Photo of the vineyard where we spent 5 lively years! Thanks to your helpful notes, I will be writing the first draft of the memoir in private. Read on…
le piège (pee-ezh)
: trap, snare, pitfall, booby-trap
Audio: Listen to the following words & example sentence: DownloadMP3 or Wav
How to properly pronounce French words? Read this inexpensive book!
piéger (verb) = to trap
piégé = booby-trapped
une voiture piégée = a car bomb
un colis or une lettre piégé(e) = a parcel or letter bomb
le piège à souris = mousetrap
la question piège = loaded or trick question
le piège à touriste = tourist trap
tomber dans le piège = to fall into a trap
Un piège, ou trappe, est un dispositif destiné à capturer un être vivant. –Wikipedia
A snare or trap is a device for capturing a live being.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
I am trying to remember whether the French have an expression for "wow", because a teary wow! is just one of the reactions I am having to your ongoing messages of support, following the announcement that I am writing my memoir.
But isn't a memoir something someone writes at the end of one's life? some people wrote in, a little surprised by my decision.
There are many kinds of memoirs. In book publishing, memoirs are also a way to recount a specific period in one's life. A good book title narrows the scope of the subject; here are a few made-up ones to illustrate this point:
- Grappling: My 5 Years at a Wine Farm & How I Stayed Sober
- Its What It's: How My Blog Readers Taught Me Grammar and Punctuation
(Come to think of it, that second "memoir" might be a lot of fun to write! It is true: I have and continue to learn punctuation thanks to the notes and explanations you send in. )
Though I will not know the title of my book until I have discovered its overriding theme, I like to think it is "A Love Story"–no matter how overused that title is. On the other hand, a How-To title could hint at a good portion of the book's content:
- How To Become An Author, Editor, and Publisher When You Failed Language Class.
Sometimes book titles are borrowed from one of the chapters inside the memoir (think Me Talk Pretty One Day).
In my book, a particularly chilling chapter recounts a drastic measure taken towards a flawless life. That chapter is called:
- Waking Up at The Wrong Time : Becoming Conscious on the Operating Table
Indeed, the book itself could be titled after that very chapter. Waking Up at the Wrong Time… such a title would so meaningfully evoke one woman's premature arrival at consciousness.
I realize that statement sounds absurd. How can one become conscious before becoming conscious?
Only eternity knows the answer. And Love is eternal…
***
Once again, please accept my deepest thanks for taking the time to write in, following the previous three posts. The process of deciding to write a memoir–then typing the first three chapters online–feels just like going through the towel dryer–one of those old-fashioned French dryers where a flimsy rag passes between two rolling steel bolts. On the other end, out comes the towel, crisp at a piece of paper. It will take 280 to 330 sheets of this kind of paper to tell my story.
To comment on this post, or to read what others are saying about this topic, please click here.
Another snippet from the book follows, just below my picture near the end of this post.
"Airing one's laundry in public?" A few people wrote in, concerned about a tell-all memoir. Please trust me to know what to share – and what not to! My Mom has dug out her big red protective marker and my daughter will be reading the rough-draft!
Jean-Marc will kick off his USA Wine Tour this spring. Check out his itinerary and see if he will be in your area. Click here.
One thing I learned from readers' reaction to my post about the risks of writing: depending on your perspective, or life experience, a scene will evoke darkness of light – or both. I am always having to remind myself to adjust my perspective.
That's me, serving dessert. At the vineyard where we lived, we had many, many guests. Rarely did I meet a fellow teetotaler. In the meantime, there was lots and lots of wine to bring out. When Jean-Marc reached past me to pour the wine for a tablemate, I casually moved my plate out of the way, afraid a drop of alcohol would fall into my pasta–what if I ate the tainted food? Could I still believe I was abstinent? Would I be able to claim my end of another year chip?
When emptying the bottles for the recycle bin, I would carefully rinse my hands, what if the alcohol seeped through my skin?!
I have relaxed a lot in the recent years. But I don't ever want to get to cozy around wine. The risk to relapse is ever present.
I had not meant to write any more of my story online, having made the decision to write the chapters in private… and then, these thoughts rushed out. If you know anyone who might benefit from this story, click on the Prologue, or introductory chapter, where you will find a "share link" at the end of the post. From there your friend or family member can read through the first three chapters of my recovery story.
"Love locks in Paris." Happy Valentines Day to you! Click here for your Valentine… a list of endearing terms and several heart photos I've taken just for you!
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Salut,
In today’s post, you say the first three chapters are available, but all I find in the Prolog and chapter 1. Can one view the others?
