Today is your story. Write on!
Tenir tendrement, bercer
: to cradle
AUDIO FILE: Jean-Marc recorded the example sentence, below, in lively Marseilles. Enjoy! Download MP3 or Wav
En regardant bien cette photo, on dirait que les fèves, les artichauts, et compagnie sont en train de tenir tendrement ma maman. Looking at this photo, you could say the favas, the artichokes, and the rest are cradling my mom.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Today is "Wordless Wednesday"… except it's Thursday. Please have a look at the photo, above, of my Mom in the garden….and would it be possible for you to write today's story? You know, your interpretation of Mom in the garden, her thoughts at that moment etc. Make up something good and mix in as many French words as you wish!
Mom and I will be anxiously awaiting all of your stories. Just post your words here in the comments box. Mom loves this idea; actually she made most of this post up while I was emptying the dishwasher.
I would like to thank Laurel Zuckerman, author of Sorbonne Confidential. See her Paris Writers News for our talk about publishing and France. I especially had fun with the question Do you have a favorite word in French? Read the intervew here.
Share this post and help spread the French word. Merci beaucoup 🙂
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The garden photo reminds me of Anne Murray singing “Dans la Jardin”
“Mom” is looking great!
Nice article in the Paris Writers News!
The garden photo reminds me of Anne Murray singing “Dans la Jardin”
“Mom” is looking great!
Nice article in the Paris Writers News!
A season of life….a reason for life. Cradled by a daughter’s love~
A season of life….a reason for life. Cradled by a daughter’s love~
J’adore la serenite et la beaute de ce scene. Joli cheveux gris de la
femme juxtapose avec la verdure du jardin!
Alas, je ne peux pas utilise les accents grammatical ici!
Kathryn
J’adore la serenite et la beaute de ce scene. Joli cheveux gris de la
femme juxtapose avec la verdure du jardin!
Alas, je ne peux pas utilise les accents grammatical ici!
Kathryn
Each early morning, I sit on my upstairs back porch savoring my coffee and cradling my new kitten, a Napoleon cat named Pounce de Leon.
We watch the wood ducks breakfast on our cracked corn and listen for the splash of fish in our lake. So peaceful that I want to share with all.
fay plauche’ butler
Each early morning, I sit on my upstairs back porch savoring my coffee and cradling my new kitten, a Napoleon cat named Pounce de Leon.
We watch the wood ducks breakfast on our cracked corn and listen for the splash of fish in our lake. So peaceful that I want to share with all.
fay plauche’ butler
Hello Kristin, Here’s my story:
Au Naturel
I sit with the artichokes and the (?). Like them, I am stripped of color. I love my white hair and their stark, colorless form. Nothing distracts you from seeing us.
Marcia
Hello Kristin, Here’s my story:
Au Naturel
I sit with the artichokes and the (?). Like them, I am stripped of color. I love my white hair and their stark, colorless form. Nothing distracts you from seeing us.
Marcia
Son contentement est visible même sans voir son visage. L’expression tenir tendrement a apporté des larmes aux mes yeux. Tout le monde a besoin de “tenir tendrement’ N’est pas?
Mariel
Son contentement est visible même sans voir son visage. L’expression tenir tendrement a apporté des larmes aux mes yeux. Tout le monde a besoin de “tenir tendrement’ N’est pas?
Mariel
Ah! It is wonderful to visit my daughter in her lovely home, but the life here is a lot of work. Up with the chickens, touring the gardens, then put to work weeding all the flower beds. Finally, as the sun heads toward the western horizon, I sink gratefully into my chair, surveying the fruits of my sweat. At least she feeds me!
(Of course, this is pure speculation!)
Ah! It is wonderful to visit my daughter in her lovely home, but the life here is a lot of work. Up with the chickens, touring the gardens, then put to work weeding all the flower beds. Finally, as the sun heads toward the western horizon, I sink gratefully into my chair, surveying the fruits of my sweat. At least she feeds me!
(Of course, this is pure speculation!)
That child, that lullabye, and now that beautiful daughter at the dishwasher in this nurturing place. We now cradle each other with a new and sweet lullabye only women who adore each other can sing.
That child, that lullabye, and now that beautiful daughter at the dishwasher in this nurturing place. We now cradle each other with a new and sweet lullabye only women who adore each other can sing.
Hi Kristin,
Can’t get much better than Chris’s line above! I am not a writer, it’s so difficult for me to find the right words. The photo of Jules is lovely and she looks so contented sitting and taking in all the sights and sounds of your garden. I would imagine you snapped the photo shortly after she arrived and she is just wanting a moment to relax, probably thinking how happy she is to be with you, JM, Jackie and Max. I would imagine she is contemplating a painting maybe and just thanking God that she has this precious time with you. Family is a beautiful thing!
