Parasol pines and the sunset over the Mediterranean, at Le Port d'Alon in St Cyr-sur-Mer.
coucher du soleil (kew-shay-dew-sow-lay)
: sunset
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Ce soir à Bandol, le coucher du soleil est à 16h56.
Tonight in Bandol, the sunset is at 4:56 p.m.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
I felt guilty taking Smokey for the walk this time–after all, it was Braise's turn. Ideally I could promener both dogs, but golden retrievers are strong engines and it's difficult to control two leashes hooked to that much dog power!
"It's okay, Braise, we'll be back–with dinner!" I say, hurrying Smokey into my car–as though we were only going for take-out food. But Braise is sharper than both of us, she's nobody's fool. Because she is a gourmande, or foodie, she'll turn a blind eye on things this time–just as long as we return in half an hour with dinner!
I feel horrible backing out of our driveway, Smokey by my side. I know it's wrong to show favoritism, and I never set out to prefer one dog over the other. But every since our youngest golden was attacked by two dogs, I can't help but feel for him. Every single time I see his pendant tongue–dried like cardboard from constant contact with the air, I'm reminded of his misfortune.
Walking is therapy for both of us. Hiking through the coastal forest we are free to explore our surroundings, both literally and figuratively (Smokey likes to sniff out those "marked" rocks, while I'm busy turning over pebbles in my mind. I know the answers are under there, somewhere. Come here often enough, and I'll find the hidden keys).
Occasionally we encounter another hiker and I automatically call Smokey close, putting on his leash. I wouldn't want the stranger to feel uncomfortable or afraid. Of course there is no reason to fear Smokey, but how could a stranger know that? By pulling my dog close, I can at least put the other person at ease.
But what about my dog? What kind of message am I giving him? Have I only been reinforcing the fear I'd hoped to erase? "Smokey, come here!" I say, chaining him whenever a stranger approaches. I wonder, now, just what kind of message this is to the former victim.
The leash-or-not-to-leash question came up several months ago, while hiking my favorite coastal path. Braise (for it was Braise I was walking this time–I assure you it was!), yes it was Braise's turn to walk the day we encountered an elderly man and his unleashed boxer dog.
Noting Braise's excitement, the man offered a solution: "Why don't you unhook her from the leash?"
I watched, amazed, as Braise immediately dropped her intimidating act (restrained while her would-be-foe was free to attack–she had no choice but to pretend to be something bigger than him. In this case she was pretending to be a grizzly bear!).
The experienced worked that time, but here now–as Smokey and I approached the last leg of our walk, I spotted another leashless dog….
It seemed to be a labrador-boxer mix. Did he or she belong to the lovers who were blocking the trail? I tried to get eye contact, but the couple was unfazed as they stood, bodies entangled, staring out to the horizon.
"Excuse me," I said, getting more nervous by the moment (yet careful not to transfer my emotions to Smokey). "Is that your dog?"
The couple's trance was temporarily broken when the man looked over at the black and gray dog. "No. I don't know who it belongs to." The lovers returned to their peaceful embrace, as they gazed out to sea.
Meantime Smokey and I needed to step past them and that unpredictable dog just beyond! In a ready-set-charge mode I seized Smokey's leash, ready to streak past the catatonic trio (the dog's eyes were trained eerily on us!).
Suddenly the man turned to me and raised his hand. "Shhh!" he said, putting his finger to his lips.
Shhh?
Shhh! he repeated, and he smiled as he pointed to the horizon. I turned to see a dark orange disk sinking slowly into the sea.
"Qu'est-ce que c'est beau!" It's beautiful! said another voice drifting up from the hillside. I looked down to discover another group of hikers, eyes glued to the far side of the sky. They whispered in awe as they, too, watched the sun set over the Mediterranean.
With everyone standing there goo-goo eyed–bodies flushed with the drug of scenery–I realized, finally, this was no time to be on a mission! My eyes disconnected from the threatening dog, settling instead on the coucher de soleil. I gently turned Smokey's head in the same direction, before kneeling beside him to enjoy Nature's closing act.
When the sun disappeared behind the sea, the strangers began to look around at each other, in unspoken appreciation of what they had just seen. That's when I noticed the "scary" black dog. It had quietly wandered up to Smokey and me, to rest peacefully beside us.
As the strangers dispersed, so did a few more of my fears. Little by little, they are dropping off to sea… one sunset at a time.
