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TODAY’S WORD: faire des courses
: to go shopping
: to run errands
SABLET HOME – for high quality vacation rentals in the heart of Provence. Click here for pictures.
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ECOUTEZ – Listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today’s phrase: Download Faire-des-courses
Faire des courses. Chérie, je pars faire des courses.
To run some errands. Darling, I’m going to run some errands.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE
Last week I received an accidental reply, an email not meant for my eyes. This happens (I think) when subscribers try to forward my newsletter to a friend…but hit the other button instead. It often makes for colorful reading, on my end, except when it doesn’t, as when this subscriber wrote the following email to her friend (concerning my recent post):
Miam-miam?
I mean, really
Time to discontinue. Unless one is interested in her personal saga, there is nothing to be learned.
“Nothing to be learned?” “Her personal saga?”
I disagree with the first comment! As for the second, I can see how some readers would agree–readers who have recently signed on (as had the reader, above…) or readers who take into account certain stories (I have spoken about my skin cancer, yes, a saga!). And yet I see this this 14-year chronicle of our French life as an overall lighthearted story.
Today, we take a break from The Saga in Question, and listen in on another colorful conversation — this one took place last night, during a phone call with my dad and my belle-mère Marsha, who often telephone me via conference call:
After updating Dad and Marsha on the latest–that we may sell off the vineyard and keep our farmhouse and garden–(this has been my hope), the subject turned to Jean-Marc’s health.
“So how is Jimmy doing?” my dad asked….
Jean-Marc (a.k.a. “Jimmy”) swimming last week in the Mediterranean
“Jean-Marc is feeling better today.” I replied. “In fact, he went for a long run this morning!”
“He’s running?”
“Yes, he actually ran all the way to town–to post a letter, to go to the bank, and to stop by the pharmacy. Come to think of it, he literally ‘ran some errands’!”
My dad’s instant guffaws tempted me to repeat my corny joke, and so I did, and now we were both guffawing, our laughter bouncing like popped corn landing in a giant bucket at a movie theater’s refreshment stand. Later, I thought about my father’s easy laughter, and how that is one thing I miss from back home (besides family, American movie theaters, salty popcorn, and corny jokes).
But it’s no joke that I’m still holding out for a change of heart in my husband–that he will begin to see our homestead “with fresh eyes” and want to safeguard this little piece of heaven in France…which brings us (you, dear reader, and me) to the newly-hatched Plan B (“B” for beautiful! or best! or blessing!).
I am wondering who, among you, might be interested in renting our farmhouse? On the south coast of France?
This is only a thought at this point–and a very small chance that we could sell only the vines and keep our home, given that part of us still wants to turn the page.
But a chance, no matter how small, is still a chance! I leave you with wishes for a good weekend, and this enticing view from our bedroom window!!! 🙂
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PS: I couldn’t disagree more with the commenter just above me. I love your columns, and even more so when they include your family’s adventures. You are a gifted writer (and photographer), and I want to thank you for sharing your gift with your readers.
Dear Kristin, it would be easy to be judgemental about that person’s comments or read into them something that is not necessarily there. I’m sure there was no intention to be hurtful but it’s a pity she wasn’t more careful in ensuring her comments stayed private. People of course are entitled to unsubscribe if they’re not getting what they want – à chacun ses gouts !! I, like many of your readers, started following your blog for the French but continued because of so many things – your stories, your writing filled with humour, wisdom and humility, your photos, and yes the “sagas”. Whatever you decide to do I am grateful for your sharing all this with me and hope you will continue to do so. Bon courage à tous !
My apologies Kristi for misspelling your name – let’s start again with “Dear Kristen…”
OMG, scrap that one – I was right the first time! What can I say…big night last night…
Absolutely.
A lot of us have been following your stories about yourself and your family as if they were about our families and friends. You are living your dream – sometimes there are bumps – life isn’t perfect. But what makes it great is the support of loving *friends* – many of them you’ve never met. Believe me, we love your stories, don’t let one bad apple spoil the barrel or your spirit.
xx
Your reader’s comment made me laugh, and I hope you will laugh at it too!
I so enjoy reading about your sagas LOL! Your newsletters and lovely photographs are a real insight into life in rural France. I admire you all for living your dreams.
Wishing you more power to your typing fingers.
best wishes
Helen
I’m confused. Earlier in the post, you said you hoped you could keep the farmhouse. Later you asked if someone would like to rent it. Or is the idea that you would rent it (after selling the vineyard) and live somewhere else? In any case, it seems to me that a key question is, wherever you are, what J-M will be doing. He deserves a break, but is too young to retire. And he should be involved in something he enjoys (so should you, Kristin, but blogging, etc. are more “portable” and flexible than a typical job).
