One of the doors on the cathedral of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseilles. We visited there, yesterday, after renewing the kids' passports at the American consulate. See the giant gond on the right? See today's expression, below…
le gond (le gohn)
: hinge
sortir de ses gonds = to come unhinged, to lose it
Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc: Download MP3 or Wav file
Pendant la periode de renovation, on peut être un peu sur les nerfs. C'est alors facile de sortir de ses gonds! During renovation, one can get a bit worked up. Therefore it is easy to come unhinged!
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
After writing Monday's post, my head was throbbing and my stomach, growling. Even though there wasn't a "real" story to labor over (just a series of dog pictures and French expressions), I am always surprised by the physical toll that writing takes and, when it is over, I feel like a wrung rag (and resemble one, too).
When the writing is finished I need to rest and refuel. I can't handle any more decision making or any more pressure, having pulled out all the stops to meet a self-imposed deadline. So when my 15-year-old appeared in my office (a corner nook of an increasingly cramped bedroom), asking whether a friend could stay the week (it's school vacation time here in France), I began to crack.
"No! Jackie," I growled. "Look around this room," I said, waving my arm from my desk, to the couch, to the bed, to the mattress on the floor. "We are already piled one on top of the other!"
"But Daddy said it's okay!" Jackie informed me.
But Daddy said it is okay? My blood begin to boil. I remember the last time we renovated a house, when–with no doors or windows and construction booby traps everywhere–the very same scenario played out. No! The kids can't have friends over for school vacation! I had said then, amazed at how differently my husband and I saw things.
Six years later, another renovation and we still see things differently! He just doesn't get it! NO. No sleepovers–at least not at our place!
"But Daddy said it is okay!" Jackie insisted, and when I went to argue back, my daughter's words stole my breath: "It's not a problem with him. But YOU are the problem!"
I left Jackie and stomped out of the room to find my easygoing let's invite the world to sleepover during major reconstruction husband. But I knew better than to try to talk sense into him. We would only end up in a shouting match and I didn't want the workers–who were busy tiling the bathrooms– to be our audience!
And yet… amidst the drilling and the hammering a few more machines were now whirring as two mouths fired up like power saws. But when neither my husband nor I could get our points across (Him: well! if you prefer our daughter watching TV reality shows nonstop during vacation! Me: WHAT?! Of course I don't want that!!) we stomped off–each in opposite directions.
I stomped out to the vegetable patch to get some green onions for a salad… and that is when I came face to face with the two workers who had been tiling the bathroom. They were seated at the picnic table, their ice boxes open, having lunch. They had already finished work, but I hadn't heard them over all the commotion in my room!
Surely they had heard the excited murmuring in the next room? I smiled sheepishly at the workers. Waving my green onions like a peace flag, I wished the men bon appétit.
I meant to hurry and disappear, along with my onions and my pride, into the kitchen. Only, seeing the savory plates of the workers, my stomach began to tug at me. Apparently Smokey's stomach was tugging at him, too, for there he sat begging like a mendiant!
I pushed the golden mendiant aside. "Off you go, Smokey…" and quickly took his place.
"I meant to tell you what a wonderful job you are doing here. Thanks!" I said to the workers, when my eyes tiptoed back over to those savory plates. "What's that you are eating?" I asked.
"Couscous!" The chef d'equipe said, pushing his plate toward me.
"Oh, thank you, but I've got something cooking in the kitchen." In reality, there was nothing waiting for me to eat in the kitchen. As I lingered at the table, my blood sugar dropped and dropped (which explained my quick-to-snap temper, earlier. But I wasn't the only one with low blood sugar! My heart smarted again as I recalled my husband's words!).
"Have you ever tasted couscous?" The builder asked, pushing his plate all the way to me.
"Yes. Oh, thanks–but you need to eat your lunch!" I said, pushing the plate back.
"I've finished. Go ahead, mangez!" Monsieur insisted. I watched, eyes wide with hunger, as the plate was pushed back my way. I thought about all the snacks and meals and coffees and chocolates I have offered workers over the years, but never had the situation been reversed like this….
I picked up the spoon Monsieur was using and shoveled a bite into my mouth. A sensation of calm came over me. I pushed the plate back, but Monsieur insisted, "Go ahead. Mangez!"
