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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Kristin, you always write such wonderful descriptions: “wobbling gourmand” and “bubble of love”. One of my most beloved dogs was a poodle named “Maggie”. Once,while traveling, my husband and I were eating a quick bite when my sandwich had a little tug on one corner. I looked around and saw “Maggie” perched directly behind me. Remembering my manners, I shared my snack with her.
Kristin, you always write such wonderful descriptions: “wobbling gourmand” and “bubble of love”. One of my most beloved dogs was a poodle named “Maggie”. Once,while traveling, my husband and I were eating a quick bite when my sandwich had a little tug on one corner. I looked around and saw “Maggie” perched directly behind me. Remembering my manners, I shared my snack with her.
I swear dogs expand human hearts! Especially one with a face like Smokey-Doke’s! I found this to be true:
“Dog Lessons for People”
Run and play daily, Love unconditionally, Be quick to forgive,
Follow your instincts, Be loyal and faithful,
Life is short, pet often, Avoid biting when a growl will do,
Sometimes it is best to just sit close and listen,
Enjoy the simple pleasures of a walk,
Never underestimate the value of a belly rub,
Keep digging until you find what you want,
Accept all of life’s treats with gratitude. ~ Anonymous
I swear dogs expand human hearts! Especially one with a face like Smokey-Doke’s! I found this to be true:
“Dog Lessons for People”
Run and play daily, Love unconditionally, Be quick to forgive,
Follow your instincts, Be loyal and faithful,
Life is short, pet often, Avoid biting when a growl will do,
Sometimes it is best to just sit close and listen,
Enjoy the simple pleasures of a walk,
Never underestimate the value of a belly rub,
Keep digging until you find what you want,
Accept all of life’s treats with gratitude. ~ Anonymous
kriston…i love what you’re doing….time is non linear in my world….
kriston…i love what you’re doing….time is non linear in my world….
It isn’t every author who can pull off shifting from PAST to PRESENT but if it makes more sense to you then I’m sure it will to the reader, too. My preference is to start from the beginning and have the ending be at the end. But, I tend to live within boundaries so don’t listen to me!! 🙂
It isn’t every author who can pull off shifting from PAST to PRESENT but if it makes more sense to you then I’m sure it will to the reader, too. My preference is to start from the beginning and have the ending be at the end. But, I tend to live within boundaries so don’t listen to me!! 🙂
Just back from an aller-retour to Marseilles, to pick up my mother-in-law who is spending time here out the house. I am reading these helpful comments now, and finding the courage needed to work on the story tonight. (I am not a night writer, but will learn to be flexible — as well as to trust the process). Thank you very much for taking the time to comment! P.S. As I type, I can hear my mother-in-law in the house, discovering all the little rooms. It is so good to have her here with me.
Just back from an aller-retour to Marseilles, to pick up my mother-in-law who is spending time here out the house. I am reading these helpful comments now, and finding the courage needed to work on the story tonight. (I am not a night writer, but will learn to be flexible — as well as to trust the process). Thank you very much for taking the time to comment! P.S. As I type, I can hear my mother-in-law in the house, discovering all the little rooms. It is so good to have her here with me.
Sharon, thanks for a new word dunderheads 🙂 You are so NOT that 🙂 P.S. Mom, thanks for the pressure — though I noticed you brought it down from 5000 words/day to Ann Mahs 500. Much better, especially as I have been on the road for two hours and am about to make soup with Michele-France. Jean-Marcs mom rocks! She said, after I brought her back to our house: Now go do what you have to do. Scram!
I admit that after the drive to Marseilles and back, it is good to have some alone time, drinking tea and reading these encouraging notes.
Sharon, thanks for a new word dunderheads 🙂 You are so NOT that 🙂 P.S. Mom, thanks for the pressure — though I noticed you brought it down from 5000 words/day to Ann Mahs 500. Much better, especially as I have been on the road for two hours and am about to make soup with Michele-France. Jean-Marcs mom rocks! She said, after I brought her back to our house: Now go do what you have to do. Scram!