I’ll be praying for you and hoping that whatever happens, you will both be content.
Dear Kristi,
We have the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World…well, I find the fact that I feel love for you and your family another wonder of the world! We’ve never met, except via cyber-space, and yet I consider you my dear friend. I still remember feeling “sucker-punched”, a while back, when you were considering ending your blog. My personal issues of rejection and abandonment came to the surface, “What!? I won’t be hearing from Kristi?!” And when I was in Puero Vallarta, I was hoping to run into Jules wearing one of her signature hats. 😃😃 Your vulnerability, courage, and authenticity helps me to cultivate compassion and connection. I endeavor to be more open and vulnerable to all, as you are, dear Kristi.
And, just to throw my two cents in: I personally like the idea of y’all leasing your vineyard (do they do much of that in France?); and maybe finding another adventurous couple (who also have a beautiful home in an ideal location) with whom you could house swap until the cloud passes over Jean-Marc, and you are both in a joy-filled place, able to make life-altering decisions, of which you clearly “hear from within”.
love ya, mean it!
I don’t know what to say to you really re – letting out your home but, thinking about it you could take a little time out and maybe stay in America short term and then John-Marc could get more of a feel for american style of living and yourself also. I am wondering if you got my email regarding the estimate for advertising my new jewellery project . Tingeting,
Kind wishes elizabeth x
Yes!!!
Most of us do not have the option to make a big move in order to change our lives. From my point of view you have the perfect setting, one that many of your readers would give a great deal to have. I hope you will stay in this impossibly wonderful place and write about your life there. The challenge for your husband then would be to change in place, to grow. This requires a great intention and determination. Jean-Marc would have to develop a new french dream. You could try to sell the vineyard, keep the house and garden and wait at least a year before you make plans to come to the states. You are moving too fast. This needs more time.
But,I wish you all the luck and a happy landing if you have to move.
Hi,
I have to say this. Has your husband seen a good counselor? The age mid-age crisis in man can have huge effects, even suicide and I just wonder if all the options have been explored and felt. It’s a huge move.
Ok, grain de sel.
Thanks for the brightness in every post you share.
Why don’t you do a “Go Fund Me,” or something similar to what Susan has just mentioned. Rent your home as a gite, or as a self-serve B&B, here called a B&B residence, with certain hrs of access to your kitchen for a continental breakfast and possibly for using your kitchen for lunch or dinner prep, also on the renter’s own time & effort. You do not prepare anything except possibly putting stuff out on the kitchen table for breakfast and leaving prep. stuff, like tea, fruit, croissants. There is also AirBnB. I would much rather rent overseas, either a rm with access to a Coffeepot or kitchen, or a whole small home, than stay in a hotel.
2nd option. Do you remember for $25 or 35 you could “purchase” a share of a Maple syrup tree in VT? At Christmas, you’d receive either a bottle or 2 bottles of syrup, having forgotten about your purchase. You might have also been given a gift by someone, a “share.” If you offered shares in your winery, you could put out there upfront, one might get a bottle of juice, a bottle of wine, or a jar of jam in as soon as 3-5 yrs, or you might not get it for 10 yrs, but the purchaser is an investor in your winery and your success. An investor can put in any amount they want. You, the owner, decides the minimum investment. There are no guarantees on any return, just goodwill. You must make that clear. I think it’d be a great experiment, it’d be something to generate a lot of publicity for you, and I think a bunch of your readers would join, plus what a great gift idea for someone who needs nothing, but you have to/want to give them something every yr. We had a great small business with our bee hives and sold every bottle we made to one dr’s office. Did this for yrs, until we lost all our colonies due to Colony Collapse and swarms in two yrs. To entice investors, that’s where the Go Fund Me might be used. I have dreamed of having a winery/living on one, for many yrs. There are a hundred or more all over NC. Several have a B&B, wedding & events venue, or hotel on site. One has a few nice, small cabins.
Kristi,
Regarding “that” e-mail you received by accident and the reader showed her true colors, we have a saying in Spanish,
” A palabras necias, oídos sordos”. You have oodles of faithful readers of your wonderful, honest and informative blog
that love you without having met you in person, they know you through your writings and your sharing of your life with your beautiful family in beloved France. You have created such a beautiful spot, many of us would love to rent or stay if it becomes a B & B, what a treat! would that be. Whatever the future will be, you and your family will be happy because the foundation is there, Love, love, love! Bon courage!!
