Un mois sabbatique. Some talk of a sabbatical year, but one month may just be enough to recharge these batteries after 11 years of online journaling.
In November, I'll follow a gentle rule: no emails, no blogging. Thanks for helping me stick to it…. If you have sent me a note in 2011 or 2012 and not received a reply, I am so sorry. I wanted to respond, but I slipped behind. Please don't take it personally. I'd feel even worse than I already do!
Before putting this blog and my inbox on hiatus for the next month, one more story for you. I hope it will fill you with hope and inspiration and, especially, tendresse et amour.
If you are looking for the word of the day, I have put it in the following story, somewhere (hint, it's in theme with October 31st…).
"See you" in December!
We'll get back to the regular blog format in December. Thank you for reading!
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
The Photographer and the Body Piercer
Last night my mind chattered from the day's unexpected and meaningful encounters. I had met two strangers in the town of Bandol, and by the time we parted I carried in my hand a precious, if invisible, puzzle piece. Mindful of its value–and still unsure as to where to place it–I held it tightly lest it fall into a street grate (alas, it wouldn't be the first time!). Meantime, a familiar quote galloped across my soul, dropping a clue as to what this puzzle piece represented: boldness.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it…
Those words were tattooed on my brain like the Lord's Prayer. They must have significance. But who had said them–Ralph Waldo Emerson? Claude Bristol? Mom? And how did boldness relate to yesterday's meeting?
An internet search brought the first answer and led to an even more profound text, words which would give insight into yesterday's chance meeting, which I will soon share. First, via Wikipedia, here are the powerful thoughts of William Hutchison Murray, Scottish mountaineer and writer:
Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!
Now back to yesterday's pivotal encounter in the town of Bandol, and to where boldness and, especially, "countless ideas and splendid plans–and Providence" fit in.
Cynthia was one of the "strangers" I met yesterday. We first chatted online and were struck by our connections to Mexico and France. Cynthia lives very near my mom (who is in Puerto Vallarta), and she has a home very near me, in Bandol.
Over lunch we discovered more affinities, including a love of photography. After coming to France 20 years ago, and with no plans on leaving, Cynthia's circumstances suddenly changed. But instead of returning to the States, she found a creative way to stay in France–by offering photography tours.
As we talked about the creative activity that had allowed her to remain in France, I was struck by Cynthia's pluck–her courage and boldness to follow her intuition and to trust things would work out!
Though Cynthia no longer gives photography tours of France, she clearly enjoys helping others advance with their cameras. After lunch, Cynthia was helping me snap some pictures when I looked up, dying to ask her a question.
"Which do you prefer to photograph: architecture or people?"
"People!" Cynthia did not hesitate.
"Me too! Me too!" I said, my voice wagging its tail, like my dog Smokey when his heart is full.
"I want to photograph people!" I said, "but I am afraid of being chased away." I told Cynthia about an encounter, earlier, in which I asked the pumpkin stand lady if I could photograph her bright orange courges. The woman's face contorted into a ghoulish non!–scaring me away from my goal.
"How did you respond to the woman's negative reaction?" Cynthia wanted to know.
"Well, I told the lady that I was American… and that seeing une citrouille, or pumpkin, made my heart swell with nostalgia. The women then grumbled, 'Go ahead, just don't photograph me!'"
Cynthia said I had handled the situation very well, and, buoyed by her encouragement I seized the next opportunity….
We had be walking toward the church when my eyes locked on a colorful figure sitting in front of the tattoo shop, just beside the historic cathedral.
"Cynthia! That is who I want to photograph!" I pointed my head over to the girl in purple tights, tattoos up and down her arms. I loved the way she was sitting–carefree, yet lost in concentration.
But just as Cynthia was helping me to discreetly adjust my camera, the purple-legged subject moved. Her feet came down off the table as she shifted to greet a friend who was passing by. Oh no, the moment was lost! Or was it?….
Before my mind could reason or object, I found myself marching toward the young woman! Enough was enough. I could not go on sneaking photos–and giving up, I determined, was no longer an option.
(Boldness has genius….)
"Sorry to bother you," I said, "but I would really love to take your picture." Next, I told the young woman what a chicken I was to photograph strangers, but how I no longer wanted that to keep me from a creative impulse!
(Boldness has genius, power and magic in it…)
As I babbled on, unbridling my heart, the young woman in head to toes tattoos with piercings across her face, and earlobes weighed down with spacers–looked up at me with gentle eyes. "Bien sûr. Yes of course you can take my photo."