I admit that after the drive to Marseilles and back, it is good to have some alone time, drinking tea and reading these encouraging notes.
Kristin, I have 4 dogs, and each one is a special light in my life. I could rave on and on about the unique and many gifts each bestows on me every day. I couldn’t imagine my life without them.
If you envision your book moving freely backward and forward in time, that must be the way the story is meant to be told. I too would be curious as to whom you would choose to play you in a movie of your life! How about Jean-Marc? Jules?
Continued blessings to you — Julianna
Kristin, I have 4 dogs, and each one is a special light in my life. I could rave on and on about the unique and many gifts each bestows on me every day. I couldn’t imagine my life without them.
If you envision your book moving freely backward and forward in time, that must be the way the story is meant to be told. I too would be curious as to whom you would choose to play you in a movie of your life! How about Jean-Marc? Jules?
Continued blessings to you — Julianna
Many great stories begin “in medeas res” (in the middle of things). Like the Odyssey, yours and Odysseus’, the story begins very recently, flashes back to what got you there, and finally ends with how you deal with what you have experienced. More recently, Barnes’ THE SENSE OF AN ENDING does the same thing in many ways. It’s got the wisdom of (our) age coupled with the excitement of re-living the past through those older eyes. I am loving this recent thread on the blog.
Tim
Many great stories begin “in medeas res” (in the middle of things). Like the Odyssey, yours and Odysseus’, the story begins very recently, flashes back to what got you there, and finally ends with how you deal with what you have experienced. More recently, Barnes’ THE SENSE OF AN ENDING does the same thing in many ways. It’s got the wisdom of (our) age coupled with the excitement of re-living the past through those older eyes. I am loving this recent thread on the blog.
Tim
Even if only one paragraph (as beautiful as the first one in today’s post.)
As for the couples you met on the walk, it now is obvious to me that the first couple were German, the second French and the last were Italian. In 1993 while hiking in the Swiss Alps with my Swiss friends we passed many people. My friends would greet them with either “greitze”, “bon jour”, or “buon journo” before the approaching peoople said a word. Finally I asked them how they knew which nationality they were. Andreas explained to me that the Germans walk with their heads down not talking, the French are smiling and chatting, and the Italians are laughing and having a great time! So all these descriptions seem to fit the people you and Smokey encountered. They just expressed it to the dog. Have a truly wonderful day!!!!!!!! (I am sure there will be a backlash from any Germans reading this, but it held true throughout the trip.)
Even if only one paragraph (as beautiful as the first one in today’s post.)
As for the couples you met on the walk, it now is obvious to me that the first couple were German, the second French and the last were Italian. In 1993 while hiking in the Swiss Alps with my Swiss friends we passed many people. My friends would greet them with either “greitze”, “bon jour”, or “buon journo” before the approaching peoople said a word. Finally I asked them how they knew which nationality they were. Andreas explained to me that the Germans walk with their heads down not talking, the French are smiling and chatting, and the Italians are laughing and having a great time! So all these descriptions seem to fit the people you and Smokey encountered. They just expressed it to the dog. Have a truly wonderful day!!!!!!!! (I am sure there will be a backlash from any Germans reading this, but it held true throughout the trip.)
Our dear Kristi,
You are so gifted a writer that you will move back and forth in your story with no problems or lack of continuity! We are so looking forward to reading your words!
Especially loved today’s post and your wonderful sentiments about Smokey (and all dogs!)
I always remember that God made them and spelled their name as D-O-G because it’s His name spelled backwards.Truly man’s (and woman’s) unconditionally devoted companion.
Our previous Yorkie,Sweet Alice Rose, literally saved my life–as a heart patient I had an oxygen bottle on next to my bed. I had fallen asleep without completely opening the (gas) fireplace flue, and as a result, gas was filling the room, With the flames,it could’ve ignited. I sleep so soundly, and Rosie kept barking and barking to awaken me, finally resorting to licking my eyelids to make them open. She could’ve run off to save herself, but stayed to help me. Dog truly is God spelled backwards.And with an angel’s wings,too.
