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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I have glass of wine, pet my cat, play the piano and try to move on. And I have recently decided to try this in the future: if some one tells me something unpleasant or makes a nasty comment I will just tell them they must not take themselves so seriously!
Do you think it will work? Sonja
I have glass of wine, pet my cat, play the piano and try to move on. And I have recently decided to try this in the future: if some one tells me something unpleasant or makes a nasty comment I will just tell them they must not take themselves so seriously!
Do you think it will work? Sonja
Unhappy people say and do unhappy things. Let the comments of that unhappy woman go – and continue to live your life.
Robin
Unhappy people say and do unhappy things. Let the comments of that unhappy woman go – and continue to live your life.
Robin
I am so glad you asked this question because I do not do so well when bad things happen I think. Now I have this wonderful resource filled with many wisdoms to help me along.
But sometimes, depending on the situation, I have better coping mechanisms. For instance, when I learn of a death or our country’s involvement/conflict/war with another country, I immediately tend to busy myself and most likely will fix batches and batches of soup. Recently, a dear cousin suggested that you take a deep breathe . . . then wait to see what happens next.
Wishing you a Bon Journey!
I am so glad you asked this question because I do not do so well when bad things happen I think. Now I have this wonderful resource filled with many wisdoms to help me along.
But sometimes, depending on the situation, I have better coping mechanisms. For instance, when I learn of a death or our country’s involvement/conflict/war with another country, I immediately tend to busy myself and most likely will fix batches and batches of soup. Recently, a dear cousin suggested that you take a deep breathe . . . then wait to see what happens next.
Wishing you a Bon Journey!
I think of Job.
Satan pushed Job to the limit.
Satan pushes us all to the limit!!
I think of Job.
Satan pushed Job to the limit.
Satan pushes us all to the limit!!
CHINS UP. BOOBS OUT AND ON WITH THE SHOW.
Not for every occasion, but it does help. When faced with the shock of my daughter’s death at 40, I suppose that I was in shock and was able to maintain go forth and conquer with grace. Grief and PTSD take a while to roll out…I have always been able to perform under duress.
In the worst of times, my dad would tell me that I could get through anything as I came from a long line of tough sons of beeches. He always ended phone conversations with “Keep the Faith”. That would be the faith in one’s self. At age 68 I have lived in France, Italy, survived 4 years in boarding school in Washington D.C. Wash Univ School of fine Arts in St. Louis. Being from Texas was a character builder all by itself. Take heart dear Kristen and have no fear. I was with both of my parents when they chose to die at home, because of the 3 daughters, I was the one who could care and perform at the same time. Life is not easy. Go with the flow. Roll with the punches. Find a good shrink and on with the show. Love hard, live fast and know that your life matters to so many.
CHINS UP. BOOBS OUT AND ON WITH THE SHOW.
Not for every occasion, but it does help. When faced with the shock of my daughter’s death at 40, I suppose that I was in shock and was able to maintain go forth and conquer with grace. Grief and PTSD take a while to roll out…I have always been able to perform under duress.
In the worst of times, my dad would tell me that I could get through anything as I came from a long line of tough sons of beeches. He always ended phone conversations with “Keep the Faith”. That would be the faith in one’s self. At age 68 I have lived in France, Italy, survived 4 years in boarding school in Washington D.C. Wash Univ School of fine Arts in St. Louis. Being from Texas was a character builder all by itself. Take heart dear Kristen and have no fear. I was with both of my parents when they chose to die at home, because of the 3 daughters, I was the one who could care and perform at the same time. Life is not easy. Go with the flow. Roll with the punches. Find a good shrink and on with the show. Love hard, live fast and know that your life matters to so many.
Kristin, You need a thicker skin! I love your ramblings – it’s life as it happens, as it truly is! You share such deeply personal things with us – things that many can recall in our own lives. You need a time out I think and I hope you will truly enjoy the one you are taking. You are a charming young woman (remember age is relative – I am 70)And besides, nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors. I do not see you writing about your “perfect French life” – I see someone who is very frustrated with their life and very jealous of yours. Yours is full of real life with all its ups and downs. You hike up those boots and keep on truckin’ sweetheart!
