TODAY’S WORD: sacré(e): (adjective) — sacred, but also used ironically or affectionately as “darn,” “dear,” or even “that rascal of a…”
PRONUNCIATION: [sah-cray]
EXAMPLE SENTENCE:
Sacrée Lili! Elle râlait toujours, mais elle nous faisait sourire.
Dear old Lili! She was always grumbling, but she made us smile.
NOTE: You’ll often hear the French say sacré followed by someone’s name, like sacré Jean-Marc, as my mother-in-law used to say. Depending on the tone, it can mean “that Jean-Marc! (what a character)” or even “typical Jean-Marc!” It’s a fond mix of admiration and exasperation.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE…by Kristi Espinasse
Lili, the cat who lived here before we arrived, then moved to the neighbor’s, has passed away. No matter where Lili lived, here or there, she was an artful presence in our lives. Beautiful, cantankerous, and unpredictable, she stole our hearts by her strong personality and carefully rationed affection.
One of Lili’s greatest gifts was returning to our property after the passing of our golden retriever Smokey. She stole in and kept my mom company for over a year until Ricci arrived. For that, I thank our neighbor, Yvette, who graciously endured the absence of a cat who belonged, in spirit, to all of us.
For over a year, the wise, whiskered matriarch wandered in and out of our days, lounging on an old wicker chair in the garden that was as bent out of shape as she was. Lili was an outdoor gal, but, sensing Mom’s loss, she took up residence in her studio, beside her bed, where Smokey once slept.
For the past two years our migrating minette has been back next door. For a time she curled up in my neighbor’s armoire, but she was back in the yard by the end of winter. Lili’s ornery character could be heard from beyond the hedges, where she voiced her complaints about everything from dinner (it must be pâtée and it must be varied) to the tourists to her aches and pains. MIAOU!!! She wasn’t what you’d call affectionate, but she was a comforting presence all the same. Reliable. Honest. Undeniably herself. There when you needed her. What more could you want to be as a cat or as a human?
Sacrée Lili. In your 20 years, you outlived many of your own children. Now, may your memory outlive our sadness. Repose en paix.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
Click the link below to listen to Jean-Marc read the French:
sacré(e) = darn / dear / rascal (used affectionately or ironically, depending on tone)
la pâtée = wet pet food
le minou, la minette = kitty (affectionate term for a cat)
Miaou ! = Meow!
Repose en paix = Rest in peace
REMERCIEMENTS
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ALTERNATIVELY….
COMING UP…. We’ve been enjoying some delightful visitors from Atlanta, Georgia. Next week I’ll tell you about the picturesque villages (can you guess the one, above?) and wineries we’ve seen. Thank you Alice & Judy for reserving three days with us!
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What a lovely story about your neighborhood cat. I inherited my sister’s cat, qui s’appelle Minou, and it sounds like she and Lili would be kindred spirits.
Looks like Roussillon?
Sorry about Lili’s passing. I hate that pets don’t live as long as we do.
Aww, bless her. She was a beautiful girl. She had such a lovely life, which she happily shared with both her chosen families. RIP lovely Lili. ❤️
Oh these adorable kitties, how they steal our hearts so easily and most of the neighbors’ hearts, too. So sad for the neighborhood, but perhaps Lilli will send another to be pampered and loved and give back the same….
Over the years I’ve enjoyed reading about Lili. How sad to learn that she is gone but you captured her so beautifully in many photos that she will live on in our memories. She so reminds me of my childhood cat, BB, which was short for Brandy Baby. Love that pink nose outlined in a think black line.
I always like pet stories, especially cats. And I like cats with attitude, so you and Lili met my criteria beautifully!
If I’m allowed to guess where the photo was taken, my guess is Rousillion.
RIP, Lili! I am a cat lover, and my beloved Little Ebeneezer (Neezer) made it to 20 years as well. May another little tresor walk into your lives!
Love your photography! About the term “Sacré”, I was wondering if it is equivalent to our use of the term “bless his heart” following a name. Kind of an endearment with an eye roll?