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Beautiful story. Beautiful photos. Braise and Smokey are two lucky dogs living near the coast as they do,and having your love and attention.
So unlike the tangle of leashes walking two dogs in Paris. I received a lot of humorous sympathy from passing strangers as I inevitably twisted and turned trying to extricate myself from the twisted leads as the dogs tried to forage for baguette scraps under parked autos.
Thank you for the delightful story.
Beautiful story. Beautiful photos. Braise and Smokey are two lucky dogs living near the coast as they do,and having your love and attention.
So unlike the tangle of leashes walking two dogs in Paris. I received a lot of humorous sympathy from passing strangers as I inevitably twisted and turned trying to extricate myself from the twisted leads as the dogs tried to forage for baguette scraps under parked autos.
Thank you for the delightful story.
Beautiful from start to finish, thank you.
Norma Gosling
Beautiful from start to finish, thank you.
Norma Gosling
What a lovely story. I know from personal experience that many problems can be resolved in that short peaceful moment at sunset. Do you know Eric Rohmer’s lovely film ‘Le Rayon Vert’?. Perhaps you saw the ‘green ray’ as the sun went down. It will bring good fortune!
What a lovely story. I know from personal experience that many problems can be resolved in that short peaceful moment at sunset. Do you know Eric Rohmer’s lovely film ‘Le Rayon Vert’?. Perhaps you saw the ‘green ray’ as the sun went down. It will bring good fortune!
Beautiful story!!!
Beautiful story!!!
Good story and lovely photos, but I note you start with saying that the dog was next to you. Maybe we Brits are more safety conscious than the French, but really any dog in a car should be thought of as a potential missile in the case of an accident, or even just a sudden braking. Their body will shoot forward and not only risk being killed by going through the windscreen, but may kill the driver or front seat passenger. They should be on the back seat, secured by a dog harness attached to the seat belt. Hope you can buy them over there. Do appreciate your mails, Helen.
Good story and lovely photos, but I note you start with saying that the dog was next to you. Maybe we Brits are more safety conscious than the French, but really any dog in a car should be thought of as a potential missile in the case of an accident, or even just a sudden braking. Their body will shoot forward and not only risk being killed by going through the windscreen, but may kill the driver or front seat passenger. They should be on the back seat, secured by a dog harness attached to the seat belt. Hope you can buy them over there. Do appreciate your mails, Helen.
So many lessons in this delightful story.
I have to walk each of our 3 dogs separately. And, they know what’s happening as soon as I even get the thought in my head. It’s very difficult.
I loved the sunset picture and the trees that do seem to be lining up to jump right in the water.
So many lessons in this delightful story.
I have to walk each of our 3 dogs separately. And, they know what’s happening as soon as I even get the thought in my head. It’s very difficult.
I loved the sunset picture and the trees that do seem to be lining up to jump right in the water.
lovely
lovely
Hi Kristin,
Beautiful story and photos! I remember walking our Labrador, Buster and he was always on alert when he saw another dog off leash. I guess they must feel vulnerable.
Hi Kristin,
Beautiful story and photos! I remember walking our Labrador, Buster and he was always on alert when he saw another dog off leash. I guess they must feel vulnerable.
Kristi,
You say “Scary black dog” and “It had quietly wandered up to Smokey and me, to rest peacefully beside us.” I don’t see how those two ideas relate — Are quiet wandering and peacefulness scary?
Relax and be a balanced example for your dogs by not assuming that every dog is out to get you. Dogs live in the moment, and it’s our self-imposed stress that makes them think they need to be on edge. Both your dogs and all the others. Stop playing that old tune over & over again in your head and enjoy.
Happy trails!
Kristi,
You say “Scary black dog” and “It had quietly wandered up to Smokey and me, to rest peacefully beside us.” I don’t see how those two ideas relate — Are quiet wandering and peacefulness scary?
Relax and be a balanced example for your dogs by not assuming that every dog is out to get you. Dogs live in the moment, and it’s our self-imposed stress that makes them think they need to be on edge. Both your dogs and all the others. Stop playing that old tune over & over again in your head and enjoy.
Happy trails!
That is a lovely story Kristin and I must apologise for my comment on Smokey’s tongue in my email yesterday, I was not aware he had been attacked when he was young, therefore it is not a funny tongue at all. So sorry Smokey! To comment on Helen’s email, we are heavily fined in some, if not all Australian states if dogs are not restrained in a harness in the back seat or rear compartment.
