"Primroses, stuffed cats, and other this's-n-that's." More than a few things are off today, including this photo which I am unable to straighten or edit – given that my computer crashed this morning. More, in today's missive. (Photo of my brother-in-law, Jacques, who has spent the past two weekends with us, helping to fix the upstairs ceilings. Click image to enlarge it.)
amour-propre (ah-more-prohpr)
: self-esteem, self-love, self-worth; pride
blesser quelqu'un dans son amour-propre = to be a blow to one's ego
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
I am getting a kick out of the French definition for the verb vexer: être offensé dans son amour-propre or "to have one's pride offended". I don't know, French definitions always sound so dramatic to me and this is only one of the reasons I love foreign language.
But vexer, that may explain my response this morning as I stood in the kitchen in my purple pjs tucked into orange ski socks chanting positive affirmations for the beginning of the work week. (This was after I realized I was incontinent and before I discovered my computer had crashed, and the reason for which I am typing this post on my son's keyboard. I have to crane my neck to look up to the screen, which is placed on a shelf next to a bong. A BONG?!…)
But back to my story, lest I lose the courage to work in these unusual surroundings. Back to hurt or offended pride… yes, I was standing there in the kitchen, tissues stuffed in more places than my pockets, psyching myself up for another Monday, when my son stumbled into the room.
"There is nothing to eat in this house!" Max lamented.
I begged his pardon, for there was always something to eat in this house. When was the last time he skipped a meal? Besides, I said, reaching for the bread bag, there was brioche! (I quickly peered into the bag to verify the brioche was not growing green fuzz on its back. And even if it were (which, ouf!, it wasn't) would I be the first parent in the history of the world to have plucked off a spot or two of green fuzz before thrusting the miserable bread back at her child?).
Pourquoi je ne peux pas manger le petit déjeuner comme tout le monde?" Max complained.
"So you want to follow the sheep?" I countered. "And do like everybody else does? Be numb to your own decision making? Well, a good box of GMO flakes will help you with that! And you can buy it with your own money!"
Meantime, I pointed out, there is brioche or oatmeal or yogurt or oranges or bananas for breakfast. With that, I grabbed my tea and tore out of the kitchen.
To the young man left holding the bag of brioche it must have been quite a sight, that of a pride-hurt mama stomping off in big orange ski socks over sagging purple pjs and a faux fur vest (snapped up from my daughter's giveaway pile—the extra layer almost keeps me warm).
I am nothing if not a mix—of new and used, thoughts and things, stuffed tissues. I do the best I can. At times I make do. And sometimes, just sometimes, I wish others would too.
French Vocabulary
ouf = phew
Pourquoi je ne peux pas manger le petit déjeuner comme tout le monde? = why can't I eat (a normal) breakfast like everybody else
My brother-in-law and Jean-Marc taking a break from repairing the ceilings in the kids' rooms.
=> How to properly pronounce French words? Read "Exercises in French Phonics"!
"Front porch". The woody branches of the almond tree (left) and the fig tree (right) are coming to life, though you cannot see the little leaf buds from this far.
Re that bong I mentioned (you were wondering, weren't you?). What I saw on Max's desk was not a bong. Find out what it was in the first few paragraphs of this story, click here to read it.
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You KEEP me laughing Kristin … you need to get on your own computer again .. I found two typos.
You KEEP me laughing Kristin … you need to get on your own computer again .. I found two typos.
Hang in chérie.(Comment dit-on en français?) It WILL get better. xoxox
Hang in chérie.(Comment dit-on en français?) It WILL get better. xoxox
“And sometimes, just sometimes, I wish others would to.”
Just mentioning the typo: too for to.
Happens all the time.
As for breakfasts for kids, he’s old enough to pick up whatever he wants at the store, if it is different from what mama works to buy!!!! Give HIM the job.
With a smile and some euros…
“And sometimes, just sometimes, I wish others would to.”
Just mentioning the typo: too for to.
Happens all the time.
As for breakfasts for kids, he’s old enough to pick up whatever he wants at the store, if it is different from what mama works to buy!!!! Give HIM the job.