I felt a little awkward but that didn't stop me lowering myself into the seat, beside monsieur, all the while aware of the situational comedy. It was funny how one situation had led to a completely unexpected turn of events: had someone told me twenty minutes earlier that in the next life scene I would be dining with our tile-layer, scarfing down his wife's lovingly-packed lunch, I would never have believed it. Impossible!
And yet, in life, all things are possible. With that hopeful thought, something inside me murmured: Go ahead. THIS is life! This is the authentic moment you are always pining after. So take the risk and finally live it! What are you afraid of?
"I picked up Monsieur's soup spoon. "Well, that ought to calm me down!" I admitted to Monsieur, who, had he indeed heard the bickering earlier would appreciate the comment.
He smiled. "How do you like it?"
"It's good. Very spicy!"
The worker laughed. "It is Tunisian couscous. My mother makes it, in Tunisia, and my wife makes the sauce here in France."
I remembered both workers were Tunisian. That is when I realized why the other worker, whose seat I'd taken, had gone off to sit on a pile of logs. He must be a practicing Muslim, in which case it would have been improper to sit with a woman. But this would not occur to me until after I had consumed the entire plate of couscous that his boss, the chef d'equipe, was currently offering me. Only then I would understand the compromising position I had put the men in, and further appreciate their graceful response.
Meantime, what with the colleague waiting at the wood pile, I began to worry that the boss needed to get back to work, too. I started shoveling in the couscous, unsure of whether it was impolite to hand him back an unfinished plate. As I struggled to finish, I noticed how a very large portion remained. That is when it hit me that the boss had not really finished his meal, as he said he had. He'd only finished half of it! He was just being polite by offering me the rest. But should I believe what my ever-anxious thoughts were telling me?
Oh you think too much. I told myself. Be simple and do what you are told. Eat this meal!
And so I shoveled down bite after bite until… what was that? I began chewing on a fleshy compound. It soon dawned on me that this was chicken skin–spat chicken skin! The boss must have rejected it earlier, pushing it to the side of the plate, as one does. And there, in my haste, I'd gone and pushed it back in with the rest!
I sat there in limbo, with the spat chicken skin tucked in my right cheek, unsure of whether to spit it out (as the boss had done…) and so embarrass him, or did I swallow it? Quickly I brushed my hand across my mouth, spat, and tossed the piece into the onion patch beyond (wincing at the assault this must have been to the tall green herbivores, who preferred compost).
If the chef d'équipe noticed the skin-slinging gesture, he was discreet. I hurried to finish the couscous when Jean-Marc walked passed, stopping in his tracks for a double-take at the picnic scene.
Owing to the absurdity of the situation, there was no way, now, to maintain my cool silence (earlier I had vowed never to speak to my husband ever again!). But I would have to bow down, now, and explain the situation… or buck up and ride it out in pride, with a what are YOU looking at attitude.
But I knew that what Jean-Marc was looking at was slapstick funny. There was no way possible to maintain a holier-than-thou self-righteousness. I had to give in!
I pointed the giant soup spoon at the boss. "He offered it to me," I said, managing a crooked smile.
Jean-Marc laughed back, but his words were addressed to the chef d'équipe, who had handed over his lunch.
"You going to bill us for that one, too?"
***
Post note: once those carbohydrates went into effect, my perspective changed a bit. The idea of having Jackie's friend over, during renovation, didn't seem like the end of the world, after all. So what if there wasn't an extra bed. The girls could sleep on the kitchen floor or in the bath tub. What was the big deal after all? (As it is, we're sticking with plan A. No sleepovers yet! 😉
French Vocabulary
mangez (manger) = eat!
bon appétit! = enjoy your meal!
un mendiant = beggar
le chef d'équipe = crew chief
Hollyhocks on Isle of Ré. Photo taken last summer.
Good News: Very excited to tell you that France Today magazine is about to relaunch into a worldwide publication and that I have been given the chance to write the last page column titled Le Dernier Mot! Click here to view the trial offer
Slices of French life. Photo taken last summer. The handwritten sign on the bottom reads: Young serious law students looking for housework and babysitting jobs. I am experienced, dynamic, and responsible. Available every day from 3:30. Contact me. You see these signs in the baker's, in the superette, and in any number of little shops in France. Have you ever put up a sign like this? What did it say?
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For Faye, un mendiant is a beggar
For Faye, un mendiant is a beggar
Thanks Jules —–excuse me —- As someone with an MA in counseling I can confirm that we all have dysfunctional moments/days! The beauty in this story — is that it is OK to have a meltdown —– then regroup —-and see more clearly. Take the time to let things go and focus on the now!
