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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It seems to me that you need to write as it comes to you. Choice is not necessarily a factor. We are fortunate and thankful that you choose to share with us. You are a blessing in our lives. And so is Smokey.
It seems to me that you need to write as it comes to you. Choice is not necessarily a factor. We are fortunate and thankful that you choose to share with us. You are a blessing in our lives. And so is Smokey.
When our son moved back home while recovering from narcotic addiction he brought along “Ardwhite Chamberlain” a 3 ft long Amazonian Arawana fish. The tank takes up most of our beautiful dining room. In the beginning I disliked Ardwhite and his colossal tank for ruining my decor. After a time I began to actually enjoy watching him and his pet; a red tail Amazon catfish named Tom Selleck due his delightful black mustachios. That’s what family life is though; making room for more love, accepting the changes life brings, and blooming within those new parameters. Both son and fish are thriving. One can not rush these things. It can be difficult to explain why my son doesn’t work yet; why he doesn’t go to college, etc. If everyone would just accept what “is”, relax, and watch the fish! (we also now have 2 African side neck turtles in another tank upstairs but that’s another tale)
When our son moved back home while recovering from narcotic addiction he brought along “Ardwhite Chamberlain” a 3 ft long Amazonian Arawana fish. The tank takes up most of our beautiful dining room. In the beginning I disliked Ardwhite and his colossal tank for ruining my decor. After a time I began to actually enjoy watching him and his pet; a red tail Amazon catfish named Tom Selleck due his delightful black mustachios. That’s what family life is though; making room for more love, accepting the changes life brings, and blooming within those new parameters. Both son and fish are thriving. One can not rush these things. It can be difficult to explain why my son doesn’t work yet; why he doesn’t go to college, etc. If everyone would just accept what “is”, relax, and watch the fish! (we also now have 2 African side neck turtles in another tank upstairs but that’s another tale)
I always think of dogs as the best diplomats.If it hasn’t been trained out of them by their owners, they always seem to be curious and eager to greet new friends, thus introducing *me* to a wider world.
And as for a story that hops back and forth in time, I think the heart has its own chronology, a logic beyond the linear. Besides, I never really worry about structure until I’ve marked my territory and know exactly which episodes must be included for the story to have its full impact.
I’m gonna go a little Star Wars on you, Kristin…trust the story. The story is with you.
<3
Linda
I always think of dogs as the best diplomats.If it hasn’t been trained out of them by their owners, they always seem to be curious and eager to greet new friends, thus introducing *me* to a wider world.
And as for a story that hops back and forth in time, I think the heart has its own chronology, a logic beyond the linear. Besides, I never really worry about structure until I’ve marked my territory and know exactly which episodes must be included for the story to have its full impact.
I’m gonna go a little Star Wars on you, Kristin…trust the story. The story is with you.
<3
Linda
No the back and forth makes a lot of sense since the past gives our present a “frame of reference”. I love how you write and am so grateful that you are sharing more with us, your adoring readers!
No the back and forth makes a lot of sense since the past gives our present a “frame of reference”. I love how you write and am so grateful that you are sharing more with us, your adoring readers!
It’s your book, do what you want to do. Now the real song will be stuck in my mind all day! At any rate, you don’t need anyone’s approval to create your masterpiece. Don’t take the safe way out!
It’s your book, do what you want to do. Now the real song will be stuck in my mind all day! At any rate, you don’t need anyone’s approval to create your masterpiece. Don’t take the safe way out!
I love the back and forth in time but make sure we know the dates! Sometimes it’s several sentences into the new chapter and I realize it’s a different time! Maybe that’s just me, but I prefer the date at the top! Keep up the good work. I’m only half done and can’t seem to get back to it.
I love the back and forth in time but make sure we know the dates! Sometimes it’s several sentences into the new chapter and I realize it’s a different time! Maybe that’s just me, but I prefer the date at the top! Keep up the good work. I’m only half done and can’t seem to get back to it.
Thanks for this lovely post, I so much apppreciate news about ourbeloved Smoky. My miniature schnauzer, Maxie, has brought more love and joy than words could convey. She is a total love bug, and I need that in my life! I think writing your memoir non-linearly is a good idea and will enliven the telling. Continue enjoying your walks with Smoky Dokey. xox from sunny, cold SW Virginia.
Thanks for this lovely post, I so much apppreciate news about ourbeloved Smoky. My miniature schnauzer, Maxie, has brought more love and joy than words could convey. She is a total love bug, and I need that in my life! I think writing your memoir non-linearly is a good idea and will enliven the telling. Continue enjoying your walks with Smoky Dokey. xox from sunny, cold SW Virginia.