Love, Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
You are so gifted a writer that you will move back and forth in your story with no problems or lack of continuity! We are so looking forward to reading your words!
Especially loved today’s post and your wonderful sentiments about Smokey (and all dogs!)
I always remember that God made them and spelled their name as D-O-G because it’s His name spelled backwards.Truly man’s (and woman’s) unconditionally devoted companion.
Our previous Yorkie,Sweet Alice Rose, literally saved my life–as a heart patient I had an oxygen bottle on next to my bed. I had fallen asleep without completely opening the (gas) fireplace flue, and as a result, gas was filling the room, With the flames,it could’ve ignited. I sleep so soundly, and Rosie kept barking and barking to awaken me, finally resorting to licking my eyelids to make them open. She could’ve run off to save herself, but stayed to help me. Dog truly is God spelled backwards.And with an angel’s wings,too.
Love, Natalia XO
haven’t commented in eons because: (1) my thoughts have already been expressed so well by previous commenters and (2) i worry that you will have too many comments to read them ! but just want to send love and a big DITTO to all who have been encouraging you to follow your heart in all decisions, since your heart is very wise, and to continue to be the open, generous, thoughtful person you are. i especially love that you question yourself and ask what others think. clearly you grow and learn continually at the same time as you preserve all that is best in you.
haven’t commented in eons because: (1) my thoughts have already been expressed so well by previous commenters and (2) i worry that you will have too many comments to read them ! but just want to send love and a big DITTO to all who have been encouraging you to follow your heart in all decisions, since your heart is very wise, and to continue to be the open, generous, thoughtful person you are. i especially love that you question yourself and ask what others think. clearly you grow and learn continually at the same time as you preserve all that is best in you.
Yes, backlash – joie in carmel – what a load of hooey! There are all sorts of Germans just as there are all sorts of other nationalities. I’ve encountered some pretty unfriendly French, ditto Italian, ditto whoever you are! This is no blog to vent your aggressions, thank you. Kristin spreads love and compassion and tenderness; let’s keep it that way. She is never judgemental.
Kristin – yes, to zipping back and forth, it keeps a narrative zingy and readers on their toes.
Blessings!
Yes, backlash – joie in carmel – what a load of hooey! There are all sorts of Germans just as there are all sorts of other nationalities. I’ve encountered some pretty unfriendly French, ditto Italian, ditto whoever you are! This is no blog to vent your aggressions, thank you. Kristin spreads love and compassion and tenderness; let’s keep it that way. She is never judgemental.
Kristin – yes, to zipping back and forth, it keeps a narrative zingy and readers on their toes.
Blessings!
This is a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing this!!
This is a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing this!!
Another heartfelt and lovely post. I LOVE dogs and everything about French Word-A-Day!
Another heartfelt and lovely post. I LOVE dogs and everything about French Word-A-Day!
Dear Kristie,This is the first time I have blogged you. I so appreciate your courage in writing of your best and worst times of your life. You are a beautiful, talented writer with a wonderful sense expressing emotions .Back and forth stories are fine with me. Makes me think more.
My love of dogs has intensified after we adopted a lovable 8 year old dachshund. She has made my husband such a happier man and he loves her( he who opposed having her in the first place. Their unconditional love is amazing. Miriam, N.J.
Dear Kristie,This is the first time I have blogged you. I so appreciate your courage in writing of your best and worst times of your life. You are a beautiful, talented writer with a wonderful sense expressing emotions .Back and forth stories are fine with me. Makes me think more.
My love of dogs has intensified after we adopted a lovable 8 year old dachshund. She has made my husband such a happier man and he loves her( he who opposed having her in the first place. Their unconditional love is amazing. Miriam, N.J.
