"Un Sourire"
"A Smile"
Listen to Jean-Marc read this French poem. Click here
Un sourire ne coûte rien et produit beaucoup,
A smile does not cost anything but produces so much*,
Il enrichit ceux qui* le reçoivent,
It enriches the person who receives it
Sans appauvrir ceux qui le donnent.
without impoverishing the one who gives it.
Il ne dure qu'un instant,
It lasts only a few moments,
Mais son souvenir* est parfois éternel.
But its memory may sometimes last forever.
Personne n'est assez pauvre pour ne pas le mériter.
Nobody is poor enough not to deserve it.
Il crée le bonheur au foyer, soutient les affaires,
It creates happiness at home and sustains businesses,
Il est le signe sensible de l'amitié.
It is the visible sign of friendship.
Un sourire donne du repos à l'être* fatigué.
A smile brings rest to the weary soul.
Il ne peut ni s'acheter, ni se prêter, ni se voler,
It cannot be bought, nor can it be loaned or even stolen,
Car c'est une chose qui n'a de valeur
For it is something which has value
Qu'à partir du moment où il se donne.
Only from the very moment it is given.
Et si quelquefois vous rencontrez une personne
And if sometimes you meet someone
Qui ne sait plus avoir le sourire…
Who no longer knows how to smile…
(Left: Smokey's Dad, "Sam", and Mama Braise (BREZ)
Soyez généreux, donnez-lui le vôtre!
Be generous, give him yours!
Car nul n'a autant besoin d'un sourire…
As no one is more desperate for a smile…
Que celui qui ne peut en donner aux autres.
Than the one who is unable to give a smile to others.
***
The "Sourire" poem is by Raoul Follereau (1902-1977), who established World Leprosy day and who, throughout his life, shared his compassion for victims of leprosy–as well as for victims of poverty, indifference, and injustice
"Honey moon" in France. Did you get to see it? Where were you, when you viewed it? We were on our front porch, lying on lawn chairs.
Next day in the back yard. I threw on a black top for this picture, after the beige top I had on made for a topless look…. Did you want to see that picture? Hang on, I'll see if I can find it for you. Meantime, some pictures of our dining room and sas (or entry as in front door area).
We still need to paint…
I never did keep you up to date on the renovation, which, it turns out, is happening little by little–here and there and you get the picture. See, you did get the picture!
That picture I mentionned. (Only the tank top is nude.) Title: Who needs dumbbells when you've got 8 pounds of kale?
Olympic kale torch. (Gardening is a sport!) I am holding a heavy trunk of cabbage which I had to saw off (its leaves were like lace after the insects feasted).
Bon, not sure I've shared the right pictures with you today. As mentioned, my thoughts are hither and thither these days. Off to hug my Mom….
Me and precious, precious Smokey–the son of Sam and Braise (read about the miracle of finding the lost dogs in Marseilles!). I leave you with a photo of our hollyhocks. A French woman once told me: hollyhocks are too hard to grow. You'll never manage. I planted them anyway. Have a lovely, lovely day!
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I did see that “Honey Moon”, night of Friday the 13th. The first Fri/13th full moon in our young century. The next one will be 2048, which I won’t live to see.
Thanks for the pics of your renovation, been wondering how you were getting along – looks stunning.
I did see that “Honey Moon”, night of Friday the 13th. The first Fri/13th full moon in our young century. The next one will be 2048, which I won’t live to see.
Thanks for the pics of your renovation, been wondering how you were getting along – looks stunning.
This is my first time commenting, but wanted to let you know that I love your blog and that I purchased First French Essais today which I’m so excited to have as a summer read. I am in the States and your blog makes me feel like I’m back in France. The images and the writing are so lovely. Please keep it up!
This is my first time commenting, but wanted to let you know that I love your blog and that I purchased First French Essais today which I’m so excited to have as a summer read. I am in the States and your blog makes me feel like I’m back in France. The images and the writing are so lovely. Please keep it up!
Ahhhhhh! This post washed over me like a cleansing wave. My husband and I argued his morning about whether to turn on the air conditioner (him), or not (me). Here in the states, we barely let the summer warmth envelop us before we hit the canned air switch. It’s an eternal marital disagreement for us……..but this soothing smile post with pictures helped me gain perspective. No big deal. I’ll go sit outside today, like your mere in the picture! I’ll try to look as elegant!
