FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

Kristin,

What a wonderful story and a wonderful lesson. It cautions us to slow down and observe -- be patient. We can't always do that with the camera at our eye but as your pictures show, the strategy perhaps results in a very different picture.

You have to train yourself to hear the bird call which, in turn, will turn your eye to the bird. That was an important lesson I learned and it has been well worth it.

As for Smokey R, slop it up the best way you can. I am so glad you are writing a small column in the daily blog. Judging by you size which seems to double every week, I would say the displaced jaw is not slowing you down.

Margaret in Durham NC where we are preparing for a nasty, nasty storm filled with snow, sleet, and ice -- extreme wintry mix.

(Kristin, you will be happy to know we had plenty of warning so we have waffle mix and potatoes on hand!)

What a lovely story Kristin. We all need to remember to stop a while and observe.
Angela in Sussex,England.
A mild day with a little sun but rain on the way.

What a lovely story. I enjoyed that.

Kristin,

So often your stories just tug at my heart strings and bring tears to my eyes. You are a beautiful writer and a lovely person. Thank you for contributing so much to the world of "francophilia!"

Your story was enchanting and just took me right into your world. You have a beautiful way with words/dialogues. Merci beaucoup.

Kristin,
What a lovely, lovely story! "Elegante" just doesn't seem to work here! What I'd give to see some sun, let alone some sunflowers right now. Yours did me a world of good this morning. Thank you!

Hi Kristin,
I think this is one of your best stories yet! I loved it so much I had to read it again. I love the shot of the sunflower which seems to be following the man down the lane. Lovely!
Smokey is so cute.
We are getting ready for 8 inches or so of snow here in Charlottesville and it's only 27 degrees.

In a country where sunflowers find their way out of a window, be it winter or summer, you can expect them to talk to the people who stop in front of them, who take their time to look at them and listen to them as they whisper their “theory of love”. Kristin, you were the perfect passer-by, ready to see & listen with your heart and to sense love around you.

You may need to have another look at the pile of rubble to see beyond its distress and find some hidden love, or a cry for love. As for the old man... his smile to the flower and his vocal mind must have made your day! Your tale surely made mine et je te dis mille fois merci.

I am looking again at your photo showing the sunflower gently bending its head. The colour of its row of sepals is nearly matching the turquoise of the woodwork around the window and the door. Under the window, there are yellow echoes of its petals. It's as if the sunflower has become an integral part of the façade. It more or less stands as a perfect outdoor light, bringing a smile to everyone's face and enlightening people's soul.

Thank you Kristin for passing on to us the message of your “rencontre”.

About the Mot du Jour:
I find the choice of “mansuétude” really pleasing as the word implies “douceur”, “bonté”, “bienveillance”... There is also some serenity in its meaning. I look at “mansuétude” as a wonderful virtue!

On a sheer vocabulary point of view, it has all the charm of “ un mot littéraire” (a literary word)
Besides, I must admit it has a lovely effect on my mind... A few words in “ude” are bubbling out of my head at the moment!

I could not have read a more lovely, inspiring and uplifting piece of writing this morning, while sipping my coffee and preparing to start my day. Thank you Kristin for your words and photos. This story is a precious gem.
A little foggy but mild here in Sonoma, CA.

Beautiful, just plain beautiful.
The poodles want to make sure you have popsicles on hand for Smokey. They are fun to lick and almost as yummy as those rare spoonfuls of milkshakes.

Dear Friends of "Sunflower",

If only the faux flower in the window could read your words... she would be delighted about her decision to have shared her wisdom with this passer-by. Thank you, as always, for contributing to these vignettes and to these photos--making them an ongoing "story" and enriching the characters with your own creative comments.

Newforest, thank you for commenting on mansuétude and for drawing out its meaning. I was lucky to find the word in a synonym search (for "altruism" or "kindness" or... I can't remember now. Thankfully, the word "fits" the story and I have enjoyed the synonyms that you shared.

Diane: Let's harken away :-)

Martina: I had never thought of popcycles. What a terrific idea. I will tell Smokey they are from Tante Martina!

Your writing, and this example in particular, remind me of the poetry of Jacques Prevert. Your words are from the heart. Je vous adore, tous les deux.

Quite cold in Western Maryland, no snow yet today.

Simply beautiful. Would that we all take the time to smile at flowers. Merci.

That was beautiful!!! I feel living in France has made me much more appreciative of the love and warmth around - like you! Mille Merci - here in yucky rainy/snowy Burgundy

Smokey is getting so big...it was such a tragedy what happened to him at such a young age, but he looks like he's leaving most of that behind now. I hope he gets lots and lots of kisses everyday! I wish I could give him a big hug around his neck and a lovely little pat on his head. His posts are the highlight of my workday!! ;-)

Hugs and kisses to Smokey R...XOXOXO

Erin

I am close to Margret in N.C. but in SE VA. we are expecting the snow also. We only get about one a year so this one is to be exciting. I too love your stories and "ever refreshed when your messages come in,

Touching and such a joy to read-thank You!

Dave Kapsiak

Kristi,
Again your pictures and story's are wonderful! Sun flowers are one of my favorites.
I think Rusty would be bragging it up that Smokey R. can figure things out for himself like he could-I'm not sure how, or when, he did it, but he got us all to stock up on Lemonaide Gatoraid for him, so when he did take a break he could assume a position similar to the one Smoky R. is modeling :)

We miss him so...

Your Sunflower poem is inspired! Who doesn't love flowers and dogs? It's nice to see Newforest back. While it's very cold in Iowa, there is no snow in our forecast (we still have plenty on the ground, tho).

The first thing this retired French teacher thought of was Le Petit Prince. Very St.Exuperyesque!
And Smokey is so terrific; what a survivor who is lucky to be in a loving family.

Sunflowers are my favorite flower also. I have 10 of them in a vase in my living room and they have been there since last Saturday and are still looking good. My husband was just commenting today how some are following the sun and others are not, but I had to inform him that once they are cut they do not follow the sun anymore - but who knows - maybe they do - or maybe they follow the people passing by.

I am taking French classes and I used your words for the day in my essay which is about the woman in the window. She was my inspiration.

I know that it would not be pleasant, but could Smokey get his jaw wired to help it rest itself?

Very cold in Connecticut - goes right to the bones.

Kathleen

Smokey and Braise make me smile every time. I love those sweet dogs.

So glad to have found your site. Just lovely.

Can't wait to come back.