As upsetting as it is to wake up to news of an insurrection, most concerning is the effect it could have on our personal relationships. That is, at least, the biggest thing on my mind this morning. The following thoughts began as a pep talk to myself.
Firstly, hang in there! Tenir bon = tenir le coup
What if the antidote to un coup is to tenir le coup? Such is the definition for tenir bon: to endure, withstand, weather the storm, stay the course. To tenir bon means simply to cope. Nous devons tenir bon!
Tears flowing, a fast-growing knot in the throat, sudden sadness/despair…followed by anger. Did you have a similar reaction when you watched a mob storming our capitol several hours ago? Here again are two words that may help during destabilizing or upsetting times: Tenez bon!
Weather The Storm
The worst possible outcome of this political storming is its power to divide us. No matter which side you are on you won’t be able to win over the other, already entrenched in his or her beliefs. So what can you do? Until you find a peaceful answer, tenez bon! Weather the storm in love and dignity.
I leave you with a cheerful photo taken last Sunday. The dog's tilted head speaks volumes. Tell me what he is saying in the comments.
Amicalement,
Kristi
Both photos in today's edition were taken here in La Ciotat. Please share this blog with someone who loves France. Merci d'avance!
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There aren’t two sides, Kristi. This was domestic terrorism.
How could you resist my beautiful face? I would have to give him a little treat, he looks so appealing. Mazzie
I am sorry. I can’t find joy this morning. What a sad sad day for our beloved country.
I agree. There are not two sides. There was a coup or insurrection supported by Trump. Shame on Trump, the valid loser in this election.
As a British citizen I looked at the news coverage from Washington in amazement. How could it have come to this? A very sad day for the USA. But hopefully lessons will be learned so that it can never happen again. I pray that it is now over.
This will be his legacy, his place in history forever, and so well deserved.
Kristi,
Living through the last four years under Trump has been horrible. He attacked our most respected institutions…our dedicated leaders…our partners around the world. This was an insurrection and he and all that supported it must be punished. I know this is harsh. We need to figure out some way of coming together as a country and accept that we do not all agree. I am not sure how we do that. I think a good first start is trying to understand the appeal that Trump has with so many people. That understanding is crucial so healing can begin.
If you take the trouble to find the dictionary definition of “trump”, you’ll understand why it was inevitable.
(e.1.e slang or vulgar. The act of breaking wind audibly.
1903 in Farmer & Henley Slang.)
Extract from The Oxford English Dictionary.
Sadly, the actions of yesterday are just part of the scorched earth exit of a man who will do everything possible to leave the government in shambles so his successor has insurmountable problems. Drawing parallels between Trump and Hitler would make him proud. The man is a psychopath. I hope the 25th amendment is invoked so that he can never run again. Then maybe the sides can find a way to move forward.
I fully agree with you Barb. This was pure and simple domestic terrorism encouraged by our own government representatives. We have to stop justifying “both sides”.
It is clear that not only is Trump severely mentally ill, our government has failed to take the necessary steps to remove him from office. The anger he has encouraged to set free is a danger to not only our country but to the world. We will weather the storm and must find a way to protect our democracy from ever allowing such a monster to be elected again. And every one of his enablers must be voted out. We must never forget who they are.
The comments above are a partial indication of why it has come to this: our capitol being stormed. These commentators obviously did not vote for Trump; I didn’t vote for the guy either. But their comments–their using words like “psychopath,” “Hitler,” “insurmountable,” Trump=breaking wind, etc, is no less problematic than the riot in DC yesterday. The hatred is palpable and words like this are an emotional storming of the White House. I think the mob yesterday was tired of the arrogance and smugness–i.e.”How could anyone in their right mind have voted for the guy?”–that are indicated by comments like this–comments that continue to divide. Get a grip, people. We are better than this. Our guy won. We do not have to continue to vilify like we have done for the past 4 years. Healing will never come if attitudes on both sides don’t change.
I was gripped with anger watching it. Appalled that it could happen. But I rejoice this morning when I arise and find that justice & the constitution won over evil. I think the Statue of Liberty is standing taller this morning. Peace.
I agree with Barb, there are no two sides. This was an attempted coup and the sitting cabinet must invoke the 25 amendment and unseat the president for the remaining days before he does more damage.
