What to focus on? Take your pick! Car, seeds, dirty dishes, compost… Smokey. Ah, there's a comforting place to rest the eyes.
Today's Prize: Desiderata poem, framed
What do you do when bad things happen? Answer here and enter to win today's prize (more info below).
à bientôt (ah-byen-toh)
: see you soon!
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc Download MP3 or Wav
Je pars quelques semaines. A bientot!
I'm going away for a few weeks. See you soon!
=> A French Christmas: order this favorite CD
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
The next two posts have been pre-programed to go out during my 3 week absence. But before I go I want to thank you for sticking around during a turbulent month wherein my mother-in-law began falling, one of our dogs disappeared, I lost half of French Word-A-Day subscribers, and our neighbor stabbed his parents to death before running head on into the train that passes right below our vineyard.
For the woman who tweeted "Hate chu Kristin Espinasse and your $@%!! perfect French life," please think twice before jumping to conclusions (and learn to spell!).
I take that parenthetical jab back, because up to this point–122 words into this ramble–my spell-checker has already caught 6 coquilles, or typos, and off I trot, dumbly unaware of the grammar trespasses I'm making as this essay advances….
But to where? Just where are we going, dear Reader? More than this aimless essay, don't the times feel this way–ungrounded? (Unless your name is Rosetta, and you've just made a historical landing on some far off comet.)
I wasn't going to tell you about the sad and horrific event in our neighborhhood or share the "hate tweet", but the heart is as unpredictable as the times. And though this essay could be better with a good outline, a rough draft, a shot of vodka, and an editor… it will amble forward as the others have before it.
Step after step, word after word, it is a great privilege to continue on this writing path and I thank you for having big enough hearts to listen to whatever I have to say.
I especially enjoy hearing what you have to say. The past few posts have included questions that have enabled me to get to know you better. Reading your answers to the question "Have you ever won anything?" I was unprepared for the heartache and laughter your words unlocked.
Keeping in theme with today's story, here is another question for you:
What do you do when bad things happen?
Answer it and enter to win one of my favorite things (more info below). Thanks again for reading these missives. See you in a few weeks.
Amicalement,
Kristin
COMMENTS
To leave a comment or to answer today's question, click here.
French Vocabulary
une coquille = typo
Happy endings, with Breizh, who is home now, and Smokey.
Provence Dreamin'? Maison des Pelerins, Sablet. A Vacation Rental Dream in the heart of the Côte du Rhone. See photos here.
ENTER AND WIN "DESIDERATA"
"DESIDERATA". Today's prize is a framed poem that will lighten anyone's heart. Note: Giving away the English version, but you can read–and listen to–the bilingual version here!
To enter to win, click here to answer today's question: "What do you do when bad things happen?"
In addition to entering the contest, you may want to go ahead and order this inspirational poem as a gift, click here.
Thank you, Catherine, for showing me what my topinambours will look like, once planted. So much to look forward to! And a lovely message to end this post:
Pleine de bonnes choses à venir. So much to look forward to. Thanks for sharing these positive words with a friend–who might enjoy receiving this French journal.
"Never air your laundry in public!" my grandmother might say (there's her needlepoint pillow, "Pall Mall", just above). But how else to show real French life? This is, after all, how the majority of the country dries things this time of year. Sure, tumble dryers are catching on, meantime….
If you would like to catch up with the times–the ecological times–you can get your own "French dryer" here!
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Kristin
It is obvious that this person is jealous of your success and discounts how hard you have worked to achieve it. Generally these people see the object of their jealousy as being lucky and themselves as unlucky.
To these people you can reply: The harder I work, the luckier I get.
Kristin
It is obvious that this person is jealous of your success and discounts how hard you have worked to achieve it. Generally these people see the object of their jealousy as being lucky and themselves as unlucky.
To these people you can reply: The harder I work, the luckier I get.
Kristi — I’m so very sorry. For what happened in your neighborhood — and for that hateful troll. Oneward ever onward is the only way through (I know you know this)…So happy puppy made it home safe and sound.
Kristi — I’m so very sorry. For what happened in your neighborhood — and for that hateful troll. Oneward ever onward is the only way through (I know you know this)…So happy puppy made it home safe and sound.
