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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Kristi Darling –
Now to solve your problem with MAX ditching his math class test and being a typical teenage $#?+ !!! – instead of grounding him sign him up with la bergere for the exact number of days he would have had his ski trip with his boyfriends … I wish I was there to stir the airparticles with all of my wisdom after raising your sister. Of course you were the angel – Heidi is the one who turned my hair white.
XOXO
MOM
Kristi Darling –
Now to solve your problem with MAX ditching his math class test and being a typical teenage $#?+ !!! – instead of grounding him sign him up with la bergere for the exact number of days he would have had his ski trip with his boyfriends … I wish I was there to stir the airparticles with all of my wisdom after raising your sister. Of course you were the angel – Heidi is the one who turned my hair white.
XOXO
MOM
And here’s a proverb using your new vocabulary: “Qui se fait brebis, le loup le mange.” He who acts like a ewe gets eaten by the wolf. I googled it to check my recollection, and one site translated it as “nice guys finish last.”
The other thing these stories brought to mind was Georges Moustaki’s Eden Blues, with the line, “les garçons gardent les troupeaux.”
Love your Mom’s choice of herding videos–note that you can tell from the men’s names that this was done in Wales. Incredible planning (long winters?) and amazing sheepdogs.
And here’s a proverb using your new vocabulary: “Qui se fait brebis, le loup le mange.” He who acts like a ewe gets eaten by the wolf. I googled it to check my recollection, and one site translated it as “nice guys finish last.”
The other thing these stories brought to mind was Georges Moustaki’s Eden Blues, with the line, “les garçons gardent les troupeaux.”
Love your Mom’s choice of herding videos–note that you can tell from the men’s names that this was done in Wales. Incredible planning (long winters?) and amazing sheepdogs.
My father loves to tell the story about the time he asked a friend to borrow a couple of his sheep to eat the weeds in our horse pasture. Instead, he brought the whole herd and they ate everything, wild shrubs and small flowering trees included! During their visit, they escaped through a hole in the fence into the neighbor’s pasture. My father repaired the opening and tried to bring them back through the gate. But, as sheep will, one followed the other…only right back to the no longer open hole in the fence. It was quite a fiasco!
You have a big and thoughtful heart Kristi!
My father loves to tell the story about the time he asked a friend to borrow a couple of his sheep to eat the weeds in our horse pasture. Instead, he brought the whole herd and they ate everything, wild shrubs and small flowering trees included! During their visit, they escaped through a hole in the fence into the neighbor’s pasture. My father repaired the opening and tried to bring them back through the gate. But, as sheep will, one followed the other…only right back to the no longer open hole in the fence. It was quite a fiasco!
You have a big and thoughtful heart Kristi!
what a cute story Kristin…I remember when we were little we all would cry when a farmer would bring a sheep to our family for eating…it was a disaster xx
what a cute story Kristin…I remember when we were little we all would cry when a farmer would bring a sheep to our family for eating…it was a disaster xx
Our dear Kristi,
Another wonderful story(!!)(and photo!),finished off by these terrific replies and responses between you and dear Jules!
You have such a gift of words; what a privilege for all of us to be included in your life! This entire berger/brebis adventure gives us inspiration to reach out a hand of friendship ,even to those with whom we might think that we don’t have much in common with.
Once again you’ve started our weekend off in the happiest way, wrapped in smiles.
THANK YOU!!!!!
LOve, Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
Another wonderful story(!!)(and photo!),finished off by these terrific replies and responses between you and dear Jules!
You have such a gift of words; what a privilege for all of us to be included in your life! This entire berger/brebis adventure gives us inspiration to reach out a hand of friendship ,even to those with whom we might think that we don’t have much in common with.
Once again you’ve started our weekend off in the happiest way, wrapped in smiles.
THANK YOU!!!!!
LOve, Natalia XO
Melanie, what a disaster! (one that brings a smile, though! )
Mara, really enjoyed the proverb you shared. Something to think about. Watch out nice guys!
Melanie, what a disaster! (one that brings a smile, though! )
Mara, really enjoyed the proverb you shared. Something to think about. Watch out nice guys!
I don’t know which was better – the story or all the comments posted after!! What a delight to read on a hectic Friday afternoon at work. Ok, shh, about the work part. Kristi and Jules you are so lucky to have each other and to love each other so much – cherish every second!! I am always happier after reading your blog and stories, so I think that speaks for itself. You are a ray of sunshine for all the world and you bring brightness, joy, warmth, and happiness to all your FWAD family.
Lastly, I would like to know what happened to the cake? It sounds like you ate it! I would so love some yogurt cake with lots of cocoa of course. I haven’t made it yet, but it’s on my to do list.
Thanks for all you do for others! Hope you and your mom have a great weekend!!
Hugs!