Kristin, You need a thicker skin! I love your ramblings – it’s life as it happens, as it truly is! You share such deeply personal things with us – things that many can recall in our own lives. You need a time out I think and I hope you will truly enjoy the one you are taking. You are a charming young woman (remember age is relative – I am 70)And besides, nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors. I do not see you writing about your “perfect French life” – I see someone who is very frustrated with their life and very jealous of yours. Yours is full of real life with all its ups and downs. You hike up those boots and keep on truckin’ sweetheart!
Kirstin,
Thank you for sharing your French life with us through some not so perfect times. You have been such a bright spot in my days for over eight years. Sorry that some who do not deserve to share your life don’t just go away.
Kirstin,
Thank you for sharing your French life with us through some not so perfect times. You have been such a bright spot in my days for over eight years. Sorry that some who do not deserve to share your life don’t just go away.
When bad things happen, my first thought is usually: it could have been worse! Then I feel grateful that it is in fact not worse.
Beyond that, it really depends on what the situation is.
I might call a friend or family member to help me stay calm and/or rational. When I got the call from my daughter that she had stage 4 colon cancer, I called my friend. She listened, she sympathized, she let me cry until I could cry no longer. After the initial shock, I could move on to dealing with the reality: there is always hope for survival.
That was the toughest news that I have ever had to recover from! I could not deal with it alone.
When bad things happen, my first thought is usually: it could have been worse! Then I feel grateful that it is in fact not worse.
Beyond that, it really depends on what the situation is.
I might call a friend or family member to help me stay calm and/or rational. When I got the call from my daughter that she had stage 4 colon cancer, I called my friend. She listened, she sympathized, she let me cry until I could cry no longer. After the initial shock, I could move on to dealing with the reality: there is always hope for survival.
That was the toughest news that I have ever had to recover from! I could not deal with it alone.
I’m sorry it’s been so difficult for you lately. Thank you for being real, though. It’s driven me to respond for the very first time, because I want you to know that your blog brings me joy.
I’m sorry it’s been so difficult for you lately. Thank you for being real, though. It’s driven me to respond for the very first time, because I want you to know that your blog brings me joy.
If something unpleasant or unexpected happens and I’m left feeling ‘edgy’ about it, then I just let it float out into the sky and say to myself that ‘tomorrow is another day’ and I will know what the best course of action is then. A good night’s sleep will refresh my mind and allow me to think clearly about the situation. I don’t often talk it over with friends or family, as I find that this can ‘inflame’ the situation and create an aura of drama – which I cannot abide at any time! A quiet think, deep sleep, decision made and a good laugh about it afterwards is just the tonic for moi.
If something unpleasant or unexpected happens and I’m left feeling ‘edgy’ about it, then I just let it float out into the sky and say to myself that ‘tomorrow is another day’ and I will know what the best course of action is then. A good night’s sleep will refresh my mind and allow me to think clearly about the situation. I don’t often talk it over with friends or family, as I find that this can ‘inflame’ the situation and create an aura of drama – which I cannot abide at any time! A quiet think, deep sleep, decision made and a good laugh about it afterwards is just the tonic for moi.
It just takes time to rebuild hsppiness when bad things hsppen. Petit a petit le oiseau fait son nid. Be patient and the dark times will pass.
Randy Komisarek
It just takes time to rebuild hsppiness when bad things hsppen. Petit a petit le oiseau fait son nid. Be patient and the dark times will pass.
Randy Komisarek
When bad things happen, i weigh the balance. We live in waves; just as we’re born we’re sure to die, and just as we can hope to experience good days, we’re sure to have bad ones, too. i let them come and try to hurry them along, like a nasty customer in a convenience store line, as best as i can.
i don’t think you need to be an artist to enjoy the beauty to be found in a cloudy day; you just have to want to look for it. As a photographer, all my best pictures were taken in cloud filled, dark, days.
You’re a good writer. Keep it up.
When bad things happen, i weigh the balance. We live in waves; just as we’re born we’re sure to die, and just as we can hope to experience good days, we’re sure to have bad ones, too. i let them come and try to hurry them along, like a nasty customer in a convenience store line, as best as i can.
i don’t think you need to be an artist to enjoy the beauty to be found in a cloudy day; you just have to want to look for it. As a photographer, all my best pictures were taken in cloud filled, dark, days.
