the kids from school… then I will get to the rest.
Mary and Mom, thank you so much. I tried to stuff all of the moments into one story, only to run out of time to share it perfectly. But this year, in addition to positive thinking, is the year of letting it all hang out!
Lorraine, good idea. I think we can get that list up soon!
Cyndy and Randy, LOL (in French MDR = mort de rire or dying laughing) Randy, Some of the vocab is posted now. Off to pick up the kids from school… then I will get to the rest.
I don’t care whether it’s mouton, brebis, belier or whatever…I’m loving your berger descriptions and stories, and Kristi, you are an incredibly caring and kind person. The world needs more Kristis!
I don’t care whether it’s mouton, brebis, belier or whatever…I’m loving your berger descriptions and stories, and Kristi, you are an incredibly caring and kind person. The world needs more Kristis!
Linda 🙂 🙂
Lorraine, David wrote in, to help with the terms:
Bélier = mâle adulteBrebis = femelle adulteAgneau = petit du moutonAgnelle = petite du mouton
Linda 🙂 🙂
Lorraine, David wrote in, to help with the terms:
Bélier = mâle adulteBrebis = femelle adulteAgneau = petit du moutonAgnelle = petite du mouton
Oh, Kristi, you’ve done it again…just as arrive at your last sentence, I feel the sting of little tears behind my eyelids. You are a gifted writer and a true humanist. Merci.
Oh, Kristi, you’ve done it again…just as arrive at your last sentence, I feel the sting of little tears behind my eyelids. You are a gifted writer and a true humanist. Merci.
Kristi Darling,
I’m glad it’s you and not me doing all of this work, I can’t imagine producing a story this entertaining on a Friday morning, plus taking care of the laundry, cooking, cleaning, dogs, French husband, and then picking up the kids from school. Then of course I forgot you drive down to pick up Jackie at lunch-time to bring her home for a nice lunch with you and J.M. Let’s see, what else, I hope you fed the dogs and watered the plants. Of course you arn’t wearning any makeup, why is your hair still in a pony tail from yesterday? What do you mean J.M. has invited some of his old school chums for dinner with their wives polished to the max. Do you still shave your legs? I’m tired just thinking about your days at the rancho.
Why don’t you come to Mexico and hang out in a hammock on the beach with me – it will be around 80 degrees – Papa is cooking another masterpiece dinner……
XOXO
MOM
Kristi Darling,
I’m glad it’s you and not me doing all of this work, I can’t imagine producing a story this entertaining on a Friday morning, plus taking care of the laundry, cooking, cleaning, dogs, French husband, and then picking up the kids from school. Then of course I forgot you drive down to pick up Jackie at lunch-time to bring her home for a nice lunch with you and J.M. Let’s see, what else, I hope you fed the dogs and watered the plants. Of course you arn’t wearning any makeup, why is your hair still in a pony tail from yesterday? What do you mean J.M. has invited some of his old school chums for dinner with their wives polished to the max. Do you still shave your legs? I’m tired just thinking about your days at the rancho.
Why don’t you come to Mexico and hang out in a hammock on the beach with me – it will be around 80 degrees – Papa is cooking another masterpiece dinner……
XOXO
MOM
Thanks for your portrait of someone who is still living a now all-but-forgotten way of life, one that was so common long ago and is such an important part of our culture (sacrificing lambs, shepherds abiding in the field, Christ the shepherd and the lamb). I would love to see a Part 3.
And thanks for sharing the humble, loving, and generous spirit that shines through all your writing.
Thanks for your portrait of someone who is still living a now all-but-forgotten way of life, one that was so common long ago and is such an important part of our culture (sacrificing lambs, shepherds abiding in the field, Christ the shepherd and the lamb). I would love to see a Part 3.
And thanks for sharing the humble, loving, and generous spirit that shines through all your writing.
First, if we knew everything then there would be nothing to learn. Very sad.
Now, I am so glad you made an attempt at getting to know the berger. Don’t quit now. Tomorrow make some hot coco or coffee and some cookies or something and go find him. I just know he has something to teach you. And as I said before, take your camera. Ask if you can take some photos of the sheep. Just do it. For you.
First, if we knew everything then there would be nothing to learn. Very sad.
