"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.
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Kristin, (and all the women reading who may not know)- get those kegel exercises going- they work wonders for everything! But the exercise I was interested in after reading this is played on the boules court; I am sick of watering and mowing a lawn, and thought of creating a boules court instead; did JM do anything fancy to make it? Is it tough to keep weeds from growing into it? Any ideas would be appreciated.
Kristin, (and all the women reading who may not know)- get those kegel exercises going- they work wonders for everything! But the exercise I was interested in after reading this is played on the boules court; I am sick of watering and mowing a lawn, and thought of creating a boules court instead; did JM do anything fancy to make it? Is it tough to keep weeds from growing into it? Any ideas would be appreciated.
One of your best! I can totally identify.
One of your best! I can totally identify.
Dearest Kristen,
You are the best! Sorry, but I also just laughed while reading your post! I have been in so many similar situations and have felt the same way about both the mom and the make do situations. My son is 26 and away at college, but it never seems to fail that when we are together or even talk on the phone that I still have pride-hurt mama moments!! You are a doll, a very endearing doll, and you embody what we all think and feel and it makes us all feel better reading what you put your heart on an open page for us all to see and then we each feel that we have a special, personal, connection to the author and that we too can make do and carry on with the day to day challenges or mishaps we all encounter.
Hugs!
Dearest Kristen,
You are the best! Sorry, but I also just laughed while reading your post! I have been in so many similar situations and have felt the same way about both the mom and the make do situations. My son is 26 and away at college, but it never seems to fail that when we are together or even talk on the phone that I still have pride-hurt mama moments!! You are a doll, a very endearing doll, and you embody what we all think and feel and it makes us all feel better reading what you put your heart on an open page for us all to see and then we each feel that we have a special, personal, connection to the author and that we too can make do and carry on with the day to day challenges or mishaps we all encounter.
Hugs!
Well, we’ve certainly heard the same complaint many times, *including* right after shopping for groceries! In fact, there’s a TV ad running currently here in the U.S., where a couple boys are staring into the freezer looking for a large, very prominent bag of pizza rolls. I always get a laugh from that.
Well, we’ve certainly heard the same complaint many times, *including* right after shopping for groceries! In fact, there’s a TV ad running currently here in the U.S., where a couple boys are staring into the freezer looking for a large, very prominent bag of pizza rolls. I always get a laugh from that.
Forget the breakfast, I love the outfit you had on. Sounds to me like you have a feast at your home, we have milk and bread…coffee. A happy week to you.
xx
Forget the breakfast, I love the outfit you had on. Sounds to me like you have a feast at your home, we have milk and bread…coffee. A happy week to you.
xx
Such a vivid and realistic yet amusing description of a morning in the Espinasse household followed by Jules’ letter above…..I couldn’t ask for a better way to start the week. It all sounds so familiar. My thanks to you both. Bonne journée, Cynthia
Such a vivid and realistic yet amusing description of a morning in the Espinasse household followed by Jules’ letter above…..I couldn’t ask for a better way to start the week. It all sounds so familiar. My thanks to you both. Bonne journée, Cynthia
Dear Kristi,
Your story was so human. There was something in it for everyone. I had to wait for some unknown thing to repair my computer this morning so I could get to your column. And in sunny Florida I was wearing layers to get the newspaper and now I have to bring in the garbage can. Brrr/ Some of the bread in my refrigerator is months old. Maybe I should inspect it and eat or pitch? I keep eating a small tortilla sandwich because I like the corn better than the wheat bread. Now that I’m a widow, I frequently feel like there’s nothing to eat because I can’t get excited about cooking for one. By the cabanon that looks like a hydrangea bush.Surely not in bloom this early?
Dear Kristi,
Your story was so human. There was something in it for everyone. I had to wait for some unknown thing to repair my computer this morning so I could get to your column. And in sunny Florida I was wearing layers to get the newspaper and now I have to bring in the garbage can. Brrr/ Some of the bread in my refrigerator is months old. Maybe I should inspect it and eat or pitch? I keep eating a small tortilla sandwich because I like the corn better than the wheat bread. Now that I’m a widow, I frequently feel like there’s nothing to eat because I can’t get excited about cooking for one. By the cabanon that looks like a hydrangea bush.Surely not in bloom this early?
Your porch….What a perfectly lovely place to sit …
Your porch….What a perfectly lovely place to sit …
I have missed reading you! Ks are now a regular part of my daily routine – as they say maturing is not for sissy’s. Your writing has a way of making me laugh at myself and all our very human traits. Good for you on the breakfast front – to many children today do not know how to get from point a to point b without their parents and I am talking about 20 year olds. As always love your pictures and writing. Have a great day!