With a smile and some euros…
what on earth am I doing up at 5 am? Reading something funny so I can go back to sleep. Max is just like every other 18 year old male. Still can’t do without his mother. This is a good thing for maybe just a little while longer.
Looks like Jean-Marc has made a little boules court for entertainment.
May the rest of your day come together….now, back to bed for a couple more hours……
what on earth am I doing up at 5 am? Reading something funny so I can go back to sleep. Max is just like every other 18 year old male. Still can’t do without his mother. This is a good thing for maybe just a little while longer.
Looks like Jean-Marc has made a little boules court for entertainment.
May the rest of your day come together….now, back to bed for a couple more hours……
I think kids just like to make their voices heard, even though they themselves know that they are being critical or unreasonable – especially as they grow older and are starting to separate from mama. I used to hear similar cries from my kids who told me there was nothing but health food in here (in the fridge?). And, as a single mom struggling on a tight budget, this was not what I wanted to hear after paying a bit more for healthful foods. I think holding your head high and going on with your day was perfect. It could be a long while until kids “get it,” however, my daughter is now a vegetarian and my sons are very aware of what constitutes a healthful diet. Keep up the good work!
I think kids just like to make their voices heard, even though they themselves know that they are being critical or unreasonable – especially as they grow older and are starting to separate from mama. I used to hear similar cries from my kids who told me there was nothing but health food in here (in the fridge?). And, as a single mom struggling on a tight budget, this was not what I wanted to hear after paying a bit more for healthful foods. I think holding your head high and going on with your day was perfect. It could be a long while until kids “get it,” however, my daughter is now a vegetarian and my sons are very aware of what constitutes a healthful diet. Keep up the good work!
Kristen,
It’s great that you are feeding your family healthy foods. Boys will be boys and they are growing and consuming all of the food which they see and they want some of not so good for you food as well.
The weather must be warm. The window is open with Primroses(?) in the window and Jean Marc and your brother-in-law are playing Pétanque in short sleeves and even shorts.
We still have snow on the ground from Nemo, but it is slowly melting. I can’t wait for spring. We “Fall Back” this coming weekend. Spring is around the corner, but which corner?
We are coming to France at the end of May, into June. We are hoping to making it down to coast, but aren’t sure.
Kathleen and Dean
Kristen,
It’s great that you are feeding your family healthy foods. Boys will be boys and they are growing and consuming all of the food which they see and they want some of not so good for you food as well.
The weather must be warm. The window is open with Primroses(?) in the window and Jean Marc and your brother-in-law are playing Pétanque in short sleeves and even shorts.
We still have snow on the ground from Nemo, but it is slowly melting. I can’t wait for spring. We “Fall Back” this coming weekend. Spring is around the corner, but which corner?
We are coming to France at the end of May, into June. We are hoping to making it down to coast, but aren’t sure.
Kathleen and Dean
Good morning all from La Nouvelle Orleans where it is 7:34 a.m. and cold. So much for the sunny south. I want to say again how much I admire Kristin’s photography. Crisp, clear and always thought provoking. You are a great story teller so keep up the good work, Kristin, in both your photography and your writing. Then there is the full-time job of being a parent and spouse! Enough is enough! And the computer crashes!
Good morning all from La Nouvelle Orleans where it is 7:34 a.m. and cold. So much for the sunny south. I want to say again how much I admire Kristin’s photography. Crisp, clear and always thought provoking. You are a great story teller so keep up the good work, Kristin, in both your photography and your writing. Then there is the full-time job of being a parent and spouse! Enough is enough! And the computer crashes!
Oh, I remember those days so well! I too had a 17 yr old son and a 15 yr old daughter when I was 39 yrs old! I look back and realize I didn’t do much for myself nor did my children and husband for that matter, during those precious 39 to 49 years of my life. There was saving grace for me and a way to removed myself from the feelings of not having any “amour-propre”. I taught aerobic dancing twice a week and you have your writing. So hang in there, dear girl. This too will pass.
