I have a little gift for you today. The gift of language. Today's word of the day–make that "words" of the day, for there are many here–is in the story below. You'll also learn about this photo–snapped December 19th in the town of Bandol.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Driving round and round the seaside town of Bandol, I heard a faint mumbling beneath my breath:
"But of course there's no parking–everyone's set out to do their gift shopping just like you!"
Stalled at yet another crosswalk, herds of shoppers passing by my car, coats and purses scraping against my headlights, I looked up at the giant Santa. He seemed as troubled as I (just look at those eyes!).
Troubled and nervous! With the rain pouring down on my windshield, I proceeded to the next stop–and yet another crosswalk. It was tricky to see the pedestrians–given their knack for appearing from behind dark corners and landing in the middle of the street!
With stress and frustration mounting, I had an urge to peel out of traffic and head for a quiet place to wait things out. I had one hour until my daughter's school bus arrived. Instead of using it wisely (to hunt for presents), I could use it indulgently (to pout!).
Now was a good time for a pep talk!
Look, there's a fishing and tackle store! You'd never have seen it if it weren't for this parking dilemma! You're sure to find something for Jean-Marc in there… One less thing to worry about! See what happens when you consider the bright side of things? GOOD happens!
My emotions jumped from despair to the very heady feeling I had now–that of espoir! Hope born of humility–for isn't that how it works? Put aside doubt (Will I ever find a gift?) and pride (And not just any gift—the perfect gift!) and intolerance (why am I not finding parking NOW)–and experience grace!
Grace indeed! Not only did a parking spot appear, but so did a peaceful and inspiring scene! I locked my car door and hurried over to the dock, just a few feet away, to snap a photo of some old fishing boats. Pointus! Their little masts were lined with Christmas lights.
The scene! And the colors! That blue, that gold. It was right out of a Van Gogh Starry Night painting.
I pulled my new Smartphone out of my coat pocket and approached the line of boats. Clicking on the camera app I knew chances were slim, this time, that a grumpy homeowner would pop out of one of those port windows and scold me for filming.
With my umbrella teetering on my shoulder, my hands were free to take several pictures before turning toward the boutique-lined streets, opposite the port.
My former cares had completely fallen away as I marched down the street to collect Jean-Marc's gift. I still had no idea what the gift was, but felt confident of finding it in the tackle shop I'd spotted while stuck in traffic. And to think what a pathetic doubter I'd been! All it had taken was a slight tweak to my attitude. How well I'd handled that! How wise I had become!
Rounding the corner I stopped dead in my hi-falutin' tracks. Oh no! The tackle store was closed!
C'est pas vrai! Now what to do? That old familiar grumbling returned, a little more colorful than before–as echoed in the words of the grumpy shoppers who passed me by: "@$#! Why are shops closing at 5pm, days before Christmas?!"
Yes! Dagnabbit! Why indeed? Now what was *I* to do?
As I stared at the cobblestone pavement, watching puddles form where pavers were missing, a little inkling came along–hoppity hop hop–like a one-legged bird.
The little inkling said: "Excuse me, Mam, but maybe you need to retake The Test?"
"The Test?"
"Yes, Mam," Little Inkling said, reaching for the toe of my boot to balance his one-legged self. "See, so far it's been easy. You remembered to slow down, to breathe. You readjusted your attitude. You gleefully snapped up that parking spot and enjoyed the impressionistic scene just beyond it… but somewhere between there and here you–if you don't mind my saying–somewhere along the line you got a little sidetracked.
Distracted?
I thought back to all those shoppers I'd skipped past… and that smug feeling I had at being the one person around here who knew just where she was headed! How impatient I'd become when that slowpoke (the one back there with the sagging bonnet and cane) dawdled in front of the chemiserie, blocking my way to the tackle store!
A tackle store that was now closed! Shoot! If I'd only sped it up a bit, I'd have made it in time!
"No!" said Little Inkling, hopping excitedly around my foot. "That's not the answer."