It’s easy to criticize others when we don’t see the whole picture or understand from where the other person is coming from, so we must be patient. There is one Truth if we genuinely seek it and unit our suffering with Christ we will receive the grace to understand all things….pls forgive any grammatical errors!
It’s easy to criticize others when we don’t see the whole picture or understand from where the other person is coming from, so we must be patient. There is one Truth if we genuinely seek it and unit our suffering with Christ we will receive the grace to understand all things….pls forgive any grammatical errors!
Kristin, don’t pay one bit of attention to those nasty posts. Move on to all your other reader who love you!
Bad things happen in life and I don’t think you can help feeling bad but I think you can sympathize with the tragedies, pray for everyone involved and do what you can to help and than thank God for your own family and friends.
As for myself, I deal by doing art work, gardening, cooking and definitely taking myself out of the house. Be outside can change my mood immediately.
Keep us up to date on your mother-in-law we do want to know what is going on in your life because maybe the same things are going on with us and it’s always good to know your not alone.
Hang in there.
DianeD
Kristin, don’t pay one bit of attention to those nasty posts. Move on to all your other reader who love you!
Bad things happen in life and I don’t think you can help feeling bad but I think you can sympathize with the tragedies, pray for everyone involved and do what you can to help and than thank God for your own family and friends.
As for myself, I deal by doing art work, gardening, cooking and definitely taking myself out of the house. Be outside can change my mood immediately.
Keep us up to date on your mother-in-law we do want to know what is going on in your life because maybe the same things are going on with us and it’s always good to know your not alone.
Hang in there.
DianeD
Kristin,
I truly enjoy your posts. They have helped me improve my French vocabulary. I also have learned a lot about French culture that I would not have otherwise learned. I have followed you for over a year now. I hardly think you have the perfect life. You have ups and downs like anyone else. People on social media can be downright awful.
I hope you can focus on the people here who enjoy your posts and how much you help others learn la plus belle langue du monde. 🙂 This also leads me to my answer to your question.
When things go wrong, I cry, let it out, but then take comfort in my favorite things, remembering that this too will pass. Pictures of my favorite people also help ease things.
Kristin,
I truly enjoy your posts. They have helped me improve my French vocabulary. I also have learned a lot about French culture that I would not have otherwise learned. I have followed you for over a year now. I hardly think you have the perfect life. You have ups and downs like anyone else. People on social media can be downright awful.
I hope you can focus on the people here who enjoy your posts and how much you help others learn la plus belle langue du monde. 🙂 This also leads me to my answer to your question.
When things go wrong, I cry, let it out, but then take comfort in my favorite things, remembering that this too will pass. Pictures of my favorite people also help ease things.
Chere Amie, it is (a mon avis) your willingness to share you hurts and sorrows as well as all the blessing that come to you and your loved ones and how well you express them, endearing you to your readers and acquaintances. When “bad things” happen to me and/or those whom I love I try to remind myself that people regarded as “great” suffer the terrible events that sooner or later “throw us a curve” or worse Insight into the lives of so called great humans reveal they have had their share of pain, grief,and failures — perhaps more than most of us. Much love and carry on; you are a great person in my eyes. Toujours!
!
Chere Amie, it is (a mon avis) your willingness to share you hurts and sorrows as well as all the blessing that come to you and your loved ones and how well you express them, endearing you to your readers and acquaintances. When “bad things” happen to me and/or those whom I love I try to remind myself that people regarded as “great” suffer the terrible events that sooner or later “throw us a curve” or worse Insight into the lives of so called great humans reveal they have had their share of pain, grief,and failures — perhaps more than most of us. Much love and carry on; you are a great person in my eyes. Toujours!
!
When bad things happen, I usually either panic or withdraw, Neither of which is helpful in the situation.
so either I can’t deal with it or I need quiet time to figure out how to deal with it. There will always be negative people saying crazy hurtful things, but know that the majority of sane people enjoy reading your words.
When bad things happen, I usually either panic or withdraw, Neither of which is helpful in the situation.
so either I can’t deal with it or I need quiet time to figure out how to deal with it. There will always be negative people saying crazy hurtful things, but know that the majority of sane people enjoy reading your words.
In good times or in bad, perspective comes when I am thankful for all of this life, the redemptive bitter as well as the incredibly sweet. Garrison Keillor’s prayer: Thank you, God, for this good life … and forgive us for not loving it enough.