I don’t know which was better – the story or all the comments posted after!! What a delight to read on a hectic Friday afternoon at work. Ok, shh, about the work part. Kristi and Jules you are so lucky to have each other and to love each other so much – cherish every second!! I am always happier after reading your blog and stories, so I think that speaks for itself. You are a ray of sunshine for all the world and you bring brightness, joy, warmth, and happiness to all your FWAD family.
Lastly, I would like to know what happened to the cake? It sounds like you ate it! I would so love some yogurt cake with lots of cocoa of course. I haven’t made it yet, but it’s on my to do list.
Thanks for all you do for others! Hope you and your mom have a great weekend!!
Hugs!
Kristin, this thought just came to me, having little or nothing to do with your lovely post today. I think Jules should take a tour, here in the Western Hemisphere, to the homes of your devoted readers who have learned to love her, too! First stop ~ our home in Indiana! Wouldn’t that be a hoot? This is your official invitation, Jules. (Marti and I missed you by a matter of days in 2011 ~ and were we bummed!)
Kristin, this thought just came to me, having little or nothing to do with your lovely post today. I think Jules should take a tour, here in the Western Hemisphere, to the homes of your devoted readers who have learned to love her, too! First stop ~ our home in Indiana! Wouldn’t that be a hoot? This is your official invitation, Jules. (Marti and I missed you by a matter of days in 2011 ~ and were we bummed!)
We never even got to the saying, “mutton dressed as lamb”, which is an insult I’ve read or seen in British TV/literature. Is there a comparable French phrase? I hope not as the older I get the worse that sounds. Have a good weekend and enjoy the frolliking lambs.
We never even got to the saying, “mutton dressed as lamb”, which is an insult I’ve read or seen in British TV/literature. Is there a comparable French phrase? I hope not as the older I get the worse that sounds. Have a good weekend and enjoy the frolliking lambs.
Marcia, I think thats a favorite of my moms… Need to read it one day (it is here on the shelf. )
Mark, Enjoying the sheep terminology.
Mom, stir those air particles. JM and i could sure use the help raising these teens! Maybe the shepherd can straighten Max out. Good idea!
Marcia, I think thats a favorite of my moms… Need to read it one day (it is here on the shelf. )
Mark, Enjoying the sheep terminology.
Mom, stir those air particles. JM and i could sure use the help raising these teens! Maybe the shepherd can straighten Max out. Good idea!
Natalia, you are such a kindheart.
Natalia, you are such a kindheart.
It is, as always, a great piece of writing, Kristin. But today the one bit of information I found “moving” is Jean-Marc reading your posts, sharing his knowledge with you, and being a participating partner in your writing. The strength, power, and creativity of two has always been evident in your words and you show your “class-act” one more time, Kristin, by sharing with your husband the way he obviously shares with you. Now THAT is a rare and special circumstance!
It is, as always, a great piece of writing, Kristin. But today the one bit of information I found “moving” is Jean-Marc reading your posts, sharing his knowledge with you, and being a participating partner in your writing. The strength, power, and creativity of two has always been evident in your words and you show your “class-act” one more time, Kristin, by sharing with your husband the way he obviously shares with you. Now THAT is a rare and special circumstance!
p.s. Your last thought was so touching and it warms my heart to think that it is so.
Mille mercis!
p.s. Your last thought was so touching and it warms my heart to think that it is so.
Mille mercis!
Just got to read your story. I am so glad you found him!!! I would love to have seen the sheep just munching away.
I too love the banter between you and Jules. Jules you are such a bright spot. I know where Kristin gets her light.
xoxo
Just got to read your story. I am so glad you found him!!! I would love to have seen the sheep just munching away.
I too love the banter between you and Jules. Jules you are such a bright spot. I know where Kristin gets her light.
xoxo
Who knew the sheep could stir up so many smiles around here? Another delightfully charming story which, along with the comments, has me in stitches! I applaud you for your efforts to offer the gift of your kindness and cake. I especially like the sweetness in which you wrapped this story up with in the end. I would love to see a photo of your berger!
Jules, here the water to the barn is frozen so I’ve been hauling water from the house to the horses stabled there. Let me say the hammock, beach, 80 degrees….sounds so very heavenly to me!
Who knew the sheep could stir up so many smiles around here? Another delightfully charming story which, along with the comments, has me in stitches! I applaud you for your efforts to offer the gift of your kindness and cake. I especially like the sweetness in which you wrapped this story up with in the end. I would love to see a photo of your berger!
Jules, here the water to the barn is frozen so I’ve been hauling water from the house to the horses stabled there. Let me say the hammock, beach, 80 degrees….sounds so very heavenly to me!
Wonderful story and I loved the videos, especially the one you posted Kristi, by ArtZainak. I feel for those shepherds so alone and far from their families.
Wonderful story and I loved the videos, especially the one you posted Kristi, by ArtZainak. I feel for those shepherds so alone and far from their families.
HaHa- I sure am enjoying the banter in the Comments Section today!! Is he on Facebook ??- LOL!!