I have missed reading you! Ks are now a regular part of my daily routine – as they say maturing is not for sissy’s. Your writing has a way of making me laugh at myself and all our very human traits. Good for you on the breakfast front – to many children today do not know how to get from point a to point b without their parents and I am talking about 20 year olds. As always love your pictures and writing. Have a great day!
Thanks for the great laugh this morning Kristin! I can see every woman I’ve ever know walking around in their saggy morning garb … comfortable in their own homes. I’m still laughing! And by the way, this is when you ladies are at your most endearing! Aloha, Bill
Thanks for the great laugh this morning Kristin! I can see every woman I’ve ever know walking around in their saggy morning garb … comfortable in their own homes. I’m still laughing! And by the way, this is when you ladies are at your most endearing! Aloha, Bill
You made my dreary Monday bloom.
BIL is a cutie!
You made my dreary Monday bloom.
BIL is a cutie!
Dear Kristin,
I heartily agree with you! “Brioche or oatmeal or yogurt or oranges or bananas for breakfast” is the best kind of breakfast. I look forward to just such healthy and yummy things every morning. So I think momma bird is doing just fine providing for her chicks.
Dear Kristin,
I heartily agree with you! “Brioche or oatmeal or yogurt or oranges or bananas for breakfast” is the best kind of breakfast. I look forward to just such healthy and yummy things every morning. So I think momma bird is doing just fine providing for her chicks.
I remember my kids saying on more than one occasion that there was nothing in the house to eat, because they were too lazy to fix something. I am not sure that ever changes in some men. Hopefully they will not be like that as they get older. Patrick’s computer for school last year crashed, so I feel your pain. His was beyond repair, and cost way too much to replace. I laid in bed too long today, catching up on sleep after working too much last week. It is not good for the back. HAHA sorry complaining. I just feel your Monday. Hope your week improves!!!!!!
I remember my kids saying on more than one occasion that there was nothing in the house to eat, because they were too lazy to fix something. I am not sure that ever changes in some men. Hopefully they will not be like that as they get older. Patrick’s computer for school last year crashed, so I feel your pain. His was beyond repair, and cost way too much to replace. I laid in bed too long today, catching up on sleep after working too much last week. It is not good for the back. HAHA sorry complaining. I just feel your Monday. Hope your week improves!!!!!!
Great story Krisitn. Oh how familiar the teenage boy lament! Well they do survive (haha) and you will still be mother of the year. You are right, just keep patting them and give them the brioche. Have a great week 🙂
Great story Krisitn. Oh how familiar the teenage boy lament! Well they do survive (haha) and you will still be mother of the year. You are right, just keep patting them and give them the brioche. Have a great week 🙂
6.30 in the morning and you have just made me feel better!!
My son, in his wisdom , has decided he needs money (because his mean parents have said we are providing a roof over your head, food, basics of life but you need to provide the rest yourself) and has found a job working full time from 5.30am to 5.00pm and then off to uni 6pm to 10pm…a very long day by the time he gets back!
Being the good mother I am up before him to make sure he has a good breakfast otherwise he will just leave without and rely on takeaway coffee.
There are mornings that don’t always go to plan and this morning I had to contend with the invasion of the ant line ferrying all the food out of the pantry ( it is raining which brings them out), the now famous bread loaf with the odd green spot ( toasted you will never know…surely?!) running out of dishwashing detergent (both hand and machine) and then my son told me the Internet doesn’t work!!
Sigh! I agree it is hard to be supermum in uggies, daggy trackpants under your nightie and hair awry! So lovely to know I have a sister counterpart just up the world globe a little!! 🙂
Now to find the hair brush…..before anyone sees!
6.30 in the morning and you have just made me feel better!!
My son, in his wisdom , has decided he needs money (because his mean parents have said we are providing a roof over your head, food, basics of life but you need to provide the rest yourself) and has found a job working full time from 5.30am to 5.00pm and then off to uni 6pm to 10pm…a very long day by the time he gets back!
Being the good mother I am up before him to make sure he has a good breakfast otherwise he will just leave without and rely on takeaway coffee.
There are mornings that don’t always go to plan and this morning I had to contend with the invasion of the ant line ferrying all the food out of the pantry ( it is raining which brings them out), the now famous bread loaf with the odd green spot ( toasted you will never know…surely?!) running out of dishwashing detergent (both hand and machine) and then my son told me the Internet doesn’t work!!
Sigh! I agree it is hard to be supermum in uggies, daggy trackpants under your nightie and hair awry! So lovely to know I have a sister counterpart just up the world globe a little!! 🙂
Now to find the hair brush…..before anyone sees!
