""The rare Frenchman who uses the crosswalk" Computer is back and so are some long-lost photos from years ago! Youpie! Yay!
une béquille (beh-kee)
: crutch, stand; kickstand (bike)
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronounce the following expressions: Download MP3 or Wav file
Elle marche avec des béquilles. She walks with crutches.
mettre une moto, un vélo sur sa béquille = to put a motorbike or bike on its stand.
se déplacer avec des béquilles = to get around on crutches
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
I was staring up at a flower seed display with packet after packet of possibilities when I heard a tap tap tap coming up from behind me. Turning, I saw a woman on crutches who was now looking up at the same rack of flower packets.
"Bonjour," I smiled, quickly turning back around in discretion. A moment passed before I thought to scoot over so that the newcomer could see the entire display.
"Ne bougez pas. Vous ne me gênez pas du tout," she assured me. Her hair, gathered up in a large twist, was the color of Mexican poppies …or maybe honey-colored nasturtiums? …the ones I was debating whether or not to buy. I liked the idea they were edible plus pretty to look at. I had recently bought a pack of blue starflowers, or bourrache, for that very reason. Come to think of it I had recently bought quite a few packets of flowers, so maybe I'd better head off now, and meet-up with Jean-Marc, who was two aisles over, in the "automatic watering systems" section of the store.
But before leaving I felt the urge to say something to the middle-aged lady with the béquilles. During the handful of minutes that we had stood staring up at the flower seed présentoir, I sensed her endearing presence. We had only exchanged a brief greeting and that is when I saw what my dear aunt Charmly would refer to as stardust. It's that heavenly sweetness that emanates from a kindred spirit.
"Wouldn't it be lovely to have them all!" I said to the stranger, betting on the possibility that she, too, was overwhelmed by what the French call l'embarass de choix. There were so many flowers to choose from. I went to put back the seed packet I had been holding when the lady with crutches responded to me.
"Which one is that?" she asked.
"Oh… cosmos," I offered.
"Cosmos?" She had never heard of the flower before.
"Ah," I said, smiling. "They grow this high…" I motioned with my hands," and are covered with fuchsia flowers. (I was thinking of the cosmos that my mom had so loved, back at our farm in Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes. The thought of Mom fawning over those flowers threw me back in time.)
Perhaps emotion had cast a fragile shadow over me, for next the stranger offered an affectionate compliment.
"Hold on," the woman said, as I returned the seeds to the display. "I will plant them and they will remind me of you."
It was such an intimate and generous thought that it caught me completely off-guard. I thanked the woman with the Mexican poppy-colored hair and quickly hurried off.
It was a strange reaction and, even as I was walking away, I wanted to turn back… to say something back to her just as nice! But what?
Two rows over, in the watering section of the store, I stood there debating. I should go back and get the seeds that she had been looking at (morning glories, I think they were…) and tell her I'll plant them and think of her, too! But as the seconds turned to minutes I convinced myself that the window of opportunity had passed. At this point it would be too awkward to return.
Hélas this touching encounter will be filed under Missed Opportunities. Meantime somewhere in France dozens of cosmos will bloom this summer. I see the woman with the Mexican poppy color hair hobbling up to admire them. She's finished with her crutches by now, and a part of her is even jogging down memory lane.
***
Post note: Recently, I discovered in my seed collection a packet of Mexican poppies (a gift from Malou a few years ago). I will scatter them and think of the golden-haired stranger. She won't have the joy of knowing my gesture (as I had knowing of her plan) but that brings me back to stardust, which must–like the emanating and far-reaching light from which it is born–illuminate kindred spirits the world over. Somehow she will know.
To comment, click here. Share your remarkable experiences with strangers or talk about another theme in today's edition. Thanks.
French Vocabulary
le présentoir = display rack
ne bougez pas vous ne me gênez pas du tout = don't move. You're not bothering me a bit
le bourrache = borage
les béquilles (f) = crutches
hélas = alas
un embarras = a difficulty (more here)
l'embarras de (or du) choix = embarrassing variety of choice, multiple possibilites
Au présentoir des fleurs je suis resté bête devant l'embarras de choix.
