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TODAY’S WORD: faire des courses
: to go shopping
: to run errands
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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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Dear Kristen…be brave, and lay your trust in fate. There might be some hard times ahead, but you have a strong, hard working family who I’m sure will weather the storm(s) en-route to a wonderful new future.
Having left Boston in the November after 9/11 not having sold our house, and with no job, so no money coming in….I can sympathize. We returned to the U.K. with 5 suitcases, leaving our cat to a new home, and our eldest daughter at University in Portland, Maine (she at least had a plan!). It was very hard at times, but I do believe we came out of it stronger. The three kids completed University and now have homes and lives of their own, and knowing they were safe and happy, we were able to follow our dream and take early ‘retirement’ in 2013 running 2 gîtes in Brittany.
We have made numerous new friends, and although we work incredibly hard, are very happy.
Life is good!!!
As to your disinterested reader, forget about her! Millions of us look forward to your posts and feel as though we are part of your life. Your options are many and I am so glad that J-M is willing to consider them all. Here’s hoping you are able to keep the house and sell the vineyard! Looking forward to the next installment of “Life with Kristi and Jean-Marc”. 😊
Kristi….I for one love hearing your saga. Write on!!
Firstly, I never leave online comments, so this is a first!
I’ve subscribed to your blog for a long time and have always enjoyed reading it, well done!
I think your recent posts are very personal, vulnerable and honest. I admire your willingness to share your thoughts, goals and desires in such a personal way. I know it will all work out for you and Jean-Marc. The new idea on renting the house and selling the vines is very creative.
Best wishes, it will all work out nicely for you and your family. You should be very proud of your accomplishments….Bonne Chance!
EMM
Hope you never decide to rent but if you do Charlotte and I would be interested.
Best wishes to you both…run Jean-Marc run!
John
re:Saga. It just may be that it was meant in a negative way but when I tried to come up with a positive spin on it and looked up the definition, I found that it’s fully positive, already!!!:
SAGA (definition) 1. Celtic saga: epic, chronicle, legend, folk tale, romance, history, narrative, adventure, myth, fairy story.
2. the saga of how they met: long story, rigmarole; chain of events; informal spiel.
So… be proud of your epic tale!
re: Learning.! We have learned much from your French Word a Day saga, as anyone would when sharing in the adventures of others. But here, we also learn about the French culture and the language and, nothing can replace that joy for us francophiles.
Not sure what lies ahead for you guys but I think using your home as a rental may give you just as much work (and maybe more) depending on how far way you move. I remember you wrote awhile back that you wished you had grown your garden from the house and outward. Maybe you can do that in a new place, now. Take all that you’ve learned and move forward. The same as your writing does for us.
I have been looking for a place to rent for a month or two every year! I have been following your life for years and my heart has been with you all the way!
I have spent much much time in Provence and taken cooking classes in various locations in France……….Your place looks charming!
Let me know if you ever work out the rental plan. I would definitely be interested………..and respectful of your lovely home!
Warm Regards
Denise
PS: Email me privately as I have some other ideas for you.
I love the comments above as I love your writing, Kristi. Please don’t be discouraged by people that don’t care about you or the motivation you feel to write. They are sous examen, right? Continuez! I love reading whatever you send out!
Amicalement,
Alyssa
I love your personal saga–your openness, your sense of humor, the wisdom, and the sharing of your values. Disregard those negative comments and hold the faith that all will be well.
Jackie
Kristi, Forget about the reader and her negative comment. People like that should not be allowed to rob you of your joy. Regarding the renting of your farmhouse, I totally understand your desire to stay and if this would allow you to do that I would try it. You certainly have the gift of hospitality! We are working out our (hopefully soon to be) retirement plans and would love to spend a significant amount of time in France, renting for a couple of months at a time. So we would be interested in renting your lovely home. Please write me privately with the proposed cost. I will continue to lift you in prayer as you determine your path. Blessings!