Our dear Kristi,
Love today’s wonderful post! (and such beautiful pictures!) You not only make us feel like we are there with you, but also like we are good friends sharing a less than stellar Monday– and coming out feeling much better afterwards. You have so perfectly summed it up when you said “At times I make do and wish others would too”.
THANK YOU for both inspiration AND encouragement.
Love, Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
Love today’s wonderful post! (and such beautiful pictures!) You not only make us feel like we are there with you, but also like we are good friends sharing a less than stellar Monday– and coming out feeling much better afterwards. You have so perfectly summed it up when you said “At times I make do and wish others would too”.
THANK YOU for both inspiration AND encouragement.
Love, Natalia XO
Dear Kristin,
Great post this morning. Loved the visuals. My husband teased me a few months ago about my morning attire. Then, for the first time I looked…stained sheepskin slippers, gray socks, pink jammie pants- now “floods”, nightgown, then the softest-on-earth t-shirt I had gotten at a thrift store. I laughed out loud! Au contraire- didn’t know I looked this fetching.
I tried to get my kids to use the frig grocery list for add-ons, but it never did take. Inevitably, I would go grocery shopping, only to hear that same night, “Oh, Mom, when you go grocery shopping next…”
I really enjoy hearing that we’re all in the same boat. Thanks so much!
Joan
Dear Kristin,
Great post this morning. Loved the visuals. My husband teased me a few months ago about my morning attire. Then, for the first time I looked…stained sheepskin slippers, gray socks, pink jammie pants- now “floods”, nightgown, then the softest-on-earth t-shirt I had gotten at a thrift store. I laughed out loud! Au contraire- didn’t know I looked this fetching.
I tried to get my kids to use the frig grocery list for add-ons, but it never did take. Inevitably, I would go grocery shopping, only to hear that same night, “Oh, Mom, when you go grocery shopping next…”
I really enjoy hearing that we’re all in the same boat. Thanks so much!
Joan
Kristin, I have been reading your posts for a few years and I just want to say that during the last year your choice of Title vocabulary words has been really excellent. I speak fluent french, but only the basics, so the words you have been chosing are the perfect level for improving one’s french a l’etrangere. Thanks a lot for that. Sarah
Kristin, I have been reading your posts for a few years and I just want to say that during the last year your choice of Title vocabulary words has been really excellent. I speak fluent french, but only the basics, so the words you have been chosing are the perfect level for improving one’s french a l’etrangere. Thanks a lot for that. Sarah
I love seeing the boules game and hope to play with you this summer when we are in Provence again!
I love seeing the boules game and hope to play with you this summer when we are in Provence again!
The post had me chuckling and remember. More than once my husband and I responded to our kids’ complaints “Well, nothing’s stopping you from using your own money to pay for it.” It’s amazing how quickly their intense desire for something drops if that’s the only option.
Loved the scene with the pillows.
The post had me chuckling and remember. More than once my husband and I responded to our kids’ complaints “Well, nothing’s stopping you from using your own money to pay for it.” It’s amazing how quickly their intense desire for something drops if that’s the only option.
Loved the scene with the pillows.
Speaking of health all over:
Kegels from the bottom, and oil swishing from the top 🙂 — you’d be the New Person all over! 🙂
Oil swishing is a ancient Aurvedic practice. Amazing results – facelift naturally. Plus, works as immune system enhancer, giving radiant complexion, super-clean gums and teeth and much more. 10-20 min while in shower or while cooking breakfast — everyone could do it!
People who have done it for a few months to a year or more (depending on the results one wishes to achieve) got rid of many serious health issues. Highly recommend as a mood enhancer too! Try it once or twice/trice a day and you’ll see and FEEL superb results yourself.
Good health and happiness to everyone!
http://www.naturalnews.com/027460_oil_ayurvedic_detox.html
Detox with the Ancient Ayurvedic Practice of Oil Pulling (also named Oil Swishing or Oil Sucking)
http://www.uncleharrys.com/store/article.php?pamphlet=oil_swish
http://easyayurveda.com/2011/02/24/sesame-and-sesame-oil-benefits-total-ayurveda-details/
http://www.cysticus.de/english/hygiene.htm
http://www.youthingstrategies.com/results.htm
“… To accelerate the healing process, it can be repeated three times a day, but always before meals on an empty stomach. The therapy is not harmful if it is repeated several times a day. Repetition hastens the healing process and renders it more effective. ..
..This therapy should be repeated until one has returned to his original vitality and his sleep has been returned to a peaceful state. One who practices this therapy faithfully will awaken refreshed in the morning with no bags under the eyes. Normal appetite and improved memory are additional benefits.
