veille
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Last night my bed felt as cozy as the steel walls of a Paris train station...
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: sleeplessness, wakefulness
from the Latin, "vigilia"
Also:
en veille = watch (nightwatch)
en mode veille = in sleep mode
la veille = the day before
veille-sommeil = sleep-wakefulness
Please help add to this list in the comments box.
English Grammar for Students of French: The Study
Guide for Those Learning French
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by Kristin Espinasse
I was up late last night with a touch of insomnie. What is usually a warm and cozy bed... felt like a camping cot over which I tried, in vain, to rest a chatty head.
Under the couvertures there seemed to be a draft... for I could not get the chill out—no matter the extra blankets... or the robe piled over all that.
Pajamas legs now tucked into my chaussettes... I slipped my chilly hands under my arms and burrowed down deeper into the bed in search of warmth.
The room temperature had not changed and the blankets were the same... I could not understand where sommeil had gone... were it not for an over-active brain—
Where thoughts danced around like the larmes of a clown,
faster than laughter beneath the "big top"
before the tent is finally taken down.
***
Listen to my daughter read these words: Download WAV or MP3
Les horaires veille-sommeil peuvent être perturbés en de nombreuses circonstances. Un bon exemple est le jet lag syndrome (syndrome du décalage horaire). Periods of sleep-wakefulness can be perturbed by numerous circumstances. A good example is the syndrome of jet lag. (LE MONDE - Le Monde Interactif - Mar 15, 1989)
la veille (f) = sleeplessness
une insomnie (f) = insomnia
une couverture = blanket, cover
une larme (f) = tear
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by Smokey Dokey
The picture heretoforthoverandabove (just practicing my vocab, as my Gramma K is wont to do...)
was taken back when I was a wee munchkin. Now I'm a tee-hee munchkin!
Those thereyonderbehind are my sisters. There were 6 of us in the litter and I was the only boy. Tee-hee! More pictures of my sisters coming soon—so stay tuned and tell your friends about my column—where we're learning some English for a change!
Love,
Smokey
***
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Only one thing (moreorless) for la veille...a cup of 'rooibos' tea, a 'rusk' and EMBRACE THE MOMENT, don't fight!
Posted by: Sue in Simon's Town, Southern tip of Africa | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 01:19 PM
Waiting untill the menopauze gets over.
Posted by: Johanna | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 01:20 PM
Leonard Cohen usually works for me!
Posted by: David in Damascus | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 01:27 PM
Music and Reading.
Try this;
While in bed, listen to soft music and read, at the same time, a book that diverts your thoughts away from your worries. I guarantee that this works. Even if you don’t fell to sleep shortly, this technique will help you relax which eventually ends up in deep restful sleep.
Good night and thank me in the morning !
Dr.Mohsen Badawy
Posted by: Dr. Mohsen Badawy | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Can't believe this post this morning as I had the same thing last night. Thanks for giving a French word for the maladie. Mine was pre-trip anxiety but I have bouts of insomnie from time to time. My doctor recommended a book called SAY GOODNIGHT TO INSOMNIA once. One of the things the author recommends is not to stay in bed longer than 30 minutes awake, but to get up and do something restful and go back to bed. I read or write down my thoughts and sometimes drink a little herb tea.
Thanks for the new phrase la veille-sommeil, and hope you have a better night. You might take something to make sure you sleep tonight to keep it from becoming l'habitude?
Sorry for the all the advice!
Posted by: Ophelia Paine | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 02:36 PM
Veilleuse: nightlight
I LOVE what you wrote: "Larmes of a clown" - Moi aussi, Kristin. I woke up at 4 a.m. with cold feet and an inner chill. It felt as if my many couvertures had somehow lost their weight in the middle of the night. Too determined to put myself back to sleep, THIS clown didn't allow herself to get up to get another blanket! I finally fell back to sleep right before the alarm went off. errrrr. The problem was that, before bed, I had forgotten to turn on ma petite couverture chauffante that is just for my feet. :o(
There is some well-proven concoction for sleep of milk and perhaps honey?? I'd love to hear suggestions from your readers also. And maybe Smokey-Dokey has some tips.
Posted by: Karen - Maryland, USA | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 02:41 PM
Karen, thanks for "veilleuse"! And I had the same, stubborn attitude: "this clown did not allow herself to get... another blanket". Milk and honey sounds good.