Ahhhhhh! This post washed over me like a cleansing wave. My husband and I argued his morning about whether to turn on the air conditioner (him), or not (me). Here in the states, we barely let the summer warmth envelop us before we hit the canned air switch. It’s an eternal marital disagreement for us……..but this soothing smile post with pictures helped me gain perspective. No big deal. I’ll go sit outside today, like your mere in the picture! I’ll try to look as elegant!
Lovely pic of Jules at the cafe. I can hear the excitement and near desperation to squeeze every last microsecond of goodness from your time with your Maman. What a great memory to have viewed the Honey Moon with her in such an idyllic way. The photo is stunning!
You are quite right to run repeats (much appreciated, though we would completely understand your absence during this precious time), and grab all the hugs and kisses and special moments you can– the significant stuff get lost in the shuffle of the prosaic otherwise.
Light & Life
to you & yours…
Lovely pic of Jules at the cafe. I can hear the excitement and near desperation to squeeze every last microsecond of goodness from your time with your Maman. What a great memory to have viewed the Honey Moon with her in such an idyllic way. The photo is stunning!
You are quite right to run repeats (much appreciated, though we would completely understand your absence during this precious time), and grab all the hugs and kisses and special moments you can– the significant stuff get lost in the shuffle of the prosaic otherwise.
Light & Life
to you & yours…
I have only recently come across your blog from far away Australia but your photos always makes France feel so much closer. Thankyou.
I have bought your book so I am really looing forward to reading that as well.
Enjoy your week with your mum.
I have only recently come across your blog from far away Australia but your photos always makes France feel so much closer. Thankyou.
I have bought your book so I am really looing forward to reading that as well.
Enjoy your week with your mum.
A magic garden! Whether words or pictures, your post nourishes the heart, the mind and the soul, reminding us of the reasons we love France so. Thank you, Kristin~ Savor your time with your mom!
A magic garden! Whether words or pictures, your post nourishes the heart, the mind and the soul, reminding us of the reasons we love France so. Thank you, Kristin~ Savor your time with your mom!
lovely poem..a smile,although not as common in France as in the states, is such a lovely gift.sharing with my dog people on facebook around the world
lovely poem..a smile,although not as common in France as in the states, is such a lovely gift.sharing with my dog people on facebook around the world
This post captures the ease and beauty of early summer. Your life is clearly nourishing you, and now us! As a friend of my mom’s says, “Your cup has to be full before it can runneth over.”
Here in NYC, we have a doo-wop group that sings in the subway. They like donations, but also add, “Remember: smile! It won’t mess up your hair!”
This post captures the ease and beauty of early summer. Your life is clearly nourishing you, and now us! As a friend of my mom’s says, “Your cup has to be full before it can runneth over.”
Here in NYC, we have a doo-wop group that sings in the subway. They like donations, but also add, “Remember: smile! It won’t mess up your hair!”
Don’t worry about your friends. We’ll be here, waiting for you, once your maman heads home. These are precious moments and I’m glad you are savoring each one. Many thanks, though, for taking the time to send some pictures, and I just love the poem! Will be taking it to my French class on Thursday!
Don’t worry about your friends. We’ll be here, waiting for you, once your maman heads home. These are precious moments and I’m glad you are savoring each one. Many thanks, though, for taking the time to send some pictures, and I just love the poem! Will be taking it to my French class on Thursday!
About the cabbage insects, I just discovered NEEM OIL, it is an organic spray-on treatment. For years it was race to see if my cabbage could mature before the insects spoiled them. I envy your garden and climate. Thanks for sharing photos of it.
About the cabbage insects, I just discovered NEEM OIL, it is an organic spray-on treatment. For years it was race to see if my cabbage could mature before the insects spoiled them. I envy your garden and climate. Thanks for sharing photos of it.
ahhh, this brightened my heart and made me smile 😉 I am stressed and frazzled these days…
there is something about your writing and approach that is simple, transparent (no hidden agendas!) and humble that it spreads
a lot of goodness and healing energy to those who read it.
merci!
ahhh, this brightened my heart and made me smile 😉 I am stressed and frazzled these days…
there is something about your writing and approach that is simple, transparent (no hidden agendas!) and humble that it spreads
a lot of goodness and healing energy to those who read it.
merci!
Loved the pictures and the poem. Have fun with your mother. You both were just given a big smile.
Loved the pictures and the poem. Have fun with your mother. You both were just given a big smile.
