One of the "séquelles" that remain after the two-dog attack on Smokey (years ago!) is that hanging tongue. Read about another, in today's story.
une séquelle (say-kel)
: aftereffect, aftermath scar, legacy
Une séquelle est une lésion qui persiste après la guérison d'une maladie ou blessure. Mot également utilisé lorsque l'on parle d'une conséquence plus ou moins lointaine qui est le contrecoup d'un évènement, d'une situation. A séquelle is a lesion that persists after the healing of an illness or injury. The word is equally used when talking about a consequence, more or less distant, that is the aftershock of an event or situation.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Dog Therapy
In the parking lot not far from the sea, the sky is barely visible beyond a canopy of parasol pines. The tall thin trees slant permanently and I sometimes wonder if it is the aftereffect of the wind, forever blowing on them?
"Look, Smokey, there's a friend!" I say, when we encounter the first hikers on our 20-minute parcours. Only, as our parties pass each other I notice the impersonal looks on the hikers' faces. As their black Labrador pauses to sniff Smokey, I smile at the different members of the group, but each set of eyes is glued to the path.
I tug on Smokey's leash, careful not to delay the hikers. "Maybe they've got other things on their mind," I explain to Smokey. You know how it is on a hike, some people are quick to offer a cheery hello, while others are lost in thought—and still others have invisible signs marked "Do Not Disturb!"
Farther along the sentier, we spy a trio of women. A little white dog is trotting alongside the ladies, who are already waving their hands and puckering their lips, in one warm extended greeting.
"Isn't he nice!" the women remark, as they bend down to pet Smokey. Their encouraging words are touching.
"It is wonderful therapy," I admit, telling the women a little about Smokey, who benefits so much from these friendly encounters. As I talk, I feel myself relaxing.
"What is her name?" I ask, smiling at the little dog with the long white hair.
"Etoile." The three women have that gentle confidence that comes from being a veteran aunt or sister or friend or caring co-worker. I feel their affection. With a spring in our step, Smokey and I walk on. Au revoir, we say goodbye to "Star" and her twinkling entourage.
Next, we pass a bulldog who hops along, all but dragging his stomach with him. Walking alongside the wobbling gourmand a young couple is lost in a bubble of love. The lovers wake briefly when the bulldog and the golden retriever exchange growling menaces. Yanking our respective leashes, the couple and I take a moment to exchange a friendly "no worries" greeting.
For the rest of our journey it is people-only encounters and I notice how some hikers can't resist reaching out to caress Smokey while others keep to themselves. Occasionally I notice a look of distaste, and I remember to pull out my tissue and wipe my dog's slobbering face. He can't help it, all that frothing at the mouth is just one of the séquelles of the attack he endured as a puppy.
Heading down the hill toward our car, I see a couple walking toward us. I quickly reach for the tissue and clean up my dog. Noticing some of the slobber is dripping down my pant leg, and another bit is dangling from the cuff of my sleeve I quickly brush the two together. Beurk!
"Il est magnifique," the woman with the red hair cheers and her partner, who reaches to pat Smokey on the head, assures me this is so.
I hear the woman repeat her words, adding a few more for good measure, "Il est magnifique, comme sa maitresse!"
The extra generous words take me by surprise and I can't help but be moved by the manner in which strangers reach out to one another. I have to wonder, Why us?
As the strangers walk off, I bend down to examine Smokey's crooked face, as I caress his golden chest. It is easy to see why he is so loved. And suddenly, I feel a little lucky about how, once again, some of that love has rubbed off on me. It's another of those gifts that our animals bring us: connection with the world out there.
To comment, click here. I'd love to read your thoughts about your animals. How does your cat or dog or… behave with other animals? Has your pet ever led you to a friendship? Healed you of a wound, internal or external? Click here to leave a comment or to read one.
* To read about Smokey's attack, click here.
Have you read A Dog's Life by Peter Mayle? Click here to read the reviews.