That is a lovely story Kristin and I must apologise for my comment on Smokey’s tongue in my email yesterday, I was not aware he had been attacked when he was young, therefore it is not a funny tongue at all. So sorry Smokey! To comment on Helen’s email, we are heavily fined in some, if not all Australian states if dogs are not restrained in a harness in the back seat or rear compartment.
Be still and know that I am God…what a beautiful sunset and story. Sometimes we just need to “be still” and not think.
I love your stories and your beautiful country.
Be still and know that I am God…what a beautiful sunset and story. Sometimes we just need to “be still” and not think.
I love your stories and your beautiful country.
KRISTI MY PRECIOUS,
Your story brought me to my knees, your last sentence broke my heart. Hang on Darling, we were all in our mid-life at one time or another and we feel your heart.
I LOVE YOU!!! Your stories are full of what is deep inside you. Your birthday is in six days, then you can move on past these barriers that keep popping into your mind.
Walls made of stone, pebbles falling into the sea….soon my precious girl…you will be free.
XOXO
MOM
p.s. Once again you have lifted me to the heights of joy as my eyes caught a first glance of your last photo…off to translate that one into my own language. Thank you for all you do by sharing your life with me. I am beyond blessed, what a gift God gave me when you arrived into my life. I could not have dreamed ´you´up in a million years.
KRISTI MY PRECIOUS,
Your story brought me to my knees, your last sentence broke my heart. Hang on Darling, we were all in our mid-life at one time or another and we feel your heart.
I LOVE YOU!!! Your stories are full of what is deep inside you. Your birthday is in six days, then you can move on past these barriers that keep popping into your mind.
Walls made of stone, pebbles falling into the sea….soon my precious girl…you will be free.
XOXO
MOM
p.s. Once again you have lifted me to the heights of joy as my eyes caught a first glance of your last photo…off to translate that one into my own language. Thank you for all you do by sharing your life with me. I am beyond blessed, what a gift God gave me when you arrived into my life. I could not have dreamed ´you´up in a million years.
Peut-être que le coucher du soleil vous avez aveuglé un peu! You mis-spelled “coucher”!!
Peut-être que le coucher du soleil vous avez aveuglé un peu! You mis-spelled “coucher”!!
Je pense au chapitre 6 du Petit Prince et sa “petite vie melancolique” ou sa seule consolation etait les couchers du soleil. Il etait tellement triste qu’il avait du regarder quarante-quatre couchers du soleil dans un jour. Joan L.
Je pense au chapitre 6 du Petit Prince et sa “petite vie melancolique” ou sa seule consolation etait les couchers du soleil. Il etait tellement triste qu’il avait du regarder quarante-quatre couchers du soleil dans un jour. Joan L.
Lovely as it must be for dogs to run free, it’s not so lovely for passing people who may be afraid. You’re right to be sensitive to that and hold your dogs close. I think it’s teaching them respect, not fear. I wish one friend of mine had trained her dog to show respect and not to jump up at people (especially me!) all the time.
Here in Virginia, it’s illegal to have a dog off leash anywhere but in a designated fenced dog park. If they were to run free, the owners wouldn’t necessarily know where they had … um … deposited and wouldn’t be able to pick up after them — which is also the law here.
Lovely as it must be for dogs to run free, it’s not so lovely for passing people who may be afraid. You’re right to be sensitive to that and hold your dogs close. I think it’s teaching them respect, not fear. I wish one friend of mine had trained her dog to show respect and not to jump up at people (especially me!) all the time.
Here in Virginia, it’s illegal to have a dog off leash anywhere but in a designated fenced dog park. If they were to run free, the owners wouldn’t necessarily know where they had … um … deposited and wouldn’t be able to pick up after them — which is also the law here.
This is fabulous. You really capture those moments we all have so nicely and then to wrap it up and talk about fear, and favoritism and sunsets… fabulous … don’t stop.
This is fabulous. You really capture those moments we all have so nicely and then to wrap it up and talk about fear, and favoritism and sunsets… fabulous … don’t stop.
Kristin, thanks for a lovely vignette. The writing seems effortless, yet I know that it is not! Well done.
Kristin, thanks for a lovely vignette. The writing seems effortless, yet I know that it is not! Well done.
Kristin, as others have said, it’s a lovely story and a beautiful photo. Anything you write about Smokey and his past touches me. But beyond that, your mom’s message brought tears to my eyes. How blessed you are to have each other.