I am so curious now about the lifestyle of the bergere!!! Keep us posted, please.
I’m left with a visual of you contemplating all of this while sitting on your balcony and mindlessly devouring that yogurt cake! 🙂
HaHa- I sure am enjoying the banter in the Comments Section today!! Is he on Facebook ??- LOL!!
I am so curious now about the lifestyle of the bergere!!! Keep us posted, please.
I’m left with a visual of you contemplating all of this while sitting on your balcony and mindlessly devouring that yogurt cake! 🙂
Could there be better pictures or even a more touching story. Such an image of the cake and your trying to help and not finding the dear wet or sleeping young man. That someone is trying to care for us, to help and bring us comfort is so moving and loving. It is simply a slice of heaven! You are amazing! (hope you finished the yogurt cake!)
About 18″ on Cape Cod today!
Could there be better pictures or even a more touching story. Such an image of the cake and your trying to help and not finding the dear wet or sleeping young man. That someone is trying to care for us, to help and bring us comfort is so moving and loving. It is simply a slice of heaven! You are amazing! (hope you finished the yogurt cake!)
About 18″ on Cape Cod today!
Love your story and can’t wait for the rest of it. I can see everything as you write. By the way, what are Braise and Smokey doing while all this is going on?
Love your story and can’t wait for the rest of it. I can see everything as you write. By the way, what are Braise and Smokey doing while all this is going on?
Dearest Kristi,
Well it’s late at night for your old Mom and Pop….I just had been reading John Joie’s comments and a few of our other wonderful readers…John laughed at Joie, sound just like you he said to me.
Then I showed him the sheep light movie – then I started reading John your story – I was just at the part when the sheep broke into the neighbors potager when I heard the soft rumble of and old mans snoring overtake my voice as the sheep latched on to the artichokes.
Isn’t that just the way life is….Thank God that God gave me a daughter like you to keep me entertained.
Good Night Honey
XOXO
MOM
Dearest Kristi,
Well it’s late at night for your old Mom and Pop….I just had been reading John Joie’s comments and a few of our other wonderful readers…John laughed at Joie, sound just like you he said to me.
Then I showed him the sheep light movie – then I started reading John your story – I was just at the part when the sheep broke into the neighbors potager when I heard the soft rumble of and old mans snoring overtake my voice as the sheep latched on to the artichokes.
Isn’t that just the way life is….Thank God that God gave me a daughter like you to keep me entertained.
Good Night Honey
XOXO
MOM
Grrr! A couple of my responses when poof in cyberspace last night. I had written back to Mom, and Marcia, and Mark…. It is fun to keep the story going here. Thanks you all for your notes and stories. Stacy, wish we could all carry a bucket for you! Anne, Braise and Smokey were locked inside–wouldnt want them running off with the border collie. Mom, great idea, getting Max to work for the shepherd after ditching math (!!!) . Wake up Pops and wish him a good day. Xoxo
Grrr! A couple of my responses when poof in cyberspace last night. I had written back to Mom, and Marcia, and Mark…. It is fun to keep the story going here. Thanks you all for your notes and stories. Stacy, wish we could all carry a bucket for you! Anne, Braise and Smokey were locked inside–wouldnt want them running off with the border collie. Mom, great idea, getting Max to work for the shepherd after ditching math (!!!) . Wake up Pops and wish him a good day. Xoxo
… a little longer, but such a pleasure to read.
… a little longer, but such a pleasure to read.
Reminds me of a passage in “The Little Prince”: “S’il te plait, dessines-moi un mouton. …”
Love the vocabulary; while on the subject, what kind of sheep gives laine?
Reminds me of a passage in “The Little Prince”: “S’il te plait, dessines-moi un mouton. …”
Love the vocabulary; while on the subject, what kind of sheep gives laine?
I’ve been reading FWAD for maybe 4 or more years now (bought your first book when we were cycling through France), then got ‘hooked’ on the blog. Now my husband is a fan, too. But it’s only been the past few months that I’ve been reading these ongoing posts. What a delightful way to spend this Saturday morning. I am particularly entranced by these stories about the bergere. Your last line really touched a cord in my heart. I love, love, love that insight. I’m going to reflect on it throughout the day. Thank you!
I’ve been reading FWAD for maybe 4 or more years now (bought your first book when we were cycling through France), then got ‘hooked’ on the blog. Now my husband is a fan, too. But it’s only been the past few months that I’ve been reading these ongoing posts. What a delightful way to spend this Saturday morning. I am particularly entranced by these stories about the bergere. Your last line really touched a cord in my heart. I love, love, love that insight. I’m going to reflect on it throughout the day. Thank you!
I’m with Karen, giggling at the thought of the berger on Facebook. I picture him wandering the fields, checking FB on his iPad.
I’m with Karen, giggling at the thought of the berger on Facebook. I picture him wandering the fields, checking FB on his iPad.