The wine tours with Jean-Marc & Kristi are astounding. So much information, such passion for place and taste, such joy! Mille mercis. Alice
Hi Kristi:
What a sweet story. I took Bill’s siamese-ish cat, Kabuki, when he died and Kabuki was such a gorgeous presence in the garden. He commanded the whole neighborhood and knew all the network of underground drainage pipes. I would walk through the woods to the lake with the dog and there he would be, just sitting on a log. I miss him.
I just got back from a week in Paris and another in Spain. Had a fabulous time. The first time I’ve done a real trip since David died. I just love Spain. Did southern cities and I find the culture to be fascinating. I joined my housemate friends, Olga and Brian, in Spain and I went to Paris with my buddy, Jeremy, who is a big francophile and had never been to Europe. He was in heaven! I particularly wanted to see Notre Dame. It was stunning! Boy were the tourists swarming. I thought we might beat that this time of year and perhaps we did. Yikes! The weather was cool and sunny. Lovely.
Trying to get back into the swing of things.
Xoxo
J John T Newman 3960 Poindexter Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27106 Venmo: @John-Newman-201
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Sad to hear of Lili’s passing. I loved hearing how she took up residence in your mom’s studio. Animals can sense so much. A blessing she was a comfort to your family after a loss.
Our dear Kristi,
What a beautiful tribute to dear Lilli!
Such an endearing and precious soul,and there is no doubt that being appreciated and cared about fulfilled her days .Wasn’t it Roger Caras who said( paraphrased) animals aren’t our whole lives but they definitely make our lives whole(!?)
Thank you for your wonderful words which( once again) wrap themselves around our hearts.
And as always,gorgeous pictures and terrific vocabulary.
Blessings always,mes cheres.
Arms tight around you all.
Love
Natalia
HI Kristi, I am having trouble reading this. The text won’t wrap properly. Sometimes the images are so large I only see part of them. Lili is beautiful. Condoléances. Helen
Kristi – what a beautiful cat and how sensitive to Jules. Rest in peace dear Lili.
Hi Kristi,I Just saw the following: \”
She’ll be on the Rainbow bridge directing traffic, just you wait and see. I’ve had many pets and cats are each unique. They come and go as they please. Because she considered your home one of hers she approved of the food, bedding and you in that order. I never think of someone resting after death. Her energy lives on elsewhere. Thank-you for telling us about her life.
aww sweet Lili RIP Sending big hugs and love to you and Jules
Dear wonderful and spirited Lili! What a beautiful life you lived bringing enjoyment, variety and love to those around you. I know you will be missed.
We have a 19-year-old cat, Salem, who has always been a loving lap cat. We know his journey will end soon so we are enjoying all of our moments with him.
Thank you for sharing Lili’s story with us. Frances
Hi Kristi,
And now, she is bounding about in Heaven in perfect good health!!! Thank you for taking such good care of her and for receiving that which she had to give.
God bless, Claudia-Marie
Dear Kristi,
Lili was certainly beautiful, with a life of longevity and legacy. She seems to have been so very comforting to you all in her own feline way. And now a comforting and beautiful memory…
Thank you for sharing her story.
bonjour, kristi: How fortunate you are to have had a cat like Lili be in your lives. Cats are wonderful, they allow us humans to be involved in their own life. We’ve had 4 of them & when each one died, it left a hole in our hearts. (As did your dog, Smokey). But, Lili was there when she was needed. Looking forward always to reading more Kristi news. You reach everyone in the universe! Amicalmente, Ann
What a delightful eulogy to a dear companion! Pets,even borrowed ones, add a special dimension to our lives- whether it be whimsy, affection or a good laugh. They enrich our experience and give us something to look forward to every day. Cats choose to “Grace” us with their presence. Dogs just abound with energy and exuberance. Each have their own personalities and bring joy to our hearts. You were blessed to have Lili join you, even temporarily.
Thank you for writing about Lili. I love that she moved back to comfort Jules between dogs!
What a wise, empathetic, gorgeous creature.
I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side, though. Tough cookie.
Cats are certainly special creatures, gracing us for periods with their presence and wisdom.
My precious helper, Finnegan, will befriend Lili- what a lovely pair!
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Dear Kristi,
Your stories are always, heartwarming, I also, increase my vocabulary each time I read your post. Cats, as independent as they are, they give affection and comfort in their own quite way. Lovely tribute to Lili❤️