Oh, I remember those days so well! I too had a 17 yr old son and a 15 yr old daughter when I was 39 yrs old! I look back and realize I didn’t do much for myself nor did my children and husband for that matter, during those precious 39 to 49 years of my life. There was saving grace for me and a way to removed myself from the feelings of not having any “amour-propre”. I taught aerobic dancing twice a week and you have your writing. So hang in there, dear girl. This too will pass.
You discovered you were incontinent?
You discovered you were incontinent?
Hi Kristin,
My family used to call me Old Mother Hubbard because our cupboards were always bare (according to them). There was always something to eat for sure. I have also pinched off some green mold from the baguettes. Why does bread mold so quickly? I would think, how is that moldy? I just bought that!
My son would tell me about the hookah pipes when we lived in Germany.
I like the picture of Jean-Marc and his brother. Are they playing boules?
Hope you have a great week! We are going to get hit with some snow on Wednesday!
Hi Kristin,
My family used to call me Old Mother Hubbard because our cupboards were always bare (according to them). There was always something to eat for sure. I have also pinched off some green mold from the baguettes. Why does bread mold so quickly? I would think, how is that moldy? I just bought that!
My son would tell me about the hookah pipes when we lived in Germany.
I like the picture of Jean-Marc and his brother. Are they playing boules?
Hope you have a great week! We are going to get hit with some snow on Wednesday!
This story produced a sympathetic laugh this morning! And the imperfect, crooked window view is delightful just as it is–just like you, Kristi! (Kegels at every stoplight–will that help?)
This story produced a sympathetic laugh this morning! And the imperfect, crooked window view is delightful just as it is–just like you, Kristi! (Kegels at every stoplight–will that help?)
Please let the kids know that hookah smoking is not benign. A recent article here (Boston) about the popularity of it and the fact that, though kids think the cool smoke if filtered free of the bad things because of the water, that is not at all the case. A health benefit of this type of smoking is a misconception. For purposes of full disclosure, lest I sound like too much of a scold, I sneak a couple of cigarettes a day.
Max
Please let the kids know that hookah smoking is not benign. A recent article here (Boston) about the popularity of it and the fact that, though kids think the cool smoke if filtered free of the bad things because of the water, that is not at all the case. A health benefit of this type of smoking is a misconception. For purposes of full disclosure, lest I sound like too much of a scold, I sneak a couple of cigarettes a day.
Max
You are my fashion sister, altho I may look oddly put together later in the day also!!!
When I am home all day I relish the choice to look as ‘as is’ as I want. Sorry, Kristin, for all the ‘asesses’~
You are my fashion sister, altho I may look oddly put together later in the day also!!!
When I am home all day I relish the choice to look as ‘as is’ as I want. Sorry, Kristin, for all the ‘asesses’~
I cannot believe this but I just this morning said to myself… no problem I will make do.
Then I read your post and got the biggest smile of the day! Thanks for making do from a person who DOES appreciate others who ” make do” as well!
I cannot believe this but I just this morning said to myself… no problem I will make do.
Then I read your post and got the biggest smile of the day! Thanks for making do from a person who DOES appreciate others who ” make do” as well!
(Max, take a picture of your mother in her purple pjs, orange ski socks, and faux fur vest – we’re all anxious to see this vision!)
(Max, take a picture of your mother in her purple pjs, orange ski socks, and faux fur vest – we’re all anxious to see this vision!)
Too funny Kristin! I’m another 4am insomniac, smiling at every word, chuckling behind eyes sorely needing sleep. Teenagers! So drama filled with their grande sense of self and needs. I’m now inspired for that piece of toast, to induce carbo sleep…thinking every time the bread bag comes out, my mind will be implanted with your image, reminding to check for da fuzz vert. (you in purple pjs, orange socks, in ‘your fuzz’ vest… Sweet! ~ 😀
Too funny Kristin! I’m another 4am insomniac, smiling at every word, chuckling behind eyes sorely needing sleep. Teenagers! So drama filled with their grande sense of self and needs. I’m now inspired for that piece of toast, to induce carbo sleep…thinking every time the bread bag comes out, my mind will be implanted with your image, reminding to check for da fuzz vert. (you in purple pjs, orange socks, in ‘your fuzz’ vest… Sweet! ~ 😀
Thanks for your sympathies and corrections and for the laughs.
