Russian comfrey and letter of sympathy (with misspellings), reads Sir/Mam, I offer all my regrets for the loss of your chickens. I am sincerely and deeply sorry for the pain this has caused you…" (Read on, in today's story column.)
se rabaisser (seuh rah bay say)
: to humble oneself, to show humility or respect
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc: Download MP3 or Wav
Je me suis rabaissée devant le potager, en visant mon plant préféré. Et puis, je l'ai arraché!
I lowered myself before the kitchen garden, and targeted my favorite plant. Next, I yanked it out!
At only $8 Exercises in French Phonetics is a great tool for improving your French.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
I left Annie's whimsical garden with a bag of stinging nettles and a mission: to plant the medicinal orties and, secondly, to heal an open wound–celle de ma voisine.
The orties, no matter how menacing their bite, would be easy to manage; I needed only to wear gloves to transplant them. As for the pain we'd caused our other neighbor–I was not sure how to proceed… so I followed–hanging on as my body whisked forth my soul, over to the field just below.
There in my own jardin, I landed. Walking past the flowering consoude, with its ornamental purple bells, I knew instantly it was the one. I had just given a seedling to my friend Cari, keeping the mother comfrey–all decked out now in blossoms–for myself. Even then I knew I should have given the best away, and patiently waited for the seedling to grow into another purple-belled marvel. It wasn't too late this time around….
Se rabaisser (the French translation for "to humble yourself") literally means to bow down, and this I did before the royal purple bells of Symphytum x uplandicum–the noblest subject in my potager.
I knelt not as a worshiper before an idol; I met the ground as a broken heart falling in pieces! If the act was dramatic, it encompassed more than the sorrow for my neighbor's lost chickens, it carried with it the weight of other trespasses–both personal and universal. Isn't that what it feels like to be deeply sorry, or navrée? As though the weight of a world's sins rests on your guilty shoulders.
Kneeling there, the rocks below me drove their jagged edges into my skin. But I felt only the pain of shame as I searched for words.
"Please let there be understanding–and forgiveness. Please heal this pain."
There was nothing I could do to bring back the stolen chickens. And only God knows how hard I try to keep our dogs inside our property lines. The best I could do was to reach out to my neighbor: apologize, ask what I could give or do, and let her see the human face behind the unknown perpetrator.
As I stood there, now, on a foreign doorstep–my heart thumping in my throat, my arms holding out a potted plant its leaves going limp before my very eyes–my new neighbor studied me, her lips a straight line…..
(A suivre/To be continued here in Part 2 of story)
Comments
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Note: highlighted links within the story refer back to previous journal entries:
Annie's garden (including part one of today's story)
Kristi's garden (picture)
FRENCH VOCABULARY
celle de ma voisine = that (wound, blessure) of my neighbor
le jardin = garden
la consoude = comfrey
le potager = vegetable patch
navré(e) = deep sorrow, sadness for one's mistake
Plants are the best gift, no matter the occasion! An olive or peach tree, aloe or comfrey! They nourish, improve the air we breathe, and are often healing. A book about plants is the next best gift of all. I am offering one copy of Jane Goodall's latest: Seeds of Hope: Wisdom and Wonder from the World of Plants.
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Leave a comment in today's comments box. You can say anything at all: respond to today's story, or tell us your favorite plant. Click here to comment and enter.
P.S. I can't promise, so don't hold me to it–but if I manage to get a signed book on Monday night–when I go to see Jane Goodall speak in Aix!!–then I will include the signed copy in the giveaway. Otherwise the book will be shipped to you directly via Amazon.com. Good luck!
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Kristin,
That was a very nice, and brave, thing to do. You could have hidden in your house, but instead, you faced your neighbor’s unsmiling face. I hope she saw how sorry you are. You are a special person.
Sandy
Kristin,
That was a very nice, and brave, thing to do. You could have hidden in your house, but instead, you faced your neighbor’s unsmiling face. I hope she saw how sorry you are. You are a special person.
Sandy
Kristin- dying to know if your neighbor forgave you! I hope so. I love reading your blog just as I have loved your books. I feel as though I’m right there as I read. Thank you for your beautiful words! – Lyn
Kristin- dying to know if your neighbor forgave you! I hope so. I love reading your blog just as I have loved your books. I feel as though I’m right there as I read. Thank you for your beautiful words! – Lyn
As always, Kristin, I enjoy the stories that you share, this one especially but– that you are going to listen to Jane Goodall speak is what I shall think of all day. Enjoy.
As always, Kristin, I enjoy the stories that you share, this one especially but– that you are going to listen to Jane Goodall speak is what I shall think of all day. Enjoy.