"Well, what IS the answer?"
As Little Inkling and I stood debating, the one towering over the other, SlowPoke–with her saggy bonnet and noisy cane–had eclipsed us! She hobbled up the street, the picture of perseverance.
Looking back down to Mr. Inkling, I laughed. "Well, I thought I'd learned to trust in the outcome. But now that this store is closed, it's true–I'm riddled with doubt again! How will I ever finish my Christmas shopping on time? I guess now's the real test–to trust another opportunity will soon appear."
(Here, Little Inkling cleared his throat…)
"Oh yes," I remembered, "And, meantime, to be patient with others along the way!"
"Très bien!" the little one-footed creature said. And, turning his beak up the path, my eyes followed his gesture until I saw a glowing light in the quincaillerie, or hardware store.
"Aha! I have just the idea for Jean-Marc! Oh, thank you, Little Inkling! Thank you!"
I hurried up the street, pausing cautiously at the crosswalk. As I stood looking left, right, and left again, ever the prudent American, someone leaped off the curb from behind me, landing right in the middle of the street!
I shook my head in appreciation, watching as SlowPoke traversed the rue, just like any French pedestrian worth her salt. Crippled or not, they sure know how to stop traffic!
Post note: the names of the characters in today's story have been changed, in respect of their privacy. But I can share with you their professions:
- "Little Inkling" is a spokesperson for the non-profit "A Fish's Rights!" (spends his weeknights in front of the tackle shop, distracting would-be shoppers!).
- "SlowPoke"– she's a B-movie stuntwoman and a seamstress at the chemisier.
- The character known as "Kristin" goes by "The Birthday Girl" in real life–or at least on Sunday–when she'll turn 46!
All three wayward souls wish you happy holidays–may the coming week bring you peace and joy! Thank you for reading and for all the encouragement you have sent me in 2013. I hope these stories encourage you, too.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
la quincaillerie = hardware store
l'espoir = hope
un pointu = classic Mediterranean fishing boat
c'est pas vrai! = No way!
la chemiserie = shirt shop
Listen to A French Christmas and "Mon Beau Sapin", "Saint Nuit", "La Marche des Rois", "Petite Ville Bethléem", "Il est né Le Divin Enfant".
Picture taken up the street from the tack shop. My perfect birthday gift would be for all those chairs to be filled with those who read and enjoy this blog! Let's see about a meet-up here, in the new year!
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I have been reading your writing since the beginning. You have grown and grown and grown both as a writer and as a person. This was so beautifully written that I could feel myself taking a deep breath, slowng down and really beginning to see the possibilities. Little Inkling, indeed. Meet up in the new year? I think I see my chair right there in the middle. Joyeux Noel to you and your beautiful family.
I have been reading your writing since the beginning. You have grown and grown and grown both as a writer and as a person. This was so beautifully written that I could feel myself taking a deep breath, slowng down and really beginning to see the possibilities. Little Inkling, indeed. Meet up in the new year? I think I see my chair right there in the middle. Joyeux Noel to you and your beautiful family.
I loved the story but must admit to a bit of distress about the boat picture. There appears to be an American flag on a mast in the center of the picture, but it is upside down. An upside down flag is an international symbol of distress and not to be used lightly. Can this just be a simple mistake? I love my country and our flag. It hurts my heart to see our flag disrespected.
I loved the story but must admit to a bit of distress about the boat picture. There appears to be an American flag on a mast in the center of the picture, but it is upside down. An upside down flag is an international symbol of distress and not to be used lightly. Can this just be a simple mistake? I love my country and our flag. It hurts my heart to see our flag disrespected.
