Holiday progress report: I haven't begun to look for the santons (pictured last year)–and the box of ornaments is still waiting to be unpacked. Doubtful things will come together this season, but I do know where to find the recipe for this cake! Meantime, a story for you today about writing… and how to tell all those stories you've got up your sleeve–in one fell swoop!
laquelle (lah-kel)
: which
- Laquelle is the feminine form of "lequel."
- la raison pour laquelle = the reason for which
- dans laquelle = in which
Audio File: listen to this sentence: MP3 or Wav
Il faut écrire une histoire–mais laquelle?
(I) need to write a story–but which one?
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Some nights I am badgered by that old foe, Angoisse. I know I'm not alone, that all over the world people are anxious about tomorrow. For some that may be a school exam, for others, a nagging problem at work or a visit with the doctor. For me, it is the blank page. What will I write about tomorrow?
I've trained myself to not think too much about the next day's effort. Why cut short today? Tomorrow will take care of itself! This is especially true regarding creative pursuits: best not to plan too much, otherwise you are forcing the scene. For what if–instead of your sled of huskies–a team of reindeer comes dancing onto the stage? IN A SLEIGH!
One must always be open to reindeer!
Still, I like to have a few tricks up my sleeve before firing up my computer and facing a giant and empty screen. So in the middle of the night I sometimes wake up–nagged by my familiar tormentor. Her name is "Laquelle" and her mission is to turn me back into a wall-starer, instead of the writer I've become.
Laquelle (or "which" in French–and boy is she ever one of those!) likes to taunt me with her namesake question, "Which one? Which story you gonna tell today, Big Shot?" She snaps her gum and waits for my answer.
And I fall for it every time. "I… well I could tell the story about Sunday's photo outing in the town of Céyreste! I could write about how scary it is to point my camera at the buildings after being chewed out by French homeowners. And how, pushing past this fear–lifting my camera to a decorous second story window–I glanced a scene just beneath it: there behind the glass doors of a senior center, a room full of elderly people were smiling sweetly at me–amused by the scene outside their window.
"Cute…" interrupts Laquelle, in her sarcastic way. "Anything else up your sleeve? Haven't you got a better story, Ms. Writer?"
"Well, there's the one I've been meaning to tell–tentatively titled "Five Bucks"–about losing my mouth guard in Phoenix. I was sure my sister's sheepdogs ate it… But, giving the dogs the benefit of the doubt, I offered my niece and nephew "5 bucks if you find my tooth guard anywhere in the house!"
Driving the kids to school the next day, my sister inquired about the hunt. "Any luck?"
Hopeful, I turned to have a look at the little faces in the back seat, but all I saw were shaking heads.
"No worries," Heidi said, a mischievous grin on her face. "I'll check the crottes when I clean up the yard!"
"Ew! Yuck! Beurk!" The kids and I cringed.
"Hey," said my sister. "Five bucks is five bucks!"
* * *
"That's a disgusting story," Laquelle says, twisting her face. No one wants to hear it–especially at breakfast time!"
"But my sister was only kidding!" I argue.
Laquelle points to the clock on my nightstand: 2:36 a.m. "Maybe you'll get your act together by tomorrow?"
"Aha! I know one! I could tell about my 16-year-old's good news! As a part of her fashion school curriculum, Jackie was required to find un stage, or internship, at a fashion designer's–one who manufactures their own line of clothing. What luck it was when a good friend put her in touch with a hip boutique in Marseilles. She'll begin her 6-week training this spring!"
"Is that all you got?" Laquelle, puffed, blowing on her just painted fingernails–and looking horribly bored.
"Well, it's just a sketch–I'd have to fill in all the details. Like how beautiful Jackie looked in her black and white equestrian themed top (a steal at the second-hand shop!), black pants, a thick knitted scarf–her hair tied up in a floppy bun!"
"No one likes a braggy mom," countered Laquelle, who had quit drying her nails in time to catch a great big yawn.
Gosh, it had to be 3 three a.m. by now. As I tossed and turned in bed, haunted by fragments of stories, an idea came at last.