One negative review does not define your work. Your readership does.
Kristen, I have followed and enjoyed your writing for a long time. It isn’t just the French experience we both share, I bought my first house in France 17 years ago, and another this year. It’s your engaging, personal, writing style, and your ability to share a personal story. I have not made the leap to live full time in France, but by sharing your story, your readers get a better understanding of something few have the courage to try. France? New Hampshire? California? Where ever, please keep writing.
Bon courage! Terry
Renting a place in France for a month or two has been on my bucket list for too long. Contact me if you decide to go that route. Merci!
Forget thoe sour puss…Your newsletter is wonderful. Having done one about 10 years ago, I understand how hard it is to come up with subjects on a daily or even wekly basis, and yours are super fun. The ups, the dowsn, the explanations of culture all wonderful. Having spent time in the wine business in France, boy do I understand what you are going through now and you will survive……plesae continue and really there are always those negative people..Laissez tombe! cheers Candia (yes comme le lait)
Dear Kristen,
I’m not writing to weigh in on your “should I stay or should I go”…that’s a huge decision I feel unqualified for, and I think you will make the best of wherever you land!
I was in France for the summer of 2016 studying classical realism drawing and painting. I absolutely loved Paris and the people I met who graciously helped me with my “budding” french speaking. I have since thought of the beautiful porcelain flower wreaths I saw on the graves in the cemetery in Montmartre. I asked french people in my classes in Paris what they are called and some history, but no one knew much about them. I came back to Albuquerque, NM and in my french class this past Tuesday I asked my teacher about them…nothing. Did some internet sleuthing…still nothing.
Would you be willing to do a piece on what they are called and their history? I would love to own one, but cannot find them to buy either?
If you are not interested I will understand. I thought you may know something I can not seem to find.
If you do end up in the SW, USA, my guest bedroom will be ready for an Albuquerque visit!
Thank you sincerely,
Camilla
Peut-etre, oui. Avec mes amies. Cette une bonne idée ! ( learning french)
Hello Kristin
Oh your words so speak your heart. Life isn’t always fair when people tallk about us and not knowing the whole story. You have a kind heart, wonderful family and this too is going to pass. I try to come to France each year and I would love to rent your house. Count me in! Please send a message if you get something worked out. Stay strong, be creative, be true. To yourself and remember you have a tons of fans out here cheering for you! Hugs ~
Beth ~ Okoboji
Kristi…there will always be takers in this world…but we can celebrate the givers!
Please keep sharing your sagas. Sometime I learn about French culture, sometimes I learn about a brave, funny, interesting human being and her family life, but all of it within the context of her “piece of heaven” in France.
I would love to rent your house or better yet, experience a tour, an immersion in your own unique French life with you and your family. It would be like visiting our French cousins! Except we would pay for it. Is there a way to give your devoted readers a real life experience of what you share online? Whatever you decide for your future. Keep writing!
I have the advantage of knowing Kristi and Jean-Marc’s absolutely charming and oh-so-Provençal farmhouse with its superb view of the sea. A francophile’s DREAM! I hope it works out for some extremely fortunate couple or family. Imagine: the kids learn French (don’t worry, they’ll help you with yours), enough space to entertain all your new found friends, Kristi’s garden, and 360 degrees of pure inspiration! Most of all, I hope it works out for Kristi and Jean-Marc.
Like others I have also dreamed of spending a month in France in the country. If you do consider renting your home please add me to the list of interested people. I would not read this if I did not learn something every week. Glad you had a fun vacation.
Yes, Kirsti, we would love to rent your home a week sometime (we live in Burgundy). We also know lots of Americans who would love it too! So, do in touch with all of us who are interested. Boy, if there were any way for you all to keep the house at least, I would be glad to contribute to the renting. I think that would be just a fabulous idea. I have an American friend who decided to move back to California with her French husband because her husband’s work just didn’t seem to get off the ground in the French countryside. Luckily, they kept their home and rented it out. So, they have the ability to come back anytime, like after retirement and pass it on to their kids. Hard decision and maybe lots of work but a good thing. Best of luck with your decisions!
