Jean-Marc with friends who came to visit, yesterday. That is little Céline and Raphael, and Laurence (wearing the hat. Her father was best friends with Jean-Marc's father.)
TODAY'S WORD: retourner sa veste
: to change sides (politically, etc), to go over to the other side
ECOUTER– Listen to Jean-Marc read the following French words:
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Changer de camp ou d'opinion par intérêt et non en vertu de principes moraux, afin de saisir une occasion ou d'échapper à une menace.
To change camp or opinion by self interest and not by virtue of moral principals, in order to seize an occasion or avoid a threat.
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A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE
On Tuesday Jean-Marc and I cut through a Mediterranean pine forest for a walk along the craggy coastline near Bandol. As waves of saltwater slammed against the ochre-red cliff across the bay, we were struck by a not-so-new reality. We just hadn't spoken about it yet.
"I read in three different newspapers this morning that France is on the verge of a civil war. Don't you think the press is sensationalizing things?" Finishing my sentence, I fully expected my husband to brush off such fears. But he did not answer right away.
"I didn't want to admit this–but there are 10,000 terror suspects on the watch list in France. And if they all activated at once…." Jean-Marc did not need to finish his sentence. Instead my mind carried on with a scary string of images. I remembered one of the articles which reported certain Southern French countrymen (truffle farmers?) were, in response to the threat, stocking up on hunting rifles in recent weeks. I recalled the one Jean-Marc bought last year. I didn't know how to use it. Would I use it? Would he?
Such a scenario was surreal. Or was it "sur" "real" — "on" to reality? If we are not to live in denial, are we to be coming up with a plan?
"We could move to Colorado." Jean-Marc offered, with a half-smile (so he was kidding? right?). But how much safer was Colorado–given the news of civil unrest in America?
"We could go to Mexico." Almost as soon as I said it, I could hear a collective Booooo! (Coming from where? My conscience? Or from you, dear reader. Was that you who just bood? Maybe you overheard me bragging, recently–proud to tell others I have lived more than half my life in France (did that make me more French than American? Or just horribly smug? or, worse, unpatriotic?)
After pride comes The Fall. As those salty waves, below, continued to crash against the cliff, I looked over at the Frenchman walking beside me, and I thought about my would-be plan: You cannot take all the good that a country has to offer –and then abandon ship when the going gets tough! You cannot be an expat expat!
But I have never been an expat. A foreigner in France, yes. A resident, yes. An alien, often! An immigrant, by definition. An expat? Not in the sense of being unpatriotic! But I would feel like an ex-patriot if I left France during her time of trouble.
During France's current state of emergency, I will not, as the French say, retourner ma veste. I will not skip back and forth to whichever country benefits me at the moment. But I cannot lie, I am tempted to. If it means finding refuge.
COMMENTS
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Just two of the perks France has to offer. Jean-Marc, with 8-year-old, Celine, who was decorating Chief Grape, with the help of the blue ribbon that came on the box of cake she and her family brought us. I leave you with this tender image, and thanks for reading.
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More mass killings in Europe…Munich as I write. Wonder who is responsible?
beautifully said.
Hopefully President Trump will be able to stop and reverse the destruction that the Obama administration has inflected on America.
Because of the illegal alien and drug problem here in Arizona we can, and do, carry weapons. Open carry and concealed are both allowed. It’s not unusual to see a man with a gun on his hip in the grocery store. Many women have small handguns in their purses
Ken Burns spoke volumes at the Stanford graduation and even more so in the interview with amanpour.
Le monde perdit le contrôle et tomba en vrille.
Trouve la paix avec la famille est les amis, oui vraiment!
I thought about moving to Switzerland.
After the January attacks in Paris there was a young man who lost his wife and he said some of the most profound words I have ever heard. In the end he said basically “je ne vais pas vivre ma vie dans la peur.” If I do this, they will win. We must remember there is far more good in the world than bad. Yes we have to face reality, but we can change it too and good will surface in the end.
I believe your daughter Jacquie quoted someone last November and it was profound. “He who fears dies daily. He who does not, dies once.”
I don’t think it is civil war since it’s not French civilians you have to worry about, but outside forces who never wanted to be French.