French Vocab
parcours = training course (for walking, jogging…)
le sentier = path
une étoile = star
au revoir = goodbye
une séquelle = scar, aftermath
beurk = yuck, gross
Il est magnifique = he is magnificent
comme sa maîtresse = like his mistress
An unusual place to write a story about quitting wine, but when my dear cousin-in-law gave me the poster, I couldn't help but smile to myself. Book update (and thanks for asking me to check in! I began chapter 2 on Friday and will continue this evening. When "blocking" the book in my head, various scenes, so vibrant and memorable, floated naturally to the surface of my mind. If each of these scenes is a chapter, this means the book will go forwards and backwards in time (i.e. the Prologue begin in 2013, while Chapter 1 unfolds in 2002. Chapter 2 opens up in 1994, just before our wedding…) My question to you now: Do you find it bothersome to read a book that goes backwards and forwards in time?
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Bonjour Kristin,
I can’t tell you how much I love this post. This is so beautiful and brought tears to my eyes!
Bonjour Kristin,
I can’t tell you how much I love this post. This is so beautiful and brought tears to my eyes!
No! In one word. Backwards and forwards creates a lovely ping-pong insight into the story, should I say herstory instead of history?
No! In one word. Backwards and forwards creates a lovely ping-pong insight into the story, should I say herstory instead of history?
Oh my goodness Kristin .. let me just COUNT the ways in which animals have affected my life. I can’t live without them. I adore them, don’t eat them and don’t wear them either. You’re right .. a dog’s love for us is immeasurable. Give ol’ slobber-face a kiss on the nose from his Auntie Linda will you?
Oh my goodness Kristin .. let me just COUNT the ways in which animals have affected my life. I can’t live without them. I adore them, don’t eat them and don’t wear them either. You’re right .. a dog’s love for us is immeasurable. Give ol’ slobber-face a kiss on the nose from his Auntie Linda will you?
No, back and forth in time is fine, but I can tell you (from my years of teaching literature and editing manuscripts) that it’s far from the easiest narrative style to control. The transitions are all-important. Good for you, for not taking the easiest route — but then that’s what the book is all about too!
No, back and forth in time is fine, but I can tell you (from my years of teaching literature and editing manuscripts) that it’s far from the easiest narrative style to control. The transitions are all-important. Good for you, for not taking the easiest route — but then that’s what the book is all about too!
Love the back and forth style. It seems much more natural when writing a memoir. Fragments of memories floating. Lives are not linear and memories need to surface when they appear. Good luck with your opus magus.
Love the back and forth style. It seems much more natural when writing a memoir. Fragments of memories floating. Lives are not linear and memories need to surface when they appear. Good luck with your opus magus.
Kristen, you write so beautifully. Taking an everyday event such as walking your beloved dog, and making it into a moving story to which we all can relate, is a special gift. The affect people have on us, the way kindness or just plain friendliness can lift our spirits, is something we experience daily.
Kristen, you write so beautifully. Taking an everyday event such as walking your beloved dog, and making it into a moving story to which we all can relate, is a special gift. The affect people have on us, the way kindness or just plain friendliness can lift our spirits, is something we experience daily.
When you asked that, it reminded me of talking about The Time Traveller’s Wife. I loved it loved it. But some people I spoke to didn’t, and for the very reason you said. So, I think the answer is, as most things are, each to their own. I’m sure the reason for writing it so, will keep it flowing. Bon courage. x
When you asked that, it reminded me of talking about The Time Traveller’s Wife. I loved it loved it. But some people I spoke to didn’t, and for the very reason you said. So, I think the answer is, as most things are, each to their own. I’m sure the reason for writing it so, will keep it flowing. Bon courage. x
So moving and so well-written…
Thank you so much for sharing.
So moving and so well-written…
Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi again from Ellen in France: The back-and-forth is natural for autobiographical writing. It flows from “Here I am now” and next “How did I get here.” And remember that this particular “Real Autobiographical Novel” will not always be read only by the people who already read your blog and feel that they sort of “know you”, so it is important to fill in the background for everyone — it can be in the guise of musing on your own memories as you confront new experiences, etc. etc. Then, finally the writing will begin taking a strong and natural “chronological” direction, and the back-and-forth will disappear.