Now, I am so glad you made an attempt at getting to know the berger. Don’t quit now. Tomorrow make some hot coco or coffee and some cookies or something and go find him. I just know he has something to teach you. And as I said before, take your camera. Ask if you can take some photos of the sheep. Just do it. For you.
Mom, that sounds so good to me! I have worn the same sweater (yours) since Monday, and for the week before that (I admit)–all for the love of writing (to write or to dress? To write! But oh how I would love to dress, too..). Judy Feldman, who sometimes comments here, sent this inspiriting article — good for anyone who is madly passionately crazily in love with writing (or just the idea of writing): http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/01/the-art-of-being-still/?emc=eta1
It is a juggle to keep the house from falling apart when pursuing the words that will turn into stories with a lot of thought grease. Thank you, Judy S. for your positive feedback (I am enjoying your site at the moment 🙂
Mom, that sounds so good to me! I have worn the same sweater (yours) since Monday, and for the week before that (I admit)–all for the love of writing (to write or to dress? To write! But oh how I would love to dress, too..). Judy Feldman, who sometimes comments here, sent this inspiriting article — good for anyone who is madly passionately crazily in love with writing (or just the idea of writing): http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/01/the-art-of-being-still/?emc=eta1
It is a juggle to keep the house from falling apart when pursuing the words that will turn into stories with a lot of thought grease. Thank you, Judy S. for your positive feedback (I am enjoying your site at the moment 🙂
Joie, you are as bad as my mom, nudging me out the door like that! We were talking about your previous comment, over the phone last night. Mom: Did you see Joie’s comment? Me: Well that is all I need — TWO YOUs!
I was telling Bill, who also nudges, and who edits these missives after they are published (I know, a little backwards, the editing process here!) that I heard the shepherd calling, from the field below, as I typed my story this morning. I was torn between meeting a self-imposed writing deadline and stealing out to get to know the berger. Obsession won over (needed to meet the self-imposed demand!) and I sat typing the story–when the REAL STORY–the potential follow up story–was unfolding outside.
Here is to continued growith, in writing, in living, in reaching out and stretching behind self-imposed limits. Thanks for your support.
HONEY –
Would you please ask our precious bergere if he is on Facebook because your Mom wants to be friends. Also we should collect some wonderful items to give him next year for Christmas from all of his new FWAD fans….let’s start off with a skimask to keep his sweet nose warm. I need his itenery (sp?) so we can keep track of him. If I were there I would be setting him up with his own movie camera for some great real life video’s of his journey’s all over France.
I will adopt him – please tell me his name – let me into his life.
XOXO
MOM
Joie, you are as bad as my mom, nudging me out the door like that! We were talking about your previous comment, over the phone last night. Mom: Did you see Joie’s comment? Me: Well that is all I need — TWO YOUs!
I was telling Bill, who also nudges, and who edits these missives after they are published (I know, a little backwards, the editing process here!) that I heard the shepherd calling, from the field below, as I typed my story this morning. I was torn between meeting a self-imposed writing deadline and stealing out to get to know the berger. Obsession won over (needed to meet the self-imposed demand!) and I sat typing the story–when the REAL STORY–the potential follow up story–was unfolding outside.
Here is to continued growith, in writing, in living, in reaching out and stretching behind self-imposed limits. Thanks for your support.
HONEY –
Would you please ask our precious bergere if he is on Facebook because your Mom wants to be friends. Also we should collect some wonderful items to give him next year for Christmas from all of his new FWAD fans….let’s start off with a skimask to keep his sweet nose warm. I need his itenery (sp?) so we can keep track of him. If I were there I would be setting him up with his own movie camera for some great real life video’s of his journey’s all over France.
I will adopt him – please tell me his name – let me into his life.
XOXO
MOM
KRISTI –
I can’t stand the suspense, did you go out on your patio off your bedroom and look over the fig tree down into the meadow with the olive trees? Is la bergere down there in your little meadow with all of the sheep today? I have been watching ‘sheepherding videos’ this morning and I have a great one to send to you…can you post it here in the comments box?
You have stirred up my blood once again…it’s a good thing you do this to me every few months – I think the last time you really woke me up was when you challenged all of us to write a book in 30 days. I loved that experience, I felt so alive during that entire process.