Hi, Kristi,
Take a stand. I am reading, In The Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. It is narrative non-fiction about William
E Dodd, the American Ambassador, to Germany in 1933. Dodd takes his wife, two adult children, and his
Chevrolet to Berlin which was evidently quite a hip city at the time. He was constantly plagued by the issues of SA and SS violence to Americans who did not salute, Heil Hitler. His diplomatic counsel continually warned him that
one cannot reason with fanatics which, of course, on hindsight proved true. This book reads like a novel, but
appears to be well-documented. It gives a lot of insight into how surrendering to evil can be extremely seductive
to even the most high-minded, clear-sighted individuals. Despite the terrorism, I plan to travel at home and abroad.
Bon courage,
Joanne
Kristi, Wherever we live we are all facing the same worries. There seems to be dreadful news every today. Today it is Germany again, tomorrow ….who knows. My home country-England- is divided over the EU debacle,and immigrant problems etc. My adopted country (by marriage) – USA – is divided over race and the police, and immigration problems. Etc. Etc, and terrorism abounds “partout”. We just have to have faith and trust and hope.., but mostly, love.
Hugs from here!!
It is a shame that Islam is wreaking such havoc in France. But it was all totally predictable and was in fact predicted by those who know the truth about Islam’s evil doctrines and history. Islam is sending France , Germany, and the West a message but the socialists who run the show refuse to hear it.
The message is this: Islam is the political ideology of Islamic Totalitarianism. Plain basic Islam teaches the evils that are being committed rouund the world by Islamic Terrorists. There is no “Radical” Islam. There is only Islam, which as lived and taught by Mohammed is a terrible perversion of religion into political ideology. Islam teaches unending jihad until all non muslims are conquered and killed or exploited unless they convert. Islam spreads always and only by war and conquest. A muslim must lie to non muslims to advance islam. A muslim who leaves Islam must be killed. Sharia is against all basic human rights – it opposes free speech, freedom of religion, freedom of artistic expression, freedom of the press, equal protection of law, due process oflaw.
Islam has committed more that 28,856 deadly islamic terrorist attacks worldwide since Sept 11 01. If the French continue to pretend that islam is a religion ofpeace, Islam will conquer you and all your freedoms will be destroyed by sharia.
The French have a choice. They can stand up to Islam by legally declaring it is a subversive political ideology and not a religion within the meaning of their constitution and laws, and they can outlaw sharia courts, and refuse to enforce sharia, and they can end muslim immigration, and surveil mosques. Or they can have their civilization and many of themselves destroyed by Islam.
Great discussion today… And yes, The Garden of Eden is eye-opening.
Amen. Nothing is more perfect and peace filling than God’s word.
I don’t normally comment but I have to this time.
It truely frightens me to read opinions from what most likely are decent people, supporting the blatant ugliness of Donald Trump and giving his words and behavior a free pass.
I read these comments from kind people who are generously excusing him as a “flawed” individual.
We are all “flawed” but it’s a matter of degree and circumstance.
Do you, kind people, associate with”flawed” individuals who lash out at others, make fun of others, and lie about others?
Do you associate with flawed individuals who use exageration and lies to maipulate you?
I just ask these kind people who are willing to give Trump a chance at leading our country if they cultivate people as friends who are nasty,
mean spirited, braggarts, self centered, and willing to throw you under the bus for their own advantage? If not, please give your kind and
generous outlook toward this man a second thought …or two. The future of what is good and decent depends upon you.
A Few Questions:
Do you know anyone who is Muslim?
If not, your words are hollow.
If you do know Muslims, have they tried to kill you? If not, how do you explain their behavior?
Mariabergman,
You are confused, I think, if you believe that Muslims and Islam are the same thing.
