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!
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
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Bonjour Kristin,
Best of luck with writing your memoir! You have so much support from everyone and that must lift you up to know that!
I enjoyed clicking back to the Valentine’s post from 2012. I was enjoying reading all the terms of endearment in French. Can I switch mon canard for mon connard! My husband will never know, right? I love the photo of the heart door and the flowers.
You mentioned abstinence today and it is Ash Wednesday. I am trying to give up chocolate this Lent.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Jean-Marc!
Bonjour Kristin,
Best of luck with writing your memoir! You have so much support from everyone and that must lift you up to know that!
I enjoyed clicking back to the Valentine’s post from 2012. I was enjoying reading all the terms of endearment in French. Can I switch mon canard for mon connard! My husband will never know, right? I love the photo of the heart door and the flowers.
You mentioned abstinence today and it is Ash Wednesday. I am trying to give up chocolate this Lent.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Jean-Marc!
I admire you Kristi for your honesty!!!
Love,
Marika
I admire you Kristi for your honesty!!!
Love,
Marika
KRIST DARLING,
Once again I was up and down all night long – praying for your precious little spirit as you wonder around the corners of your mind. I can see once again that you are a step ahead of me as always.
Your post today make me so proud to have at my fingertips one of the most interesting and educational blogs on the internet. You always seem to rise higher and higher.
So much valuable information about language wrapped up in your prose this morning. All those new phrases and words I would never have thought to ask for.
And then I see our dear and precious friend Eileen beat me to the #1 comment spot….but then again the value of not only her love and encouragement shone through for me, but something I always receive from all of your friends…a hint as some part of your post I didn’t let register on my first reading. Thanks Eileen, I would have forgot to click on the Valentine post for 2012. Just to pat myself on the back I must share that while surfing the net a few years ago I ran across Eileen…I quickly sent her a note encouraging her to come into Kristi’s life via FWAD. I always like to remind Kristi how lucky she is that I found Eileen for her…and she has proved to be one of our most valuable friends. I love you Eileen and so does Kristi.
Looks like I am high and rambling this morning – that’s what moms do when they find their children have made it safely onto the next base. Did you all know Kristi was a ‘little league baseball player on an all boy team…I would sit on the sidelines and cry each time she went to bat. I was so proud. Looks like she is still knocking that ball out of the stadium…
XOXO
MOM
KRIST DARLING,
Once again I was up and down all night long – praying for your precious little spirit as you wonder around the corners of your mind. I can see once again that you are a step ahead of me as always.
Your post today make me so proud to have at my fingertips one of the most interesting and educational blogs on the internet. You always seem to rise higher and higher.
So much valuable information about language wrapped up in your prose this morning. All those new phrases and words I would never have thought to ask for.
And then I see our dear and precious friend Eileen beat me to the #1 comment spot….but then again the value of not only her love and encouragement shone through for me, but something I always receive from all of your friends…a hint as some part of your post I didn’t let register on my first reading. Thanks Eileen, I would have forgot to click on the Valentine post for 2012. Just to pat myself on the back I must share that while surfing the net a few years ago I ran across Eileen…I quickly sent her a note encouraging her to come into Kristi’s life via FWAD. I always like to remind Kristi how lucky she is that I found Eileen for her…and she has proved to be one of our most valuable friends. I love you Eileen and so does Kristi.
Looks like I am high and rambling this morning – that’s what moms do when they find their children have made it safely onto the next base. Did you all know Kristi was a ‘little league baseball player on an all boy team…I would sit on the sidelines and cry each time she went to bat. I was so proud. Looks like she is still knocking that ball out of the stadium…
XOXO
MOM
Chere Kristin thank you for writing your memoir. I am deeply touched by your revelations and equally impressed by your ever improving writing skills. You are a beautiful and sensitive soul. Bonne Saint Valentin to you and Jean-Marc.
Chere Kristin thank you for writing your memoir. I am deeply touched by your revelations and equally impressed by your ever improving writing skills. You are a beautiful and sensitive soul. Bonne Saint Valentin to you and Jean-Marc.
Write on, Kristin, we’ll be here for you! Loved the picture of the dogs romping through the snow – reminds me of our dear, long-gone Theo when we’d take him up to the golf course after a deep snow and how he loved to bound through the fluffy white stuff. The picture of the laundry drying reminded me of the many times we’ve rented apartments or cottages that came with a washer, but no dryer, so that’s what we did: aired our laundry as discretely as possible.