Kristin,
It is very hard to forgive the owner of an out of control dog who does
such damage. I imagine your neighbor appreciates your obviously
sincere apology, but will need time herself to heal. Maybe her chickens were also her pets, as is true for my neighbor, so she has
grieving to do. And of course the best apology is always a change in
the behavior that caused the hurt. You may be making efforts to keep your dogs in, but maybe a different, more effective, effort is called for.
Kristin,
It is very hard to forgive the owner of an out of control dog who does
such damage. I imagine your neighbor appreciates your obviously
sincere apology, but will need time herself to heal. Maybe her chickens were also her pets, as is true for my neighbor, so she has
grieving to do. And of course the best apology is always a change in
the behavior that caused the hurt. You may be making efforts to keep your dogs in, but maybe a different, more effective, effort is called for.
I can feel your pain, Kristin. Seeking forgiveness is not always as easy as offering it. We are with you on your quest and await the next chapter! (I haven’t forgotten about sending you the questions for our blog visit – just crazy busy “in transit” – and will send soon.) Enjoy your evening with Jane Goodall. Wow!
I can feel your pain, Kristin. Seeking forgiveness is not always as easy as offering it. We are with you on your quest and await the next chapter! (I haven’t forgotten about sending you the questions for our blog visit – just crazy busy “in transit” – and will send soon.) Enjoy your evening with Jane Goodall. Wow!
How much did you determine that you should reimburse them for the loss of the chickens?
perhaps an electric fence with collars on your dogs would help
How much did you determine that you should reimburse them for the loss of the chickens?
perhaps an electric fence with collars on your dogs would help
Looking forward to the next part to see what the neighbor says!
Looking forward to the next part to see what the neighbor says!
Holding my breath and waiting for the next update. Reminds me of the time my neighbors’ 2 boys climbed my fence and destroyed our “pet cemetery”, small headstones thrown everywhere. My young son was devastated and I came down on her like a screaming, fiery storm. Be happy you don’t live near me! ; )
Holding my breath and waiting for the next update. Reminds me of the time my neighbors’ 2 boys climbed my fence and destroyed our “pet cemetery”, small headstones thrown everywhere. My young son was devastated and I came down on her like a screaming, fiery storm. Be happy you don’t live near me! ; )
Please consider hiring a professional dog trainer (only positive reinforcement) so that you can learn how to train your dogs to be civilized. The dogs are just doing what dogs do. Until they are trained I would keep them confined so they cannot do any more damage. I know this sounds harsh but it would be a kindness to the dogs, your neighbor and yourself. I love dogs, I have a dog. She is not perfect but she is never destructive because I have put in the effort to help her learn to live with people. I wish you the best in this endeavor.
Please consider hiring a professional dog trainer (only positive reinforcement) so that you can learn how to train your dogs to be civilized. The dogs are just doing what dogs do. Until they are trained I would keep them confined so they cannot do any more damage. I know this sounds harsh but it would be a kindness to the dogs, your neighbor and yourself. I love dogs, I have a dog. She is not perfect but she is never destructive because I have put in the effort to help her learn to live with people. I wish you the best in this endeavor.
Hey, Kristin —
If you’re fortunate enough to get an autograph from Ms. Goodall, keep it! If you can ask her to sign two books, use the second one as a prize.
Hey, Kristin —
If you’re fortunate enough to get an autograph from Ms. Goodall, keep it! If you can ask her to sign two books, use the second one as a prize.
I love reading about your nettles- my husband was stung by them once and I’d have a hard time getting him to eat them.
My daughter and I went to see Jane Goodall in Birmingham, AL not long after 9/11. She has the sweetest presence about her. My daughter and I would love to read her book.
My favorite plant is my Solomon’s seal.
I love reading about your nettles- my husband was stung by them once and I’d have a hard time getting him to eat them.
My daughter and I went to see Jane Goodall in Birmingham, AL not long after 9/11. She has the sweetest presence about her. My daughter and I would love to read her book.
My favorite plant is my Solomon’s seal.
I wish all the good luck in the world with the orties. I’ve pulled them up by the roots in my yard and flower beds for about ten years now. Still, they keep coming back – everywhere. I was motivated to get them off my property when my friends’ children were stung, just playing in the yard and along the river that runs through my property. They can’t be controlled, only managed.
And thank you Kristin for “se rebaisser”. A word only vaguely familiar – didn’t actually know what it meant.
I wish all the good luck in the world with the orties. I’ve pulled them up by the roots in my yard and flower beds for about ten years now. Still, they keep coming back – everywhere. I was motivated to get them off my property when my friends’ children were stung, just playing in the yard and along the river that runs through my property. They can’t be controlled, only managed.
And thank you Kristin for “se rebaisser”. A word only vaguely familiar – didn’t actually know what it meant.