Margaret, I like your take on kids just wanting to hear their own voices, and that they realize, sooner or later they are being over critical.
JeanneR, yes… and Deb–that will definitely help–though there arent a lot of stoplights around here 🙂
Bill in St Paul, haha, now dont give the kids ideas–or they may bribe!
Cigi and Joie, hope your catching up on those zzzzs.
Max, I agree and have spoken to Max about this – pointing out an article that mentions what you have shared. Glad you brought it up.
Mille mercis for your responses to the story.
Thanks for your sympathies and corrections and for the laughs.
Margaret, I like your take on kids just wanting to hear their own voices, and that they realize, sooner or later they are being over critical.
JeanneR, yes… and Deb–that will definitely help–though there arent a lot of stoplights around here 🙂
Bill in St Paul, haha, now dont give the kids ideas–or they may bribe!
Cigi and Joie, hope your catching up on those zzzzs.
Max, I agree and have spoken to Max about this – pointing out an article that mentions what you have shared. Glad you brought it up.
Mille mercis for your responses to the story.
Chère Kristen,
Je pense que je continuerais avec vos affirmations. Aujourd’hui, mon affirmation est a propos de les verbes : ponter, avoir confiance en soi, et rendre parce que je suis le prochain course français a l’universitaire. J’ai échoué deux examens le dernier semestre. J’espère que je ferai mieux ce semestre !
A la prochaine,
Janine
Chère Kristen,
Je pense que je continuerais avec vos affirmations. Aujourd’hui, mon affirmation est a propos de les verbes : ponter, avoir confiance en soi, et rendre parce que je suis le prochain course français a l’universitaire. J’ai échoué deux examens le dernier semestre. J’espère que je ferai mieux ce semestre !
A la prochaine,
Janine
Your description of your morning attire made me laugh about my own strange outfit — a ratty (but oh so comfortable) old, blue bathrobe, with a big, red University of Kansas (my daughter’s alma mater) sweatshirt thrown over it, for added warmth. Of course, I put the hood up, and let’s not forget those misshapen leopard slippers! Talk about a fashion felony.
Your description of your morning attire made me laugh about my own strange outfit — a ratty (but oh so comfortable) old, blue bathrobe, with a big, red University of Kansas (my daughter’s alma mater) sweatshirt thrown over it, for added warmth. Of course, I put the hood up, and let’s not forget those misshapen leopard slippers! Talk about a fashion felony.
Hi Kristin,
I woke up at 4:00 AM this morning and couldn’t go back to sleep. Wish I had gotten up and read your blog. When I did,it made me laugh, and I needed that today 🙂 I’ve found laughter is the best stress reliever.
Sandy
Hi Kristin,
I woke up at 4:00 AM this morning and couldn’t go back to sleep. Wish I had gotten up and read your blog. When I did,it made me laugh, and I needed that today 🙂 I’ve found laughter is the best stress reliever.
Sandy
I had to laugh! I live with 4 teenage boys and this morning woke one up at 6 a.m. this morning for orchestra, to be informed there was no orchestra (losing out on 45 minutes sleep for me!), one needed a jump start for the battery on his dilapidated car, one overslept and needed a ride to school-and this was all before 8 a.m.! And they are ALWAYS hungry and ALWAYS saying we have nothing to eat-and no, they have never gone without a meal! So, I can relate and just have to start every day with a clean slate and enjoy the fun, because they won’t be in the house too much longer! Have a great week!
I had to laugh! I live with 4 teenage boys and this morning woke one up at 6 a.m. this morning for orchestra, to be informed there was no orchestra (losing out on 45 minutes sleep for me!), one needed a jump start for the battery on his dilapidated car, one overslept and needed a ride to school-and this was all before 8 a.m.! And they are ALWAYS hungry and ALWAYS saying we have nothing to eat-and no, they have never gone without a meal! So, I can relate and just have to start every day with a clean slate and enjoy the fun, because they won’t be in the house too much longer! Have a great week!