At the flower display I was stumped before all the choices.
avoir l'embarras du choix = to have too many solutions
Months before we moved to our first vineyard, in Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes, we would visit it. Here is a picture of Jean-Marc beneath a rainbow… and on the verge of a colorful future in winemaking. You can also see the kids and our dog Braise.
Jean-Marc will kick off his USA Wine Tour in March! Click here for more info and to see what other cities he'll visit.
A blessing in disguise is what Jean-Marc calls my latest computer crash… for when my PC was repaired, we recuperated all the pictures that were lost during the first computer crash! It is fun to see the kids, in 2007. That's Braise they are washing… in an old grape bucket from Uncle Jean-Claude's vineyard.
Pronounce It Perfectly in French - with exercises in sound discrimination and accurate sound creation. Order your copy here.
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I think actually that nothing at all was lost. They say that part of valuing generosity is accepting generosity from others. Your lady-of-the-cosmos was in a very open and giving frame of mind. It affected you enormously and you are carrying her influence with you into subsequent encounters. Often we are flummoxed by kind gestures and run away in awkwardness. That’s really sweet, too.
I think this was just her moment to be the generous one!
You are kindred spirits.
I think actually that nothing at all was lost. They say that part of valuing generosity is accepting generosity from others. Your lady-of-the-cosmos was in a very open and giving frame of mind. It affected you enormously and you are carrying her influence with you into subsequent encounters. Often we are flummoxed by kind gestures and run away in awkwardness. That’s really sweet, too.
I think this was just her moment to be the generous one!
You are kindred spirits.
Kristin, i don’t think you missed an opportunity at all! the other side of ‘taking the opportunity,’ is ‘creating an opportunity’. and that’s what you did with Madame Stardust. YOU reached out and engaged her first. which clearly touched and moved her. a little bit of magic happened there. it was a lovely circle.
Kristin, i don’t think you missed an opportunity at all! the other side of ‘taking the opportunity,’ is ‘creating an opportunity’. and that’s what you did with Madame Stardust. YOU reached out and engaged her first. which clearly touched and moved her. a little bit of magic happened there. it was a lovely circle.
Gwyn, love Madame Stardust! Could be a good title to this essay.
Leslie, liking your Lady Of the Cosmos, too 🙂
Skip and all the stardusters here, thanks for taking the time to respond to this story.
Gwyn, love Madame Stardust! Could be a good title to this essay.
Leslie, liking your Lady Of the Cosmos, too 🙂
Skip and all the stardusters here, thanks for taking the time to respond to this story.
My dear friend Marianna came in to my life as a result of a similar encounter at a display of paint chips. She,too, had red hair – topped by a red beret , which so typified her spirit. She “adopted” me at a time when I was trying to find my way in a new city, a long way from my roots. She shared her knowledge of our mutual interests in antiques, gardening and restoring log cabins, while teaching me about making maple syrup, owning and operating a farm, Indian rugs, red ware, treen ware, and so much more. Together we picked branches of apple blossoms from her trees for the bouquets she made for her son’s wedding. I remember her fondly. Alas, she doesn’t remember me because of Alzheimers. Thank you for your story.
My dear friend Marianna came in to my life as a result of a similar encounter at a display of paint chips. She,too, had red hair – topped by a red beret , which so typified her spirit. She “adopted” me at a time when I was trying to find my way in a new city, a long way from my roots. She shared her knowledge of our mutual interests in antiques, gardening and restoring log cabins, while teaching me about making maple syrup, owning and operating a farm, Indian rugs, red ware, treen ware, and so much more. Together we picked branches of apple blossoms from her trees for the bouquets she made for her son’s wedding. I remember her fondly. Alas, she doesn’t remember me because of Alzheimers. Thank you for your story.