You’re a good writer. Keep it up.
My minority opinion is the ” hate chu ” person thought she was being ironic (even if she posted the real expletives ) … Also my condolences on having a rather spectacular series of difficult experiences … And being able to write about them. Hugs to you.
My minority opinion is the ” hate chu ” person thought she was being ironic (even if she posted the real expletives ) … Also my condolences on having a rather spectacular series of difficult experiences … And being able to write about them. Hugs to you.
Brrrreeeeeaaatthhhhe. Close yourself off in a room, light a candle, this time of year, breathe, be grateful be grateful, be grateful. And indulge yourself-with the extra cup of coffee with a treat, with a walk through nature, anything that takes you away from technology and back to some simplicity. Calm your minds, your nerves and acknowledge how you are feeling. This all sounds tra la, but truly, I have had some rockin’ times the past few years and have learned to capture peace in small moments…..
Brrrreeeeeaaatthhhhe. Close yourself off in a room, light a candle, this time of year, breathe, be grateful be grateful, be grateful. And indulge yourself-with the extra cup of coffee with a treat, with a walk through nature, anything that takes you away from technology and back to some simplicity. Calm your minds, your nerves and acknowledge how you are feeling. This all sounds tra la, but truly, I have had some rockin’ times the past few years and have learned to capture peace in small moments…..
Pray.
Pray.
I read the many comments, the good and the others. We love you. You are a gem that sparkles in our lives and in the lives of your family members. The nasty one is just a sick bee-otch and will get care, one way or another. And…..she’s gone, like a deleted comma. Look in the mirror, see what we see and enjoy your loves and your travels .
I read the many comments, the good and the others. We love you. You are a gem that sparkles in our lives and in the lives of your family members. The nasty one is just a sick bee-otch and will get care, one way or another. And…..she’s gone, like a deleted comma. Look in the mirror, see what we see and enjoy your loves and your travels .
Kristin-
When bad things happen, I think of you and Smokey – and figure that, in the end, things
have a way of working out. Sometimes, it
doesn’t work out exactly the way we planned.
But, it does work out.
Mes amitiés,
– Jennifer
Kristin-
When bad things happen, I think of you and Smokey – and figure that, in the end, things
have a way of working out. Sometimes, it
doesn’t work out exactly the way we planned.
But, it does work out.
Mes amitiés,
– Jennifer
Kristin –
Going for a bike ride everyday, helps to reboot my brain, sort out the bad things & appreciate the good things… like the smell of the ocean air, and the warmth of the sun on my face.
– Jennifer
Kristin –
Going for a bike ride everyday, helps to reboot my brain, sort out the bad things & appreciate the good things… like the smell of the ocean air, and the warmth of the sun on my face.
– Jennifer
I’m so sorry you’re going through some tough times. Life can be hard at times, and absolutely wonderful at others, and together the hard times are woven with the wonderful times to make a memorable, full life. When tough times come, I sometimes cry, I go for a long walk to admire God’s creation and add to my list of all I have to be thankful for. If another person is behind the tough time, I remind myself that people who are hurting often hurt others, so I pray for them. Yes, it’s hard to pray for people who have hurt me, but I find it’s the easiest way to let go of the hurt and forgive. I’m trusting that these next three weeks will give you rest and renewal and strength to continue this wonderful work you have begun. :o)
I’m so sorry you’re going through some tough times. Life can be hard at times, and absolutely wonderful at others, and together the hard times are woven with the wonderful times to make a memorable, full life. When tough times come, I sometimes cry, I go for a long walk to admire God’s creation and add to my list of all I have to be thankful for. If another person is behind the tough time, I remind myself that people who are hurting often hurt others, so I pray for them. Yes, it’s hard to pray for people who have hurt me, but I find it’s the easiest way to let go of the hurt and forgive. I’m trusting that these next three weeks will give you rest and renewal and strength to continue this wonderful work you have begun. :o)
I had something tragic happen about a year ago next door to me and it took me a good few months to get in perspective. It was very troubling but having a friend and neighbor to talk about it with eased me anxiety a little bit at a time.