Qu’est-ce que c’est l’idée de Max d’un petit déjeuner comme tout
le monde? Joanne, Carmel-sur-mer, California
Qu’est-ce que c’est l’idée de Max d’un petit déjeuner comme tout
le monde? Joanne, Carmel-sur-mer, California
I’m glad you share so much. It makes me realize I am not alone. I had a day like that last week and when I read about your morning, I can now laugh at my possible over reactions during a sensitive time.
I’m glad you share so much. It makes me realize I am not alone. I had a day like that last week and when I read about your morning, I can now laugh at my possible over reactions during a sensitive time.
What a colourful scene, shame there was no photo!
What a colourful scene, shame there was no photo!
MADAME ESPINASSE –
I AM NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR INCONTINENCE – PLEASE, NOT SO
EARLY IN THE MORNING !!!
Ha-ha !!! What a joke for me to hear when the author happens to be my youngest daughter… how can you now be experiencing a topic formost on the minds of many of your readers of my generation. How can you dare to come into my territory of symptons. You are forcing me to stop looking at you through my rose-colored lens – to acknowledge that you are a full-fledged woman in the mist of mid-life.
Enough on the above musings – loved the scene where you are sitting at Max’s desk and distracted from your 6 a.m. schedule of work by his BONG! I already knew about the bong years ago. How I would like to tell tales of Heidi when she was even younger than Max and dead-set on turning my hair white.
I must say your photo’s today are beyond perfect for a Mother who longs to be in your presense again. To see your lovely arrangement in the dinning room window with Jacque in the background made my heart cry for the loving embrace he always has saved expecially for me. And the photo of Braise and Smokey’s house was very revealing as I could see where Jean-Marc had been running amuk with the tractor through the boules court…I must send him a video on pruning fig trees…too much for an obsessive (sp?) mother-in-law. I must remember to bring my masking tape to tape my mouth shut like I used to do when I would come into your presence long ago when I lived in Les Arc.
I seem to have taken on the persona of a Mom who also needs a vacation-fix. Don’t try to understand any of my comments, I would delete but I don’t want to have to make a new post for the comments box.
Finally – the best photo of all was the last one. I wonder if anyone realizes that the adorable little room seen behind Jacque on the boules court will one day be your office – with the priceless view of the meadow filled with olive trees. You are one lucky girl to be running about stuffed with kleenex in this French paradise.
XOXO
MOM
MADAME ESPINASSE –
I AM NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR INCONTINENCE – PLEASE, NOT SO
EARLY IN THE MORNING !!!
Ha-ha !!! What a joke for me to hear when the author happens to be my youngest daughter… how can you now be experiencing a topic formost on the minds of many of your readers of my generation. How can you dare to come into my territory of symptons. You are forcing me to stop looking at you through my rose-colored lens – to acknowledge that you are a full-fledged woman in the mist of mid-life.
Enough on the above musings – loved the scene where you are sitting at Max’s desk and distracted from your 6 a.m. schedule of work by his BONG! I already knew about the bong years ago. How I would like to tell tales of Heidi when she was even younger than Max and dead-set on turning my hair white.
I must say your photo’s today are beyond perfect for a Mother who longs to be in your presense again. To see your lovely arrangement in the dinning room window with Jacque in the background made my heart cry for the loving embrace he always has saved expecially for me. And the photo of Braise and Smokey’s house was very revealing as I could see where Jean-Marc had been running amuk with the tractor through the boules court…I must send him a video on pruning fig trees…too much for an obsessive (sp?) mother-in-law. I must remember to bring my masking tape to tape my mouth shut like I used to do when I would come into your presence long ago when I lived in Les Arc.
I seem to have taken on the persona of a Mom who also needs a vacation-fix. Don’t try to understand any of my comments, I would delete but I don’t want to have to make a new post for the comments box.
Finally – the best photo of all was the last one. I wonder if anyone realizes that the adorable little room seen behind Jacque on the boules court will one day be your office – with the priceless view of the meadow filled with olive trees. You are one lucky girl to be running about stuffed with kleenex in this French paradise.
XOXO
MOM