Ophelia, bon voyage and no more worries, d'accord?
Thanks for all these tips. Keep them coming. Off now to google "rooibos"...
Posted by: Kristin | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 02:47 PM
It must have been the night of nights for all, as I ended up on the couch wrapped in an old blanket hoping that a change of venue would help (as well as helping my exhausted husband get a full night's rest). Unfortunately, it was at this same time (whatever time it was -- a DARK time most assuredly) when one of my cats decided it was just the RIGHT time to gallop around the house like a demented horse. I ask you, how can a ceature so known for its soft step that the great poet Carl Sandburg used it as a metaphor for fog creeping in, sound like an elephant thumping through the jungle?
Posted by: Diane Scott | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 03:04 PM
Your're too young for the menopause thingy. I usually try yoga but then I give up, get up and read. I usually catch up the next day - or not!
A little night cap may help, and I don't mean the kind you put on your head!
Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 03:09 PM
More vocab: veiller sur - to keep an eye on (as one must do avec enfants et Smokey!), veilleur de nuit - a night watchman (perhaps had you had one of those, Kristin, you would have had less trouble with sommeil), en veilleuse - dimmed, shelved or set aside (I'll pray that your soucis de nuit vont etre en veilleuse ce soir!) C'est un beau matin ici. C'est pas possible que c'est le mois de janvier! C'est ou (avec accent) l'hiver?
Posted by: Candy in SW KS | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 03:13 PM
Kirstin,
I love the new avatars, and can't wait to here more about Smokey's sisters
Emma
Posted by: Emma | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 03:17 PM
What about "la veille de Noel": Christmas eve... Hope tonight will be a better night for you :-)
Posted by: Laure | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 03:39 PM
Kristin,
Full moon, caffeine(chocolate:-( and coffee and some teas) too late in the day; troubles(worries) in sub-conscience and yes, menopause all can be the veiller sommeil culprit.
Yoga before bed, stretching of any sort and Valarian Root. The later is an herb that is for restful sommeil. Comes in capsule form.
Loretta
Posted by: Loretta | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 03:41 PM
Listning to sounds of nature or to CDs that regulate brain waves helps me a lot.
Posted by: Marlane | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 03:52 PM
I am really enjoying your posts lately, they brighten my day like my daily devotional, only not in a spiritual sense but a practical one! If ever you can't sleep after 30 minutes of lying down again, get up and do something untily you feel tired. Don't allow your bed to be a battle ground! :) God bless!
Posted by: Tyler Nuzum | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 03:59 PM
Cher, Kristin, we see the images of devastation in Haiti everyday, your sadness at losing a beloved uncle, your mother is grieving deeply, why wouldn't you have a night or two of insomnia, c'est normal. Perhaps you can just peacefully be with the insomnia as something your body is choosing to do for whatever reason (it doesn't always obey us!) Treat yourself to a nap or even just lay down someplace quiet for a rest today, no brain-chatter allowed! Now if I can only take my own brain-chatter advice more often! xo Gita
Posted by: Claire Fontaine | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 04:10 PM
I keep a French lavender bottle on my bedside table and squeeze it to release the scent of the lavender flowers inside. Sometimes it works. (I bought it in L'isle Sur La Sorgue for 8E about a year ago and it still smells of lavender when squeezed.)
Posted by: Judy | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 04:34 PM
Sleeping is over rated
Posted by: Bill Facker | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 04:36 PM
Worries often wake me up early in the a.m. So hard to get the "worry tape" to stop replaying and replaying. I try to breathe deeply, cuddle the dog and refocus.
Dr. Madaway had good advice. Perhaps a good book for people to read would be "French Word A Day"?!
50 and the sunrise is beautiful in Seattle
Posted by: martina | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 04:50 PM
You need an electric blanket, or as the new ones are: warming blankets. Wonderful. Jean
Posted by: Jean Lillibridge | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 04:56 PM
To so many helpful comments I'll add this one. A drop or two of essential oils blended from lavender and marjoram rubbed into the soles of my feet helps me on sleepless nights. In any case, as my sister says, although it doesn't help her sleep at least her feet smell nice.
