French Country Diary – everyone’s favorite calendar and it makes a great gift: Click here for the French Country Diary 2017
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.
FRANCE & MONACO We offer exclusive short-term holiday rental properties throughout France and Monaco. Click here.
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!!! 🙂
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Dear Kristin,
How bizarre!!!! When you first posted regarding your move, I thought, I wonder if they would consider renting their house,and VOILA, you are. You have made my day!!!! I would be so interested. I lived in Normandie for a few years and my “bucket list” consists of one thing-move to France for forever. I would be so honored if you would consider my interest, if you so decide to rent your house. I would be happy to send references and do anything to make this dream become a reality. I so look forward to hearing from you and wish you and Jean-Marc and your family the best always.
With sincere regards,
Sally
You didn’t say for how much …
Mindy’s comment is so true ! Could it be envy on the part of this negative person ? We all find your blog so interesting & admire your strength in accepting & dealing with what life throws at you. You inspire us
If you do decide on renting it seems there are plenty of interested people out there.
Bonne Chance !!
And where would you go if you did rent it, which looks like a real possibility!
Would LOVE to rent your house! Can you share details? Are you thinking long term rental or vacation?
Kristi, I have followed your stories for a long time and never tire of hearing about your lives and adventures. I rarely comment- mainly because many others have already said the same thoughts – but don’t ever be deterred by negative comments or.take them personally.
The right road will open up for you. X
In life we know we cannot please everyone. There will be negatives but there will also be positives. Living your authentic life and writing is what you are doing. Personally, I thank you for sharing your life, words and love with us.
Sending hugs!
I, too, love your saga. I often wonder how your husband and children take it, having their lives exposed to a certain extent. I figure you run by them what you will say, so that there is nothing in it that bothers them. The effect your stories have on me is that I feel that I know all of you, like you were my friends, although you know nothing about me. If it’s a sad story, I feel sad. If it’s a happy one, I feel joy. Kind regards, Maria, from Costa Rica.
My husband and I would be very interested in renting your home for a year.
We spent nearly two years in a motor home traveling between Holland and France. Only a family crisis back in the US brought it to an end. I would love to be in France, even still have a bank account in France. One of the reasons I read you blog is for shear nostalgia.
I think it is a great idea to keep the house and let the vineyard go. Maybe build a smaller house and live there while you rent out you present house. Or vice versa?
Please do consider that one of the major ways wheat intolerance shows up is as depression and fatigue which can come and go without any seeming reason (except ingestion of wheat). Any kind of stress can kick off the intolerance. I know this from my own life. There is lots on the internet about this these days, so I won’t harp on it. But new research is beginning to find that it is much more common than once thought. Worth looking into.
Heartfelt. Yours, Joan
I love your posts! I can’t imagine anyone commenting about a saga with nothing to learn.
And YES, if you decide to rent out your house, we would be interested as a vacation rental. I’m unsure if you are looking for a long term tenant or if you’re thinking of doing vacation rentals on VRBO or something like that. In any case, I think it’s a splendid idea!
Time is the great healer, so try to take it slowly and carefully considering all options ,as you are doing. Renting your highly
desirable French home sounds like a perfect temporary solution giving you more time to explore and experiment with options.
Based upon my own experience with a major geographic move (culture shock), I would recommend that you take it “in baby
steps” so there will be no regrets.
Dear Kristi ,
I had a somewhat an epic life path , and I would say ; “keep your little heaven , rent it and sell or rent the vineyard ” . I am French my husband American .
We sold places where we were , and surely we would be in a much better place now if we had kept one of them !. Sometimes leaving places because too much suffering is related to them is not the right choice … As long as you are a good twosome, all will end up OK . Life sends to you a lot of harships, but also a lot of resilience . So courage and keep that little piece of heaven when one day you might be tempted to return ( Also health care is one of the best in the world – I am struggling in the US ). Not to ignore …
Bonne chance !