Healing symptoms:
Patients who suffer from chronic conditions may appear to get worse in the beginning. Dr. Karach emphasizes that a worsening of your condition may be a sign that the disease is in the healing process. It may even happen that your temperature increases. ..”
Speaking of health all over:
Kegels from the bottom, and oil swishing from the top 🙂 — you’d be the New Person all over! 🙂
Oil swishing is a ancient Aurvedic practice. Amazing results – facelift naturally. Plus, works as immune system enhancer, giving radiant complexion, super-clean gums and teeth and much more. 10-20 min while in shower or while cooking breakfast — everyone could do it!
People who have done it for a few months to a year or more (depending on the results one wishes to achieve) got rid of many serious health issues. Highly recommend as a mood enhancer too! Try it once or twice/trice a day and you’ll see and FEEL superb results yourself.
Good health and happiness to everyone!
http://www.naturalnews.com/027460_oil_ayurvedic_detox.html
Detox with the Ancient Ayurvedic Practice of Oil Pulling (also named Oil Swishing or Oil Sucking)
http://www.uncleharrys.com/store/article.php?pamphlet=oil_swish
http://easyayurveda.com/2011/02/24/sesame-and-sesame-oil-benefits-total-ayurveda-details/
http://www.cysticus.de/english/hygiene.htm
http://www.youthingstrategies.com/results.htm
“… To accelerate the healing process, it can be repeated three times a day, but always before meals on an empty stomach. The therapy is not harmful if it is repeated several times a day. Repetition hastens the healing process and renders it more effective. ..
..This therapy should be repeated until one has returned to his original vitality and his sleep has been returned to a peaceful state. One who practices this therapy faithfully will awaken refreshed in the morning with no bags under the eyes. Normal appetite and improved memory are additional benefits.
Healing symptoms:
Patients who suffer from chronic conditions may appear to get worse in the beginning. Dr. Karach emphasizes that a worsening of your condition may be a sign that the disease is in the healing process. It may even happen that your temperature increases. ..”
Reminds me of a recent morning when we had been without heat for a week (our furnace died, and we were waiting for a new one to be installed); our cat had become ill and had been incontinent all over the house, and we struggled to wash rugs, etc. as fast as the cat soiled them; and my son woke up with sharp ear pain. Some days just have to be survived. Other days we might have a dead car battery or (as happened two summers ago) a tree branch fallen on our car because of a storm ($3,000+ to repair). This is all part of the human condition, and we have to do our best to remind ourselves that yes, indeed, it could be worse. While shivering in the unheated 40-degree house, we noted how fortunate we were not to be homeless.
My son still eats an amazing amount of food, but now knows that if what he wants doesn’t go on the grocery list, it will not be bought.
Really hope Max and Jackie have the good sense not to do the shishka.
Reminds me of a recent morning when we had been without heat for a week (our furnace died, and we were waiting for a new one to be installed); our cat had become ill and had been incontinent all over the house, and we struggled to wash rugs, etc. as fast as the cat soiled them; and my son woke up with sharp ear pain. Some days just have to be survived. Other days we might have a dead car battery or (as happened two summers ago) a tree branch fallen on our car because of a storm ($3,000+ to repair). This is all part of the human condition, and we have to do our best to remind ourselves that yes, indeed, it could be worse. While shivering in the unheated 40-degree house, we noted how fortunate we were not to be homeless.
My son still eats an amazing amount of food, but now knows that if what he wants doesn’t go on the grocery list, it will not be bought.
Really hope Max and Jackie have the good sense not to do the shishka.
Thank you for the hugs, the I-can-relates, and for sharing your stories and pj fashions, or get-ups 🙂
Mom, your comments are a treasure for me.
Thank you for the hugs, the I-can-relates, and for sharing your stories and pj fashions, or get-ups 🙂
Mom, your comments are a treasure for me.
Nancy, the boules court was here already, and grass is beginning to invade it…
Nancy, the boules court was here already, and grass is beginning to invade it…
Hi, Kristin. I find myself reading your postings late, but they always make me smile. Today’s story made me feel very human and normal regarding my own perceived sloppiness, and if that was really your Mom’s response above, well, that also gave me a smile. I am reminded to explain to my own daughter that, in a few years, she’ll need to pay attention when she sneezes. Thank you for the big grin, and I always look forward to more.
Hi, Kristin. I find myself reading your postings late, but they always make me smile. Today’s story made me feel very human and normal regarding my own perceived sloppiness, and if that was really your Mom’s response above, well, that also gave me a smile. I am reminded to explain to my own daughter that, in a few years, she’ll need to pay attention when she sneezes. Thank you for the big grin, and I always look forward to more.