Salut,
In today’s post, you say the first three chapters are available, but all I find in the Prolog and chapter 1. Can one view the others?
You must tell the ENTIRE stry, your whole truth, for you to feel good about the book. If you do, I see it becoming amazingly successful. Like being made into a movie successful. (Charlize should play you.)
You must tell the ENTIRE stry, your whole truth, for you to feel good about the book. If you do, I see it becoming amazingly successful. Like being made into a movie successful. (Charlize should play you.)
Kristen after revealinng with all your honesty your past and opening up to us all, I thought you may like to know I too have experienced being a lonely traveller, escept I was addicted to Dr’s prescriptive medication, and eventually resorted to a residential . clinic such as the Betty Ford. I was only the second person at the time who underwent the rehabilitation for such an addiction and being 56 years and no one else to share my desolution, it developed a strength i didn’tknow I had. I spent 10 weeks in the residence, and my return to “normal” life was a great transition. But the experience gave me the tools to cope with the ensuing years. It lead me to my interest in art and travels and a whole new life, I am thankfull I was given the opportunity. to find my other me. may you and your family be blessed your artiste ami June
ever
Kristen after revealinng with all your honesty your past and opening up to us all, I thought you may like to know I too have experienced being a lonely traveller, escept I was addicted to Dr’s prescriptive medication, and eventually resorted to a residential . clinic such as the Betty Ford. I was only the second person at the time who underwent the rehabilitation for such an addiction and being 56 years and no one else to share my desolution, it developed a strength i didn’tknow I had. I spent 10 weeks in the residence, and my return to “normal” life was a great transition. But the experience gave me the tools to cope with the ensuing years. It lead me to my interest in art and travels and a whole new life, I am thankfull I was given the opportunity. to find my other me. may you and your family be blessed your artiste ami June
ever
Bonjour Kristin,
Please check your gmail account! You will not believe my good news! Valencia and her students in richmond, VA
Bonjour Kristin,
Please check your gmail account! You will not believe my good news! Valencia and her students in richmond, VA
Rob, re the first three chapters being online, I meant three sections are online. You can read the third section and then find the links to the first two at the end of the story, here http://french-word-a-day.typepad.com/motdujour/2013/02/monday.html
Rob, re the first three chapters being online, I meant three sections are online. You can read the third section and then find the links to the first two at the end of the story, here http://french-word-a-day.typepad.com/motdujour/2013/02/monday.html
Dear Kristi,
You always have my support, as a grateful reader, a fellow writer and as someone in recovery as well.
Draw on the caring and support of your family, dear Momma, your recovery buddies, and your readership as you greet those memories again. We have your back.
Kindest regards,
Leisa x
Dear Kristi,
You always have my support, as a grateful reader, a fellow writer and as someone in recovery as well.
Draw on the caring and support of your family, dear Momma, your recovery buddies, and your readership as you greet those memories again. We have your back.
Kindest regards,
Leisa x
Happy valentine’s Day Kristin,
I love the pictures in this post, especially the vineyard and the clothes on the line. In one of the posts above someone uses the phrase “learning to live with ourselves” and I think that is really what life is about. And I also want to say how much I admire you for your journey in sobriety, especially while living on a vineyard. But, that brings up the question, is it easier now that you no longer live there?
Best to you,
Sharon A
Happy valentine’s Day Kristin,
I love the pictures in this post, especially the vineyard and the clothes on the line. In one of the posts above someone uses the phrase “learning to live with ourselves” and I think that is really what life is about. And I also want to say how much I admire you for your journey in sobriety, especially while living on a vineyard. But, that brings up the question, is it easier now that you no longer live there?
Best to you,
Sharon A
Kristi,
Reference your working title, “Waking Up at The Wrong Time”, it sounds to me like you are telling us that you actually woke up at the RIGHT time. Hang tight, and God bless. He’ll help.
Kristi,
Reference your working title, “Waking Up at The Wrong Time”, it sounds to me like you are telling us that you actually woke up at the RIGHT time. Hang tight, and God bless. He’ll help.
Happy Valentine’s Day from snowy and chilly Montana. I chuckled when I read, “Please trust me to know what to share – and what not to! My Mom has dug out her big red protective marker and my daughter will be reading the rough-draft!” You’ll not find two more expert overseers of the family history I’m sure. Bon courage.