"Knitting! I haven't yet talked about how I relearned to knit on the cruise last month! Another passenger–Celia–and I stopped into a cozy yarn boutique in Rouen, picked out several skeins and a pair of those circular needles. "These will make it easy for you," Celia said, agreeing to teach me.
This began a series of knitting sessions–held in the ship's cocktail lounge. Julie and Nan joined us and–while other passengers were toasting with champagne–we were clinking needles!"
"But knitting's not cool," Laquelle said, patting me on the head with her still-wet nails. "Why don't you take up silk-screening like your sister-in-law. Now that's cool!"
"Cool?"
My questioning put the little devil on my shoulder in defense mode: "Look," Laquelle said, "you want to share a story tomorrow but all you have are a bunch of scraps! Besides, you can't even decide which one to work on. And how do you know that you'll choose the right one?"
For once, Laquelle had a point. Which experience was worth recounting? To answer this question, it would take another, more meaningful question. The Big Question:
Why do you write?
I'm not sure of the answer. For one, I write to entertain–myself and others. In this case, any of the above story fragments could work….
And then I write to record my life. For this, I should choose the story of my daughter's first internship–a milestone! And also the story of "delivery"–in which a room of white-haired spectators smiled and, unbeknownst to them, encouraged a wayward photographer.
The dog-eats-mouthguard and knitting stories are more whimsical. They aren't for everyone, but they are fun and challenging to write. (Yes, for the challenge–perhaps this is one more reason to wake up and face the blank page each day.)
Perhaps it isn't so important to know why we do what we do. What's necessary–truly vital–is to follow that creative urge, to take it to wherever it leads you.
Comments
To respond to this story, click here. Can you think of more reasons to practice an art? How do you push past your resistance to get started with a project? Which of the above stories would you most like to see developed? Add to the discussion here.
Selected Vocabulary
la crotte = dog doo
beurk! = yuck!
I'd like to plant some cabbage beneath our window today. Oh, and I'd like the dogs to stop barking at the sheep–they have barked during this entire writing episode! WHOOF WHOOF. WHOOF WHOOF! I can't hear my thoughts! But one more thing I tell myself about writing is this: to persevere amidst the noise and chaos and incessant interruption is a writer's badge of courage!
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Kristin, you ask why you write. It made me ask why I read! I look forward to your writing, no matter what you choose as a subject. You have become the neighbor in Provence who exists through your articles and photos. You are our guide, our teacher, our informant on location in France. You give us a window on French life, and on your life. It is fascinating! Keep on writing, and the photos, yes, keep on sending the photos! Merci! Nancy
Kristin, you ask why you write. It made me ask why I read! I look forward to your writing, no matter what you choose as a subject. You have become the neighbor in Provence who exists through your articles and photos. You are our guide, our teacher, our informant on location in France. You give us a window on French life, and on your life. It is fascinating! Keep on writing, and the photos, yes, keep on sending the photos! Merci! Nancy
Bonjour Kristin! it is refreshing to see an author be vulnerable. I love this blog, because it is real and things that are real don’t have to be perfect. what you write comes from the heart, it is evident. You write about life and its reality. We get to see beautiful pictures of France and live vicariously through you. You write because it is your passion and your spirit. you shine and are your true self through writing. So keep telling us about whatever your heart desires, what is in your mind, what is your passion, because you do it well and we are so blessed and fortunate to be able to partake in it.
Bonjour Kristin! it is refreshing to see an author be vulnerable. I love this blog, because it is real and things that are real don’t have to be perfect. what you write comes from the heart, it is evident. You write about life and its reality. We get to see beautiful pictures of France and live vicariously through you. You write because it is your passion and your spirit. you shine and are your true self through writing. So keep telling us about whatever your heart desires, what is in your mind, what is your passion, because you do it well and we are so blessed and fortunate to be able to partake in it.
Good morning.As I write this we are socked in with yet a second snowstorm in 72 hours. my friend visiting from Rognes is impressed with how we live. Been -15 oC since she arrived.I suggest you write a few stories ahead to store in a file to call upon for those days when nothing comes to mind.We all love your writing so whatever you write whether recent or stored stories are all interesting.Happy Holiday from Canada on this snowy day.The city has shut down,no school and traffic at a standstill.Quite different from your world today I would say.