XOXO
MOM
KRISTI –
I can’t stand the suspense, did you go out on your patio off your bedroom and look over the fig tree down into the meadow with the olive trees? Is la bergere down there in your little meadow with all of the sheep today? I have been watching ‘sheepherding videos’ this morning and I have a great one to send to you…can you post it here in the comments box?
You have stirred up my blood once again…it’s a good thing you do this to me every few months – I think the last time you really woke me up was when you challenged all of us to write a book in 30 days. I loved that experience, I felt so alive during that entire process.
XOXO
MOM
Mom, yes, yes, and yes. He was beyond there, across the two lane road, in the neighbors field. I heard all the punctuated, coded whistles and wondered what he was saying to his flock, who bleated back. I hope he will be back tomorrow. Re the video, your pick is so you! http://youtu.be/qniwI2hNhDs
Here was my sheep video pick (much longer and without the fireworks!): http://youtu.be/JZcUEJr6psE
XOXO
Mom, yes, yes, and yes. He was beyond there, across the two lane road, in the neighbors field. I heard all the punctuated, coded whistles and wondered what he was saying to his flock, who bleated back. I hope he will be back tomorrow. Re the video, your pick is so you! http://youtu.be/qniwI2hNhDs
Here was my sheep video pick (much longer and without the fireworks!): http://youtu.be/JZcUEJr6psE
XOXO
Sheep can indeed be tricky to raise. I have a dear friend near me, a fellow physician’s wife, who tutors special education students out of her home and raises a small herd of sheep on her own. She admits they are tricky. A good book series to read if you want to know more is the James Herriot series – “All Creatures Great & Small”. I remember him writing about the problems farmers encountered with sheep.
Sheep can indeed be tricky to raise. I have a dear friend near me, a fellow physician’s wife, who tutors special education students out of her home and raises a small herd of sheep on her own. She admits they are tricky. A good book series to read if you want to know more is the James Herriot series – “All Creatures Great & Small”. I remember him writing about the problems farmers encountered with sheep.
Dear Kristin,
I have seen those flocks of sheep on our mountains here in Utah. The lovely dogs the sheepherders have– And looked upon their mobile “wagons” where they live. I’ve wondered what kind of life that is.
Your picture is beautiful. Your story is so heartfelt and loving. The conclusion to this story warmed my heart as you just couldn’t imagine. I needed that this morning. Maybe every morning. God bless your efforts to be kind. You are loved by total strangers!, but not really strangers. Thank you so much for letting us into your life.
Dear Kristin,
I have seen those flocks of sheep on our mountains here in Utah. The lovely dogs the sheepherders have– And looked upon their mobile “wagons” where they live. I’ve wondered what kind of life that is.
Your picture is beautiful. Your story is so heartfelt and loving. The conclusion to this story warmed my heart as you just couldn’t imagine. I needed that this morning. Maybe every morning. God bless your efforts to be kind. You are loved by total strangers!, but not really strangers. Thank you so much for letting us into your life.
As I understand it, “agneau” means lamb in general, while “agnelle” means ewe-lamb.
“Agneau” only means a male lamb if specifically contrasted with “agnelle”, e.g. deux agneaux et trois agnelles. In other words they are used much the same way as we use the words “dog” and “bitch”.
And while we’re on the subject of lambs, don’t forget “un agnelet” a little lamb.
And to sum up the other sheep words:
les moutons = sheep in general (les moutons et les chèvres = the sheep and the goats)
le bélier = ram
le mouton = a wether – castrated male for eating as mutton
la brebis = ewe
le brebis = sheep’s milk cheese, e.g. Le Brebis de Wavreumont
As I understand it, “agneau” means lamb in general, while “agnelle” means ewe-lamb.
“Agneau” only means a male lamb if specifically contrasted with “agnelle”, e.g. deux agneaux et trois agnelles. In other words they are used much the same way as we use the words “dog” and “bitch”.
And while we’re on the subject of lambs, don’t forget “un agnelet” a little lamb.
And to sum up the other sheep words:
les moutons = sheep in general (les moutons et les chèvres = the sheep and the goats)
le bélier = ram
le mouton = a wether – castrated male for eating as mutton
la brebis = ewe
le brebis = sheep’s milk cheese, e.g. Le Brebis de Wavreumont