Kristi, I…and so many others…look forward to your posts! You’ve become “family” to me. Your idea to sell the vineyard and keep the house sounds ideal. If you come to America, you may long for the Provencal lifestyle after living here for a while. What better than to be able to return to your French homestead. Or you may want to rent it part time and return to it from time to time “en vacance”…possible if you keep it!
May your answers reveal themselves soon! Wishing you and your family all the best!
What a dream to rent your farmhouse…I wish I could. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us! Bonne continuation!
Great idea to rent out your home. Never burn your bridges ….. It’s amazing how many times you have to cross the same river ….
I deal in buying, selling and renting out property. I was always taught never to sell my assets, but if I needed money for a new venture, to use leverage …… So renting sounds an ideal solution. You can go on your travels and know that if you change your mind you can come back to your burrow ….
There maybe someone willing to take on Jean Marc’s work with the vines …..
I am sure many of your readers would love to rent your home … It’s something I would be interested in.
Every now and then, we need to challenge ourselves, heave our bodies out of their comfort zone and try something new …. That’s how we develop and grow. We don’t regret the things we did, but the things we did not do …..
When my mother was 85 she told me to go and do all the things I wanted to NOW and not wait too long … There is plenty of time for sitting in the rocking chair when we are too infirm to do anything else. She was right. I am packing my bags to go to the Caribbean next week … I am not quite ready to embrace the cold winter months.
Sending you and Jean Marc oodles of positive good wishes!
Ungenerous, and when you are always so generous in your sharing of both the lighthearted and the more serious.
Ah ha! That’s real life is it not? Thank you for sharing a real life … and in my beloved France too!
Wish I was not committed to Brittany …big sigh. Am sure there will be many of us who have been your devoted readers since the inception of French Word A Day who would be thrilled to rent your house. Great idea.
Wherever you are I will read with continued interest always wishing you bonne chance. Thank you for years of letting me be in France during the months I can’t be there.
Ronni
Dear Kristi,
I’m with everybody else who’ve weighed in on the misdirected post: ignore it. We have no idea what that person was looking for, what troubles they may have or have had that causes them to be blind so they cannot see the value in the stories others tell.
As for renting your house, put me in the “yes” column also. And if Jean-Marc can be enticed, I’m sure there is a good percentage of your readers who would pay for the chance to help with some aspect of the vineyard work too. He may recoil at the thought of having to teach novices taking up time when every moment should be devoted to the work, but, it might be a unique spin on an occasional bed and breakfast. I know several people who would love such a holiday experience. It is done in the world of archaeology, where volunteers pay to work on a dig with lodging and food for some meals included in the price of the experience.
Thanks for sharing your life with me,
Denise in Claremont
As they say in France, bof! to that ignorant self-important reader. Your postings are a breath of fresh air, don’t stop! A huge improvement over looking and reading about everyone’s latest food posting. Don’t we all eat? And I mean, like 3 or more times a day? I couldn’t care less about what people sit down and eat but I love reading about your take on life in France!
Dear Lady, i would rent your delightful cottage “in-a-heartbeat” if i could afford it…for now I enjoy reading all about you and Jean Marc and family and ALL your happy/sad moments in life. Some people just do not get it! Write on!
My French sister, living in Texas now, also loves your cottage…we have a dream.
I’ve been a long time follower of your and Jean Marc’s saga and hope you will always continue to invite us into your lives and home.
Kristi, I’m sure you could easily rent your dream home. It’s good to think of all options. Here in Kentucky, the large tobbaco farms are turning to vineyards. They are part of Kentucky agriculture tourism program. During the summer months they have local jazz bands and serve aperitif supper and wine under the stars. It seems popular but maybe a lot of work. We are so sympathetic with Jean Marc because our idealistic daughter and son in law began a difficult business with not enough capital. It is devastating when dreams are shattered. Jean Marc should not blame himself. He will find a new dream which will succeed because of his experiences. All the classics we read are “sagas” of life Keep up the fine writing! Always wishing you the best! Mary and Rod
Forget the naysayers. Those of us who have read for years stick around as much for your French life (and personal, humble, vulnerable) saga as the French words.