KRISTI DARLING,
I should be sitting in that wonderful scene below the church in Bandol right now. What a beautiful story you have found within your lovely mind for all of us this morning. Please return and take more photos of Bandol and the boats this Christmas. How on earth did you remember about having a ´little inkling´…. I miss having our conversations every day or two. Your post has put me back on the path of thankfulness this morning as I was definitely a sour puss five minutes before I read your story. You do have the gift of love and healing and the commitment to fight through each battle, whether large or small and survive … I think I must reread your story one or two more times because I am sure there is even more strategy hidden between the lines.
Have a wonderful birthday my precious, I will never forget the day you arrived.
XOXO
MOM
KRISTI DARLING,
I should be sitting in that wonderful scene below the church in Bandol right now. What a beautiful story you have found within your lovely mind for all of us this morning. Please return and take more photos of Bandol and the boats this Christmas. How on earth did you remember about having a ´little inkling´…. I miss having our conversations every day or two. Your post has put me back on the path of thankfulness this morning as I was definitely a sour puss five minutes before I read your story. You do have the gift of love and healing and the commitment to fight through each battle, whether large or small and survive … I think I must reread your story one or two more times because I am sure there is even more strategy hidden between the lines.
Have a wonderful birthday my precious, I will never forget the day you arrived.
XOXO
MOM
Good message! When one can’t do anything about it anyway, just take a deep breath and keep smiling!
Good message! When one can’t do anything about it anyway, just take a deep breath and keep smiling!
Bon Anniversaire, Kristin!
Wonderful story. Jules says it all.
Sign me up, any time of year in Bandol.
Ronni
Bon Anniversaire, Kristin!
Wonderful story. Jules says it all.
Sign me up, any time of year in Bandol.
Ronni
Kristin, as always you have teed up my day with tender inspiration. i have already had my own little conversation with Little Inkling and look forward to many more! Merci beaucoup for the introduction!
And have a happy happy birthday, Kristin. You have made a difference on this planet, and we are all celebrating the day you were born.
Many wishes for a coming year of peace, health, love, belly laughs and many happy surprises!
Kristin, as always you have teed up my day with tender inspiration. i have already had my own little conversation with Little Inkling and look forward to many more! Merci beaucoup for the introduction!
And have a happy happy birthday, Kristin. You have made a difference on this planet, and we are all celebrating the day you were born.
Many wishes for a coming year of peace, health, love, belly laughs and many happy surprises!
Happy Birthday to you……..& may all your wishes come true.
& thank you for the gift you give all of us each time you post….
we are forever grateful to your sensitivities & how beautifully you express them
Joyeux Noel a vous et votre belle famille
Kay
Happy Birthday to you……..& may all your wishes come true.
& thank you for the gift you give all of us each time you post….
we are forever grateful to your sensitivities & how beautifully you express them
Joyeux Noel a vous et votre belle famille
Kay
Formidable! As I was reading this blog, I thought “Kristin must also be on the cusp of Capricorn, because she is learning the same lessons as I”. I only wish I was going on 46 instead of 54 (shoot, if I’m wishing…even younger!) to really start taking note and to truly “live and let God”, let go and trust!
Thank you for the reminder! I can never have too many!
Lorinda 🙂
Formidable! As I was reading this blog, I thought “Kristin must also be on the cusp of Capricorn, because she is learning the same lessons as I”. I only wish I was going on 46 instead of 54 (shoot, if I’m wishing…even younger!) to really start taking note and to truly “live and let God”, let go and trust!
Thank you for the reminder! I can never have too many!
Lorinda 🙂
Thank you, Kristen for a beautiful, divinely inspired story.
Your words have a centering, calming effect during this stressful season.
Happy Birthday to a beautiful lady who shares her whole being with all of us.
Love and blessings to you and your family at this Christmas time and in the new year.
Thank you, Kristen for a beautiful, divinely inspired story.
Your words have a centering, calming effect during this stressful season.
Happy Birthday to a beautiful lady who shares her whole being with all of us.
Love and blessings to you and your family at this Christmas time and in the new year.
Loved your post! Joyeux Noel!
Loved your post! Joyeux Noel!