Since I like word games, I’m always seeing connections that probably don’t exist. For example. “Bouquez” (move)–could that be the genesis for the English word, “Boogie”?
Enjoy your flowers.
Since I like word games, I’m always seeing connections that probably don’t exist. For example. “Bouquez” (move)–could that be the genesis for the English word, “Boogie”?
Enjoy your flowers.
This story was magic!!
It touched me plus many others. I always wonder the “why” reading a simple story manages to find its way to the inside of me-then roost. I guess the bond created by its
telling is the reason. Your telling of the bond with the golden haired lady stirred up an unending whirl of a circle of us. Thank you so much for sharing.
I remember well the thrill I had all those years ago when the first seeds I planted brought forth the promised blossoms I was 9, living in Wyoming. I had seen some California Poppies all abloom in a neighbor’s yard and begged for a pack of seeds. It was my first venture into the earth. The soil was warm, damp and comforting and the seeds were lovingly received. Then the waiting, then the happening. What beautiful, tender, brilliant spots of color those poppies gave to us. The least breeze trembled the petals and I loved them.
We now live in CA and already we are seeing
California Poppies in bloom. Beautiful.
I thank them for their giving and I thank you for remembering the fellow traveler who shares her part of your story.
This story was magic!!
It touched me plus many others. I always wonder the “why” reading a simple story manages to find its way to the inside of me-then roost. I guess the bond created by its
telling is the reason. Your telling of the bond with the golden haired lady stirred up an unending whirl of a circle of us. Thank you so much for sharing.
I remember well the thrill I had all those years ago when the first seeds I planted brought forth the promised blossoms I was 9, living in Wyoming. I had seen some California Poppies all abloom in a neighbor’s yard and begged for a pack of seeds. It was my first venture into the earth. The soil was warm, damp and comforting and the seeds were lovingly received. Then the waiting, then the happening. What beautiful, tender, brilliant spots of color those poppies gave to us. The least breeze trembled the petals and I loved them.
We now live in CA and already we are seeing
California Poppies in bloom. Beautiful.
I thank them for their giving and I thank you for remembering the fellow traveler who shares her part of your story.
Aloha Kristin, You may or may not recall the Hollyhock seeds I put in my pocket from your St Cecile property … they are at this moment growing next to my home on the beautiful Garden Isle .. a constant reminder of wonderful France as well as you and JM while you were still raising two young souls and hosting many visitors, and JM was proudly producing the excellent wines of DRBleu. Plants … Gods gift. Aloha, Bill
Aloha Kristin, You may or may not recall the Hollyhock seeds I put in my pocket from your St Cecile property … they are at this moment growing next to my home on the beautiful Garden Isle .. a constant reminder of wonderful France as well as you and JM while you were still raising two young souls and hosting many visitors, and JM was proudly producing the excellent wines of DRBleu. Plants … Gods gift. Aloha, Bill
Ahh – thank you so much for sharing this moment in time. I, too, have reflected on ‘missed opportunities’ – usually with saddness – and your experience reminds me that even missed opportunities can be reclaimed with a twist! Thank you!
Ahh – thank you so much for sharing this moment in time. I, too, have reflected on ‘missed opportunities’ – usually with saddness – and your experience reminds me that even missed opportunities can be reclaimed with a twist! Thank you!
Touched I am, by your beautiful and heartfelt story. We should seize upon those opportunities to reach out to other souls.
Touched I am, by your beautiful and heartfelt story. We should seize upon those opportunities to reach out to other souls.
Such a lovely story Kristin. Thank you
Such a lovely story Kristin. Thank you
Our dear Kristi,
Not only another wonderful story and pictures(!) but also a wonderful example of showing thoughtfulness and kindness to others. I so remember the time when I was on crutches;my belle mere and I went to the market to buy some stuff at the deli, and were nearly run over by a herd of totally
inconsiderate people who were afraid I might hobble ahead and cut in line!
THANK YOU for such a gentle and lovely reminder to never forget kindness to and for one another!