Kristin, I love Smokey even more now after reading your snippet of a day in his life, and you sharing it with him. Our 3 year old chocolate Labrador Lucy has been the joy of our lives, we are empty nesters now, our girls aged 24 and 21 have spread their wings and Lucy came to us at a time when my husband was recoving from extensive spinal decompression and fusion, as much as he didn’t want another dog and as much as he sulked and didn’t utter a single word to me for 3 weeks after her arrival into our home, he is now overjoyed and totally and utterly in love with her and her with him. She was his saving grace when recovering and she “made” him get out of bed each morning, we owe a great deal to our beloved Lucy girl.
Kristin, I love Smokey even more now after reading your snippet of a day in his life, and you sharing it with him. Our 3 year old chocolate Labrador Lucy has been the joy of our lives, we are empty nesters now, our girls aged 24 and 21 have spread their wings and Lucy came to us at a time when my husband was recoving from extensive spinal decompression and fusion, as much as he didn’t want another dog and as much as he sulked and didn’t utter a single word to me for 3 weeks after her arrival into our home, he is now overjoyed and totally and utterly in love with her and her with him. She was his saving grace when recovering and she “made” him get out of bed each morning, we owe a great deal to our beloved Lucy girl.
One’s life is made up of lots of vignettes – the past contributed to what we are now. It embellishes and flavours how you view things for better or worse -without it your story does not unravel your ‘journey’. There should be no formula for writing-it is your voice, your style,your timeline. Let go and let it flow….
The comments are a dangerous ‘addiction….
Sunny
One’s life is made up of lots of vignettes – the past contributed to what we are now. It embellishes and flavours how you view things for better or worse -without it your story does not unravel your ‘journey’. There should be no formula for writing-it is your voice, your style,your timeline. Let go and let it flow….
The comments are a dangerous ‘addiction….
Sunny
How to contribute when all of the above comments from your lovely readers, do so with such clarity and significance? Life is not linear certainly. Makes great sense to me that writing a memoire would not be either!
Cheers, bravo and oui, mille merci’s for a beautiful post encore Kristin. Bon courage!
How to contribute when all of the above comments from your lovely readers, do so with such clarity and significance? Life is not linear certainly. Makes great sense to me that writing a memoire would not be either!
Cheers, bravo and oui, mille merci’s for a beautiful post encore Kristin. Bon courage!
I could write a lot about pets, past and present. This week we thought we might lose the cat we’ve had for 11 1/2 years, but with assorted adjustments in diet, medication, etc. etc. and assorted tests (and a fair amount of expense), he is hanging in there, and we hope for a complete recovery and a few more years of his companionship; Zip has a great disposition. People often say, “It’s only an animal,” when we lose a pet, or the dog/cat/other suffers – but they are so much more; they are friends and even family. Zip and our other cats were a comfort to my son after my husband died, and they have given us much free entertainment.
Normally, I don’t mind flashbacks or moving around in time, as long as it’s clear when the event is taking place, and the shift has a clear purpose. For example, it’s not unusual to have a character stop and remember past events, or to think about future ones. For a stage of life (say a year or less) it can occasionally be distracting if the time isn’t chronological, such as a friend’s book I read that had Christmas happening before Halloween.
One way you could check if shifts in time are confusing is to ask one of your confidential readers (a family member?) if changes in the years made the story harder to follow. Chances are, they won’t.
I could write a lot about pets, past and present. This week we thought we might lose the cat we’ve had for 11 1/2 years, but with assorted adjustments in diet, medication, etc. etc. and assorted tests (and a fair amount of expense), he is hanging in there, and we hope for a complete recovery and a few more years of his companionship; Zip has a great disposition. People often say, “It’s only an animal,” when we lose a pet, or the dog/cat/other suffers – but they are so much more; they are friends and even family. Zip and our other cats were a comfort to my son after my husband died, and they have given us much free entertainment.
Normally, I don’t mind flashbacks or moving around in time, as long as it’s clear when the event is taking place, and the shift has a clear purpose. For example, it’s not unusual to have a character stop and remember past events, or to think about future ones. For a stage of life (say a year or less) it can occasionally be distracting if the time isn’t chronological, such as a friend’s book I read that had Christmas happening before Halloween.