As an editor, I am all for those who play with time the way that time plays with us! One of the books I edited, MRS. VELVET AND THE BLUE STRING THEORY goes in and out of time and the chapters are numbered on the Fibonacci sequence! So yes! Weave time with those words!
As an editor, I am all for those who play with time the way that time plays with us! One of the books I edited, MRS. VELVET AND THE BLUE STRING THEORY goes in and out of time and the chapters are numbered on the Fibonacci sequence! So yes! Weave time with those words!
That was great, L M Davies! “The story is with you.” Like so many things in life, if we can get the hay out of our own way, the flow will seek and find its course.
That was great, L M Davies! “The story is with you.” Like so many things in life, if we can get the hay out of our own way, the flow will seek and find its course.
Kristin,
Back and forth would not disturb me at all. I think that many of us. especially women seem to be able to do this much easier than men.
I love Smokey (and Braise) and his tongue does not bother me. When I walk in my neighborhood, I meet all of the dogs and know their names, but do not know their owners (parents) names. I hadn’t seen Tessie, a Golden Lab, for a long time and when I saw her after the Nemo snow storm, she just came up to me and leaned into me for her chest and belly rub. Unfortunately I do not have any animals right now. We travel too much and I am caring for a 95 year old mother. I do miss my cats, and my husband tolerated them, but did not love them as I did.
Kathleen
Kristin,
Back and forth would not disturb me at all. I think that many of us. especially women seem to be able to do this much easier than men.
I love Smokey (and Braise) and his tongue does not bother me. When I walk in my neighborhood, I meet all of the dogs and know their names, but do not know their owners (parents) names. I hadn’t seen Tessie, a Golden Lab, for a long time and when I saw her after the Nemo snow storm, she just came up to me and leaned into me for her chest and belly rub. Unfortunately I do not have any animals right now. We travel too much and I am caring for a 95 year old mother. I do miss my cats, and my husband tolerated them, but did not love them as I did.
Kathleen
thanks for the beautiful, uplifting story this morning! I so enjoyed yours and Smokey’s walk and all your encounters! Beautiful!
and, No problem with back and forth.. So looking forward to your next book!
thanks for the beautiful, uplifting story this morning! I so enjoyed yours and Smokey’s walk and all your encounters! Beautiful!
and, No problem with back and forth.. So looking forward to your next book!
Sometimes changes in time have me longing for more … which I think is a good thing. What in the past lead the character to behave this way? Where is the new growth now? I agree with Ellen, that at some point the story will then continue to move forward … as your internal growth did. And as Passante advised … transitions are important (or the movement can become annoying). Love the photo of Smokey! It is interesting how animals can bring people together who may not have made contact otherwise.
Sometimes changes in time have me longing for more … which I think is a good thing. What in the past lead the character to behave this way? Where is the new growth now? I agree with Ellen, that at some point the story will then continue to move forward … as your internal growth did. And as Passante advised … transitions are important (or the movement can become annoying). Love the photo of Smokey! It is interesting how animals can bring people together who may not have made contact otherwise.
I love books that go back and forth in time, as long as the dates/transitions are clear.
I will keep a long story shorter: We got our cat two years ago. Our daughter had been dealing with depression, and her therapist thought it would help her. I thought I was allergic, but was willing to take meds if necessary. Two years ago, for my daughter’s 16th birthday, we found the perfect kitty–Arthur. I never had a problem with allergies (although our son did, but after a few months, they went away!)
Arthur has entered all our hearts (although my husband had been reluctant, thinking it would be a lot of work). Our daughter feeds him, and cleans up after him. And most important, she is happy and no longer depressed. Of course, it is more involved than that. But we can’t imagine our lives without Arthur! He’s wonderful!
I love books that go back and forth in time, as long as the dates/transitions are clear.
I will keep a long story shorter: We got our cat two years ago. Our daughter had been dealing with depression, and her therapist thought it would help her. I thought I was allergic, but was willing to take meds if necessary. Two years ago, for my daughter’s 16th birthday, we found the perfect kitty–Arthur. I never had a problem with allergies (although our son did, but after a few months, they went away!)
Arthur has entered all our hearts (although my husband had been reluctant, thinking it would be a lot of work). Our daughter feeds him, and cleans up after him. And most important, she is happy and no longer depressed. Of course, it is more involved than that. But we can’t imagine our lives without Arthur! He’s wonderful!