Hi again from Ellen in France: The back-and-forth is natural for autobiographical writing. It flows from “Here I am now” and next “How did I get here.” And remember that this particular “Real Autobiographical Novel” will not always be read only by the people who already read your blog and feel that they sort of “know you”, so it is important to fill in the background for everyone — it can be in the guise of musing on your own memories as you confront new experiences, etc. etc. Then, finally the writing will begin taking a strong and natural “chronological” direction, and the back-and-forth will disappear.
Hate back and forth. Unless it’s a masterpiece like Catch 22.
Hate back and forth. Unless it’s a masterpiece like Catch 22.
I have met more people because of our golden, Crosby, than I ever met with each baby in a stroller. AND, I’ve wanted to pet every single dog I’ve ever encountered, while I can’t say the same about every human I’ve happened upon. I don’t really trust people who’ve never had a pet. They seem to have a different agenda than our family. Dogs, cats, birds… we love ’em all.
Our first golden hung by my side through a summer’s illness in 2006. Our second golden, who was born the day our first one died, helped us get over his death at age 13. And all our 7 cats down through the years… what can I say. They taught our sons to love animals, and they are now big, strapping 30-somethings with cats on their laps.
I have met more people because of our golden, Crosby, than I ever met with each baby in a stroller. AND, I’ve wanted to pet every single dog I’ve ever encountered, while I can’t say the same about every human I’ve happened upon. I don’t really trust people who’ve never had a pet. They seem to have a different agenda than our family. Dogs, cats, birds… we love ’em all.
Our first golden hung by my side through a summer’s illness in 2006. Our second golden, who was born the day our first one died, helped us get over his death at age 13. And all our 7 cats down through the years… what can I say. They taught our sons to love animals, and they are now big, strapping 30-somethings with cats on their laps.
I, too, loved this story! Animals have always been a very central part of my life. As an infant, my mother tells me that her Siamese cat would sleep in my crib. I don’t have any memory of this, but I like to think that it conditioned me to empathize with animals. Each of my four children also had a cat–or three–that liked to snuggle up with them as babies. And since all of my children love cats, maybe there is something to my theory that this early contact conditions children to connect with animals!
As a child, I always felt more comfortable with animals than with people. As an adult, I have never been without an entourage of pets. (to my husband’s dismay) At the moment I have 11 cats, 4 dogs, 22 chickens, 3 ducks, 1 guinea, 2 lizards, 1 parrot, 5 horses, and 2 donkeys. Most of these are rescues. Sometimes we also have wildlife recovering from various injurious or problems such as baby songbirds or opossums. And yes, I live on a farm.
I do believe that animals can help heal mental or physical traumas. There is something so soothing about stroking an animal. They will love you unconditionally and forever. If that doesn’t make a person feel at least a little better, what will?
I like the back and forth style of your writing. I think it makes it more interesting–a touch of unpredictability. I look forward to reading the entire book!
I, too, loved this story! Animals have always been a very central part of my life. As an infant, my mother tells me that her Siamese cat would sleep in my crib. I don’t have any memory of this, but I like to think that it conditioned me to empathize with animals. Each of my four children also had a cat–or three–that liked to snuggle up with them as babies. And since all of my children love cats, maybe there is something to my theory that this early contact conditions children to connect with animals!
As a child, I always felt more comfortable with animals than with people. As an adult, I have never been without an entourage of pets. (to my husband’s dismay) At the moment I have 11 cats, 4 dogs, 22 chickens, 3 ducks, 1 guinea, 2 lizards, 1 parrot, 5 horses, and 2 donkeys. Most of these are rescues. Sometimes we also have wildlife recovering from various injurious or problems such as baby songbirds or opossums. And yes, I live on a farm.
I do believe that animals can help heal mental or physical traumas. There is something so soothing about stroking an animal. They will love you unconditionally and forever. If that doesn’t make a person feel at least a little better, what will?
I like the back and forth style of your writing. I think it makes it more interesting–a touch of unpredictability. I look forward to reading the entire book!