Posted by: bev | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 05:03 PM
I too have the same sleepness nights and have in the past done battle with it, tossing and turning and trying so hard to fall asleep. Now I lay there allowing my thoughts to just run through and get themselves all of out until there is nothing more to think about. Sometimes I'll get up and read a novel or a cookbook. I love cookbooks and they definitely help to make my eyes tired. One other tip that works for me is a glass of milk and a banana. Sometimes I'll warm the milk but a cold glass also does the trick. Not to exclude the men who have problems with insomnia, because I know there are some who have terrible times with not sleeping, but in talking with other women I find it is a women thing. We sometimes joke that if we had some way of knowing when each other is awake without disturbing the rest of the family, we could be chatting at 2, 3, or 4 in the morning.
Posted by: Camille | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 05:07 PM
It's a year now since Madoff has riled mes réves. I'm up several times a night (without a prostate, WHY?), and the trick is to keep the formless fears at bay. I try to keep my eyes closed and hope for the best.
Posted by: Cynthia Crane | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 05:21 PM
Waking during the night only happens to me during winter, usually in January. Either the warming blanket is set too high, or I'm not physically exhausting myself during the day because I don't always move around outside as much because of the cold and snow. I just live with it. It's hit and miss. What wonderful words today.
Posted by: Douglas | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 05:29 PM
Kristin, je sympathise avec ton insomnie, aggravée ici par le froid. Les petits conseils à t'offrir ne sont que des petits "trucs" qui marchent pour moi. Will these "petits trucs" work for you too? Why not?
As far as I am concerned, reading in bed doesn't seem to work at all when it's cold. Holding the book and turning the pages keep my hands frozen!
Darkness helps me a great deal - so, no "veilleuse"! What about getting over the combination of insomnia PLUS cold?
Add blankets on the top of your duvet before getting into bed and snuggle under the whole lot, covering up your head. You won't suffocate... but, gradually, you'll feel the atmosphere in that confined space getting warmer and friendlier.
If socks in bed are “allowed”, (it's winter after all) wear socks that are fluffy and a bit loose. Don't laugh at the idea of "une bouillote", under or in between your feet, but it would certainly help if, before going to bed, your feet were already warm. Easier to keep them warm than warming them up!
Don't stir up the building up of extra warmth around you under duvet and blankets. Once in a relaxed position, stop fidgeting.
As for the old idea of "compter les moutons", I am not a shepherdess, so, my "moutons" are replaced by a list of things, of people, or succession of uneventful events (!) or happy events, pictures I like, ... but I avoid turning round and round sensitive and upsetting problems.
Eventually, my body gets warmer, my brain gives up, I'm dozing... and ... ?
-> “je dors comme une souche” / I sleep like a log
-> “je dors comme un loir” / I sleep like a dog ( a French "loir” is a 'dormouse' - NOT a dog- , I know, Smokey.... but there you are...
Posted by: Newforest | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 05:32 PM
I was given some microwavable slippers for Christmas (my feet are always cold). They're meant to be used under a desk, not to be walked in (no soles). I've found that putting a warm one under the covers near one's feet is also wooonderrfulll. Maybe they have them in France too?
Posted by: Janet | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 05:36 PM
These tips are making me sleepy already (oh, and they aren't at all boring!)
Newforest, I can't be the only one who is tickled to have you back... for a visit--or for whenever you feel like stopping in! I, too, can't bear reading in the cold, with hands and shoulders chilling above the warm covers! If I ever get a Kindle, I'll take it with me under the covers, following part of your suggestion. Thank you for the expressions (Smokey and I are giggling about the "dormouse-loir"
Posted by: Kristin | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 05:44 PM
Yes, I agree that it is more of a women thing. My husband falls right to sleep and only awakes for la toilette and then falls right back to sleep. Women's minds just keep going nonstop, plus the full moon and maybe what we ate or drank prior to bed all affect us when we are trying dormir.
In response to Diane about cats. I remember my cats running around like a herd of elephants, especially in the night or for no reason at all. If we could only do as cats do and take those cat naps for which they are so famous.
Posted by: Kathleen | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 05:47 PM
Oh, my golly, Kristin, it was on your blog, French Word A Day, that I first became aware of lavender bottles! Your aunt was making one. (NOW I remember!)
Posted by: Judy | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 05:47 PM
Kristin, Quand j'ai la veille sommeil, je pense de tout les paroles francais je sais de A to Z. In no time I am asleep. Love the pictures of the puppies and hope to visit in October. A bientot, Matt (prospective dog-sitter)
Posted by: Matt Mahon | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 06:09 PM
Dear Kristin,
I totally sympathize and I know of no real solutions, pour moi, that is. I accept it and just let it be. I have however discovered that a kitty purring on my chest always puts me to sleep. If you like I will send you Ollie, he is warm and heavy and purrs a lot.