Good morning.As I write this we are socked in with yet a second snowstorm in 72 hours. my friend visiting from Rognes is impressed with how we live. Been -15 oC since she arrived.I suggest you write a few stories ahead to store in a file to call upon for those days when nothing comes to mind.We all love your writing so whatever you write whether recent or stored stories are all interesting.Happy Holiday from Canada on this snowy day.The city has shut down,no school and traffic at a standstill.Quite different from your world today I would say.
Dear Kristin,
I have always marveled at how you can take a simple thought or event from daily life and when writing about it, create beautiful visuals, through pictures and through words, give it so much meaning, make it so entertaining, sprinkling it with humor, poignancy and finally adding a twist at the end. That closing thought often brings a tear and many moments, sometimes hours, of reflection. Finding that kind of meaning in everyday life is a gift. Writing about it with compassion and humor is yet another gift. And sharing it with others is a gift that feeds the human spirit.
No wonder so many people look forward with great anticipation to your postings and are so moved by your stories. No wonder your mom is so inspired by your pictures and words. However this is happening for you, it seems to be working. Now, if only Laquelle would let you sleep!
Dear Kristin,
I have always marveled at how you can take a simple thought or event from daily life and when writing about it, create beautiful visuals, through pictures and through words, give it so much meaning, make it so entertaining, sprinkling it with humor, poignancy and finally adding a twist at the end. That closing thought often brings a tear and many moments, sometimes hours, of reflection. Finding that kind of meaning in everyday life is a gift. Writing about it with compassion and humor is yet another gift. And sharing it with others is a gift that feeds the human spirit.
No wonder so many people look forward with great anticipation to your postings and are so moved by your stories. No wonder your mom is so inspired by your pictures and words. However this is happening for you, it seems to be working. Now, if only Laquelle would let you sleep!
I’ve been yelled at while taking pictures, too. Several times — I am so enthralled at what I’m seeing that I forget to ask permission. (Every time I remember to ask, the person always says yes.) I have wondered how bloggers shoot what they shoot — and whether they get into trouble occasionally! As for laquelle, vanquish her to the outdoors and n’ecoutez pas!
I’ve been yelled at while taking pictures, too. Several times — I am so enthralled at what I’m seeing that I forget to ask permission. (Every time I remember to ask, the person always says yes.) I have wondered how bloggers shoot what they shoot — and whether they get into trouble occasionally! As for laquelle, vanquish her to the outdoors and n’ecoutez pas!
I hope you will write them all!
I hope you will write them all!
Whew I am right there with you! Maybe Laquelle has rounds, like Santa? And after her nagging is done in Bandol she flies up to Arles?
I loved Chris Allin’s comment above, it expresses perfectly what I feel about your writing. At times I will remember something randomly and realize that it is not out of a book or my own memory but something that you had written! So simply that it seems real.
As I have said before, you bring much to people all over the world, so please do carry on!
Gros Bisous,
Heather
Whew I am right there with you! Maybe Laquelle has rounds, like Santa? And after her nagging is done in Bandol she flies up to Arles?
I loved Chris Allin’s comment above, it expresses perfectly what I feel about your writing. At times I will remember something randomly and realize that it is not out of a book or my own memory but something that you had written! So simply that it seems real.
As I have said before, you bring much to people all over the world, so please do carry on!
Gros Bisous,
Heather
Oh, but I beg to differ with “Laquelle” – knitting is very cool indeed! Is there a way I can post some photos of my projects on this page? I am so proud of my work! And it’s fun and therapeutic. I am never without my needles and a project. And now I’m looking forward to visiting that yarn store in Rouen next time I’m in France!!!!
Oh, but I beg to differ with “Laquelle” – knitting is very cool indeed! Is there a way I can post some photos of my projects on this page? I am so proud of my work! And it’s fun and therapeutic. I am never without my needles and a project. And now I’m looking forward to visiting that yarn store in Rouen next time I’m in France!!!!