Write on, Kristin, we’ll be here for you! Loved the picture of the dogs romping through the snow – reminds me of our dear, long-gone Theo when we’d take him up to the golf course after a deep snow and how he loved to bound through the fluffy white stuff. The picture of the laundry drying reminded me of the many times we’ve rented apartments or cottages that came with a washer, but no dryer, so that’s what we did: aired our laundry as discretely as possible.
Hi Kristen, glad you found us useful, as we do you. I’m one of those people who is quite happy to talk about their inner life (all except a few things). I think its a really useful thing to do, both for us as individuals and for society. I think go for it too, you’ve plenty of advisors to hold you back if need be!
Giving up alcohol is an amazing achievement, especially if you live in a vineyard!
Take care, Lynne
Hi Kristen, glad you found us useful, as we do you. I’m one of those people who is quite happy to talk about their inner life (all except a few things). I think its a really useful thing to do, both for us as individuals and for society. I think go for it too, you’ve plenty of advisors to hold you back if need be!
Giving up alcohol is an amazing achievement, especially if you live in a vineyard!
Take care, Lynne
Oh Kristin, having met you a few years back and seeing the kind of person you are, if you write about giving up alcohol when your married to a wine maker, you have no idea how many people will benefit from this. It will give people the hope, the light at the end of the tunnel what ever you want to call it. It could only help and make all of us love you more. I still love reading your blog and for some reason always come away from it with a peaceful feeling.
Thank you for that.
DianeD
Mansfield, MA
Oh Kristin, having met you a few years back and seeing the kind of person you are, if you write about giving up alcohol when your married to a wine maker, you have no idea how many people will benefit from this. It will give people the hope, the light at the end of the tunnel what ever you want to call it. It could only help and make all of us love you more. I still love reading your blog and for some reason always come away from it with a peaceful feeling.
Thank you for that.
DianeD
Mansfield, MA
We all have our battles but the way you have tackled yours is most inspiring. My vice, sigh, is gluttony. Being Ash Wednesday, I think I will give up naughty indulgences (I think I know what they are when I see them) for Lent. Will let you know how I do so you will hopefully get some added satisfaction to see your effect on lesser mortals.
We all have our battles but the way you have tackled yours is most inspiring. My vice, sigh, is gluttony. Being Ash Wednesday, I think I will give up naughty indulgences (I think I know what they are when I see them) for Lent. Will let you know how I do so you will hopefully get some added satisfaction to see your effect on lesser mortals.
Congratulations, Kristin, ça n’a pas dû être facile de devenir abstinente en étant mariée à un producteur de vin.
Doublement bravo!
Congratulations, Kristin, ça n’a pas dû être facile de devenir abstinente en étant mariée à un producteur de vin.
Doublement bravo!
Hi Kristin. I may have missed you giving reason for this but I was wondering why you aren’t writing the memoir all the way through and THEN deciding on whether or not to share it (for whatever reason) the public. Doing it that way may give the family time to digest and re-digest while you still get to use it for its healing benefits.
JM is your life partner and quite a marvelous one, in all that I have heard and seen of/from him over the years. You should both be as close to feeling 100% ready for the “reveal” as possible, I’m thinking – making sure that his suport is not about being strong enough to “take it” but also in really understanding it’s importance.
Hi Kristin. I may have missed you giving reason for this but I was wondering why you aren’t writing the memoir all the way through and THEN deciding on whether or not to share it (for whatever reason) the public. Doing it that way may give the family time to digest and re-digest while you still get to use it for its healing benefits.
JM is your life partner and quite a marvelous one, in all that I have heard and seen of/from him over the years. You should both be as close to feeling 100% ready for the “reveal” as possible, I’m thinking – making sure that his suport is not about being strong enough to “take it” but also in really understanding it’s importance.
Someone just posted this on Facebook. I love it’s application to so many things but thought I’d share it with you for it’s application here:
“Holding on is believing that there’s only a past; letting go is knowing that there’s a future.” – Daphne Rose Kingma
Someone just posted this on Facebook. I love it’s application to so many things but thought I’d share it with you for it’s application here:
“Holding on is believing that there’s only a past; letting go is knowing that there’s a future.” – Daphne Rose Kingma
Karen, that is what I have decided: to write the story in private, first. I may share excerpts, as I did today.
Mom, thank you for sharing the baseball story – the happiest times!