I am from Atlanta, Georgia, and have lived in Aix-en-Provence for 20 years. I’m proud to say I’m from the state that not only helped elect Biden but also elected the two senators who will tip the balance of power. I agree with Alice that the 25th amendment should be invoked. I’ve also compared him not only to Hitler but King Henry VIII, who reigned under the belief in the divine right of kings. Trump has governed like a very evil king, nothing divine about him. There is hope for democracy again. Il faut tenir bon! — Susan Stone
Donald Trump is mentally ill, that’s a fact. Several psychiatrists and psychologists have written about this including his own niece. His advisors and the republican leadership failed to publicly acknowledge his pathology. Instead they enabled him and pretended that his behavior was normal albeit quirky. The fact that his antisocial behavior has been enabled by so many in his party simply for their own personal gain is most troubling. No country can afford to have mentally unstable leaders if our global society is to prosper.
The dog tilted their head saying, “But I don’t need a haircut”.
1. Sad to watch the scenes in Washington. A wake up call to the delicacy of Democracy! 2. Not much evidence of Brexit in the Photo but the ‘British Bulldog’ seems defiant! 3. As for a caption: ” I’d be on my way except for the ‘knob head’ here and in there!
Wait a second…facial recognition has identified some of the “protestors ” as Antifa members.
Most Trump supporters are middle aged and wear red white and blue..they are not young guys wearing black with Trump stamped on the back of a helmet…the better to get photo op as you smash stuff.
Get all the facts before you jump to the wrong conclusions.
I don’t believe Kristi was saying this was not a criminal act, nor that is was endorsed by all Repubicans, but that it has the potential to cause arguments between Republicans and Democrats (I saw the fallout on my own social media). Like it or not, there are many people who refuse to acknowledge that beliefs coming from the opposite political party (yes, side) could possibly be right. I think the positive in this is that 7 of the 13 senators dropped their objections to the Electoral College vote. So, it took a rampage of the Capitol and a murder for 7 out of 13 Republicans to see the damage these accusations have caused. What about the other 6?
Oui, Kristi! Tenez bon! C’est suffit!
Kristi, thanks for your blog. You do lighten our days. This situation yesterday was a very sad one for us, and I hope and pray it will never happen again. On a brighter note, the dog is saying, “Are you people crazy?”
Please remove your head from between your legs. That posture makes you as ridiculous in appearance as your post. If you support the people involved in yesterday’s events in any way, even after the fact, that makes you complicit.
I just have one thing to say …
“Please don’t make me go in there, I don’t want to be groomed today”
Yesterday was a huge worldwide embarrassment for the U.S. That we, as a country, are unable to control chaos or conduct ourselves in a dignified manner. The division in this country is out of control. We need mutual respect for each other despite our differences. There may be finger pointing to sides within the U.S. but the events that occurred yesterday give the rest of the world a unified message about America. I am certain honor and respect are not included in their opinions. Thank you, Kristi, for reposting the adorable photo of the dog with his head cocked. ❤️
And Trump certainly did more than that. I hope our county can be saved.
Good point! Never again!
Yes , we do have to vent with words . How can you NOT be outraged at happenings in DC yesterday? I agree, this narcissistic pathetic person has led certain Americans down a path of destruction. This is what is really scary–all of the people who supported him no matter what he did.
And you think Biden is NOT mentally unstable? He is the most mentally challenged candidate in the history of the Republic. He has a history of criminal behavior, along with other members of his family. He can barely put one foot in front of the other, with practically no physical endurance whatsoever. And he frequently doesn’t know where he is. His policies will kill off The United States of America. (Read Genesis 12:3. It is very clear.)
If it’s a global society you want, you are moving in the right direction ~ Biden, Harris, the Deep State, The Bilderburgers (and their ilk), the WEF, the Davos reset 2021, all ready and willing to “adjust” the way we are living to fit the global model. Trump is far from perfect. But he did give us a four year reprieve from the fast moving NWO, for which I’m thankful.
I do like to hear responses from citizens of other countries about yesterday’s assault on democracy. I am still outraged and worry the USA is on the brink of a terrible time in history. Trump needs to be arrested, maybe burned at the stake? Biden has his work cut out for him to try to undo all that the outgoing clown has done.
As for the dog,”What the hay is going on? Everyone is watching news and I want treats.Just let me in to the cafe s’il vous plait”.
Thanks for giving us a look from abroad. The bottom line is that trying to “understand” the South in the Civil War was for naught. Trying to be understanding of the Nazis was futile in WWII. The truth is that only when decent people will not accept anti Democratic behavior will it end. We can’t avoid confronting supporters of an autocrat. We have to make it clear that democracy is our form of government and sacrosanct. Anyone making excuses for these insurrectionists
should be condemned and Trump should be barred from ever serving in government again.
Shari Reed
Thank you Kristi for the encouraging post. Personally, I’m so exhausted by the constant political talk and divide here in the States. I’m not saying for us to have our heads in the sand and not speak up, but there needs to be room for love and some lightness, or we are truly lost. I love reading your posts. It keeps my dreams alive!