Kristin,
I am so happy to have found this site. I love how you go into your thought process; it shows so clearly the interplay between your “ego” and your “higher self.” If all of us were so conscious of this interplay (or even HAD the interplay), it would be a better world. May you have a wonderful holiday with your lovely family, and keep these missives coming. I read each of them with great pleasure.
Kristin,
I am so happy to have found this site. I love how you go into your thought process; it shows so clearly the interplay between your “ego” and your “higher self.” If all of us were so conscious of this interplay (or even HAD the interplay), it would be a better world. May you have a wonderful holiday with your lovely family, and keep these missives coming. I read each of them with great pleasure.
I was beaten to the punch by “faint” and “leaped” (“lept” may not be a typo, but at best it is archaic). But many references to the “tack” store (instead of “tackle”). Tack stores sell saddles, riding boots and all kinds of horsey stuff.
Pardon the fussiness–Happy Birthday and have a great holiday season.
Allen, the fussbudget
I was beaten to the punch by “faint” and “leaped” (“lept” may not be a typo, but at best it is archaic). But many references to the “tack” store (instead of “tackle”). Tack stores sell saddles, riding boots and all kinds of horsey stuff.
Pardon the fussiness–Happy Birthday and have a great holiday season.
Allen, the fussbudget
Tomorrow is my French husband’s birthday too, so happy birthday to you both..certain that the right Christmas gift for you husband will surface,and you will be glad you didn’t buy something else. Merry Christmas to your family and your new community..
Tomorrow is my French husband’s birthday too, so happy birthday to you both..certain that the right Christmas gift for you husband will surface,and you will be glad you didn’t buy something else. Merry Christmas to your family and your new community..
Dear Kristen, I loved the message in your post today. We all need to show more patience at this time of year and just enjoy the spirit. But I caught you changing Marc from a fisherman into a horseman, half way through your account. A “tackle” shop is were you find gifts for a fisherman (lures, poles, flies, etc.) A “tack” shop is where you find gifts for a horseman (saddles, boots, etc.) Merry Christmas
Dear Kristen, I loved the message in your post today. We all need to show more patience at this time of year and just enjoy the spirit. But I caught you changing Marc from a fisherman into a horseman, half way through your account. A “tackle” shop is were you find gifts for a fisherman (lures, poles, flies, etc.) A “tack” shop is where you find gifts for a horseman (saddles, boots, etc.) Merry Christmas
Hi Kristin,
Your story was a wonderful reminder of the Spirit of Christmas. Wishing you and your family a Christmas filled with blessings.
Peace,
Anne
Hi Kristin,
Your story was a wonderful reminder of the Spirit of Christmas. Wishing you and your family a Christmas filled with blessings.
Peace,
Anne
Your post is such a lovely reminder to us all at this beautiful though busy time of the season.
We are there, in the pretty white cafe chairs with you for your meetup next year! Put our reserve sign on them svp!
Bon anniversaire. Joyeux Noel and thank you for sharing your heart and soul with us each week Kristin. You continue to inspire and enlighten! Bravo.
Now to find that one last gift for my own husband. 🙂
Your post is such a lovely reminder to us all at this beautiful though busy time of the season.
We are there, in the pretty white cafe chairs with you for your meetup next year! Put our reserve sign on them svp!
Bon anniversaire. Joyeux Noel and thank you for sharing your heart and soul with us each week Kristin. You continue to inspire and enlighten! Bravo.
Now to find that one last gift for my own husband. 🙂
Happy Birthday Kristin. Thanks for all of the wonderful words and photos in 2013.
The story came at a good time for me. Have a Merry Christmas. I would love to be in one of those pretty white cafe chairs next year!
Happy New Year!
Be well!
Happy Birthday Kristin. Thanks for all of the wonderful words and photos in 2013.
The story came at a good time for me. Have a Merry Christmas. I would love to be in one of those pretty white cafe chairs next year!
Happy New Year!
Be well!