Yes, I think it is disjuctive to go back & forth. But nothing wrong with writing it that way if it comes to you in that manner. You can rearrange and transition it later.
Cheers! Charlie
Yes, I think it is disjuctive to go back & forth. But nothing wrong with writing it that way if it comes to you in that manner. You can rearrange and transition it later.
Cheers! Charlie
The back and forth style is fine . The burning question for your readers is who is going to play you and family in the film !! I agree about the dog breaking the ice . Whenever I hear ” how cute ” I respond ” and so’s the dog ”
The back and forth style is fine . The burning question for your readers is who is going to play you and family in the film !! I agree about the dog breaking the ice . Whenever I hear ” how cute ” I respond ” and so’s the dog ”
Kristin,
Make sure as you venture on your journey of discovery with your new book that as your zapping yourself with your life,s mistakes that you also nurture yourself too.Sounds like one of the many ways you might do this is time with Smokey,for he loves you unconditionally.
Kristin,
Make sure as you venture on your journey of discovery with your new book that as your zapping yourself with your life,s mistakes that you also nurture yourself too.Sounds like one of the many ways you might do this is time with Smokey,for he loves you unconditionally.
I enjoy a story that goes back and forth in time as long as the time period is indicated clearly, maybe in the chapter headings. Also make sure characters mentioned are also clearly defined in their period and setting.
I enjoy a story that goes back and forth in time as long as the time period is indicated clearly, maybe in the chapter headings. Also make sure characters mentioned are also clearly defined in their period and setting.
Je veux que lire cette article en francais avant de je le lire en anglais. J’apprendre francais and je veux practice. Puis-je le voir en francais? Merci beaucoup.
Je veux que lire cette article en francais avant de je le lire en anglais. J’apprendre francais and je veux practice. Puis-je le voir en francais? Merci beaucoup.
As Georgane said, a story that goes back and forth in time is fun to read as long as the reader knows where in time we are. After our dear Golden Theo went to his reward, we got a cat (I know, I know, dog people aren’t usually cat people or the reverse), but Julius was a very nice cat. However, he was very territorial with his house when it came to taking care of other animals. When my sister-in-law brought over their Golden Billy for us to take care of for a week, Julius went and sat on Billy’s bed and looked at him as if to say “…and where are you (Billy) going to sleep?” Poor Billy just laid down on the carpet in front of his occupied bed!
As Georgane said, a story that goes back and forth in time is fun to read as long as the reader knows where in time we are. After our dear Golden Theo went to his reward, we got a cat (I know, I know, dog people aren’t usually cat people or the reverse), but Julius was a very nice cat. However, he was very territorial with his house when it came to taking care of other animals. When my sister-in-law brought over their Golden Billy for us to take care of for a week, Julius went and sat on Billy’s bed and looked at him as if to say “…and where are you (Billy) going to sleep?” Poor Billy just laid down on the carpet in front of his occupied bed!
Oui, vous etes magnifique, Kristen et Smokey. I love dogs, walks, nature and happy dog stories.
Oui, vous etes magnifique, Kristen et Smokey. I love dogs, walks, nature and happy dog stories.
My college aged son adopted “Buddy”, a beagle/boxer mix,from the pound. He served as a veritable ‘chick magnet’ until I rescued Buddy from fraternity life debauchery. I like the bumper sticker that has a cartoon dog’s face that says “Who rescued who?”
Wells Edmundson
My college aged son adopted “Buddy”, a beagle/boxer mix,from the pound. He served as a veritable ‘chick magnet’ until I rescued Buddy from fraternity life debauchery. I like the bumper sticker that has a cartoon dog’s face that says “Who rescued who?”
Wells Edmundson
So timely reading your post today. I just shared a story about My Little French Poodle. We’re in transition and going through Hospice care for her. Her name is Maui, she is 18-years old. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story, I felt I was on the hike with you. Have a creative day!
http://sierradanteblog.blogspot.com/
So timely reading your post today. I just shared a story about My Little French Poodle. We’re in transition and going through Hospice care for her. Her name is Maui, she is 18-years old. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story, I felt I was on the hike with you. Have a creative day!
http://sierradanteblog.blogspot.com/
My Bindi Sue is a 5-1/2 year old boxer, but I still call her my puppy. I wish I could post her picture here for you. I have it as the wallpaper on my cell phone, and I drag it out to show anyone with little to no prompting.