Kristin, as others have said, it’s a lovely story and a beautiful photo. Anything you write about Smokey and his past touches me. But beyond that, your mom’s message brought tears to my eyes. How blessed you are to have each other.
“Gentle Leader” and “Halti” are two brands of “bridles for dogs”. They give fingertip control of your dog because you manage them from their snoot instead of their powerful shoulders. I learned about them when my son was training service dogs. A well-behaved dog goes on more walks, is more accepted by fellow walkers and keeps the dog out of harms way (cars, mean dogs, glass, etc).
“Gentle Leader” and “Halti” are two brands of “bridles for dogs”. They give fingertip control of your dog because you manage them from their snoot instead of their powerful shoulders. I learned about them when my son was training service dogs. A well-behaved dog goes on more walks, is more accepted by fellow walkers and keeps the dog out of harms way (cars, mean dogs, glass, etc).
The picture of Braise and Smokey is one of the most lovely dog pictures I have seen. Who ever took it captured a beautiful moment between mother and son, even if they are only dogs as some people would think. Every time I see it it brings tears to my eyes. I love your stories, pictures and especially the dog stories. Keep up the good work, you are excellent at this and I look forward to seeing your emails.
The picture of Braise and Smokey is one of the most lovely dog pictures I have seen. Who ever took it captured a beautiful moment between mother and son, even if they are only dogs as some people would think. Every time I see it it brings tears to my eyes. I love your stories, pictures and especially the dog stories. Keep up the good work, you are excellent at this and I look forward to seeing your emails.
What a beautiful story of how we can get caught up in our own fears and perceptions, and miss all the beauty of our surroundings. Thank you for being so eloquent in reminding me to be in the moment and not get into projecting my shortcomings on others.
What a beautiful story of how we can get caught up in our own fears and perceptions, and miss all the beauty of our surroundings. Thank you for being so eloquent in reminding me to be in the moment and not get into projecting my shortcomings on others.
Gentle Leaders and Haltis are not generally recognized in France as anything other than muzzles–which they are not!–so best to just leash-train your dog. We had our golden in Paris for six months using a Gentle Leader and got SO many negative comments from the natives (including being screamed at by a woman up by the opera house in the 11th. I think she had mental problems, but still…)that we finally quit taking him out for walks in public and kept to the Bois de Vincennes where we could let him run free.
Most dog parks in the US have a rule that your dog must be UNLEASHED when inside the park. This is because having leashed and unleashed dogs together can cause aggressive behavior from one or both of the dogs.
Enjoy your walks with your goldens. I think in your particular environment, what you are doing and the way you are handling passing strangers is totally fine.
Gentle Leaders and Haltis are not generally recognized in France as anything other than muzzles–which they are not!–so best to just leash-train your dog. We had our golden in Paris for six months using a Gentle Leader and got SO many negative comments from the natives (including being screamed at by a woman up by the opera house in the 11th. I think she had mental problems, but still…)that we finally quit taking him out for walks in public and kept to the Bois de Vincennes where we could let him run free.
Most dog parks in the US have a rule that your dog must be UNLEASHED when inside the park. This is because having leashed and unleashed dogs together can cause aggressive behavior from one or both of the dogs.
Enjoy your walks with your goldens. I think in your particular environment, what you are doing and the way you are handling passing strangers is totally fine.
Kristin,
I just read the post from your Mom. It is beautiful the way you both express yourselves.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Kristin,
I just read the post from your Mom. It is beautiful the way you both express yourselves.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Hi Kristin, Yes, I’m learning, also, that it is a matter of perception and what we bring into the present moment. Have a wonderful pre-Christmas week.
Mary
Hi Kristin, Yes, I’m learning, also, that it is a matter of perception and what we bring into the present moment. Have a wonderful pre-Christmas week.
Mary
Thank you for showing me the colors in the trees along the Med.
The Fauvre painters had it right – so beautiful with reds and oranges from the sun. What a beautiful story and especially since I also have a dog, Yogi, and wonder what impression he gets from almost everything we do out on his walks. Thank you for sharing, Nancy
Thank you for showing me the colors in the trees along the Med.
The Fauvre painters had it right – so beautiful with reds and oranges from the sun. What a beautiful story and especially since I also have a dog, Yogi, and wonder what impression he gets from almost everything we do out on his walks. Thank you for sharing, Nancy