One way you could check if shifts in time are confusing is to ask one of your confidential readers (a family member?) if changes in the years made the story harder to follow. Chances are, they won’t.
Unlike most of those who posted, I need a story to mainly move forward in time. Of course there are memories told, that are not striclty in time sequence, but pertinent to the main flow.
I am thinking of just a few memoirs I read, and they all moved forward in time, mainly. Excursions now and then, both forward and backward, to close up or clear up a point. Short excursions, not whole chapter excursions.
That is great you are sticking to a schedule and writing every day.
Unlike most of those who posted, I need a story to mainly move forward in time. Of course there are memories told, that are not striclty in time sequence, but pertinent to the main flow.
I am thinking of just a few memoirs I read, and they all moved forward in time, mainly. Excursions now and then, both forward and backward, to close up or clear up a point. Short excursions, not whole chapter excursions.
That is great you are sticking to a schedule and writing every day.
I am surprised at how different my current golden retriever, Brody, (a one-year-old puppy) is from my beloved golden, Sam, who passed away at 12. Sam was friendly to every dog, always wagging his tail happily even if the other dog barked. Brody is a fraidy-cat, even when the other dog is far away, on the other side of the lake or down the block.
As for your time question — I prefer a narrative that moves forward chronologically, with the occasional flashback, to one that hops back and forth. I think those are tougher to read.
I am surprised at how different my current golden retriever, Brody, (a one-year-old puppy) is from my beloved golden, Sam, who passed away at 12. Sam was friendly to every dog, always wagging his tail happily even if the other dog barked. Brody is a fraidy-cat, even when the other dog is far away, on the other side of the lake or down the block.
As for your time question — I prefer a narrative that moves forward chronologically, with the occasional flashback, to one that hops back and forth. I think those are tougher to read.
So nice to have a story about and picture of Smokey; I’ve missed reading about him and often wonder how he’s doing. Backe and forth is fine for your book as long as you make logical transitions.
So nice to have a story about and picture of Smokey; I’ve missed reading about him and often wonder how he’s doing. Backe and forth is fine for your book as long as you make logical transitions.
My sweet Sox loved to meet and greet everyone. All the kids in the neighborhood were so sad when she passed. I still miss her so much and it has been 1 1/2 years. Still no dog yet. I just can’t seem to do it yet.
As far as going back and forth in a book. I have loved some and no loved some. I know not really answering, ha ha
Give that sweet slobbering Smokey a kiss from me.
xoxo
My sweet Sox loved to meet and greet everyone. All the kids in the neighborhood were so sad when she passed. I still miss her so much and it has been 1 1/2 years. Still no dog yet. I just can’t seem to do it yet.
As far as going back and forth in a book. I have loved some and no loved some. I know not really answering, ha ha
Give that sweet slobbering Smokey a kiss from me.
xoxo
Bonjour Kristin!
Thank you so much for your beautiful story today. Smokey reminds me alot of my 11-year-old black lab Missy, as she always loves to make new friends as well. Both she and I would love to meet you and Smokey one day! She has always been and continues to be a wonderful companion.
As for your story, trust the process and do what is right for you. I have no doubt that we will all love it!
Bonjour Kristin!
Thank you so much for your beautiful story today. Smokey reminds me alot of my 11-year-old black lab Missy, as she always loves to make new friends as well. Both she and I would love to meet you and Smokey one day! She has always been and continues to be a wonderful companion.
As for your story, trust the process and do what is right for you. I have no doubt that we will all love it!
I don’t mind going back and forth in time with a writer as long at the author let’s me know where we are in time. In fact, moving up and then back or vice versa can make the writing more interesting or exciting. Best wishes for a successful writing experience. You are quite brave to tackle this project. I wish you well.
I don’t mind going back and forth in time with a writer as long at the author let’s me know where we are in time. In fact, moving up and then back or vice versa can make the writing more interesting or exciting. Best wishes for a successful writing experience. You are quite brave to tackle this project. I wish you well.