Happy Valentine’s Day from snowy and chilly Montana. I chuckled when I read, “Please trust me to know what to share – and what not to! My Mom has dug out her big red protective marker and my daughter will be reading the rough-draft!” You’ll not find two more expert overseers of the family history I’m sure. Bon courage.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Jean-Marc and the kids. We are sending all our love and support from Santa Fe!!! We will be flying to Houston next month to see Jean-Marc! Wish you could be there too!!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Jean-Marc and the kids. We are sending all our love and support from Santa Fe!!! We will be flying to Houston next month to see Jean-Marc! Wish you could be there too!!
You are brave, wise, and beautiful.
I am not sure how I found your blog, but of the dozens I read, yours has snuck up on me as being particularly captivating because it is so personal, so honest, and so attuned to the life between two worlds. And funny!
I admire your courage and look forward to your updates and so-called memoir.
Keep smiling…
You are brave, wise, and beautiful.
I am not sure how I found your blog, but of the dozens I read, yours has snuck up on me as being particularly captivating because it is so personal, so honest, and so attuned to the life between two worlds. And funny!
I admire your courage and look forward to your updates and so-called memoir.
Keep smiling…
Another comment after reading above words from so many.
Do not open a can of worms, they do not come back like pets.
Our paths go so far back and trying to find yourself should stay withing the privacy of and/or family.
Please continue the lovely way you started, and let us share the life you give us, not a background.
Another comment after reading above words from so many.
Do not open a can of worms, they do not come back like pets.
Our paths go so far back and trying to find yourself should stay withing the privacy of and/or family.
Please continue the lovely way you started, and let us share the life you give us, not a background.
“…Please continue the lovely way you started, and let us share the life you give us, not a background.
Posted by:Phyllis Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 06:07 PM ”
🙂 Yet another perfectionist is speaking. 🙂
per·fec·tion·ism
per·fec·tion·ism (p?r-fek?sh?-niz´?m) noun
1. A propensity for being displeased with anything that is not perfect or does not meet extremely high standards.
Excerpted from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition Copyright ©
“…Please continue the lovely way you started, and let us share the life you give us, not a background.
Posted by:Phyllis Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 06:07 PM ”
🙂 Yet another perfectionist is speaking. 🙂
per·fec·tion·ism
per·fec·tion·ism (p?r-fek?sh?-niz´?m) noun
1. A propensity for being displeased with anything that is not perfect or does not meet extremely high standards.
Excerpted from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition Copyright ©
We all know that Van Gogh was tormented by all kinds of inner demons, and we still love his work! In fact it’s one of the most valuable art pieces have ever been created.
Every time I look at this picture http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/gogh/fields/gogh.cypress-star.jpg I see Divine Intervention, not less than that; so perfect (in the artist’s sense) it is.
Getting back to Kristin’s work to be expressed — let her try! Maybe she IS another yet literary-Van Gogh-ish-genius to be born. She needs support, and not the warnings. Especially she’s got her lovely guardians “with the red thick marker” (her mother) and super sensitive and keen to any harshness teen (her daughter). Under such circumstances I can expect nothing but grand.
We all know that Van Gogh was tormented by all kinds of inner demons, and we still love his work! In fact it’s one of the most valuable art pieces have ever been created.
Every time I look at this picture http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/gogh/fields/gogh.cypress-star.jpg I see Divine Intervention, not less than that; so perfect (in the artist’s sense) it is.
Getting back to Kristin’s work to be expressed — let her try! Maybe she IS another yet literary-Van Gogh-ish-genius to be born. She needs support, and not the warnings. Especially she’s got her lovely guardians “with the red thick marker” (her mother) and super sensitive and keen to any harshness teen (her daughter). Under such circumstances I can expect nothing but grand.
… and this is how people appreciate Work of Art — the price only gets higher with time. Literary work also falls into the same category of ART.
6) A Wheatfield with Cypresses 1889 – U$85.7 million (Was $57 mil)
Sold by son of Emil Georg Bührle in a private sale via Steven Mazoh. Buyer was Walter Annenberg, a Jewish-born American publisher, diplomat, and a philanthropist.
Van Gogh painted this while he spend his life in a mental asylum at St. Remy in May 1889. In his written letter to Theo, “…the wheat field in the sun, which represents the extreme heat… “, describing one of his best sun-drenched landscape in summer canvases.
There are 2 variants of this paintings, the other owned by National Gallery, London.
http://colorpaintingart.com/van-goghs-most-expensive-oil-paintings-plus-2-more/
… and this is how people appreciate Work of Art — the price only gets higher with time. Literary work also falls into the same category of ART.