I read a very interesting article on CNN by Fareed Zakaria, whom I respect very much. He suggests that the deep seated reason for France being at the forefront of terrorism problems problems was the failure of many immigrants, even second or third generation, to integrate into French society. We have different but similar issues in the US. Alienating people more is never going to be the solution. Trump’s fear mongering is the classic trading of liberty for safety. He doesn’t explain HOW he is going to accomplish this safety or law & order. Please tell us Donald, what is the next step, allowing the CIA to spy on American citizens to ferret out terror cells, give the police much broader powers to control the population to make the streets safe. This police/citizen situation now is currently in a precarious balance, I don’t think a crack down law & order candidate is the answer. This all sounds a little police state to me. I don’t know with all the posts, if anyone will read this but, Trump IS NOT the answer. He has no political or foreign policy experience, no filter whatsoever. Do you really want a President, who knee jerk reacts with Twitter to the most pressing issues of the day. This is not leadership. I prefer a calm, thought out replies. The (sort of) joke here in New England is that Canada is going to have to build a wall to keep all the Yankees out. We are still planning on spending our allotted 90 days in France next year. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité- plus que mots
I’m so impressed with those comments which are so focused on peace and love. As an American who once had the opportunity to live abroad for several years and am now back home to support family, I can completely feel your angst, Kristi. I love my homeland and truly loved by adopted Ireland. I am commenting now because I l always look forward to reading your posts and so appreciate your openness. I have recently made a change in my life that I am encouraging as many to do as I can. Stop reading and watching the news. Stop engaging in the ugliness on facebook/Twitter. Start telling each and every person you meet how much they matter to you. It may seem as though I am putting my head in the sand, but I truly believe that if we are to have peace and prosperity, we must focus on those things and not give so much energy and time to the negatives in our world. I am thankful for each and every little blessing I receive every day. Thank you for sharing your life with us, and for letting us share a bit of ours with you. You do make a difference. – Chanelle
Journalist recently said about Trump that if there was an “emperor” of the world, Trump would run for that position. Icarus, in his arrogance and hubris, flew too close to the sun, melting his chariot, thereby plunging to his death. Hmmmm…well we know how humble Trump is…as was Hitler. In his arrogance, he is making all these promises that are impossible to achieve…..unless he is God and just using the name Trump to make us believe he is one of us…..but plans to reveal his true identity once he gets elected.
For bob, you are truly misinformed…please keep reading.
Muslims are people. Some have good intentions, some have bad intentions, but all are exposed to the evil teachings of islam. And every now and then some young disturbed mind is so imbued with those evil teachings of islam that he goes out and murders a number of people in the name of Allah.Then he is called “radical” but he is just doing what basic Islam teaches.
Islam, on the other hand, is an ideology. And it is an ideology that is rotten at its core because at its core it teaches a God who hates non muslim. And it is a political ideology because it seeks to obtain complete political power and it has a complete set of laws, sharia, that control all aspects of human life and activity.
Do you actually know anything about Mohammed’s life. How he dictated peaceful passages for the Koran when he was powerless in Mecca, but then dictated warlike passages when he became powerful in medina, andcame up with the doctrine of abrogation,under which the latter war verses cancels the earlier peaceful ones. How he personally let atleast 27 murderous robbing raids?How he murdered in cold blood some 600 or so men and boys of the Quraza tribe after they surrendered? How he tortured a jew by building a fire on his chest to find out where the treasure was? How he ordered all jews be driven out of Arabia on his death bed?How he put a passage in the koran saying Allah turned some jews into pigs and apes? How he called for assassinations from the mosque?
How he required muslims to pray the first chapter ofthe Koran 5 times a day, and in that chapter they pray to not be like the christians, who have gone astray, or like the jews, who God hates? How do you think people who pray 5 times a day to not be like you are going to assimilate into your civilization?
Our dear Kristi,
A beautiful,well written and thought provoking post today.
While I have always subscribed to FDR’s words ‘the only thing we have to fear is fear itself’,unfortunately in these times I more embrace Albert Einstein’s view “We must learn to see the world anew” and act accordingly.
Keeping you,JM,and dear family in my prayers.
Love
Natalia
XO
Thank you, Kristin, for giving your readers a forum in which to discuss, today, fear, terrorism, and the U.S. Presidential election. Regarding fear and terrorism: Living in the world has always involved fear and the threat of violence. I was raised in the U.S. during the Cold War, and I don’t remember any time when the very real prospect, and fear, of instant annihilation by an atomic bomb wasn’t in the back (or front) of my mind. The nature of war and our declared foes has changed, but the reality of human violence has not; the difference is that now we are confronted by it constantly because of instant, global communication and the 24-hour news cycle. Regarding the U.S. Presidential election: I am glad to hear directly from some Trump supporters, because I have yet to meet one, and I need to better understand why they support Mr. Trump. Courteous, civil discourse about the challenges we face is a good thing, and that is what we have had in this post and (almost all of) its comments. That we do not all agree make that kind of communication even more important!