No one needs this psyco babble Mari. Most of us just do the best we can and look at life as a journey — not analyze every interaction, then come to some baseless conclusion. You don’t even know these people — very unprofessional to give your “professional” take yes?
Thanks Jules —–excuse me —- As someone with an MA in counseling I can confirm that we all have dysfunctional moments/days! The beauty in this story — is that it is OK to have a meltdown —– then regroup —-and see more clearly. Take the time to let things go and focus on the now!
No one needs this psyco babble Mari. Most of us just do the best we can and look at life as a journey — not analyze every interaction, then come to some baseless conclusion. You don’t even know these people — very unprofessional to give your “professional” take yes?
Merci beaucoup Leslie!
Merci beaucoup Leslie!
Jean-Marc is a pushover and you are the disciplinarian, a tough job. I thought Jules had the best idea. Send the girls up to the third level to camp. Great story and bravo for eating the offered food. I’m sure that’s the best of manners. Put the hinges back on and keep going, cherie. This, too, will pass.
Jean-Marc is a pushover and you are the disciplinarian, a tough job. I thought Jules had the best idea. Send the girls up to the third level to camp. Great story and bravo for eating the offered food. I’m sure that’s the best of manners. Put the hinges back on and keep going, cherie. This, too, will pass.
Great to learn you’ll be writing for France magazine, a great publication; Le Dernier Mot is pride of place and you’ll provide a refreshing American perspective.
Great to learn you’ll be writing for France magazine, a great publication; Le Dernier Mot is pride of place and you’ll provide a refreshing American perspective.
This is the funniest Post ever…. I am there with you with the couscous!!!! I found you through Marianne Houlihan, and have so enjoyed your escapades. We are in France now, in the Aude and at Mr. Bricolage yesterday, I wished someone (thanks to you) Bon Bricolage and was greeted with the warmest smile ever!!! But, back to this post of school vacation vs torn up house vs hungry tummy…. Bonne chance!!!!
KWarburton
Santa Cruz, CA
This is the funniest Post ever…. I am there with you with the couscous!!!! I found you through Marianne Houlihan, and have so enjoyed your escapades. We are in France now, in the Aude and at Mr. Bricolage yesterday, I wished someone (thanks to you) Bon Bricolage and was greeted with the warmest smile ever!!! But, back to this post of school vacation vs torn up house vs hungry tummy…. Bonne chance!!!!
KWarburton
Santa Cruz, CA
Loved this post, I did laugh out loud on the chicken skin part too, it was like watching a funny endearing movie unfold. ( Hopefully someday). I can so relate to everything especially the renovation part. It is so hard, with the mess, noise and especially the lack of privacy that seems to go and on. I’ve had two major projects done this last year and more work being done right now. Ugh! I know it is always worth it in the end and I’m always so thankful afterward, so hang in there and before you know it you will have that dream house by the sea. As for Jackie and her friend, I agree with some of the other reader that say yes, teenagers don’t need much in the way of accomodation and it might make things easier for you with them staying busy. Who knows, they might even be a help but it’s true, they will be growing up and out so fast it will make your head spin. Cherish the laughter in your home, mess and all.
Loved this post, I did laugh out loud on the chicken skin part too, it was like watching a funny endearing movie unfold. ( Hopefully someday). I can so relate to everything especially the renovation part. It is so hard, with the mess, noise and especially the lack of privacy that seems to go and on. I’ve had two major projects done this last year and more work being done right now. Ugh! I know it is always worth it in the end and I’m always so thankful afterward, so hang in there and before you know it you will have that dream house by the sea. As for Jackie and her friend, I agree with some of the other reader that say yes, teenagers don’t need much in the way of accomodation and it might make things easier for you with them staying busy. Who knows, they might even be a help but it’s true, they will be growing up and out so fast it will make your head spin. Cherish the laughter in your home, mess and all.
EWWWWWWWWWWW !!!
Already chewed chicken skin .. now THAT’S some good writing AND some definatively unfortunate “discovering” in a plate of couscous … this “visual” almost gagged me as much as the pompous proclamations of the self annointed psychoanalyst above. Aloha, Bill
EWWWWWWWWWWW !!!