Love, Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
Not only another wonderful story and pictures(!) but also a wonderful example of showing thoughtfulness and kindness to others. I so remember the time when I was on crutches;my belle mere and I went to the market to buy some stuff at the deli, and were nearly run over by a herd of totally
inconsiderate people who were afraid I might hobble ahead and cut in line!
THANK YOU for such a gentle and lovely reminder to never forget kindness to and for one another!
Love, Natalia XO
a very beautiful story.
a very beautiful story.
Your wonderful and touching story today made me think of Carl Sagan’s PBS programs of twenty or so years ago when he gave wonderful descriptions and explanations of the cosmos. His quote that “we are all made of starstuff” is for me his most memorable. When you think about it, it could make you feel a bit of stardust swirling about almost everyone. I know that you brightened the stardust lady’s day! And thanks for brightening mine. Bon week-end, Cynthia
Your wonderful and touching story today made me think of Carl Sagan’s PBS programs of twenty or so years ago when he gave wonderful descriptions and explanations of the cosmos. His quote that “we are all made of starstuff” is for me his most memorable. When you think about it, it could make you feel a bit of stardust swirling about almost everyone. I know that you brightened the stardust lady’s day! And thanks for brightening mine. Bon week-end, Cynthia
Tu as touché mon cœur! This story brought me to a personal ‘missed opportunity’ of getting the full names of the two lovely people I met while traveling in Stratford-Upon-Avon. They were long retired, she in a wheelchair, her husband pushing her along enjoying a visit to the town where they used to live. They saw me looking at a street map and asked if they could help! We ended up spending a good share of the afternoon walking around, the husband sharing stories of his life as a WWII photographer who opened a camera shop after the war in S-U-A and operated it until they retired to Devon. It was one of the most pleasurable days on my trip, spent with Bill and Helen…. but for whatever reason, we did not exchange last names nor addresses… I wish I had – but, I have to remember what a wonderful encounter it was for me, and I think for them, as well. Precious moments!
Tu as touché mon cœur! This story brought me to a personal ‘missed opportunity’ of getting the full names of the two lovely people I met while traveling in Stratford-Upon-Avon. They were long retired, she in a wheelchair, her husband pushing her along enjoying a visit to the town where they used to live. They saw me looking at a street map and asked if they could help! We ended up spending a good share of the afternoon walking around, the husband sharing stories of his life as a WWII photographer who opened a camera shop after the war in S-U-A and operated it until they retired to Devon. It was one of the most pleasurable days on my trip, spent with Bill and Helen…. but for whatever reason, we did not exchange last names nor addresses… I wish I had – but, I have to remember what a wonderful encounter it was for me, and I think for them, as well. Precious moments!
P.S. That first photo of the cafe, with dog in front begs to be a book cover!
P.S. That first photo of the cafe, with dog in front begs to be a book cover!
It’s a reminder how just a small gesture can make someone feel good. It doesn’t take much effort sometimes, to elicit warm feelings.
It’s a reminder how just a small gesture can make someone feel good. It doesn’t take much effort sometimes, to elicit warm feelings.
Thank you so much Kristi for the lovely story and your lovely pictures. So glad you retrieve them. Blessings…
Thank you so much Kristi for the lovely story and your lovely pictures. So glad you retrieve them. Blessings…
Wow!I clicked on the link to Jules’ flowers sent from readers in 2008 (before I started reading FWAD). What a wonderful response and glorious array of different flowers. Printemps venira la semaine prochaine. Nous pouvons commencer nos jardins!
Wow!I clicked on the link to Jules’ flowers sent from readers in 2008 (before I started reading FWAD). What a wonderful response and glorious array of different flowers. Printemps venira la semaine prochaine. Nous pouvons commencer nos jardins!
Kristin,
From what town is the Cafe photo? I would love to make that one of my treasure hunts.
Thank you for the sunshine. I don’t feel you lost an opportunity as it was perfectly captured in the story!