My babbling stopped… replaced by a moral inkling:
"Do you mind if I publish your photo?" It was a delicate question. I might have been even more direct: I wish to share your creative and inspiring-to-me character with the world, without exploiting you. You okay with that?
Without batting an eye, the young woman assured me it was pas un souci! How refreshing to know that not everyone has as many hang-ups or fearful imaginings as I. I just needed to relax–and snap the photo!
"Janis"
"I'm Kristi and this is Cynthia," I said, in between snapping pictures. "What is your name?"
"Janis."
"Ah, Janis Joplin!"
My subject smiled a confirmation, when I noticed her great and punctured heart….
"It's a bleeding heart," Janis said, as Cynthia and I huddled in close, to study the heart tattoo across Janis's chest. We chatted several moments about everything from tattoos to driving lessons to permaculture–in one of the richest conversations I have ever had in the space of 5 minutes.
Meantime, the lumière from the sky above streamed down through the church's eves, to the tattoo shop below. I watched the light fall across these former strangers, how grounded and strong they were, with hearts as warm as the sun's rays.
As I said goodbye to these artists, while holding that precious invisible puzzle piece in my hand, my breath caught. Something had fallen from me, and landed in the street grate!
I saw then what the puzzle piece truly represented: the limitations I set against myself. I no longer have to let my dreams pass me by. I can stop, say hello, and ask the magic question: May I?
Comments
To leave a comment, click here. Thank you very much for reading and I will be back in December with more words and stories. Feel free to leave a message here (my email inbox is closed, until I can catch up).
Through December, the ebook version of Blossoming in Provence is just over $4.
Janis, if you are reading, many thanks for helping me to put to rest one more limitation. I will think of you each time I ask the golden question, May I? Puis-je?
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I agree with gary! Your photos have always added so much to your writing. I always wondered why you wrote about people (and dogs) but photographed mainly buildings and scenery. Were all the towns in Provence deserted?! If you can figure out how to take and publish neat photos like that of Janice, without offending anyone or getting in trouble, more power to you!
PS Enjoy your sabbatical! Maybe I can think of something cool and creative to do while you are off-line!
I agree with gary! Your photos have always added so much to your writing. I always wondered why you wrote about people (and dogs) but photographed mainly buildings and scenery. Were all the towns in Provence deserted?! If you can figure out how to take and publish neat photos like that of Janice, without offending anyone or getting in trouble, more power to you!
PS Enjoy your sabbatical! Maybe I can think of something cool and creative to do while you are off-line!
Will miss your stories but glad you are taking care of yourself! Enjoy the month. It will fly by.
Will miss your stories but glad you are taking care of yourself! Enjoy the month. It will fly by.
Hi Kristin, Have a wonderful November vacation. You will be missed, but we do need to tend our gardens. Thank you for all of your post of the past year.
Mary
Hi Kristin, Have a wonderful November vacation. You will be missed, but we do need to tend our gardens. Thank you for all of your post of the past year.
Mary
Enjoy your time. Not time off, rather Time given; Time taken!
As for photos, I take few of people other than family, as I don’t think I do them very well. I do enjoy taking pictures of architecture. At least it stays still!:-)
Enjoy your time. Not time off, rather Time given; Time taken!
As for photos, I take few of people other than family, as I don’t think I do them very well. I do enjoy taking pictures of architecture. At least it stays still!:-)
Excellent post, Kristin. Wondering who will be counting the days until December with more anticipation – your faithful readers waiting for your next post – or you waiting to create your next post…
Excellent post, Kristin. Wondering who will be counting the days until December with more anticipation – your faithful readers waiting for your next post – or you waiting to create your next post…
Check out a video on YouTube called “Touching Strangers”. It’s about a photographer who asks strangers to pose together in NYC. Very moving. And BOLD!
Check out a video on YouTube called “Touching Strangers”. It’s about a photographer who asks strangers to pose together in NYC. Very moving. And BOLD!
Hi dear Kristi,
You have written(and photographed)many wonderful
subjects,but today’s post is truly one of your finest.You wrapped yourself around all of our hearts in giving us courage(and indspiration)to make a real effort to overcome our own inhibitions ….and follow a dream.THANK YOU!
Wishing you blessings and happines always AND
a restful glorious vacation!
Love, Natalia. xo
Hi dear Kristi,
You have written(and photographed)many wonderful
subjects,but today’s post is truly one of your finest.You wrapped yourself around all of our hearts in giving us courage(and indspiration)to make a real effort to overcome our own inhibitions ….and follow a dream.THANK YOU!