My darling cat, Sweetie Pie, was a great companion as I was undergoing chemotherapy some years ago. For hours, she would sit with me on the sofa, nuzzling up to me, purring softly, and napping right along with me. I miss this darling friend…her loyalty was amazing. She seemed to sense exactly what I needed.
Madeleine
My darling cat, Sweetie Pie, was a great companion as I was undergoing chemotherapy some years ago. For hours, she would sit with me on the sofa, nuzzling up to me, purring softly, and napping right along with me. I miss this darling friend…her loyalty was amazing. She seemed to sense exactly what I needed.
Madeleine
The overwhelmingly positive response to this post is further affirmation of the pure love we receive from our animal friends (family). I believe they will keep loving us unconditionally until we awaken and understand how to do it ourselves. They are God’s Emissaries of Divine Light. We would all be wise to get a degree from Doggie University. As for the book configuration – keep walkin’ and talkin’ with Smokey … you’ll get your answers. Great stuff, Kristin, thank you! Aloha, Bill
The overwhelmingly positive response to this post is further affirmation of the pure love we receive from our animal friends (family). I believe they will keep loving us unconditionally until we awaken and understand how to do it ourselves. They are God’s Emissaries of Divine Light. We would all be wise to get a degree from Doggie University. As for the book configuration – keep walkin’ and talkin’ with Smokey … you’ll get your answers. Great stuff, Kristin, thank you! Aloha, Bill
Hi Kristi!I remember when Smokey was attacked, it was right after I left there in 2009. I loved “puppy-sitting” Smokey and his 5 sisters when I hurt my knee during Harvest. I was so glad that Smokey survived that awful attack and with basically only small scars, as we know it could have been much worse!I have my 3 Pomeranians and couldn’t imagine being without them!I wish Smokey R Dokey a long and happy life being loved by family and friends alike!
Hi Kristi!I remember when Smokey was attacked, it was right after I left there in 2009. I loved “puppy-sitting” Smokey and his 5 sisters when I hurt my knee during Harvest. I was so glad that Smokey survived that awful attack and with basically only small scars, as we know it could have been much worse!I have my 3 Pomeranians and couldn’t imagine being without them!I wish Smokey R Dokey a long and happy life being loved by family and friends alike!
I treasure the memories of all my pets, now gone to pet heaven. Many cats in my youth along with a couple of small dogs. German Shepherds for a lot of our married life. What a wonderful gift a pet is! They love us unconditionally and, as with you, many times are the spark of a friendly encounter. The back and forth of the time periods in your memoir seems almost inevitable and anyone who reads much will certainly appreciate the necessity of it. Do quit worrying about things like that and write what’s in your heart. All will be well. We’re pulling for you as always.
I treasure the memories of all my pets, now gone to pet heaven. Many cats in my youth along with a couple of small dogs. German Shepherds for a lot of our married life. What a wonderful gift a pet is! They love us unconditionally and, as with you, many times are the spark of a friendly encounter. The back and forth of the time periods in your memoir seems almost inevitable and anyone who reads much will certainly appreciate the necessity of it. Do quit worrying about things like that and write what’s in your heart. All will be well. We’re pulling for you as always.
I find my eyes welling up with tears as I read you Kristi. I love Smokey from afar, from Michigan. I love your very talented writing and the pleasure “sharing a moment” with you brings to my day. C’est merveilleux! Le monsieur avait raison: Smokey ET sa maitresse sont merveilleux! Merci encore!
I find my eyes welling up with tears as I read you Kristi. I love Smokey from afar, from Michigan. I love your very talented writing and the pleasure “sharing a moment” with you brings to my day. C’est merveilleux! Le monsieur avait raison: Smokey ET sa maitresse sont merveilleux! Merci encore!
KRISTI DARLING,
Thank you once again for lifting my soul this morning. So much to say but thanks to all of your precious friends they have said it for me and I can now rest after the roller-coaster ride you took us all on the past two weeks.
I still want to see 500 words a day, Monday through Friday. I am awaiting your email with today work.
Ha-Ha !!! Kristi has appointed me her chief agent and editor for the moment, til we need a real profestional…and part of my job is to put the pressure on.
I know you can crank out 500 words in 20 minutes…think of it as an exercise, like running up the mountain, and think how great you will feel when you finish.
XOXO
MOM
KRISTI DARLING,
Thank you once again for lifting my soul this morning. So much to say but thanks to all of your precious friends they have said it for me and I can now rest after the roller-coaster ride you took us all on the past two weeks.
I still want to see 500 words a day, Monday through Friday. I am awaiting your email with today work.
Ha-Ha !!! Kristi has appointed me her chief agent and editor for the moment, til we need a real profestional…and part of my job is to put the pressure on.