Just read Dreamer comment about Neem oil. I just started using Neem toothpaste – a friend told me about it. Very clean feeling. My six month check up will have the final word on it.
Just read Dreamer comment about Neem oil. I just started using Neem toothpaste – a friend told me about it. Very clean feeling. My six month check up will have the final word on it.
You have a green thumb, no matter how much you deny that. I always liked the song, “let a smile be your umbrella on a rainy,rainy day…” the poem is so sweet and true. Enjoy every moment with Jules. I really like the blue in your picture of the interior of your house.
You have a green thumb, no matter how much you deny that. I always liked the song, “let a smile be your umbrella on a rainy,rainy day…” the poem is so sweet and true. Enjoy every moment with Jules. I really like the blue in your picture of the interior of your house.
So happy you are enjoying being with your mom!
So happy you are enjoying being with your mom!
Thanks for a lovely post and thank you, Jean-Marc, for reading the poem; it is a special treat to hear french being spoken! Your home is beautiful and the dining room has such a welcoming feeling. I enjoyed all of the photos, especially the one of Jules. Give her a hug for me.
Très mille mercis, Cynthia
Thanks for a lovely post and thank you, Jean-Marc, for reading the poem; it is a special treat to hear french being spoken! Your home is beautiful and the dining room has such a welcoming feeling. I enjoyed all of the photos, especially the one of Jules. Give her a hug for me.
Très mille mercis, Cynthia
Hi Kristin!
God bless you and your mom and your time together. Thank you for the poem, it’s beautiful. Love your home and all it’s imperfections – paint or no paint!
Hi Kristin!
God bless you and your mom and your time together. Thank you for the poem, it’s beautiful. Love your home and all it’s imperfections – paint or no paint!
Here’s one I made up for the occasion . .
A mind too hard at work can steal your smile,
A mind at play, I think, is more worthwhile.
Here’s one I made up for the occasion . .
A mind too hard at work can steal your smile,
A mind at play, I think, is more worthwhile.
La belle nature…a feast for the eyes and the soul…j’ avais besoin de ça ce matin….merci beaucoup, Kristin!
La belle nature…a feast for the eyes and the soul…j’ avais besoin de ça ce matin….merci beaucoup, Kristin!
And are you standing behind GIANT blooming artichokes?
And are you standing behind GIANT blooming artichokes?
Thank you for the lovely poem.
Thank you for the lovely poem.
Have a relaxing and wonderful visit with your Mom. What a gem she is – one to be cherished. Don’t worry about us … we’ll still be here for your next post!
Have a relaxing and wonderful visit with your Mom. What a gem she is – one to be cherished. Don’t worry about us … we’ll still be here for your next post!
Chere Kristin, Merci pour le beau poeme, eh oui un sourire peut changer la vie d’un autre…Nous venons de rentrer mardi dernier, avons passe 2 semaines en Alsace, France avec ma maman qui vient de celebrer ses 88 ans…Je vous souhaite a toutes les deux de passer de belles journees ensemble….Bisous de la Floride, Mary Jeanne
Chere Kristin, Merci pour le beau poeme, eh oui un sourire peut changer la vie d’un autre…Nous venons de rentrer mardi dernier, avons passe 2 semaines en Alsace, France avec ma maman qui vient de celebrer ses 88 ans…Je vous souhaite a toutes les deux de passer de belles journees ensemble….Bisous de la Floride, Mary Jeanne
Your garden is amazing. But you let all those tasty artichokes bolt and flower. I know they are pretty, but very tasty. If small I cut them in half, boil just a bit and then grill them. The larger ones: cut the top of the leaves off, spread them, douse with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic pwdr, or stuff garlic in them. boil
and then I use a dipping sauce of half mayo, half lemon and a pinch of cayenne.
Your garden is amazing. But you let all those tasty artichokes bolt and flower. I know they are pretty, but very tasty. If small I cut them in half, boil just a bit and then grill them. The larger ones: cut the top of the leaves off, spread them, douse with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic pwdr, or stuff garlic in them. boil
and then I use a dipping sauce of half mayo, half lemon and a pinch of cayenne.
Our dear Kristi,
Today’s post is absolutely beautiful!
Between that lovely poem and your gorgeous pictures,you have once again wrapped us in hugs.
THANK YOU!!
Love
Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
Today’s post is absolutely beautiful!
Between that lovely poem and your gorgeous pictures,you have once again wrapped us in hugs.
THANK YOU!!
Love
Natalia XO