Le Vertige de la page blanche i believe is a french saying ..have you heard of it? vertigo of the blank page..painters get it also. i’m a california poet and often find myself staring at a blank page, fear of starting, fear of starting and not stopping, losing that first word… whatever that is that keeps me from putting pen to paper.. anyway, i think you should know it 🙂 i love the saying. merry christmas from cold cali.
elizabeth
(going to patagonia for the holidays in search of the sun)
Le Vertige de la page blanche i believe is a french saying ..have you heard of it? vertigo of the blank page..painters get it also. i’m a california poet and often find myself staring at a blank page, fear of starting, fear of starting and not stopping, losing that first word… whatever that is that keeps me from putting pen to paper.. anyway, i think you should know it 🙂 i love the saying. merry christmas from cold cali.
elizabeth
(going to patagonia for the holidays in search of the sun)
Laquelle is incorrect. Not everyone dislikes a bragging maman. There are those of us who appreciate a parent who takes pride in thier children and finds joy in their accomplishments. In a world filled with indifference and detachment, I find evidence of a mothers very attached affections reassuring. Write about your children’s accomplishments all you wish. Laquelle be damned.
Laquelle is incorrect. Not everyone dislikes a bragging maman. There are those of us who appreciate a parent who takes pride in thier children and finds joy in their accomplishments. In a world filled with indifference and detachment, I find evidence of a mothers very attached affections reassuring. Write about your children’s accomplishments all you wish. Laquelle be damned.
Hi Kristin,
I think this is one of your most entertaining posts! I love the whimsical decorated window shot, especially with the seniors the next window under watching you! You probably made their day! This post reminds me of Seinfeld. Did you ever see that show with Jerry Seinfeld? It’s a show about nothing….but that’s what makes it so entertaining. It’s just about life! Love it and thanks for sharing. Have you ever been to the town of Riquewihr? I remember going there for the Christmas market and Colmar and seeing lots of whimsical window decorations. I miss Christmas in Europe! Enjoy yours!
Hi Kristin,
I think this is one of your most entertaining posts! I love the whimsical decorated window shot, especially with the seniors the next window under watching you! You probably made their day! This post reminds me of Seinfeld. Did you ever see that show with Jerry Seinfeld? It’s a show about nothing….but that’s what makes it so entertaining. It’s just about life! Love it and thanks for sharing. Have you ever been to the town of Riquewihr? I remember going there for the Christmas market and Colmar and seeing lots of whimsical window decorations. I miss Christmas in Europe! Enjoy yours!
Hi Kristin,
This is a great article. I agree with all of the comments so far. I also have those days when ideas for a painting flow quickly and then those when they escape completely or what seemed good yesterday suddenly isn’t as appealing when I’m ready to do it. Procrastination is a hurdle. How do we decide which idea to act on? So what do you bake for the holidays and what are your favorite cookies?
Hi Kristin,
This is a great article. I agree with all of the comments so far. I also have those days when ideas for a painting flow quickly and then those when they escape completely or what seemed good yesterday suddenly isn’t as appealing when I’m ready to do it. Procrastination is a hurdle. How do we decide which idea to act on? So what do you bake for the holidays and what are your favorite cookies?
Hello Kristen, I have to say, I feel that this post is one my favorites of yours. Your vulnerability (as someone wisely mentioned above) and candor are refreshing. Thank you for sharing the little pieces of your heart and mind with us. It seems when the ‘small’ things (a new skill, a daughter’s journey, a room full of silver haired angels) have the light trained on them we remember what is essential. And, in the difficult act of wrestling, and then letting go, we can fully receive the blessing. You do this well.
Blessings to you and yours, a friend in Texas
Hello Kristen, I have to say, I feel that this post is one my favorites of yours. Your vulnerability (as someone wisely mentioned above) and candor are refreshing. Thank you for sharing the little pieces of your heart and mind with us. It seems when the ‘small’ things (a new skill, a daughter’s journey, a room full of silver haired angels) have the light trained on them we remember what is essential. And, in the difficult act of wrestling, and then letting go, we can fully receive the blessing. You do this well.