I had something tragic happen about a year ago next door to me and it took me a good few months to get in perspective. It was very troubling but having a friend and neighbor to talk about it with eased me anxiety a little bit at a time.
What do I do when bad things happen? Before my accident i used to walk miles, now I paint, or I find myself interacting with my plants in the garden or in the house. My accident taught me that life has many positve offerings and I was so fortunate to have been given the chance to live with the opportunity to pursue any challenge that is within my mental and physical possibilities. I dont let negative things get me down!
What do I do when bad things happen? Before my accident i used to walk miles, now I paint, or I find myself interacting with my plants in the garden or in the house. My accident taught me that life has many positve offerings and I was so fortunate to have been given the chance to live with the opportunity to pursue any challenge that is within my mental and physical possibilities. I dont let negative things get me down!
What do I do when bad things happen? I Google “Kristin Espinasse”, because my 90 year-old father and I have read and reread her book “Words in a French Life” so many times and we would love to know where we can find out more about her life in France…My father, who is recovering from surgery, wonders if her children have grown, if they are in college, how her mother-in-law (of the “apricot” and “bird bath” stories) is faring…..You have a blog! And the first post we see is one concerning your mother-in-law falling….Oh, we are familiar with this material! We are happy to have found you, sad to see that you are struggling with aging-parent issues…..Thrilled to be reading about you and yours once more. I received your two books. My father will read one, while I read the other. We will switch…and then, the glory of the discussions that will follow! Remember, we have been feeding our need on one book for YEARS! When bad things happen, we turn to each other….and find delight in reading your books! Thanks you so much for posting and for offering much-needed respite. I wish I could offer some of the same to you. Eileen
What do I do when bad things happen? I Google “Kristin Espinasse”, because my 90 year-old father and I have read and reread her book “Words in a French Life” so many times and we would love to know where we can find out more about her life in France…My father, who is recovering from surgery, wonders if her children have grown, if they are in college, how her mother-in-law (of the “apricot” and “bird bath” stories) is faring…..You have a blog! And the first post we see is one concerning your mother-in-law falling….Oh, we are familiar with this material! We are happy to have found you, sad to see that you are struggling with aging-parent issues…..Thrilled to be reading about you and yours once more. I received your two books. My father will read one, while I read the other. We will switch…and then, the glory of the discussions that will follow! Remember, we have been feeding our need on one book for YEARS! When bad things happen, we turn to each other….and find delight in reading your books! Thanks you so much for posting and for offering much-needed respite. I wish I could offer some of the same to you. Eileen
Kristin~ It’s sad that someone would write such a nasty comment to you (ie. “your perfect life”). Sometimes the saying “Everyone is fighting a battle” reminds me to step back and not take things too personally. I look forward to your delightful posts and have recommended to all my French students that they subscribe to you. For those of us who can’t go to France as often as we’d like, we at least have your stories and pictures to console us! Keep up your wonderful work!!
Kristin~ It’s sad that someone would write such a nasty comment to you (ie. “your perfect life”). Sometimes the saying “Everyone is fighting a battle” reminds me to step back and not take things too personally. I look forward to your delightful posts and have recommended to all my French students that they subscribe to you. For those of us who can’t go to France as often as we’d like, we at least have your stories and pictures to console us! Keep up your wonderful work!!
Dear Kristin,
As always, your story stirred up many thoughts and emotions. But I forgot the comment I wanted to make after reading through everyone else’s responses, which brought forth smiles and tears. What wonderful people your readers are! Truly filled with kindness, understanding and compassion…
Dear Kristin,
As always, your story stirred up many thoughts and emotions. But I forgot the comment I wanted to make after reading through everyone else’s responses, which brought forth smiles and tears. What wonderful people your readers are! Truly filled with kindness, understanding and compassion…
When bad things happen, or at least I think they are bad, I stop and ask myself – do I have my health, is my family ok, is this going to be earth shattering to me, or a minor inconvenience. I count my blessing, sigh, and move on.
When bad things happen, or at least I think they are bad, I stop and ask myself – do I have my health, is my family ok, is this going to be earth shattering to me, or a minor inconvenience. I count my blessing, sigh, and move on.