Agnes
I came for the French, but stayed for the saga. Storytelling pulls people in–we evolved from a culture of spinning tales around a fire before retiring to our caves. Your adventures, wherever they may lead you, make for compelling reading. You are a sympathetic protagonist. Keep it up!
dear friend. can’t believe anyone would say anything mean. I never would. I don’t care if you stay or go or whatever. I would just like for the four of you to be happy. four, gorgeous, lovely people. I wish , only the best for all of you. I have enjoyed reading about your life soooooo much. it is a highlight of my dull, boring life, stuck in Oklahoma city. love and prayers are sent your way. joy wood
I so disagree with the author of your accidental reply-you ALWAYS have, as promised, a French word,definition and usage and getting to know you through your saga is an extra special bonus, a gift. Too bad said responder is blind to the gift. I’m sure many are grateful, including me.
Hello, definitely interested on renting your farmhouse, it looks so beautiful and peaceful, it would depend on how far it is from the nearest train station (I live in Paris) and the price for the night of course, breakfast included or not….and love dogs 🙂
I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW I REALLY HAVE AND STILL ENJOY YOUR EMAIL LETTERTS TO ME. MY GRANDFATHER VICTOR ARMAND DELATOUCHE , CAME FROM FOUGERES, ILLE ET VILAND, FRANCE, AND MY WIFE AND I VISITED THERE, AND TOURED FRANCE; AND EVERY TIME I RECEIVE YOU EMAIL IT IS LIKE I AM GETTING TO REVISIT LA BELLE FRANCE. SO KRISTEN ET JEAM MERCI BEAUCOUPS.
Dear Kristi – If I make it back to France one day, I would certainly be interested in renting your farm house in the south of France!! Bonne chance!
I echo those who suggest a temporary swap or rental for a year — if you can swing it. Having moved from Hawaii to Virginia (almost like moving from/to a foreign country!), transitions are not easy when you are older. One no longer has children to tie one to others, to make friends quickly over shared matters. Although I knew I would love my new location, it took me a LONG time to really feel at home.
Bonne Chance!
Oui, oui! I would love to rent your beautiful farmhouse one day. (And, in my heart I can’t help but wish that somehow you can stay there, in the south of France, which is my own dream)
Ditto. One rotten apple does NOT ruin the whole barrel if you throw it away. HUGS!!!!
Me, too.
First of all, Kristi, if someone is not interested in your “personal saga” then we your loyal friends (which is how I feel about you after all these years) are not interested in them. Can you tell she made me angry? :-). But then when your Dad called Jean-Marc Jimmy I laughed out loud! So funny! Your idea of selling only the vineyard sounds like the perfect solution! And the idea of renting your home would also work although most of your “friends” would rather that it be a B&B so that we could meet you.
Kristi,
I love your blog and all of the personal stories. You are an open, charming person with a great husband and children.
Oh my, what to do? Time will tell and as the spirit moves you so you will go. You have a piece of paradise in the south of France. This is how your readers see it…me included. I also would love to rent your house.
A B&B might be a good idea but it is so demending on your time and you have to be “up” all of the time. It can be stressful and I don’t think that you are looking for more stress. A home exchange might work, but it would expend on where you would want to be. But don’t forget Smokey.
Eventually you will make a decision and hopefully it will be the right one for you both. Bon Chance.
Kathleen
Keep up the story… we all have sagas and most are not brave enough to share our stories. Those that don’t want to read have an option…! The rest of us look forward to your arrival in our post box.
That photo from the window – a view like that is the 1st prize of hard in it’s self and more than worth while holding on to – so beautiful. Chuck in the hard work but hold on to that dream… You can always change that bit at a later date once life takes on a clearer perspective, or, just be glad that you did manage to keep it. We were in France for 2 and a half years (not long in comparison) until one of us wanted to come back ‘home’ – the other didn’t want too but, we made the move last year and still recovering! If we had had the chance to hang on to a foot hold there I think we would have grabbed it firmly by all corners. Its difficult to reverse a cut and dry decision, flexibility has to be the key!
Kristi,
Have you thought of a home exchange? Mine on the coast of Maine , for yours.
May be worth considering for Sandy and I for a period of time depending on what happens here in the US on November 8th.
Worth considering.
I love hearing about your adventures and sagas! Keep ’em coming. As for the house rental, count me in! I am so in love with France. Bon courage with all the decisions you’re facing.