Blessings to you and yours, a friend in Texas
I smiled all thru today’s post. All the “laquelles” are wonderful choices and I so well know the feeling. I can’t start a project until I’ve spent several nights going over and over it in my mind.
Christmas in Los Angeles is a celebration of light. Our canyon sparkles from dusk on into the night. Every tree is wired and twinkles with white and blue lights. It looks like a fairy land. The fences and bridges on our mountain road are ablaze. Hard to believe that Sunset Blvd is two miles away. Santa certainly can’t get lost here. It is amazing.
Happy holidays.
I smiled all thru today’s post. All the “laquelles” are wonderful choices and I so well know the feeling. I can’t start a project until I’ve spent several nights going over and over it in my mind.
Christmas in Los Angeles is a celebration of light. Our canyon sparkles from dusk on into the night. Every tree is wired and twinkles with white and blue lights. It looks like a fairy land. The fences and bridges on our mountain road are ablaze. Hard to believe that Sunset Blvd is two miles away. Santa certainly can’t get lost here. It is amazing.
Happy holidays.
First time here . signed up for your blog after reading your amazing attitude
About your skin cancer journey. I have had three Mohs surgeries on my face and it knocked me through a loop! It was your mothers poem that drew me in
It is a wonderful insight into what a life in France is like! What an maxing world we live in. I can see into the daily routine of someone in France.
By the way …you healed beautifully and look gorgeous!
Mary Liz
First time here . signed up for your blog after reading your amazing attitude
About your skin cancer journey. I have had three Mohs surgeries on my face and it knocked me through a loop! It was your mothers poem that drew me in
It is a wonderful insight into what a life in France is like! What an maxing world we live in. I can see into the daily routine of someone in France.
By the way …you healed beautifully and look gorgeous!
Mary Liz
Laquelle must be ignored in favor of beauty sleep. You are too beautiful to let that hex control your night. When you are ready to write, just start and something will jump out as the sujet du jour.
We love your pictures and accounts of your trips with camera. The muse will prevail!
Laquelle must be ignored in favor of beauty sleep. You are too beautiful to let that hex control your night. When you are ready to write, just start and something will jump out as the sujet du jour.
We love your pictures and accounts of your trips with camera. The muse will prevail!
DARLING KRISTI,
JOY, JOY, and more JOY you have delivered to my mailbox this morning. Each tidbit brought forth wonderful memories or future dreams to focus on today. So much to talk about today – is the sheepherder back on your patch of heaven for his winter pass-through, if so, please more photos of the sheep. Also I hand´t really heard any of the details of Jackie´s internship because you have been so buy flitting all around the country, and world. One day you are going to have to settle down and answer all of my questions. I feel like my Mother lately, as she must have felt when I was your age. Please know that because I have been gifted with wisdom when it comes to remembering all of the things I did to Grandma, that you will always have a ´pass´with me.
Your photos were outstanding today, each one telling their own story. You are so brilliant with your writing Honey – please don´t ever stop feeing us your image´s and words of life.
Please have Jackie send me the shop´s email and address so I can check them out.
XOXO
MOM
DARLING KRISTI,
JOY, JOY, and more JOY you have delivered to my mailbox this morning. Each tidbit brought forth wonderful memories or future dreams to focus on today. So much to talk about today – is the sheepherder back on your patch of heaven for his winter pass-through, if so, please more photos of the sheep. Also I hand´t really heard any of the details of Jackie´s internship because you have been so buy flitting all around the country, and world. One day you are going to have to settle down and answer all of my questions. I feel like my Mother lately, as she must have felt when I was your age. Please know that because I have been gifted with wisdom when it comes to remembering all of the things I did to Grandma, that you will always have a ´pass´with me.
Your photos were outstanding today, each one telling their own story. You are so brilliant with your writing Honey – please don´t ever stop feeing us your image´s and words of life.
Please have Jackie send me the shop´s email and address so I can check them out.
XOXO
MOM
Kristin, little things mean a lot. Always.
Susan
Kristin, little things mean a lot. Always.