Hi Kristin,
Can’t get much better than Chris’s line above! I am not a writer, it’s so difficult for me to find the right words. The photo of Jules is lovely and she looks so contented sitting and taking in all the sights and sounds of your garden. I would imagine you snapped the photo shortly after she arrived and she is just wanting a moment to relax, probably thinking how happy she is to be with you, JM, Jackie and Max. I would imagine she is contemplating a painting maybe and just thanking God that she has this precious time with you. Family is a beautiful thing!
My real thoughts….I have not the words… (“Comment dites on, en Francaise?”).
This phrase which translates “How does one say…in French” is one I use often,,because I have not the words sufficient in common usage at my fingertips.
What is it like, to visit in a country, foreign and far away, but especially, to be able to join again with my lovely daughter and her family? I sit in the garden chair realizing that I, often, have not the words to say what is in my heart. Someday Kristen will visit her children and their spouses and families and she too will sometimes sit …wordless…knowing that sometimes it is enough just to BE…to have words in contemplation waiting to be formed, maybe to be never spoken, but to find contentment in silence. Just “etre”, just To BE. ((Thoughts as a mother and grandmother, one of your readers, who also visits children and grandchildren far away in “Australie” )
My real thoughts….I have not the words… (“Comment dites on, en Francaise?”).
This phrase which translates “How does one say…in French” is one I use often,,because I have not the words sufficient in common usage at my fingertips.
What is it like, to visit in a country, foreign and far away, but especially, to be able to join again with my lovely daughter and her family? I sit in the garden chair realizing that I, often, have not the words to say what is in my heart. Someday Kristen will visit her children and their spouses and families and she too will sometimes sit …wordless…knowing that sometimes it is enough just to BE…to have words in contemplation waiting to be formed, maybe to be never spoken, but to find contentment in silence. Just “etre”, just To BE. ((Thoughts as a mother and grandmother, one of your readers, who also visits children and grandchildren far away in “Australie” )
“Enjoy the quiet,
Hear the birdsong,
Listen to the bees,
Revel in your solitude”
We Moms/ Grandmoms all need some ‘me’ time to remember our own person amongst the family demands on our time & emotions. And what better place than in a beautiful garden !! Savour it Jules .
“Enjoy the quiet,
Hear the birdsong,
Listen to the bees,
Revel in your solitude”
We Moms/ Grandmoms all need some ‘me’ time to remember our own person amongst the family demands on our time & emotions. And what better place than in a beautiful garden !! Savour it Jules .
A lovely photo of a truly lovely lady. I imagine Jules is drinking in her surroundings, appreciating the sights, smells, and sounds of nature…..and feeling grateful for this special time with her beautiful family. A perfect day.
A lovely photo of a truly lovely lady. I imagine Jules is drinking in her surroundings, appreciating the sights, smells, and sounds of nature…..and feeling grateful for this special time with her beautiful family. A perfect day.
As an artist, I can see a lovely painting in the composition of your lovely maman surrounded in a circle of beautiful Provencal garden plants. I love that her colorful blouse contrasts with the grays and sage greens of the garden, and her posture of rest and reflection adds so much personality without revealing her face. A “wild and precious life” finding a moment of rest. How do you say “wistful” en Francais?
As an artist, I can see a lovely painting in the composition of your lovely maman surrounded in a circle of beautiful Provencal garden plants. I love that her colorful blouse contrasts with the grays and sage greens of the garden, and her posture of rest and reflection adds so much personality without revealing her face. A “wild and precious life” finding a moment of rest. How do you say “wistful” en Francais?
Le ciel est bleu, les oiseaux chantent, tout va bien…she gratefully sighs and gives thanks. xoxo
Le ciel est bleu, les oiseaux chantent, tout va bien…she gratefully sighs and gives thanks. xoxo
My thoughts are the same as Sally’s. That scene would make a
beautiful painting. Enjoy your holiday and your family Jules.
My thoughts are the same as Sally’s. That scene would make a
beautiful painting. Enjoy your holiday and your family Jules.
The only thing that might improve my peaceful repose, would be if one of those handsome French skiers came over and gave me a foot massage! JUST KIDDING!
The only thing that might improve my peaceful repose, would be if one of those handsome French skiers came over and gave me a foot massage! JUST KIDDING!