You have some lovely alternate plans that sound like they could serve you very well. I am in the process of figuring out same for me.
Bon courage, and write on! We will be here standing by you.
Dear Kristi, Would that I could rent your home !!! I have happily rented gites in the south of France several times, and keeping your beautiful home and garden makes sense.
I agree with all those who posted the advice to forget the woman who wrote so negatively, she is the loser—-we love you and look forward to the posts! I have all your books, I have passed on posts to my friends–
As a faithful reader for @ 10 years, I have been very interested in your saga–both the joys and pitfalls. I have an ex-pat daughter in France and your blog has given me insight on her situation. My husband and I visit her and our beau-fils and grandchildren in Alsace and Strasbourg often and at times meet them at another, warmer, location to share time together. I can imagine a very happy vacation at your B and B some day if you make this idea a reality. But, beyond my selfish dreams, I hope for you the best decision about your home that fits the needs of all of your family.
With more detailed information, Kristi, we could envision renting out your place or staying in your B&B! We’re savy longtime francophiles who love this region of France.
We’d need descriptions of rooms, location details and of course pricing details.
We’ve been avid followers of your family’s saga for many years and are sensitive to your sharing your ups and downs with us. We hope you’ll arrive at a decision that will bring you solace and a beautiful life ahead!
Bonjour Kristi,
I have been a longtime admirer of your very personal blog and send my heartfelt wishes for you and your family as you work through current life decisions.
As for your question today, if you do ultimately decide to rent i would be very interested. Coincidentally my husband and I just returned yesterday from a long-awaited wine tour through Provence and Rhone regions and were reinforced in our hope to rent a house (preferably with a garden) for a period of time running months to a year so started looking at real estate flyers in agency windows while strolling around Lyon. Knowing how hard you and Jean Marc have worked to create your special haven there would make living there special.
Sending you best regards and hope that you and Jean Marc will be able to feel peace in your hearts with the decision you finally make.
Patricia
Yeah, what she said!
Kristi, I used to take it personally every time someone unsubscribed from my blog or stopped following me on social media. Some days, it’s still a hard blow, depending on how I’m feeling, but most days, without a second thought, I say, “Good riddance!”
I enjoy reading your stories and don’t agree in the least that your blog is a dramatic saga. Instead, I admire your candid and beautiful writing, and the messages you present to us, your loyal readers, are excellent reminders that no matter where we are in the world, we are not that dissimilar.
I think it’s a fabulous idea to rent out your home or even to do a house exchange.
Always keeping you and your family in my thoughts!
I would also love to rent your house for a couple of months at a time when I ( very shortly) retire! A full circle for me. I have often thought of writing to you — I was a very young woman when I married a young Frenchman. We had ( have) two children, boy and girl. Our marriage unfortunately ended in divorce a few years after moving ” back” to the states. So you I would say to you : good luck, may it not happen to you … but also be careful. France is still an important part of my life nevertheless, with the good memories dominating the painful ones.
Or…think about home exchange. You could find a person (I’m thinking an academic?) who wants to get away for a year, who has a home somewhere you two would like to try out (like say Colorado? or——my preferance——northern California). It could be your year abroad too.
Hi Kristi
So many of us, your readers and fans, keep our own dreams of running off to France alive through your stories and books and advertisements. Keep it up as long as you and JP are happy and healthy and together there. Your Plan B sounds like a great idea. A Plan C might be setting the vineyard and winery up as a separate business and finding a investor or group of investors to share the Diancial and management burdens.