Kristin, I so look forward to reading the next chapitre of your ongoing saga making amends to your neighbor. You are such a gentle soul I am sure when we hear “the rest of the story” we will find your voisine blessing you with forgiveness. Enjoy listening to Jane Goodall and I echo Bruce – keep the signed copy for yourself!
Kristin, I so look forward to reading the next chapitre of your ongoing saga making amends to your neighbor. You are such a gentle soul I am sure when we hear “the rest of the story” we will find your voisine blessing you with forgiveness. Enjoy listening to Jane Goodall and I echo Bruce – keep the signed copy for yourself!
Forgive yourself and understand that we are not in control of all life’s happenings. Even if you have an electric fence, it doesn’t guarantee that your dogs will never cross the line. I know from experience. What’s important is what you are doing & being – truthful and humble. You are a beautiful human being (inside & out) & we need more people like you in the world. You are doing the noble thing by reaching out to your neighbor. There is no wound so deep that love cannot heal it. With sincere respect and appreciation for who you are Kristin!
Forgive yourself and understand that we are not in control of all life’s happenings. Even if you have an electric fence, it doesn’t guarantee that your dogs will never cross the line. I know from experience. What’s important is what you are doing & being – truthful and humble. You are a beautiful human being (inside & out) & we need more people like you in the world. You are doing the noble thing by reaching out to your neighbor. There is no wound so deep that love cannot heal it. With sincere respect and appreciation for who you are Kristin!
Dogs and chickens. Hmm..I see problems ahead with this one. It is a good thing to go to the neighbor and talk to her. Hope you can resolve the issue…not an easy one for sure.
It is good you went to talk to her though!
Dogs and chickens. Hmm..I see problems ahead with this one. It is a good thing to go to the neighbor and talk to her. Hope you can resolve the issue…not an easy one for sure.
It is good you went to talk to her though!
Bonjour Kristi,
Too many plants to have a favourite. Reading the other posts I see that dog training seems useful. But I think you can replace the chickens. Either purchase young pullets or get some chicks to raise. You could keep some for yourself for the fresh eggs. Perhaps if the dogs were habituated to chickens they wouldn’t attack others when they next escape.
It is almost three years since we were in France and met you and Jean Marc at Domaine Rouge Bleu while we were in Sablet. We hope to return to France in a few years, perhaps when the vines are more established at Mas Brun.
Ciao, Bruce Lane
Bonjour Kristi,
Too many plants to have a favourite. Reading the other posts I see that dog training seems useful. But I think you can replace the chickens. Either purchase young pullets or get some chicks to raise. You could keep some for yourself for the fresh eggs. Perhaps if the dogs were habituated to chickens they wouldn’t attack others when they next escape.
It is almost three years since we were in France and met you and Jean Marc at Domaine Rouge Bleu while we were in Sablet. We hope to return to France in a few years, perhaps when the vines are more established at Mas Brun.
Ciao, Bruce Lane
Bon courage! You are a courageous woman of honor. If all could only do what was right, the world would be a better place.
Comfrey, known here as knit-bone, is high in calcium, so is a very good aide in healing broken bones. Drink a tea, and make a compress of the leaves. It has been known to reduce healing time for broken bones.
Though I LOVE lavender and rosemary, too!
Bon courage! You are a courageous woman of honor. If all could only do what was right, the world would be a better place.
Comfrey, known here as knit-bone, is high in calcium, so is a very good aide in healing broken bones. Drink a tea, and make a compress of the leaves. It has been known to reduce healing time for broken bones.
Though I LOVE lavender and rosemary, too!
Hi Kristin, could you have electronic collars and an electronic fence installed to keep the dogs on your property? I’m really afraid the angry neighbor (or another angry neighbor) might harm your lovely dogs. This would be tragic! I know you would be horribly upset. People in rural areas over here have been known to shoot dogs who attack livestock. Dogs that attack livestock tend to do it again and again. Nothing will stop them but an electronic fence. And even if it is only effective 99% of the time, it is still worthwhile. I hope you will seriously consider it. Wishing you all the best…
Hi Kristin, could you have electronic collars and an electronic fence installed to keep the dogs on your property? I’m really afraid the angry neighbor (or another angry neighbor) might harm your lovely dogs. This would be tragic! I know you would be horribly upset. People in rural areas over here have been known to shoot dogs who attack livestock. Dogs that attack livestock tend to do it again and again. Nothing will stop them but an electronic fence. And even if it is only effective 99% of the time, it is still worthwhile. I hope you will seriously consider it. Wishing you all the best…
P.S. Nettles are very nourishing,David. You can keep them under control by eating them! They lose their formic acid – responsible for the stings – once they are dry or cooked. A wonderful pot-herb.