When we are out together, there is a very noticeable tone of voice that comes from those that see her and say “Aw … what a cute puppy,” and she instantly recognizes that she has met a new friend. Her stub of a tail wags so quickly, it surprises me that she doesn’t fall over. She pulls at her leash to go give and receive love — rubbing on their legs, happily receiving pats and pets, and, although I have tried for years to break her of it, to jump up in hopes of giving them a sloppy wet kiss. Some allow it, others gently hold her off as they laugh at her eager greeting.
Everyone wants to know her name, how old she is, and to tell me about another boxer they have known.
Oh, yes indeed! My dog has helped me make friends often. She lifts my spirits and those of others she encounters. She is a true blessing in my life.
She loves meeting other dogs, but they are often intimidated by her very enthusiastic greetings. Other boxers don’t have a problem, but they and she do drool when together. Tissues are a must when walking my dog.
Love you,
Jeanne
My Bindi Sue is a 5-1/2 year old boxer, but I still call her my puppy. I wish I could post her picture here for you. I have it as the wallpaper on my cell phone, and I drag it out to show anyone with little to no prompting.
When we are out together, there is a very noticeable tone of voice that comes from those that see her and say “Aw … what a cute puppy,” and she instantly recognizes that she has met a new friend. Her stub of a tail wags so quickly, it surprises me that she doesn’t fall over. She pulls at her leash to go give and receive love — rubbing on their legs, happily receiving pats and pets, and, although I have tried for years to break her of it, to jump up in hopes of giving them a sloppy wet kiss. Some allow it, others gently hold her off as they laugh at her eager greeting.
Everyone wants to know her name, how old she is, and to tell me about another boxer they have known.
Oh, yes indeed! My dog has helped me make friends often. She lifts my spirits and those of others she encounters. She is a true blessing in my life.
She loves meeting other dogs, but they are often intimidated by her very enthusiastic greetings. Other boxers don’t have a problem, but they and she do drool when together. Tissues are a must when walking my dog.
Love you,
Jeanne
Is it my imagination or are you writing more from the heart? Whatever, keep doing it. Your “sequence”, or lack of, is great. That is how thoughts come to us. Persis
Is it my imagination or are you writing more from the heart? Whatever, keep doing it. Your “sequence”, or lack of, is great. That is how thoughts come to us. Persis
What a noble photo of Smokey. And dogs are always great ice-breakers. When we moved into our neighborhood a decade ago, my two dogs gave me a way to worm into a place that will, for at least another ten years, refer to my house as so-and-so’s house. Because we are on the corner and my dogs have greeted (or barked at, sometimes) people passing on the sidewalk I can always say “I live in the house with the tan hound dog” and people will know because they’ve stopped to say hello.
As for your story, it will tell you how it needs to be told. If back and forth is what it needs, then that is how it will work. If it is compelling writing, readers will follow it anywhere.
What a noble photo of Smokey. And dogs are always great ice-breakers. When we moved into our neighborhood a decade ago, my two dogs gave me a way to worm into a place that will, for at least another ten years, refer to my house as so-and-so’s house. Because we are on the corner and my dogs have greeted (or barked at, sometimes) people passing on the sidewalk I can always say “I live in the house with the tan hound dog” and people will know because they’ve stopped to say hello.
As for your story, it will tell you how it needs to be told. If back and forth is what it needs, then that is how it will work. If it is compelling writing, readers will follow it anywhere.
I love books that go back and forth in time. It is intriguing, kind of like a puzzle. It is also very real, since our minds are constantly pulling up past experiences while viewing the present and imagining the future. What fun you must be having, letting your creative imagination run wild.
I love books that go back and forth in time. It is intriguing, kind of like a puzzle. It is also very real, since our minds are constantly pulling up past experiences while viewing the present and imagining the future. What fun you must be having, letting your creative imagination run wild.