This was domestic terrorism, incited by the President of the United States, a very sick man, aided and abetted by his cowering cronies who care more about their electability than right and wrong. Viva la France, because the USA is sick,
I’ve read Patricia’s post 3 times now and can’t find where she says anything about supporting the people who stormed the Capitol yesterday. Am I missing something? Or are you assuming?
Hi Kristi,
Love the photo of the bulldog!
What is going on is horrific and is just a continuation of what has been going on for 6 months. The media totally ignored that cities like Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland were going up in flames and police stations were taken over and people were killed. Rioters took over these cities and businesses were destroyed, police stations taken over, and these riots are just continuing and they are all wrong. Like others have said above, it is domestic terrorism and it was terrorism 6 months ago.
Hello Barb,
Canadian here…
I 100% agree with you. Sometimes we just need to call it what it is…no matter how much it hurts to do so.
What unfolded yesterday sent shockwaves around the world.
Replace the images and faces who were involved in yesterday’s assault with brown or black faces. The response from law enforcement, whole swaths of the public, certainly Trump supporters would most certainly quite different.
You are right, Alicia. Patricia is placing blame where it belongs!
While generally I am all for peaceful coexistence, this was domestic terrorism and must be dealt with as such. I lt is not a time to be silent and wait for this to pass. Those responsible, including the president and his minions who encouraged it, should be punished. Can you imagine how different the response would have been if it had been black people storming the Capitol??
This claim of “antifa” instigators is false. It was promulgated by the Washington Times and other far-right news media and far-right Trump supporters like Lin Wood and Matt Gaetz to deflect responsibility from Trump, his son, Guiliani and others who inflamed the thousands of Trump supporters who were ginned up to come to Washington on Jan. 6 (Trump told them “It’s going to be wild.”). The Washington Times reported – without any attribution or evidence – that a “facial recognition company” (not anyone in law enforcement) had identified antifa. You will never see any actual proof of that, just like you will never see any actual proof of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. The woman who was shot and killed trying to climb through a window into a secure hallway of the Capitol was a known MAGA loyalist from San Diego, as is that nut with the horned hat. Please stop listening to fringe politicians and news media. They are playing you.
I’m trusting this will be an “I remember where I was when” moment. I called my teen daughter from her (online) learning to come look at the TV screen. She will remember where she was, like we all will, for this moment that must never be repeated.
Thanks Alicia…Am not sure why Andrew felt the need to say insulting things and point his finger at me.
Some people cannot discuss issues without resorting to these tactics.
My mantra for 2021 is Be Astonished. I was not expecting this sort of astonishment.
Le chien vous dit: Kristi qu’est-ce que ce passe? Pourquoi vous avez l’air de tristesse aujour d’hui?
Poor Kristi, when you wrote this post. I’m sure you didnt realize how torn our country still is. i wish us peace. I wish that we would respect each others choices. I wish we would realize the media sells propaganda. And most of all I wish we could sit down and have a conversation without getting angry and calling each other names. In 74 years I have never seen people so angry. And it didnt start just yesterday, we have endured rioting for the last four years. Yesterdays just hit at our heart.Shame on us all. Again I pray for peace, kindness and love for our country.
Thank you, Ellen .
Cruel words you say about Biden. To put him in the same category as lyin’, mentally unstable Trump is an outrage. I guess I consider the source.
I will not comment on the domestic terrorism. What more is there to say?
Instead, I thank you for the phrase “tenir bon” which I never knew, in all my years of speaking French! It’s such a good one to know. 🙂
I think that sweet little dog wants, really badly, to communicte with you. Maybe it’s saying, “Are you going to pet me? or even better, feed me?” Clearly it’s looking at you with an open heart.
Maybe we should all be more like dogs…
xoxo Kate
In response to, “ I think a good first start is trying to understand the appeal that Trump has with
so many people. That understanding is crucial so healing can begin.”
The appeal is for the policies that he promoted and carried out—he was the carrier and as
imperfect as each of our Presidents has been. The American media beautifully executed their
plan to create Trump haters (ignoring any of his positive accomplishments) and we now
will move quickly towards the socialism that so many want to flee from.
Our Country is in trouble. The people who broke into the White House were members of Antifa which is now coming out on the honest news channels. America is now headed to Socialism/Communism, Open Borders, Huge tax increases , Identity Politics, Cancel Culture (no free speech) and the list goes on. So hope we can all work together for the America that was founded hundred of years ago.
That marvelous photo wins my heart. The scene is a welcoming refuge for me, something I need right now. The only question he asks is, “Do you come in peace?”