Kristin! I join the small portion of your many many fans who write to wish you happy, joyous, and good celebrations at the end of this year, when you have brought all of us so much happiness, joy, and good.
Merci mille fois, Kristin.
Amitiés,
Susan K.
Kristin! I join the small portion of your many many fans who write to wish you happy, joyous, and good celebrations at the end of this year, when you have brought all of us so much happiness, joy, and good.
Merci mille fois, Kristin.
Amitiés,
Susan K.
Bon anniversaire, Kristin! Lovely post today. I wish I could sit on that terrasse below the church and sip a chocolat chaud with you and chat! I would invite your mom as well. I am sure we would have some lively conversations! I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and New Year as well.
Thank you for the lovely pictures, posts, and sharing a part of your every day life with all of us.
Bises,
Julie
Bon anniversaire, Kristin! Lovely post today. I wish I could sit on that terrasse below the church and sip a chocolat chaud with you and chat! I would invite your mom as well. I am sure we would have some lively conversations! I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and New Year as well.
Thank you for the lovely pictures, posts, and sharing a part of your every day life with all of us.
Bises,
Julie
Lovely post, Kristin. I would love to see those photos of the boats.
Happy birthday!!! YOu are still as beautiful as ever after all these years.
Lovely post, Kristin. I would love to see those photos of the boats.
Happy birthday!!! YOu are still as beautiful as ever after all these years.
Wishing an early Happy Birthday to my birthday partner. It will be crazy this year (on a Sunday) especially with our Christmas Candlelight service in the evening. But, hey, what a great way to celebrate my (our) birth…i.e., remembering His birth. From Detroit, it’s…
Wishing an early Happy Birthday to my birthday partner. It will be crazy this year (on a Sunday) especially with our Christmas Candlelight service in the evening. But, hey, what a great way to celebrate my (our) birth…i.e., remembering His birth. From Detroit, it’s…
Our dear Kristi,
It is almost your birthday but it is you who given given us a gift–that of espoir,love
and joy.This is truly one of your most wonderful posts!
How gifted you are!
Thank you!!
Love
Natalia xo
Our dear Kristi,
It is almost your birthday but it is you who given given us a gift–that of espoir,love
and joy.This is truly one of your most wonderful posts!
How gifted you are!
Thank you!!
Love
Natalia xo
Hope you’ll bring your wine to Del Mar, CA! and did you drink the rose in Bandol? How would you rate it??
Cheers and Merci-
MK Gilbert Friday, Dec 29th
Hope you’ll bring your wine to Del Mar, CA! and did you drink the rose in Bandol? How would you rate it??
Cheers and Merci-
MK Gilbert Friday, Dec 29th
Merci de tout coeur for the introduction to your Little Inkling. My own has much to learn from him, and his way of drawing out honesty, humility, open-minded/heartedness as well as willingness in a few breaths on a wet street is so great! Thank him for me, and Slow Poke, too. As for Kristin, she lives in the Gratitude corner of my heart and mind always!
Bonne Fete, Joyeux Noel et Bonne Nouvelle Annee a vous et a toute la Famille en Europe/Amerique/Notre Terre entiere!
Merci de tout coeur for the introduction to your Little Inkling. My own has much to learn from him, and his way of drawing out honesty, humility, open-minded/heartedness as well as willingness in a few breaths on a wet street is so great! Thank him for me, and Slow Poke, too. As for Kristin, she lives in the Gratitude corner of my heart and mind always!
Bonne Fete, Joyeux Noel et Bonne Nouvelle Annee a vous et a toute la Famille en Europe/Amerique/Notre Terre entiere!
Kristin,
You truly have a gift for writing. I loved the “Little Inkling”…what a treasure…pictures were beautiful. Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas & a Very Happy New Year. Have a blessed holiday!
Kristin,
You truly have a gift for writing. I loved the “Little Inkling”…what a treasure…pictures were beautiful. Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas & a Very Happy New Year. Have a blessed holiday!