Oh, Kristi! How horrible that you should be subjected to that snarky little comment from a pitiful ‘observer’. I genuinely feel you are “my friend, Kristi-you know,… that moved to France and married a gorgeous Frenchman and writes a Blog from there??”. I love your sharing the family and daily life – your photos are splendid, your writing insightful and beautifully done. I am delighted to follow your adventures and share your life in this small way. Don’t change a THING!
Dawn Willey – a 5 year reader!
Dear Kristin,
As you can see by all these comments – we all enjoy reading about your life that you share with us so generously. As for “prickly pears…” ignore them. You have our love and support, and all shall be well.
Bon Courage!
Dittos of all the other comments. We love following your 14 year story. All the ups and downs and funny inbetweens. It’s called real life and far more intriguing to me than any fiction.and I am always learning. I would be interested in renting too, but it depends on what you have in mind. A vacation rental, long term or something in between?. I would love to do a home exchange too and would prefer my first time with someone I know. If you are thinking about the northwest. We are about six hours drive from Portland. Your house is an absolute treasure and I know the Lord has His best plans in store for you.
How rude that person was!
Hank
Oh I have been on the reciving end of emails not supposed to be for me 3 times..
but the worse thing..and you might not believe this:)
I had a friend..childhood and even later in life.. at one point she was sad because she was no longer in a relationship (two prior divorces)..and that’s fine..but I met someone I thought she would immediately click with and organized a dinner in our home for them to meet..one day we were on the phone talking about this like two teenagers….she was excited..and giddy..well she thought she put me on hold..and didn’t..and then I heard: “this chick I know is trying to set me up”~
I don’t know why I am sharing this..your story just hit a chord:)..we were.. I thought best friends..
I still had the dinner..they married..I was Maid Of Honor..but people don’t change their cloth sometimes… and unfortunately more situations arose..so that was it.
I has been 15 years..and I would never trust her again.
What an adventure it would be for someone to live there:)
Having been a realtor for almost 30 years..just make sure the people have oustanding references..
The person who no longer enjoys your posts is invited to discontinue following them!
As for the rest of us, carry on.
Of course I would be interested in renting your home; my friends and I have discussed an extended stay in a home rental.
See where the journey takes you.
That person is not your audience. Many of us are invested in your life and appreciate the honesty with which you write. It gives me more courage to say my truth. We live at a time when anything hidden will ultimately be revealed, anyway.
Kristen and Jean-Marc,
Renting out your home is a wonderful idea. Let it pay for itself, maybe (if it’s done there) lease the vineyard out. or sell it, and later you and Jean-Marc still get to live in a vineyard…no work involved.
I remember a few years ago someone made some rude, hurtful comments re. your post. We who have been with you for years feel we are part of your family and want to share you four and all that comes with it, and of course I feel a bit more as I know your sweet gem of Jules for so many years in Mexico.
Let all the other “stuff” roll off your shoulders, and brain. Do not let someone else’s negativity steal one second from you and your family. It is their loss. We all love you all, right down to hangnails and grape stained hands……..your saga’s are part of what we love about you. You are real.
Ditto ~ on ALL counts! We can’t please everyone, Kristi. How unfortunate it must be to live with such a negative attitude, unlike your sunny disposition and the affection of the rest of your followers. Onward!
I love every word and picture you share! You warm the hearts of so many…..THANK YOU!!
While we all have our daily struggles, you are brave enough and willing to post them so that we may all learn as we go through life. Curiosity keeps us going and it is through your “personal saga” that I have learned many new and useful phrases, enjoyed trying new recipes, consumed your husband’s fine wines and felt connected with a community that is interested in learning and maintaining language skills. You’re willingness to share you “personal saga” as you negotiate life in France is much to your reader’s delight.
Please keep up the great writing and don’t let your one “critic” get you down. You will see that your supporters are numerous and hopefully vocal in expressing their support. As a long time reader, I wish you and yours all the best – and keep us posted.
PS If you end up in the U.S. they are trying to produce wine here in the desert and desperately need someone of Jean-Marc’s talents!
Thank you for sharing your brave and beautiful life story with us!