In good times or in bad, perspective comes when I am thankful for all of this life, the redemptive bitter as well as the incredibly sweet. Garrison Keillor’s prayer: Thank you, God, for this good life … and forgive us for not loving it enough.
Well, being only human, I do get angry and have a fit when no one is watching. However, I just pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again. After all, what you do AFTER the bad thing happens is whats’ more important.
Well, being only human, I do get angry and have a fit when no one is watching. However, I just pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again. After all, what you do AFTER the bad thing happens is whats’ more important.
Dear Kristin,
When bad things happen, hold those that you love close to you. Remember all of God’s blessings in your life and let words said in anger and jealousy flutter away like autumn leaves in the wind. People often forget that the reason bad things happen to good people is because God gives us free will to chose good or bad. And we have no control over the choices other people make….only our own choices.
I am so sorry about the horrific loss in your neighborhood and the thoughtless, unkind words of somebody who’s life is clearly filled with something other than joy. I’ve enjoyed reading your column for several years now and thank you for sharing so much of your life with those of us who wish we could spend an afternoon in your garden with you.
Best wishes,
David in Alexandria,Virginia
Dear Kristin,
When bad things happen, hold those that you love close to you. Remember all of God’s blessings in your life and let words said in anger and jealousy flutter away like autumn leaves in the wind. People often forget that the reason bad things happen to good people is because God gives us free will to chose good or bad. And we have no control over the choices other people make….only our own choices.
I am so sorry about the horrific loss in your neighborhood and the thoughtless, unkind words of somebody who’s life is clearly filled with something other than joy. I’ve enjoyed reading your column for several years now and thank you for sharing so much of your life with those of us who wish we could spend an afternoon in your garden with you.
Best wishes,
David in Alexandria,Virginia
When things are bad, such as the night my husband suddenly died…late that night I sat on my sofa with my 2 Border Collies and just gathered strength from them to move forward…Also, in past years, a walk in the woods, on the beach or anywhere beautiful makes me regroup.
Don’t worry about comments from people with no CLASS!
When things are bad, such as the night my husband suddenly died…late that night I sat on my sofa with my 2 Border Collies and just gathered strength from them to move forward…Also, in past years, a walk in the woods, on the beach or anywhere beautiful makes me regroup.
Don’t worry about comments from people with no CLASS!
What a blessing to read everyone’s postings, and to rejoice in knowing that we will be given whatever we need to get through life’s challenges. As for me, I practice meditation more deeply than I usually do, visualizing pink light and breating deeply. I am so sorry for the sadness recently in your life – and I included you in this morning’s prayers: may you feel the strength of those everlasting arms holding you. Blessings from Oregon. Judy
What a blessing to read everyone’s postings, and to rejoice in knowing that we will be given whatever we need to get through life’s challenges. As for me, I practice meditation more deeply than I usually do, visualizing pink light and breating deeply. I am so sorry for the sadness recently in your life – and I included you in this morning’s prayers: may you feel the strength of those everlasting arms holding you. Blessings from Oregon. Judy
Dear Kristin,
When bad things happen I retreat into myself until I remind myself that is precisely what I should not do. I feel better when connecting with others. You share your life with us in a courageous way – baring your soul. I admire you especially when you share your faults. It reminds me we are all “human(s) merely being”. Please stay true to yourself. Thank you, Cheryl
Dear Kristin,
When bad things happen I retreat into myself until I remind myself that is precisely what I should not do. I feel better when connecting with others. You share your life with us in a courageous way – baring your soul. I admire you especially when you share your faults. It reminds me we are all “human(s) merely being”. Please stay true to yourself. Thank you, Cheryl
Dear Kristen – I have done various things when hit with bad news. At one time I would have sat down and played the piano for a couple of hours. Now I can walk/drive to the top of Mt. Tabor (in Portland, OR) and look at the mountains through a grove of Douglas Firs. Somehow that keeps me grounded and reminds me that I can survive. One other thing I do is to go to bed for a long night’s rest. Things do look better after a night’s rest – the pain is less sharp. And the rest gives you energy and courage to keep on going. Love to you and yours. MaryLouise
Dear Kristen – I have done various things when hit with bad news. At one time I would have sat down and played the piano for a couple of hours. Now I can walk/drive to the top of Mt. Tabor (in Portland, OR) and look at the mountains through a grove of Douglas Firs. Somehow that keeps me grounded and reminds me that I can survive. One other thing I do is to go to bed for a long night’s rest. Things do look better after a night’s rest – the pain is less sharp. And the rest gives you energy and courage to keep on going. Love to you and yours. MaryLouise
I’m one of the people you lost! Just realize I haven’t seen your posts recently. I had to google you! Please put me back!