Already chewed chicken skin .. now THAT’S some good writing AND some definatively unfortunate “discovering” in a plate of couscous … this “visual” almost gagged me as much as the pompous proclamations of the self annointed psychoanalyst above. Aloha, Bill
Really Kristin Espinasse .. what an incredible piece today .. I just can’t get that chicken skin out of my minds eye, and that is what great writers do for their readership. Congrats on a beauty!
Aloha, Bill
Really Kristin Espinasse .. what an incredible piece today .. I just can’t get that chicken skin out of my minds eye, and that is what great writers do for their readership. Congrats on a beauty!
Aloha, Bill
Oh, dear Kristi! I’ve dropped in on my lunch break seeking a quiet moment. I am now drooling over the thought of couscous, cracking up over the stories inside your mind and the image of Jean-Marc finding you sharing the worker’s lunch — so uncharacteristic for you. I am touched to pieces by your sharing of the bumps of being human and co-existing. Congrats for recognizing the authentic moment while in the moment: savor life’s flavors.
I love Jules’s recommendation of a reward after your writing session and an escape to the village for a quiet lunch. Working from home, schuleding this in would benefit me greatly and balance blood sugar! Shall we make time for it?
Here’s a favored quote of mine which is right in line with your mom’s thinking:
“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats” – Iris Murdoch
Winn’s comment brought me to tears.
Thank you for helping me through my green smoothie = lunch. Today’s story was just the sweet diversion I needed. Congrats on your new column!
Oh, dear Kristi! I’ve dropped in on my lunch break seeking a quiet moment. I am now drooling over the thought of couscous, cracking up over the stories inside your mind and the image of Jean-Marc finding you sharing the worker’s lunch — so uncharacteristic for you. I am touched to pieces by your sharing of the bumps of being human and co-existing. Congrats for recognizing the authentic moment while in the moment: savor life’s flavors.
I love Jules’s recommendation of a reward after your writing session and an escape to the village for a quiet lunch. Working from home, schuleding this in would benefit me greatly and balance blood sugar! Shall we make time for it?
Here’s a favored quote of mine which is right in line with your mom’s thinking:
“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats” – Iris Murdoch
Winn’s comment brought me to tears.
Thank you for helping me through my green smoothie = lunch. Today’s story was just the sweet diversion I needed. Congrats on your new column!
I follow you regularly but I had to post because today’s was hysterical and so human!
Jim Walker
I follow you regularly but I had to post because today’s was hysterical and so human!
Jim Walker
Chere Kristin,
Such a great story! How nice of your tile guy to offer you food. Such a lovely gesture and I’m glad you enjoyed the meal.
Felicitations on Le Dernier Mot column! I will plan to subscribe and can’t wait to read your first story. What wonderful news for you!
I like Jules’ idea of an escape now and then. Lose yourself in a cafe or take a stroll on the beach. We all deserve to indulge in some “me time”.
Chere Kristin,
Such a great story! How nice of your tile guy to offer you food. Such a lovely gesture and I’m glad you enjoyed the meal.
Felicitations on Le Dernier Mot column! I will plan to subscribe and can’t wait to read your first story. What wonderful news for you!
I like Jules’ idea of an escape now and then. Lose yourself in a cafe or take a stroll on the beach. We all deserve to indulge in some “me time”.
Kristi…you are very funny!
And you are going to be a guest journalist….perfect forum for you!! So happy 🙂
Winn…loved your story too 🙂
Kristi…you are very funny!
And you are going to be a guest journalist….perfect forum for you!! So happy 🙂
Winn…loved your story too 🙂
You had me LOL when I got to the part about the chicken skin! Thanks for my laugh of the day — very healthy, and my first in a couple of days. (Those guys were generous, but now you can be generous back and make them lunch.)
You had me LOL when I got to the part about the chicken skin! Thanks for my laugh of the day — very healthy, and my first in a couple of days. (Those guys were generous, but now you can be generous back and make them lunch.)
I want to thank you again for the comments section. I find inspiration in the personal notes and stories your wealth of lovely and interesting readers share.
Still giggling in Applegate over today’s story! We sure do think alike….
I want to thank you again for the comments section. I find inspiration in the personal notes and stories your wealth of lovely and interesting readers share.
Still giggling in Applegate over today’s story! We sure do think alike….