Wishing you blessings and happines always AND
a restful glorious vacation!
Love, Natalia. xo
Many years ago when I used to take my students to France, I would take pictures of store fronts to use in a slide show to teach students the names of different shops and what a shopper could find in each one. On a particular day I saw a beautiful Boucherie.
as I started to take the photo of the sign the butcher came running out to find out why I was taking a photo of his shop. When I explained to him that his shop window was the most beautiful I had seen he smiled and gave me permission to shoot the photo, We then chatted for a while and I told him I would send him a copy at which point he asked if I could take one more photo with him in it.I told this story to students for many years and told them to always ask permission before taking the picture.
Many years ago when I used to take my students to France, I would take pictures of store fronts to use in a slide show to teach students the names of different shops and what a shopper could find in each one. On a particular day I saw a beautiful Boucherie.
as I started to take the photo of the sign the butcher came running out to find out why I was taking a photo of his shop. When I explained to him that his shop window was the most beautiful I had seen he smiled and gave me permission to shoot the photo, We then chatted for a while and I told him I would send him a copy at which point he asked if I could take one more photo with him in it.I told this story to students for many years and told them to always ask permission before taking the picture.
DARLING KRISTI,
I LOVE YOU – FOREVER… You are the greatest storyteller, so happy you are in my life.
XOXO
MOM
DARLING KRISTI,
I LOVE YOU – FOREVER… You are the greatest storyteller, so happy you are in my life.
XOXO
MOM
Have a great month off!! Looking forward to stories of the cruise!
Have a great month off!! Looking forward to stories of the cruise!
Bon repos Kristi, profitez en bien!
x
Bon repos Kristi, profitez en bien!
x
Bonjour Kristin,
I loved this post – esp about courage — we all need it huh? I love the 2 artists you met. They are both inspiring.
Have a wonderful time in Nov. and relax & recharge! We will be waiting for your return.
Stay well!
Bonjour Kristin,
I loved this post – esp about courage — we all need it huh? I love the 2 artists you met. They are both inspiring.
Have a wonderful time in Nov. and relax & recharge! We will be waiting for your return.
Stay well!
Have a wonderful time. Thank you for this thought provoking parting gift. Bon voyage! N
Have a wonderful time. Thank you for this thought provoking parting gift. Bon voyage! N
Everyone needs to take time off now and then! You are so diligent with FWAD, you amaze me! Now, relax, catch your breath, enjoy your family and most of all take that much needed time alone FOR YOU! We’ll be here when you return.
Everyone needs to take time off now and then! You are so diligent with FWAD, you amaze me! Now, relax, catch your breath, enjoy your family and most of all take that much needed time alone FOR YOU! We’ll be here when you return.
I am especially touched by your *We will be here when you return* messages. Thank you so much!
Mom, what a wonderful note!
I am especially touched by your *We will be here when you return* messages. Thank you so much!
Mom, what a wonderful note!
Have a wonderful break Kristin, I am a new reader and really enjoy your stories and posts. I have recently started on a weekly series on my blog,transcribing Daily Elle style ‘gossips’ from youtube A la Mode, A la vie, with plenty of French idioms as well as tips. I hope you and other francophiles will stop by and check it out. I’d love to hear your comments, corrections etc.. Merci beaucoup!
http://www.pret-a-vivre.com/2013/10/a-la-vie-la-mode-carla-delevigne-vs.html
BiTi (trying to be bold :))
Have a wonderful break Kristin, I am a new reader and really enjoy your stories and posts. I have recently started on a weekly series on my blog,transcribing Daily Elle style ‘gossips’ from youtube A la Mode, A la vie, with plenty of French idioms as well as tips. I hope you and other francophiles will stop by and check it out. I’d love to hear your comments, corrections etc.. Merci beaucoup!
http://www.pret-a-vivre.com/2013/10/a-la-vie-la-mode-carla-delevigne-vs.html
BiTi (trying to be bold :))
I always wanted to take pics of people, I got my nerve up to ask a few at the halloween parade this year!
PS. It’s Janis Joplin, not Janice Joplin! 🙂
I always wanted to take pics of people, I got my nerve up to ask a few at the halloween parade this year!
PS. It’s Janis Joplin, not Janice Joplin! 🙂
People! Those are the only ones I like! I can’t believe you asked- and thank you for asking!