I’m one of the people you lost! Just realize I haven’t seen your posts recently. I had to google you! Please put me back!
I sing:
I must have been one of the ‘lost’ subscribers – that happened due to the change of provider? – and I am happy to see you back. You see, another thing I do to ‘escape’ when there is pressureis to revisit a few of your many essays I have saved. Thanks for all you do. “In every life some rain must fall;some days must be dark and dreary”
I sing:
I must have been one of the ‘lost’ subscribers – that happened due to the change of provider? – and I am happy to see you back. You see, another thing I do to ‘escape’ when there is pressureis to revisit a few of your many essays I have saved. Thanks for all you do. “In every life some rain must fall;some days must be dark and dreary”
Step back, discern bigger picture, higher purpose, consult ancestors, LISTEN .. 🙂 G
Step back, discern bigger picture, higher purpose, consult ancestors, LISTEN .. 🙂 G
Realize that it won’t be the first time and it won’t be the last time. For when there is no more sadness or hurt in our lives then we cease to exist.
We were told that in this world we would have tribulation, but recall that the Lord said He will always be with us.
Realize that it won’t be the first time and it won’t be the last time. For when there is no more sadness or hurt in our lives then we cease to exist.
We were told that in this world we would have tribulation, but recall that the Lord said He will always be with us.
When bad things happen and they do, sometimes one after another, I sit and breathe and cry. But I also try to see the lesson that I should learn from these painful occurrences and in turn reflect on how much they make me appreciate the good things that also happen, like Breizh being home.
Some journeys are harder than other, some are happier than most, and some just keep us plodding along. There are lessons to learn, tears to cry and joys to be had. That is life…
When bad things happen and they do, sometimes one after another, I sit and breathe and cry. But I also try to see the lesson that I should learn from these painful occurrences and in turn reflect on how much they make me appreciate the good things that also happen, like Breizh being home.
Some journeys are harder than other, some are happier than most, and some just keep us plodding along. There are lessons to learn, tears to cry and joys to be had. That is life…
I see this column is from last week, but still want to say that if things go wrong, I remind myself of how much I still have to enjoy in life. Meanwhile- really enjoyed your writing here- seems like you just ripped it off, and the words were not a struggle. Happy vacance!
I see this column is from last week, but still want to say that if things go wrong, I remind myself of how much I still have to enjoy in life. Meanwhile- really enjoyed your writing here- seems like you just ripped it off, and the words were not a struggle. Happy vacance!
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance,
chaos into order, confusion into clarity.
It turns problems into gifts, failures into success,
the unexpected into perfect timing,
and mistakes into important events.
Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today,
and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance,
chaos into order, confusion into clarity.
It turns problems into gifts, failures into success,
the unexpected into perfect timing,
and mistakes into important events.
Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today,
and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
Hope you didn’t think I’d drop your email? My email was compromised and I didn’t realize that your email wasn’t coming thru!!
Always love reading your posts as I sit in Arizona and dreaming about spending more time in France!!
Nancy
Hope you didn’t think I’d drop your email? My email was compromised and I didn’t realize that your email wasn’t coming thru!!
Always love reading your posts as I sit in Arizona and dreaming about spending more time in France!!
Nancy
When bad things happen I am reminded of something my mother once told me,
“Don’t worry about bad things happening. Bad things will happen in life, but they are usually not what you worried about.”
So when bad things DO happen, I feel blessed that my mother was wise and try not to worry about the next bad thing that might happen and just deal with it all.
When bad things happen I am reminded of something my mother once told me,
“Don’t worry about bad things happening. Bad things will happen in life, but they are usually not what you worried about.”
So when bad things DO happen, I feel blessed that my mother was wise and try not to worry about the next bad thing that might happen and just deal with it all.
When bad things happen, I usually to discern, what I did to attract that occurrence. Then I do my best to let it go, and move on.
Learn and grow.
When bad things happen, I usually to discern, what I did to attract that occurrence. Then I do my best to let it go, and move on.
Learn and grow.