Good job today. I found your word of the day choice very in synch with my life at the moment; right now am coping with house renovations (six months late, maybe because I gave up giving the workers treats?) a wedding this weekend (joyous, but….) and the marathon repercussions, so this week has been a “meltdown” on and off…Kristin, great advice from your mother; loved Winn’s comments also, (and completely off the course of this conversation,) I want to say to Jules, that I loved her painting of the tango with J-M. That painting is so strong and beautiful it took my breath away. I am feeling very appreciative of the beauty in the world at the moment and hope you will read this message.
Good job today. I found your word of the day choice very in synch with my life at the moment; right now am coping with house renovations (six months late, maybe because I gave up giving the workers treats?) a wedding this weekend (joyous, but….) and the marathon repercussions, so this week has been a “meltdown” on and off…Kristin, great advice from your mother; loved Winn’s comments also, (and completely off the course of this conversation,) I want to say to Jules, that I loved her painting of the tango with J-M. That painting is so strong and beautiful it took my breath away. I am feeling very appreciative of the beauty in the world at the moment and hope you will read this message.
When I was a university student in Atlanta, I posted a note in Spanish on a supermarket bulletin board saying: “Free English lessons”. I had several responses from Spanish-speakers from different countries and we would converse in English for 30 min. & then in Spanish for 30 min. I learned that different countries have different accents and vocabulary. This was in 1959 when many Cubans fled to the southeast U.S. and one of my “students” was a handsome “Don Juan” pre-med student whose lessons were cut off when it became obvious that he was more interested in romance than language. I became a high school Spanish teacher in California and taught Spanish and English as a Second Language for almost four decades.
When I was a university student in Atlanta, I posted a note in Spanish on a supermarket bulletin board saying: “Free English lessons”. I had several responses from Spanish-speakers from different countries and we would converse in English for 30 min. & then in Spanish for 30 min. I learned that different countries have different accents and vocabulary. This was in 1959 when many Cubans fled to the southeast U.S. and one of my “students” was a handsome “Don Juan” pre-med student whose lessons were cut off when it became obvious that he was more interested in romance than language. I became a high school Spanish teacher in California and taught Spanish and English as a Second Language for almost four decades.
Kristi thanks you for such a lighthearted post, I receive emails and or tel. calls from my daughter whenever she has a difficult day with family , and I suggest to her tomorrow it will be a new and brighter day, this has been my way of coping with the ups and downs facing us each day particularly with ones family. I think the quote of “Iris Murdoch’s” is so true and we should always remember to spoil ourselves a little more often give ourselves a treat. I am so happy to hear you have been requested to write for France magazine. I eagerly look forward to receiving my copy here down under each month. Its my support for an enriched life, now my life has slowed down and at the moment no more long distance travels. I am enjoying trying to compile my memoirs covering last 10years which have taken me to so many different places in France and find I am quite tired after a short time. So I can appreciate your exhaustion when you are also trying to cope with family demands. thank you on behalf of all who so enjoy receiving your posts giving us insights into a lifestyle which many of us would be happy to be a part of. Bonne journee
June G.C Qld
Kristi thanks you for such a lighthearted post, I receive emails and or tel. calls from my daughter whenever she has a difficult day with family , and I suggest to her tomorrow it will be a new and brighter day, this has been my way of coping with the ups and downs facing us each day particularly with ones family. I think the quote of “Iris Murdoch’s” is so true and we should always remember to spoil ourselves a little more often give ourselves a treat. I am so happy to hear you have been requested to write for France magazine. I eagerly look forward to receiving my copy here down under each month. Its my support for an enriched life, now my life has slowed down and at the moment no more long distance travels. I am enjoying trying to compile my memoirs covering last 10years which have taken me to so many different places in France and find I am quite tired after a short time. So I can appreciate your exhaustion when you are also trying to cope with family demands. thank you on behalf of all who so enjoy receiving your posts giving us insights into a lifestyle which many of us would be happy to be a part of. Bonne journee
June G.C Qld
The daughter who such a short time ago was embarrassed to invite a school friend to her farm house — now wants them with her even through the construction.
Somehow that seems like a good thing, how she fully accepts the new home and the remodelling.
It was a great story about recognizing your own state of mind — wrung out and hungry, snapping at anything not food, or peace.
Babysitting is an American word that needs no translating to a French word?
Congratulations on the new column! I hope you enjoy the extra outlet for your writing.
The daughter who such a short time ago was embarrassed to invite a school friend to her farm house — now wants them with her even through the construction.
Somehow that seems like a good thing, how she fully accepts the new home and the remodelling.