I know you can crank out 500 words in 20 minutes…think of it as an exercise, like running up the mountain, and think how great you will feel when you finish.
XOXO
MOM
I agree with Passante, the back and fourth narrative is difficult to control. I get frustrated when the writer does not make it clear they are moving between time periods. I have no suggestions as to how to do this, just to try to make it obvious it is being done – for us dunderheads out here. And today’s post brought tears to my eyes too!
I agree with Passante, the back and fourth narrative is difficult to control. I get frustrated when the writer does not make it clear they are moving between time periods. I have no suggestions as to how to do this, just to try to make it obvious it is being done – for us dunderheads out here. And today’s post brought tears to my eyes too!
HA-HA!!! OF COURSE YOU ALL ALREADY KNOW I CAN’T SPELL, sorry about all of the mistakes.
XOXO
I’m going out on my terrace to paint now – it’s about 78 degrees here in sunny Mexico.
HA-HA!!! OF COURSE YOU ALL ALREADY KNOW I CAN’T SPELL, sorry about all of the mistakes.
XOXO
I’m going out on my terrace to paint now – it’s about 78 degrees here in sunny Mexico.
I adore all animals and can rarely resist
petting them. Your post brings to mind an incident in Paris several years ago. I had reached out to pet a small dog while at an outdoor cafe. Although I didn’t fully understand her words, it was obvious that the woman holding the leash did not want me to touch the dog. I wondered if the French typically prefer that strangers do not pet their dogs. Just curious…
I adore all animals and can rarely resist
petting them. Your post brings to mind an incident in Paris several years ago. I had reached out to pet a small dog while at an outdoor cafe. Although I didn’t fully understand her words, it was obvious that the woman holding the leash did not want me to touch the dog. I wondered if the French typically prefer that strangers do not pet their dogs. Just curious…
Beautifully written, expressing so many aspects of thought and emotion. Now I understand the story behind Smokeys’ licker.
I grew up with animals, as my Dad brought home a stray from the piano store he worked at one night. Being nine years old, my Dad seemed a hero and we were the recipients of a new family member Morty. He had a tremendous underbite, teeth pointing up to his sad eyes, but we loved that dog.
A stray puppy walked into our house a few months ago and spent the weekend, as we couldn’t get anyone to pick him up (because of a tsunami warning and staff unavailability.) That Monday, I drove him out to the humane society and then proceeded to cry all the way home. Long story short I adopted Fruget as my husband struggles with illness continue and I felt like we had been chosen by this special dog to care for us. He has helped me cope with my role as caregiver supporting my ups and downs, also giving me an excuse to play. My husband has never quite been a dog person, so it’s been an interesting journey to see the two of them and how he is softening his resistance and learning to look outside himself. The cat was totally disgusted when he arrived, however, is looking on with interest and pacing himself closer each day. The patience Fruget has taught us is
immeasurable, the love he has given priceless. Animals bring healing to all of us.
Beautifully written, expressing so many aspects of thought and emotion. Now I understand the story behind Smokeys’ licker.
I grew up with animals, as my Dad brought home a stray from the piano store he worked at one night. Being nine years old, my Dad seemed a hero and we were the recipients of a new family member Morty. He had a tremendous underbite, teeth pointing up to his sad eyes, but we loved that dog.
A stray puppy walked into our house a few months ago and spent the weekend, as we couldn’t get anyone to pick him up (because of a tsunami warning and staff unavailability.) That Monday, I drove him out to the humane society and then proceeded to cry all the way home. Long story short I adopted Fruget as my husband struggles with illness continue and I felt like we had been chosen by this special dog to care for us. He has helped me cope with my role as caregiver supporting my ups and downs, also giving me an excuse to play. My husband has never quite been a dog person, so it’s been an interesting journey to see the two of them and how he is softening his resistance and learning to look outside himself. The cat was totally disgusted when he arrived, however, is looking on with interest and pacing himself closer each day. The patience Fruget has taught us is
immeasurable, the love he has given priceless. Animals bring healing to all of us.
Yes, our animals (especially our dogs) connect us. Jones was acquired to be a shop dog–people might not remember the details of the shop; but they love Jones and the love he lavishes on them. And life is found in all of the amazing connections that we make.
Say “hi” to Smokey from Jones.
Mary
Yes, our animals (especially our dogs) connect us. Jones was acquired to be a shop dog–people might not remember the details of the shop; but they love Jones and the love he lavishes on them. And life is found in all of the amazing connections that we make.
Say “hi” to Smokey from Jones.
Mary
Formidable!
Formidable!