Bill in St Paul, I love reading about Theo. Rest his soul, bless his heart!
To all who have taken the time to comment, or to read these comments, thank you! It is a pleasure to read your words.
Karen, that is what I have decided: to write the story in private, first. I may share excerpts, as I did today.
Mom, thank you for sharing the baseball story – the happiest times!
Bill in St Paul, I love reading about Theo. Rest his soul, bless his heart!
To all who have taken the time to comment, or to read these comments, thank you! It is a pleasure to read your words.
Thank you for the Valentine post it is even more lovely second time around. I am glad you are writing in private for the moment. You are a wonderful writer and I am always uplifted after reading your thoughtful words. Happy Valentine’s day to you and Jean-Marc
Thank you for the Valentine post it is even more lovely second time around. I am glad you are writing in private for the moment. You are a wonderful writer and I am always uplifted after reading your thoughtful words. Happy Valentine’s day to you and Jean-Marc
Hello over there!
Have a lovely and sweet St Valentine’s Day Kristin and Jean-Marc!
Good luck with the writing of your private story. May it brings you fulfilment, freedom and hapiness. We all know you you will write it with both your heart and guts!
I send you plenty of supportive sun and warmth from Reunion Island!
Hello over there!
Have a lovely and sweet St Valentine’s Day Kristin and Jean-Marc!
Good luck with the writing of your private story. May it brings you fulfilment, freedom and hapiness. We all know you you will write it with both your heart and guts!
I send you plenty of supportive sun and warmth from Reunion Island!
Oh, excellent idea to write it privately for the first draft. Even in the telling of it, you may find there are other avenues you want to explore; and that will be much easier if you hold it to the end. Plus, imagine the suspense as everyone waits to read it!
Oh, excellent idea to write it privately for the first draft. Even in the telling of it, you may find there are other avenues you want to explore; and that will be much easier if you hold it to the end. Plus, imagine the suspense as everyone waits to read it!
~roses r red violets r bleu
your fwAd amis are always
with you ~
hier, aujourd’hui, demain…
~roses r red violets r bleu
your fwAd amis are always
with you ~
hier, aujourd’hui, demain…
Best wishes to the entire family, and my black lab Sophie wags at Braise and Smokey on Valentines Day.
Best wishes to the entire family, and my black lab Sophie wags at Braise and Smokey on Valentines Day.
Keep posting your lovely photos and some French words and phrases, and we’ll wait to read your memoir when it’s published!
Keep posting your lovely photos and some French words and phrases, and we’ll wait to read your memoir when it’s published!
Kristin, it looks like you made peace with the decision about the book. I’m glad because only you can know what’s best for you and your family. It also looks like you’ll have lots of support from lots of people through the process. Bon courage with the book!
Kristin, it looks like you made peace with the decision about the book. I’m glad because only you can know what’s best for you and your family. It also looks like you’ll have lots of support from lots of people through the process. Bon courage with the book!
Dear Kristin:
I applaud your decision to write anything (private or not)!!!! You are wonderful! Thank you for sharing your daily insights, wonderful photos and allowing us a glimpse into your life (which seems somewhat exotic to those of us living in suburbia, USA). Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family!!!
Kristin D.
Dear Kristin:
I applaud your decision to write anything (private or not)!!!! You are wonderful! Thank you for sharing your daily insights, wonderful photos and allowing us a glimpse into your life (which seems somewhat exotic to those of us living in suburbia, USA). Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family!!!
Kristin D.
Kristin,
What a good example you set! No matter the challenge, your constant resolve and ever present positive and beautiful outlook on life is an inspiration. You use good judgement in the decision to write your memoir in private for now, but it will undoubtedly bring courage to others, with it’s debut. You deserve the best that life has to give. Happy Valentines Day to the sweetest family in France!
I love that you played baseball on an all boy team! Can you tell us a story from that experience? I’ll bet you were a great little hitter!
Kristin,
What a good example you set! No matter the challenge, your constant resolve and ever present positive and beautiful outlook on life is an inspiration. You use good judgement in the decision to write your memoir in private for now, but it will undoubtedly bring courage to others, with it’s debut. You deserve the best that life has to give. Happy Valentines Day to the sweetest family in France!
I love that you played baseball on an all boy team! Can you tell us a story from that experience? I’ll bet you were a great little hitter!