Kristin,
From what town is the Cafe photo? I would love to make that one of my treasure hunts.
Thank you for the sunshine. I don’t feel you lost an opportunity as it was perfectly captured in the story!
Such a delightful story – I’d like to know that woman better!
Such a delightful story – I’d like to know that woman better!
Kristin,
Your story is very touching.
Every time I travel I meet good people, just strangers. It’s easy: just smile and be nice to people. I remember everyone of them.
Thank you for making my day.
Olga.
Kristin,
Your story is very touching.
Every time I travel I meet good people, just strangers. It’s easy: just smile and be nice to people. I remember everyone of them.
Thank you for making my day.
Olga.
Hello Kristin and thank you. “Magic” was also the word that came to mind as well after reading this lovely story–“post” certainly won’t do. Isn’t it amazing when our instinct talks to us, shouts and yet somehow the moment just doesn’t click? I try to not let regret be too strong a presence in my life but there have been times for all of us…
One fun thing I can’t help but smile over–I have photographed the same café as in your first photo! I remember it as being in a tiny hameau in the middle of nowhere and was beyond delighted with its carved letters and glowing patina.
Bon fin de weekend,
Heather
Hello Kristin and thank you. “Magic” was also the word that came to mind as well after reading this lovely story–“post” certainly won’t do. Isn’t it amazing when our instinct talks to us, shouts and yet somehow the moment just doesn’t click? I try to not let regret be too strong a presence in my life but there have been times for all of us…
One fun thing I can’t help but smile over–I have photographed the same café as in your first photo! I remember it as being in a tiny hameau in the middle of nowhere and was beyond delighted with its carved letters and glowing patina.
Bon fin de weekend,
Heather
Early on in my traveling days (read “inexperienced”), I was taking the train from Milan to Sorrento and had to change trains in Naples. I was traveling with my preteen son, and felt the extra burden of keeping him safe. Arriving in Naples, I became very confused, and a little panicked, regarding where to go next and was trying unsuccessfully to get answers from the person at the ticket window. My inability to speak Italian confounded the problem. Out of nowhere, an elderly gentleman came from behind me, picked up my large suitcase and without saying a word waved for me to follow him. I did so hesitantly, and he took us through a turn-style to a lower level of the station used for regional trains. He deposited my suitcase on a platform and I looked up to see it was indeed the one I had been searching for. I turned to thank him for his unsolicited gesture of kindness. He was nowhere to be found. Since that day the notion of “angels unaware” has taken on a very real significance for me.
Early on in my traveling days (read “inexperienced”), I was taking the train from Milan to Sorrento and had to change trains in Naples. I was traveling with my preteen son, and felt the extra burden of keeping him safe. Arriving in Naples, I became very confused, and a little panicked, regarding where to go next and was trying unsuccessfully to get answers from the person at the ticket window. My inability to speak Italian confounded the problem. Out of nowhere, an elderly gentleman came from behind me, picked up my large suitcase and without saying a word waved for me to follow him. I did so hesitantly, and he took us through a turn-style to a lower level of the station used for regional trains. He deposited my suitcase on a platform and I looked up to see it was indeed the one I had been searching for. I turned to thank him for his unsolicited gesture of kindness. He was nowhere to be found. Since that day the notion of “angels unaware” has taken on a very real significance for me.
What a lovely way to remember someone….the beauty of the flower which brings joy to the heart. No complications, no judgements, no regrets. Just purest beauty. You both have brought a joyful memory to each other.
What a lovely way to remember someone….the beauty of the flower which brings joy to the heart. No complications, no judgements, no regrets. Just purest beauty. You both have brought a joyful memory to each other.
Such a touching story.
It’s these little moments in time that we remember so well and make us feel good every time we’re reminded of them.
She will think of you when her flowers grow and you’ll bring a smile to her face.
Such a touching story.
It’s these little moments in time that we remember so well and make us feel good every time we’re reminded of them.
She will think of you when her flowers grow and you’ll bring a smile to her face.