There are many reasons for this, on many levels, but sometimes I’m just struck by how much God loves them. And then I’m more able to believe He loves me,too.:)
See you in a week.
People! Those are the only ones I like! I can’t believe you asked- and thank you for asking!
There are many reasons for this, on many levels, but sometimes I’m just struck by how much God loves them. And then I’m more able to believe He loves me,too.:)
See you in a week.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. The entire quote has hung on my wall through most of my adult life. The words have so often been proven true. Your post today is so powerful and so heartfelt. I can see the power and the magic working. Enjoy the cruise and your time off. Let the magic work. See you in December.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. The entire quote has hung on my wall through most of my adult life. The words have so often been proven true. Your post today is so powerful and so heartfelt. I can see the power and the magic working. Enjoy the cruise and your time off. Let the magic work. See you in December.
Kristin, you often inspire me. Today’s post especially did. Have a wonderful, refreshing sabbatical.
Jane Hoppe
Kristin, you often inspire me. Today’s post especially did. Have a wonderful, refreshing sabbatical.
Jane Hoppe
I enjoy your writings and photos which reach across two oceans to greet me but I also understand your need for a break…so enjoy your time away from the computer. But I hope you do come back please, as sometimes your writings hit me right at the right time…like your post today…which makes the “powerful thoughts of William Hutchison Murray” so real.
I enjoy your writings and photos which reach across two oceans to greet me but I also understand your need for a break…so enjoy your time away from the computer. But I hope you do come back please, as sometimes your writings hit me right at the right time…like your post today…which makes the “powerful thoughts of William Hutchison Murray” so real.
“nothing ventured, nothing gained”. So glad you captured Janis and a fellow photographer encouraged you to do so. I try to remember to ask permission and haven’t gotten any “no” replies. Have a glorious Novembre, cruising, relaxing, charging your batteries. We will indeed be here when you return, but will miss you a lot. You top the queue when opening my email. Bon voyage a vous et Jean-Marc.
“nothing ventured, nothing gained”. So glad you captured Janis and a fellow photographer encouraged you to do so. I try to remember to ask permission and haven’t gotten any “no” replies. Have a glorious Novembre, cruising, relaxing, charging your batteries. We will indeed be here when you return, but will miss you a lot. You top the queue when opening my email. Bon voyage a vous et Jean-Marc.
My dear friend Kristi, what a gift of genius you are, today’s story right in tune with my heart. I admire your boldness in taking the initiative to gift yourself a month’s hiatus (something I have longed for months, years now). Bless your unbridled heart!
I have shared the powerful words of Goethe and Murry with my father, who yesterday embarked on a healing hiatus of his own.
Wishing you a sweet November cozy-ed by Providence and nature’s rhythm.
My dear friend Kristi, what a gift of genius you are, today’s story right in tune with my heart. I admire your boldness in taking the initiative to gift yourself a month’s hiatus (something I have longed for months, years now). Bless your unbridled heart!
I have shared the powerful words of Goethe and Murry with my father, who yesterday embarked on a healing hiatus of his own.
Wishing you a sweet November cozy-ed by Providence and nature’s rhythm.
It would be too hard to choose one element over another! When we were at Giverney last month, I loved photographing the flowers and gardens. I am no photographer either, but I hope to possibly make cards with photos on the front for Christmas gifts, time permitting.
Bon Voyage! Enjoy your river cruise and time off!
It would be too hard to choose one element over another! When we were at Giverney last month, I loved photographing the flowers and gardens. I am no photographer either, but I hope to possibly make cards with photos on the front for Christmas gifts, time permitting.
Bon Voyage! Enjoy your river cruise and time off!
Dear Kristin,
How wonderful to make a new friend with whom you have so much in common. The two of you will share and learn a lot from each other….you already have! I always think that a person in a picture brings the photo or painting “to life” so to speak .
With a schedule like yours plus a busy life with your family, you should take a sabbatical or two every year. FWAD is what I most look forward to on my computer; you have a way with words which I so enjoy. I’ll “see” you in December.
Bon voyage and “Happy November/Thanksgiving”!
Dear Kristin,
How wonderful to make a new friend with whom you have so much in common. The two of you will share and learn a lot from each other….you already have! I always think that a person in a picture brings the photo or painting “to life” so to speak .
With a schedule like yours plus a busy life with your family, you should take a sabbatical or two every year. FWAD is what I most look forward to on my computer; you have a way with words which I so enjoy. I’ll “see” you in December.
Bon voyage and “Happy November/Thanksgiving”!