Bravo, Kristin, for continuing on with your memoir! And it’s wonderful that your family will be assisting in the process. I consider it such a joy to have found you, and I look forward to the day when this new book is published. Until then, I treasure each new entry on your blog!
Karene in So. Calif.
Bravo, Kristin, for continuing on with your memoir! And it’s wonderful that your family will be assisting in the process. I consider it such a joy to have found you, and I look forward to the day when this new book is published. Until then, I treasure each new entry on your blog!
Karene in So. Calif.
Wisdom. You are blazing a path. Hopefully, we all have the courage to follow. Consciousness . That is the journey.
Thank you.
Mary
Wisdom. You are blazing a path. Hopefully, we all have the courage to follow. Consciousness . That is the journey.
Thank you.
Mary
Kristin,
I’ve been a reader for more than a year, and had read your first book before I discovered this site. At first, it was just more of my large library of living the beautiful and amusing life of an expat. I loved your stories about adjusting to a different language, in a different country. Finding out about your cancer was shocking, and at the time, I told my husband that it was amazing how emotionally upsetting your health crises were to so many people, including me, who had never met you. It was a lesson in the power of the internet community. However, I must admit I spent a lot of time thinking about your decision to write a memoir that laid bare so many personal things. Blogging, and the internet, has broken down personal privacy in so many ways. Putting your story “out there”, for ever, is a gutsy move. While I’m sure all your readers love the “skipping through the lavender” stuff, I wondered why we needed to peek inside the most personal parts of your life, and my response was to protect you from who knows what possible adverse results there might be. I’m glad you are going to write your memoir privately. I know that you are smart, and have a lot of family support, but I suspect that writing the whole story, and then sharing it with your closest friends and family first is the right move. Great decision. That said, it is plain to see that your readers love you, and clearly want to protect you. I hope you appreciate that.
Kristin,
I’ve been a reader for more than a year, and had read your first book before I discovered this site. At first, it was just more of my large library of living the beautiful and amusing life of an expat. I loved your stories about adjusting to a different language, in a different country. Finding out about your cancer was shocking, and at the time, I told my husband that it was amazing how emotionally upsetting your health crises were to so many people, including me, who had never met you. It was a lesson in the power of the internet community. However, I must admit I spent a lot of time thinking about your decision to write a memoir that laid bare so many personal things. Blogging, and the internet, has broken down personal privacy in so many ways. Putting your story “out there”, for ever, is a gutsy move. While I’m sure all your readers love the “skipping through the lavender” stuff, I wondered why we needed to peek inside the most personal parts of your life, and my response was to protect you from who knows what possible adverse results there might be. I’m glad you are going to write your memoir privately. I know that you are smart, and have a lot of family support, but I suspect that writing the whole story, and then sharing it with your closest friends and family first is the right move. Great decision. That said, it is plain to see that your readers love you, and clearly want to protect you. I hope you appreciate that.
What courage it took to reveal your innermost thoughts and anguishes! You never know, though, who you might encourage down the road with your insight from what you have learned and experienced. People young and old struggle with addictions and need mentors to help them find the way. Who better to serve than someone who has walked the same path. My children have struggled with their alcohol consumption, although I have not, I learned fairly early on in my married life that I had an allergy to alcohol. Strangely enough, last Sunday, my daughter called to say that she had nearly gone into anaphylactic shock from drinking a vodka drink. Now, she must become a teetotaler too. She sent me a pic of her covered in hives, red from head to toe. Her throat had constricted. She had to go on doses of Benadryl to fight the swelling and itching. Even beer & wine have the same effect on her. It looks like I passed on my DNA to her 😉 I will pass on to her a link to your blog. I think she will enjoy reading it.
What courage it took to reveal your innermost thoughts and anguishes! You never know, though, who you might encourage down the road with your insight from what you have learned and experienced. People young and old struggle with addictions and need mentors to help them find the way. Who better to serve than someone who has walked the same path. My children have struggled with their alcohol consumption, although I have not, I learned fairly early on in my married life that I had an allergy to alcohol. Strangely enough, last Sunday, my daughter called to say that she had nearly gone into anaphylactic shock from drinking a vodka drink. Now, she must become a teetotaler too. She sent me a pic of her covered in hives, red from head to toe. Her throat had constricted. She had to go on doses of Benadryl to fight the swelling and itching. Even beer & wine have the same effect on her. It looks like I passed on my DNA to her 😉 I will pass on to her a link to your blog. I think she will enjoy reading it.