I am new to your blog and I very much enjoy how much you share of your life in France. Keep up the good work 🙂
I have read every single one of these wonderful comments. They make ‘ME’ feel good! You have such a wonderful community of people who love and care about you and your family! I feel like I’m part of this community, too. I would love it if we could have one huge gathering and see each other in person and learn even more from one another! Also, I would love to rent your home, but I just need to find another friend to go in with me, how about you!!? This all sounds very, very exciting, just the dreaming of all the possibilities. I wish you well in whatever you decide to do. We are behind you 100% and we love hearing every detail you are able to share with us – learning from one another is such a great gift! And, besides that, we get to learn great phrases, words in French and get to see your wonderful photos as well. We are so lucky!!
Hi Kristi
Again, so many people have written of their love for the thoughts and snippets of your family life you share so generously. I feel privileged to hear of this life, and would hate you to stop, because of an ill-judged, ill-timed comment. No-one is forcing the writer to read your blog. I hope to enjoy reading of you and your family for years to come.
Privately I’d love for you and Jean-Marc to stay in France, but know that this is your journey, and only you can make that decision. Renting your home out might be a fabulous way to accomplish all you’d like to. I’d be very happy to rent it, if I had the opportunity.
Write on, and stay strong, kia kaha
arohanui
Charlotte
Bonjour Kristi. Judging by the comments I’ve read you would have no trouble renting out your home. That actually seems to be a great idea if you can find a good caretaker. Then you and your family could return and enjoy it yourselves when you like. Please add me to your list of very interested renters. We go to France almost every year and would love to settle in a bit in Provence! Bon courage!
Hi Kristi
If you go the renting route, keep me in mind – maybe a month, rather than a year though….
Keep writing, it’s still so lovely to hear about your life.
That’ it. It makes learning lively, like being on a language holiday at the house of a host family.
Yeay, said what she said!
Hi Kristi,
Just a thought from British Columbia, Canada. Maybe this won’t work in your part of the world, but I have a dear friend here who farmed blueberries for many years on a lovely acerage. They raised their four kids in the house there. When it came time to sell, they sold to a farmer who became their landlord. They still live in the family home and work in the gardens, but now when something goes wrong in the house, they just phone the landlord to come fix it! They have been renting their house for years and of course as we age, this arrangement isn’t a permanent solution, but for now it works for them. Is this possible there? Can you find a buyer who just wants to work the land but doesn’t want to live in the house?
Bette
I’ve been reading your blog for years, though I’ve never sent a comment before. I’ve loved reading about your ‘saga’ and would be terribly sad if you stopped writing. As a serious francophile, your blog has added to my enjoyment of (and travel to) La Belle France. I wish you all the best as you continue your journey together.
I do hope that all of these comments have lifted your soul and spirit. PLEASE add me to the list of folks that would LOVE to rent your place for a few months. Boone chance with your plans…
Living in Arizona, and getting older,by the minute! I like to “get away” for sometime during the hot summer months,(as you know it can get up to 115+). For the last 4 yrs I’ve gone to “Trois Riveres University in Canada to learn French for a summer semester. That only takes care of approx a month, not enough time. I would love to rent your house for the summer months of June,July,and August. However I couldn’t afford the $ by myself, but would love to share it with others to make it affordable?? How about a B&B?? I’d for sure be there for those 3 months!
Sharon Guzman
As a longtime reader, something would definitely be missing from my life without your saga. Your story is a rare one and you have shared with such honesty & vulnerability that I feel I know your family well. I would love to rent your farmhouse but for me it is not possible at this time.
I’m sorry you were privy to someone else’s lack of empathy. Age-induced wisdom has taught me that the Universe loves balance. It’s just a matter of time before “judge-y reader” finds herself in your shoes. That said, I can share with you that I am EXACTLY in your shoes at this very moment.
New husband; married 5 years; I moved into HIS house (the house he promised to sell w/in 3 years) so we could move back to MY side of town (50 miles away); house is now for sale for 2.5 years…price got SLASHED (it’s a steal!)…NO ONE HAS EVEN MADE A LOW-BALL OFFER! To further the process, I’ve packed up many many of my valued tchotchkes, books, and pictures. I image every day a home nearer my children and grandchildren. I’ve even made peace with my adopted neighborhood, i.e., joined a gym, signed up to volunteer at local hospital, made new friends, learned to love cooking…still, I’m mentally living out of a suitcase feeling in limbo.
In a moment of quiet contemplation, I figured out two things: 1. perhaps our perfect future home is not available yet, and 2. My “work” here in the SW suburbs of Chicago, is not yet completed.
Good luck to the both of us!
Love,
Gail Anne