Susan
I love what Joyce DiDonato says to her inner doubter in her Master Class(available on youtube). She says, and I paraphrase, “I’m really busy(performing) right now, but I can meet you later, say around 6:30.” Basically, she has no use for that voice and its needling.
I love what Joyce DiDonato says to her inner doubter in her Master Class(available on youtube). She says, and I paraphrase, “I’m really busy(performing) right now, but I can meet you later, say around 6:30.” Basically, she has no use for that voice and its needling.
Knitting is too cool! It is experiencing a real renaissance. However, that’s not what is really important. It doesn’t matter if what you write about is “cool”, you should write about what matters to you! Just go for it.
Knitting is too cool! It is experiencing a real renaissance. However, that’s not what is really important. It doesn’t matter if what you write about is “cool”, you should write about what matters to you! Just go for it.
I loved today’s post and your reflections on writing, which is in itself a worthy subject! A pleasure as always to read! Je vous souhaite de joyeuses fêtes et surtout un très joyeux Noël!
I loved today’s post and your reflections on writing, which is in itself a worthy subject! A pleasure as always to read! Je vous souhaite de joyeuses fêtes et surtout un très joyeux Noël!
Does anyone know about the ingredients for the yogurt cake Kristin makes? On her video she mentions baking SODA but the recipe lists baking POWDER. Which is correct? Thanks for your reply.
Does anyone know about the ingredients for the yogurt cake Kristin makes? On her video she mentions baking SODA but the recipe lists baking POWDER. Which is correct? Thanks for your reply.
Hi Kristin,
I have to say I’m so glad you decided on “laquelle” for your story. We all have our own “laquelle”- oh, those images of the gum-smacking, nails-drying, yawning woman was priceless!!!!! It reminds me of the “Elaine” character in Seinfeld. So, for me, you nailed it. My own “laquelle” always has her hands on her hips, looking at me in contempt! It’s better to be able to laugh about “them” than be afraid of them!
Joan in Auburn.
Hi Kristin,
I have to say I’m so glad you decided on “laquelle” for your story. We all have our own “laquelle”- oh, those images of the gum-smacking, nails-drying, yawning woman was priceless!!!!! It reminds me of the “Elaine” character in Seinfeld. So, for me, you nailed it. My own “laquelle” always has her hands on her hips, looking at me in contempt! It’s better to be able to laugh about “them” than be afraid of them!
Joan in Auburn.
Pat, I have made Kristin’s yogurt cake several times and really enjoyed it. I copied the recipe from the FWAD site when Kristin posted it. It “calls” for two teaspoons of baking powder….no soda mentioned in the written recipe. I know you will find it delicious!
“Laquelle” needs to be banished to the living room couch and be warned not not to spill any fingernail polish. Seriously, I love your vignettes however long or short. Many times they become like the tunes which enter your mind and stay there for several days to enjoy and think about.
Please wish Jackie “Bonne Chance” with her internship this Spring. She will be thrilled by the whole experience. I hope you took a quick photo of her in her equestrian outfit–sounded so lovely.
My thanks, as always…
Pat, I have made Kristin’s yogurt cake several times and really enjoyed it. I copied the recipe from the FWAD site when Kristin posted it. It “calls” for two teaspoons of baking powder….no soda mentioned in the written recipe. I know you will find it delicious!
“Laquelle” needs to be banished to the living room couch and be warned not not to spill any fingernail polish. Seriously, I love your vignettes however long or short. Many times they become like the tunes which enter your mind and stay there for several days to enjoy and think about.
Please wish Jackie “Bonne Chance” with her internship this Spring. She will be thrilled by the whole experience. I hope you took a quick photo of her in her equestrian outfit–sounded so lovely.
My thanks, as always…
A blog to be treasured and reread often, this one, Kristi — love it, for all the reasons given by others above. And most of all for the clarity of its joie de vivre, vibrant in every syllable. Knit on, Chere Kristin!!
A blog to be treasured and reread often, this one, Kristi — love it, for all the reasons given by others above. And most of all for the clarity of its joie de vivre, vibrant in every syllable. Knit on, Chere Kristin!!