Kristin, Your contrite heart is quite visible in your writing today…and now you are doing what it takes to move forward. I wish you the best and anxiously await Part 2. I 2nd Bruce’s motion; keep the signed copy for yourself unless you can manage to get two signed. What a day you will have! My favorite plant? There are so many beauties out there. I do love tulips; my mom loved daisies. Gardenias smell so lovely and remind me of my Italian grandmother; she had a bush planted near her front door. The smell of night blooming jasmine always brings home the memory of sultry FL nights. The only time I ever kept an artificial plant, so this must say something, was when I lived in NYC. I missed bougainvilleas so much that I found silk ones and had them cascading down tall, old pots of my grandmother’s that I kept on top of an entertainment center in my studio apt. Have a wonderful day!
P.S. Nettles are very nourishing,David. You can keep them under control by eating them! They lose their formic acid – responsible for the stings – once they are dry or cooked. A wonderful pot-herb.
Kristin, Your contrite heart is quite visible in your writing today…and now you are doing what it takes to move forward. I wish you the best and anxiously await Part 2. I 2nd Bruce’s motion; keep the signed copy for yourself unless you can manage to get two signed. What a day you will have! My favorite plant? There are so many beauties out there. I do love tulips; my mom loved daisies. Gardenias smell so lovely and remind me of my Italian grandmother; she had a bush planted near her front door. The smell of night blooming jasmine always brings home the memory of sultry FL nights. The only time I ever kept an artificial plant, so this must say something, was when I lived in NYC. I missed bougainvilleas so much that I found silk ones and had them cascading down tall, old pots of my grandmother’s that I kept on top of an entertainment center in my studio apt. Have a wonderful day!
Bon Jour Kristin ~
What a gracious move on your part to take a plant to your neighbor . I hope the story turns out well. I am from the USA and we have “Bleeding Hearts” flowers here. It is a perennial here that comes up each year. The flowers are heart shape. Would have been another great choice as this I know is how you feel with the loss. Hang in here, I’m hoping the neighbor was good to and all is healed from the misfortune.
Beth Bright ~ Okoboji, IA
Bon Jour Kristin ~
What a gracious move on your part to take a plant to your neighbor . I hope the story turns out well. I am from the USA and we have “Bleeding Hearts” flowers here. It is a perennial here that comes up each year. The flowers are heart shape. Would have been another great choice as this I know is how you feel with the loss. Hang in here, I’m hoping the neighbor was good to and all is healed from the misfortune.
Beth Bright ~ Okoboji, IA
Kristen, I so enjoy your posts. Being from south Louisiana I speak some French and your Word a Day is really increasing my vocabulary. I’m keeping
A personal word a day log taken from your blog. Thanks so much!
Kristen, I so enjoy your posts. Being from south Louisiana I speak some French and your Word a Day is really increasing my vocabulary. I’m keeping
A personal word a day log taken from your blog. Thanks so much!
“The Time has come the walrus said to speak of many things, of shoes and ships and sailing wax, of cabbages and kings” and mischevious dogs…who take after their owners and are free spirited…The chickens like the cats have disappeared…….
Always remember: Guilt is like crime-it doesn’t pay..
“The Time has come the walrus said to speak of many things, of shoes and ships and sailing wax, of cabbages and kings” and mischevious dogs…who take after their owners and are free spirited…The chickens like the cats have disappeared…….
Always remember: Guilt is like crime-it doesn’t pay..
Gardening is Good Therapy
Gardening is Good Therapy
Dear Kristin,
I understand your tender feelings regarding the dogs. As a lifetime companion to furry friends, I have had to go to a neighbor or two to apologize for one misdeed or another and we have fences. One time our dog ran next door where there is another lab and walked through the newly poured concrete leaving her footprints behind! An apology was offered as well as a repair. Thankfully, he was understanding and a contractor himself so he waved me off with a smile. Be gentle with yourself. You are doing the right thing.
I saw Jane Goodall about ten years ago. You will enjoy her and be inspired, no doubt. And I agree with your other readers who say to keep a signed copy of the book!
Dear Kristin,
I understand your tender feelings regarding the dogs. As a lifetime companion to furry friends, I have had to go to a neighbor or two to apologize for one misdeed or another and we have fences. One time our dog ran next door where there is another lab and walked through the newly poured concrete leaving her footprints behind! An apology was offered as well as a repair. Thankfully, he was understanding and a contractor himself so he waved me off with a smile. Be gentle with yourself. You are doing the right thing.
I saw Jane Goodall about ten years ago. You will enjoy her and be inspired, no doubt. And I agree with your other readers who say to keep a signed copy of the book!