6) A Wheatfield with Cypresses 1889 – U$85.7 million (Was $57 mil)
Sold by son of Emil Georg Bührle in a private sale via Steven Mazoh. Buyer was Walter Annenberg, a Jewish-born American publisher, diplomat, and a philanthropist.
Van Gogh painted this while he spend his life in a mental asylum at St. Remy in May 1889. In his written letter to Theo, “…the wheat field in the sun, which represents the extreme heat… “, describing one of his best sun-drenched landscape in summer canvases.
There are 2 variants of this paintings, the other owned by National Gallery, London.
http://colorpaintingart.com/van-goghs-most-expensive-oil-paintings-plus-2-more/
My sense of this blog is that most, if not all, comments have been supportive of K writing her memoir. The thoughtful comments were solicited; we have been intimately included in this writer’s process and offer all sorts of ideas, cause we are all sorts of people! No one has remotely suggested that she “not try,” chere Francesca. Au contraire! It is a veritable ball field of cheerleaders gathered here! Sis boom bah, mes amis!
My sense of this blog is that most, if not all, comments have been supportive of K writing her memoir. The thoughtful comments were solicited; we have been intimately included in this writer’s process and offer all sorts of ideas, cause we are all sorts of people! No one has remotely suggested that she “not try,” chere Francesca. Au contraire! It is a veritable ball field of cheerleaders gathered here! Sis boom bah, mes amis!
Dear Pat:
Speaking of “a veritable ball field of cheerleader” here, my sense of this blog and Kristin’s recent inclusion of us, her readers, into the process, that SOME people expect her to continue her blog or her memoir pers se in the “lovely way she started this blog” which is as K herself defined her earlier genre “skipping in the lavender fields”. Which is, in my view, also lovely, but as we all may want to keep in mind that a popsicle cannot be used in place of a real and nutritious dinner (for the soul if you wish) some people, and more people than we can even imagine, may also be in need for.
The bottom line of course is that it is going to be up to Kristin to decide what she is going to present us, her readers, with.
Dear Pat:
Speaking of “a veritable ball field of cheerleader” here, my sense of this blog and Kristin’s recent inclusion of us, her readers, into the process, that SOME people expect her to continue her blog or her memoir pers se in the “lovely way she started this blog” which is as K herself defined her earlier genre “skipping in the lavender fields”. Which is, in my view, also lovely, but as we all may want to keep in mind that a popsicle cannot be used in place of a real and nutritious dinner (for the soul if you wish) some people, and more people than we can even imagine, may also be in need for.
The bottom line of course is that it is going to be up to Kristin to decide what she is going to present us, her readers, with.
Kristin, I like your blog entries, including when you are an observing other people and commenting kindly and honestly. And, I can’t remember any times when you weren’t kind and charitable. You deserve the same from from all of us and especially from yourself as you write the memoir.
You certainly have what it takes to write a wonderful memoir, and apparently that includes a family secure enough to help you do it, and in a way that you and they can be comfortable and glad about for always.
Kristin, I like your blog entries, including when you are an observing other people and commenting kindly and honestly. And, I can’t remember any times when you weren’t kind and charitable. You deserve the same from from all of us and especially from yourself as you write the memoir.
You certainly have what it takes to write a wonderful memoir, and apparently that includes a family secure enough to help you do it, and in a way that you and they can be comfortable and glad about for always.
Hi, Kristin
I still think you should get la légion du mérite for what you are doing for the French language. I hope someone nominates you, if that is how it is done.
As for punctuation, there are a lot of stupid rules for punctuation, as there are a lot of stupid rules for most everything. The basic idea is to be understood. I was a copy editor for a while and was always hearing conflicting advice about commas in particular. Now I mostly put commas where I pause, but there are still things like “(noun) that”–where “that” precedes a phrase that refers directly back to the noun, and “(noun) (other words), which”–where “, which” precedes a phrase that refers back to the noun past intervening words. And I usually put my commas, periods, etc., outside a quotation.
Now try to get all that past your editor. :^)
Hi, Kristin
I still think you should get la légion du mérite for what you are doing for the French language. I hope someone nominates you, if that is how it is done.
As for punctuation, there are a lot of stupid rules for punctuation, as there are a lot of stupid rules for most everything. The basic idea is to be understood. I was a copy editor for a while and was always hearing conflicting advice about commas in particular. Now I mostly put commas where I pause, but there are still things like “(noun) that”–where “that” precedes a phrase that refers directly back to the noun, and “(noun) (other words), which”–where “, which” precedes a phrase that refers back to the noun past intervening words. And I usually put my commas, periods, etc., outside a quotation.
Now try to get all that past your editor. :^)