When I met you in May and toured your lovely garden and home, I was on vacation, but I was also checking out Provence as a possible place to retourner ma veste, depending on what happens here in November. I have dreamt of retiring to France, growing lavender, making mosaics and learning how to cook all things French. I have also considered Canada (who I hear may build their own wall to keep the Americans out – ha!). I cried with every act of violence that France has suffered. I see so much unhappiness and unrest all over the world. Is there a “safe place” left anywhere? The only true refuge I find is in my heart and in Jesus, who asks us not to fear or to judge, but to trust and to love. I will not buy the hatred that some want to sell. I will not fear my neighbor – build bridges, not walls! I can’t fix the world, but I can make changes in my home (like turning off the nightly news) and my neighborhood and my community. Grass roots is where it starts. I’m just an old hippie who’d “like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony.” If your energy comes from a base of love, you’ve got the right start. If it comes from a place of division, fear and hatred, it won’t end well. Hopefully, history has shown us how that turns out. I send you a warm hug, Kristi, and I thank you for the thought-inspiring words you write here. Write on! 😉
Well said. I don’t even have a FB page, though I do watch the national news, for the 1/2 hour it is broadcast from NYC, in order to stay informed. If I believe I need more information, then I turn to PBS or the BBC for another take given in a calm, direct manner. I subscribed to emails from a variety of candidates in the beginning, to get info direct vs 2nd hand, in order to form my own opinions.
Life is short. Communicate directly with friends and loved ones (even if via technology). Offer hugs; many need them. Acknowledge those you are grateful for and tell people why they are important to you.
Be careful to hold on to your true values and not let them get swept away in the storm.
You always write so thoughtfully. The problem of the world and the solutions are way over my head. My friends are politically polarized, really intelligent people with opposite views. Soon I will be enjoying the sun of southern France and the opportunity of meeting you in September :a dream come true. I am counting my blessings today. Will hopefully figure out tomorrow. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Mary and Rod
I think we must remember that those who practice terrorism in the name of Islam are people who are still living in the stone-age. The rest of the civilised world has moved centuries forward in their treatment of fellow humans. Any person who uses their faith (such as Islam) to promote male superiority, racism, abuse of women, support homophobia, kill freedom of speech and education for the betterment of all, murder their own people, etc, etc, can only be considered a bully and living in the dark ages. Why would anyone want to promote such a negative approach to life, when we can be so easily be peaceful, loving and respectful toward each other?
We need to be selective in who we choose to lead us – because Hitler and Idi Amin are always lurking in our midst and because we as humans are often more easily led by rhetoric and big egos. France is right to stand-up as they have done against the subversive political nature of Islam and the rest of the world must too. Vive la France!
I could not agree more with you Natalia.
We really MUST learn to see the world anew, and get back to some basics in life – truth, love, respect, kindness to all on earth.
I believe most of us in this wonderful world really do want this and we know that we have a ‘boil that needs to be urgently lanced’; how powerful we could be together if we chose peace over the current madness that exists.
Je suis entièrement d’accord avec vous!
There is no time better than NOW, and there is no place better than where you are at this moment.
I speak for you, I speak for me. I speak for everyone burdened by uncertainty.
JBS
Herm of Phoenix bought into Trump’s propaganda that the Obama administration has brought destruction. It was George W. Bush that got that ball rolling. I’m sick and tired of all the ignorance and racism toward Obama and Hillary.
I agree with Kristin. We can’t leave our country in the lurch at its time of need. We need to take reasonable precautions, but we can’t become an armed camp, either (and Colorado is not a good location for being more peaceful or safe; it has a high proportion of people who aren’t fond of gun control).
Some individuals in the USA have been saying that depending on the outcome of the November election, maybe they will move to Canada or New Zealand or somewhere other than America (assuming those countries would let them in). My feeling is, if you are concerned about how the United States will be run, the last thing you should do is leave; stay put and make sure it remains a democracy.
I totally disagree with you!
Our daughter was on the Kings Cross train that was bombed in 2005–mercifully she escaped unharmed (physically). We (her parents) now live in Australia and happened to arrive just after the event. The idea that she would leave the UK or that we would not go back there, never crossed any of our minds for a second. We have never given the danger a second thought.
In regards to the USA election. No-one outside the USA understands the many sources of rage that have built up with many non-city people in that country . Read books by Joe Bageant which explain it well. Successive US govts as well as big business have completely ignored the blue collar people over many years. Trump is not the answer, I believe but he gives voice to these people and no-one else is listening. It’s not just about immigration–it’s about everything.
Absolutely right,Lauren Golden! Two Bushes….3 wars during their presidencies! Obama & Hilary are brilliant people who want what is right for t he people of our country. Republicans only want to pad their pockets. Country is much better off since Obama became president…he is a man of integrity.
The thing that is so truly evil about Islam is that it tells muslims that they have a duty to Allah to forcibly take over the world with their ideology and to destroy all religions except their ideology. It commands male superiority, no free speech, no free artistic expression, no free press, death to homosexuals, death to muslims who leave Islam, death to those who insult Islam or Mohammed.