Best
Bonjour, I’m a newbie reader in So Cal……and love your posts…….life is a saga, our shall we say our personal journey…….my dream at 73 yrs old is to live part time in France,,,,,I love your new ideas of thinking out of the box….keeping the home, rent it check out to see if Colorado or????? could be the new home base…sure wish I had the money to rent your place for a year……I’m teaching myself French and it is slower process but it does keep my mind and dreams moving in the right direction…….I’m praying the our political leaders become more conscious of the majority of people who live in the US…….you are in the perfect place and time of both your lives to create anything you desire……..thank you both for all you wonderful inspiring posts…..that help to keep me going and moving forward to living my dreams……Au revoir Delores DeMay
Without shade there is no light……
Heed not the cattiness……
You are stronger than that…..You have whetted your facets over the years to the point where you are a radiant light to most of us who follow you.
You innate “niceness” and kindness and compassion and unsparing self-reflection and humour and your outward beauty and generosity of spirit are rare and have won you thousands of fans and admirers….
A few drips of jealous bile can’t dull your shine…..
Onwards, Kristi, we want to accompany you and Jean Marc wherever you go…..
Blessings and love!!
Dear Kristi:
Just as you weed your garden, you must do the same with comments received. We are so lucky you share your life with all of us. I mean a ‘real’ life with it’s ups and downs. We all experience them and it is a gift to be part of your story if only in reading your pages. We all encounter weeds and either step over them or pull them out of our garden. As you get older you end up with the bouquet of your choice. I have learned that you cannot change the way people see the world. In grays and shadows or bright glorious color. I choose the color people and they inspire me and we laugh together at the challenges. You and your family are color people and we are so lucky you share your journey with us. Thank You!
From the number of emails above, I see there is some interest!! Yes, I would be interested too. We will be in Souillac for the month of February “cat sitting” for friends who will be traveling. We’d love to see you place. Souillac is just south of Limoges. How long of a drive would that be for to make? We would not rent this coming year but perhaps in 2018, 19 and or 2020. Good luck and I hope you get to keep you little piece of France no matter where you move.
And I’ve enjoyed your “saga” tremendously and you have inspired me to write my own book!
I rarely comment, but thought it was worth weighing in this time. I started out following this blog for the word-a-day aspect, but gradually that took second place to your stories. You are a gifted wordsmith, and I feel that I have gotten to know you and your family through this blog. It’s a one-sided friendship by its very nature, but know that if I ever saw you on the street I would introduce myself. And if I ever came to your region of France (assuming you still live there), I would look you up! So thank you for sharing your “saga” and please don’t let one person’s views bother you. I wish you and your family all the best, whatever decision you make!
PO Box 381
My grandmother would say “That rests with him/her/the disgruntled person.” You bring joy to so many, as well as encouragement to follow our dreams. Bonne chance! Comme disait la mere de Napoleon “pourvue que ca dure”- your BLOG, that is.
Kristi – I applaud and admire your courage and honesty. For me, it has been wonderful to see your “slice of life” in France. While anyone can fashion a perfect life via postings to the internet, you keep it real and that is precisely why you have so many fans. As a baker, this week I was chastised by customers for not having eclairs in the showcase (…the sky is falling…), for running out of butter croissants (…ever hear that the early bird gets the worm?…), for not having our tea cookies in stock (…please place an order…), and an employee resigned citing her disdain for working with me because of my expectations on performance. It’s a constant struggle to be strong, while being creative and taking criticism. No one but you and your family know the whole story (the state of your mind, your heart, your vision, your passions). Hugs and love for trying. I think you are all terrific and that you should keep doing what you do (and make any changes along the way that you think advisable). Ignore the naysayers (as much as possible).
Like the others, I enjoy your blog and always come away feeling a tiny bit French. Living in France for at least a year is on my post-retirement list and that will be happening in the next year or so. Maybe the timing would work? Who knows but keep me on your list, please. Shorter stays would also be a possibility.
Please keeping sharing your life.
Shannon Donohue