I have always loved your “sagas”. It is not just for the French words & culture — it’s your warm and engaging manner, interesting tales, and endearing thoughts on family & life.
My favorite book is ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz. His 2nd Agreement is the best: Don’t take anything personally! He goes on to state: Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves. Very wise words!
I know you & your family will find the right path. Stay well!
Hi Kristin,
Renting out your house as a Gite might not be a bad idea. We’ve done that 4 out of the past 7 summers and are always looking for new ideas of places to stay. Just a practical question (& you’ve probably already thought of this): where would you live while you’re renting out your home?
Anyway, hang in there and ignore the occasional noxious comment. Most of us enjoy your blog very much and look forward to it!
All best,
Chris
Our dear Kristi,
You are wonderful.French Word A Day is wonderful.
We are all blessed and privileged to be part of your life,and feel that you and your dear family are definitely part of ours.
Remember that old Carole King song?(am paraphrasing here)”When you feel down and out,maybe need an encouraging word,remember!You’ve got a friend”
You have TOO MANY TO COUNT!
And every one of us are keeping all of you in our prayers.
Love
Natalia XO
Hi Kristi,
You and your family will come to the write…. 🙂 decision and I hope to read more about it! Renting your place might not be a bad idea! Your area of the world is popular with so many francophiles! 🙂 Pay no attention to the grumps!
Dear Kristi,
First of all, your “saga” (and that of your lovely family) is one of the most valuable parts of your column. The words are, of course, useful (and your photos have gotten better and better!), but the ability to really see what “a French life” would be like–well, as I said once a long time ago in a comment, it has enabled me to live my own dream vicariously, one that I might have had but had to reluctantly leave behind to go home and finish college and go on to what was at the time thought to be more “serious” (and certainly lucrative) studies. The person who made that comment had no imagination or empathy at all.
And now, rent your French farmhouse, in Provence, one of my most favorite places? It would certainly be a pleasure and a privilege! Good luck with whatever you decide, but given your love for your house and your gardens, I hope that it will work out the way you most wish.
Amitiés,
Deborah
Consider the source! That woman who said that and was such a dim bulb to send it incorrectly, is a member of the swine family. She’s also tres, tres, stupid! I get more out of your stories and your readers’ comments than any single other column or posts anywhere. You are, I’m guessing 15-19 yrs younger than I. I had to sell my B&B, just as it started going gangbusters!! No help, no energy, my husband hated it, and I was letting too much go. I had to get back to my marriage, my health, and my impt tasks, like our farm, and a rental I’d just ignored. You really are a wealth of grace and knowledge, at a time i needed it badly. You write and share the way i feel and think inside, my guts. Thank you, lady. Tell that “witch” to stick herself where the son won’t shine. She’s horrible and shows have shallow and uncaring a woman can be. Don’t stop what you’re doing. I’m sure you’re a lifeline to many!!
Sorry, that was “sun” won’t shine! And “how shallow.” Fingers can’t keep up with flying thoughts anymore.
Can you share more details about your place as a possible rental? We spend 2 months each year in France and would like to learn more!
Dear Kristi, Your honesty about the realities of life is truly beautiful!!! Step by step with God in everything. The mighty blessings of God to you and yours every day. Love in Christ from an old lady turning 73 shortly. C-Marie P.S. Your adventures are very wonderful to read!!
Sorry, Kristin, but I agree with the person who reacted to “Miam-miam.” I also liked it better when you were truer to your blog’s title: Word A Day. You used to pepper your stories with lots of French vocabulary, and a lexicon at the end. You clearly have a following of subscribers who enjoy reading about your personal & family life, and that’s fine. I am more interested in life lived in the context of France, as you used to describe it. If I open your message and all I see are ads and English, frankly, I skip it.
Hi Kristi, I would rent your home in a heartbeat! I have been wanting to visit France with my husband for a long time, hoping to spend part of the time in the north, and part in the south. I feel like I know your home after seeing all the pictures you’ve posted. It would feel so familiar. Of course, I hope you can keep it one way or other, whether you rent it out or not. I’ll be praying that a buyer for the vineyard is found soon! Love to you and Jean-Marc.