It was a great story about recognizing your own state of mind — wrung out and hungry, snapping at anything not food, or peace.
Babysitting is an American word that needs no translating to a French word?
Congratulations on the new column! I hope you enjoy the extra outlet for your writing.
Our dear Kristi,
You are such a gifted writer and a friend we are all privileged to have in our lives.
Living through home renovations is never a walk in the park (understatement) and you two are doing a fantastic job of it.
I remember when we were encountering the same situation,my dear belle mere told me (passed down from her belle mere and grand belle mere)–(hard to translate from her native language)–when things are tightest and you fear that you might say something you will regret, take a sip of water and let it fill your mouth (unable to utter anything back which you’ll regret).
I can’t say I always did this, but I can admit many times I wish I had.48 years now and still one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received.
Thrilled for your new Le Dernier Mot(!!) I just subscribed!! CanNOT wait! Congratulations!!
Love, Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
You are such a gifted writer and a friend we are all privileged to have in our lives.
Living through home renovations is never a walk in the park (understatement) and you two are doing a fantastic job of it.
I remember when we were encountering the same situation,my dear belle mere told me (passed down from her belle mere and grand belle mere)–(hard to translate from her native language)–when things are tightest and you fear that you might say something you will regret, take a sip of water and let it fill your mouth (unable to utter anything back which you’ll regret).
I can’t say I always did this, but I can admit many times I wish I had.48 years now and still one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received.
Thrilled for your new Le Dernier Mot(!!) I just subscribed!! CanNOT wait! Congratulations!!
Love, Natalia XO
Love it. Thanks for sharing. I hope you continue to work hard.
Love it. Thanks for sharing. I hope you continue to work hard.
Kristi, you take the cake…..er couscous! How hilarious. AND the spat-out chicken skin! I can so relate to these awkward, unique it-only-happens-to-me circumstances. You handled it brilliantly! I so do love your humility and self-irony and humour. Such a pleasure to read your snippets, unique and educating and so endearing. Thank you!!
Kristi, you take the cake…..er couscous! How hilarious. AND the spat-out chicken skin! I can so relate to these awkward, unique it-only-happens-to-me circumstances. You handled it brilliantly! I so do love your humility and self-irony and humour. Such a pleasure to read your snippets, unique and educating and so endearing. Thank you!!
Kristi,
Je t’adore France Today, felicitations sur Le Dernier Mot!
What a great story…how we all want things to be perfect when we have guest stay over. Bon chance.
Couscous is a wonderful food and there are so many ways to make it. I love the Isreali couscous, which is larger in size.
Great job on being discrete about getting rid of the chicken skin and I’m sure that onions didn’t mind…a little protein.
I love to read your stories….you are so open about yor life. You have become a member of many families or we have become members of yours….which ever it is….merci!
Kathleen
Kristi,
Je t’adore France Today, felicitations sur Le Dernier Mot!
What a great story…how we all want things to be perfect when we have guest stay over. Bon chance.
Couscous is a wonderful food and there are so many ways to make it. I love the Isreali couscous, which is larger in size.
Great job on being discrete about getting rid of the chicken skin and I’m sure that onions didn’t mind…a little protein.
I love to read your stories….you are so open about yor life. You have become a member of many families or we have become members of yours….which ever it is….merci!
Kathleen
Kristin: excellent ‘food for thought’…a real buffet of conflict to contemplate…put the girls to work and let Jean-Marc supervise…this will put things in perspective…funny but serious too. Blink your eyes and the kids will be gone/Wells
Kristin: excellent ‘food for thought’…a real buffet of conflict to contemplate…put the girls to work and let Jean-Marc supervise…this will put things in perspective…funny but serious too. Blink your eyes and the kids will be gone/Wells
Just brilliant!
You dive into the most awkward feelings and situations without shying away. It’s marvelous, moving writing. The second time I read it, I thought of Lucille Ball and her comic timing. What’s sweet to me is that the tiler was not only gracious, but probably sensed that you needed to be fed and cared for. He insisted that you let him, which is so human and lovely.
Just brilliant!
You dive into the most awkward feelings and situations without shying away. It’s marvelous, moving writing. The second time I read it, I thought of Lucille Ball and her comic timing. What’s sweet to me is that the tiler was not only gracious, but probably sensed that you needed to be fed and cared for. He insisted that you let him, which is so human and lovely.