With Islam, it is is not a case of people who misuse a religion for their own evil purposes. With islam the evil things are exactly what Islam teaches and demands. The sharia courts that the French so foolishly allow to exist are used to keep the muslims in line. They must live sharia or they will be punished or killed. Their leaders do not want them to assimilate. The leaders would then lose contol. Islam would be weakened. It might even be abandoned. But when sharia is enforced muslims cannot escape, because if they become apostate they will be killed.
France still has a chance if it can face up to the fundamental evil of Islam. Somewhere in France there must be some politicians with the backbone and honesty to stand up. Islam needs to legally be declared to not be a religion. Sharia courts need to be outlawed. No court should enforce sharia nor should it be a defense in any criminal prosecution. And muslim immigration needs to cease.
For heaven’s sake, stop with the U.S. politics for one day! Kristi, as you can see, there really isn’t a safe place on this earth. That’s why some of us are relieved to believe in Heaven. You and your family should “keep on keeping on”. I once dreamed of retiring to Switzerland. Then I spent some time there and realized I couldn’t afford it. Which, by the way, is one of the requirements for living there. You have to either have plenty of money or a job for their government to grant you residence.I’ll stick it out in the USA. You will be safe in the arms of God, wherever you live on Earth.
You struck a nerve, Kristin. Terrorism is a nasty way to live, forcing the rest of us to deal with our fears of these random events. I find it a challenge to deal with my own fears and more of a challenge to understand the minds of people who carry out these acts, generally losing their own lives in their bizarre acts. In time we will get ahead of these loonies, in France and around the world. I do not have the answers, but we will collectively learn to deal with these crazy people before they go on their rampages. It is a huge challenge but it can be done. It is good that you can write about the fears in all of us so clearly. Naming the fears, that is the first essential step to coping with them.
A bit sad to see you advertising for Amazon?
They treat their employees appallingly and pay no taxes……
What gives?
I totally agree with you Ken!!
L Peterson
I loved Maggie G.’s comment, the very first one.
That, it seems to me, has the power to carry us forward.
So many comments make me wonder if we aren’t already in a war that I wasn’t aware of.
I live in the middle of NYC but don’t think of my life that way.
I try to act with love and respect, with mixed but overall good results.
We need to try to see terrorism and terrorists as clearly as we can, while “removing any cause for war” that we can.
Are we in the west entirely innocent?
Maybe, but maybe not.
This is a time for reflection, rational policy, love, justice.
Does French policy foster a harmonious society?
Maybe, but maybe not.
What is life like in the banlieus of Paris, or Marseille for someone of N. African descent?
I always have a fine time in France, but I am a white American who blends in there.
As for Trump, I shudder at the thought of him winning.
It would be beyond disastrous.
I pray that the world will embrace level-headedness and love.
Wise, written with humility, and illustrated most appropriately (a mon avis). In the “Clergy Corner”of today’s local newspapers, a Rabbi stressed that there are no guarantees in life which is filled with hard work, anxiety. suffering, and pain and we need to love and support each other — so well demonstrated by your recent blogs and photos. Love to all! Merci encore!
I don’t care if you disagree with me! But what about the experts like Ken Burns and Christiane Amanpour?
Chere Kristin,
Je m’empresse de vous exprimer ma profonde tristesse a le premier anniversaire du deces de Breizh.
Aussi, merci pour la bonne recette!
Amiicalment,
Raymond
Merci, Raymond!
Leaving politics aside (whew), just a quick note about “expatriate” – so many people seem to misunderstand this word. It is NOT “ex-patriot” and has nothing to do with your feelings about your former home. “Expatriate” (as a noun) merely means “a person who is living a different country from where they originated”. So you are, and there is nothing shameful about it. I have only seen this word misspelled and misunderstood in recent years, and it saddens me because a perfectly good word has begun to turn into a criticism. Sigh.
P.S. They are pronounced slightly differently: the “o” in “patriot” can be pronounced quite strongly, like the “o” in “ox”, but more commonly is unstressed and sounds almost like the “u” in “but”. The second “a” in “expatriate” is much more like the “i” in “it”. (NB – only the noun version. In the verb version, both “a”s sound like the “a” in “day”.)
Edit: *…who is living IN a different country…” Sigh again.
Thank you, Diana. So helpful!
Pour trouver la paix, il faut trouver une isle deserte. Ayant dit cela, ne confondrez pas petroitisme and betise!