My favorite is Sari’s post —- I bet she would love a foot massage from a handsome French skier! And I know she is content, grateful, and full of love. I wish we could hear from her…….what is she feeling? I would love to hear her take on life, career, family, travel — how about it?
Stay well & enjoy your mom!
My favorite is Sari’s post —- I bet she would love a foot massage from a handsome French skier! And I know she is content, grateful, and full of love. I wish we could hear from her…….what is she feeling? I would love to hear her take on life, career, family, travel — how about it?
Stay well & enjoy your mom!
The photo of your mother is tender and endearing and I’m glad many are commenting on that. My problem is that all I can think of is a professional skier climbing a tree in flip flops. Yikes!!! Hello, ankle injury waiting to happen! I’m glad I’m not his trainer/coach.
The photo of your mother is tender and endearing and I’m glad many are commenting on that. My problem is that all I can think of is a professional skier climbing a tree in flip flops. Yikes!!! Hello, ankle injury waiting to happen! I’m glad I’m not his trainer/coach.
Maman regardait l’etranger. “Qui est-ce?”
“Je vien en paix.”
“Pourquoi est-ce que vous avez le peu vert et trois bras?”
“Pour meilleur vous bercer, Maman.”
…..
“Ahhh, Kristin, quelle re^ve fantastique!”
Maman regardait l’etranger. “Qui est-ce?”
“Je vien en paix.”
“Pourquoi est-ce que vous avez le peu vert et trois bras?”
“Pour meilleur vous bercer, Maman.”
…..
“Ahhh, Kristin, quelle re^ve fantastique!”
I am a visual artist and not much of a writer — but I’m pretty good with tag lines — so here goes:
“Looking down the Path”
“Reflections of Relaxing”
“What adventures will I find on my new path” *
Actually, this photo would also make a great painting!
I am a visual artist and not much of a writer — but I’m pretty good with tag lines — so here goes:
“Looking down the Path”
“Reflections of Relaxing”
“What adventures will I find on my new path” *
Actually, this photo would also make a great painting!
Beautiful! Jules looks so serene, without a thought on her mind. Looking at the photo, I can’t help but feel that she is wise beyond words.
Beautiful! Jules looks so serene, without a thought on her mind. Looking at the photo, I can’t help but feel that she is wise beyond words.
Les sons of silence feed my soul as I rest and quietly reflect on the multitude de souvenirs des temps passés – and those yet to come – with my sweet daughter. Les cigales sing their orchestrated symphony, the ever so softly flapping of the wings of the butterflies make me smile, the crunch of the leaves of the unknown critters pitter-pattering on the carpet of earth surrounding me in this tranquil place. This place, these people, this country which has given so much to me. How can I return this gift? Comment puis-je retourner ce cadeau? By being grateful, as I am. En reconnaissant, comme je le suis.
Les sons of silence feed my soul as I rest and quietly reflect on the multitude de souvenirs des temps passés – and those yet to come – with my sweet daughter. Les cigales sing their orchestrated symphony, the ever so softly flapping of the wings of the butterflies make me smile, the crunch of the leaves of the unknown critters pitter-pattering on the carpet of earth surrounding me in this tranquil place. This place, these people, this country which has given so much to me. How can I return this gift? Comment puis-je retourner ce cadeau? By being grateful, as I am. En reconnaissant, comme je le suis.
It is worth all the hustle and bustle and work of travel, to be here, in this place at this time and just enjoy the moment. My daughter, her family, and her life and be part of it all. God is good and I am at peace here.
I love that picture. Yes, I agree with all the others who say that it would make a lovely painting, but I love the portrait that it is. Perfect. Such a beautiful woman and moment.
Enjoy your time together.
It is worth all the hustle and bustle and work of travel, to be here, in this place at this time and just enjoy the moment. My daughter, her family, and her life and be part of it all. God is good and I am at peace here.
I love that picture. Yes, I agree with all the others who say that it would make a lovely painting, but I love the portrait that it is. Perfect. Such a beautiful woman and moment.
Enjoy your time together.
~~Serenity~~
~~Serenity~~
Life is funny. I didn’t want my daughter to move away, but now I get to share this incredible life with her. Sometimes you don’t get what you want but you get what you need. Our time together is that much more special.
Oops, need more coffee. (Substitute wine, a trip to the bathroom or whatever was appropriate at the moment.)
Life is funny. I didn’t want my daughter to move away, but now I get to share this incredible life with her. Sometimes you don’t get what you want but you get what you need. Our time together is that much more special.
Oops, need more coffee. (Substitute wine, a trip to the bathroom or whatever was appropriate at the moment.)