And so wonderful to see baby photos of brave little Smokey.
As far as weather...nonstop rain for a week or I cannot even remember. Mudslides all around us, and oh well, in CA we get all the year's rain in two weeks.
Love and wishes for a sleepy night,
Mona
Posted by: mona | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 06:18 PM
C'est a dire tu as passe une nuit blanche...sorry no accents available...
Posted by: Marie La Salle | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 06:20 PM
Hi mY Darlings,
I was reading the post above (while I am reading I am thinking, "What a smart post this is, the people who come here are so interesting, etc. - then I was thinking, "This person is like a friend or sister I always wanted" - so full of wisdom and kind instruction...so many French words sprinkled in just the right way throughout her post...
I just about fainted when I saw 'NEWFOREST', not to make any of our other commenter's feel bad - but there is no one like NEWFOREST. When NEWFOREST first showed up in the comment box a year or two ago Kristi and I were on the phone right away saying, "Who is this!!! Kristi and I both felt like NEWFOREST brought a new dimension, a level of communication that
we never dreamed we would be blessed with.
We love you NEWFOREST, we will try not to bother you too much, rest and enjoy each moment of your day...know we don't expect you to turn out these masterpiece comments three days a week like you used to - we are just so happy to see you back here in the comments box.
Thank You God for sending NEWFOREST back to us.
XOXO
JULES
Posted by: Jules Greer | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 06:20 PM
While we can't dodge Life's worries, we can balance them. What works for me - a walk before bedtime, admiring the stars and remembering that I am a smallish part of a larger Universe; avoiding anything to eat or drink an hour before bedtime; avoiding anything electronic an hour before bedtime; deep, conscious breathing; a hot bath; a warm husband; failing that (don't laugh!) I find I can warm up the sheets wonderfully with a hair dryer when I don't have access to an old fashioned warming pan.:-)
I can't fix everything, but remembering I am loved in a circle of friends and family will often deepen my breathing. I guess my approach is not so much battling with insomnia as embracing and quieting it. I figure my body has its own wisdom, so I try to listen. here's wishing you a quick return to sleep filled nights.:-)
Posted by: Linda D. | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 06:37 PM
When I suffer insomnia I always try to keep my mind in the NOW... pay attention to your breathing, your body, the sounds of the night, etc... plus some other tips some already mentioned (reading, tea, relaxing the body, etc...) but the NOW keeps me away form what worries me and helps me relax and fall asleep.
For the cold... fluffy socks and a wool blanket under (not only on top of you) usually helps... if none of this helps for the cold, I always have the option to cuddle with my lovely french/boiler husband who is always warm!
Hope you have a better warm night :)
Besitos,
Andrea @ Austin, TX
p.s. nice to see you back Newforest!
Posted by: Andrea | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 06:40 PM
I sympathize heartily with the insomnie! I too will wake up shivering after being perfectly warm, or wake up feeling "enflammé" and start throwing les couvertures off! Neither is conducive to sleep...When I was young I used to get an old clean brick, warm it in the kitchen oven, wrap it in a towel and tuck it into bed near my fee. It always helped me to get to sleep (and be warm) and I haven't thought about it for years. Maybe I'll try it tonight! From blustery and VERY wet, although not too cold, northern California.
BTW Kristi, my friend Katja who lives in Fox-Amphoux, swears by the rooibos tea, take care!
Posted by: Jacqui McCargar | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 06:45 PM
That should have said "near my feet" but I'm sure you get the picture!! :)
Posted by: Jacqui McCargar | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 06:46 PM
I join with the others to say it is lovely to hear from you again, Newforest!
Posted by: Diane Scott | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 06:56 PM
I can't get thru the night without my LAVENDER EYE PILLOW! My mind is always going from one topic or worry to another. I have to shut it down with some soft meditative MUSIC, you have to find what is RIGHT FOR YOU. Soft piano just doesn't cut it for me. Beautiful but it is all over the place and just wakes me up. See what soothes you. Ocean, Rainforest, Native American Indian music, Reiki? You'll know when you hear it. A CUP OF HERBAL TEA, I like loose, CHAMOMILE with some of the other suggestions is great. Chamomile winds you down and is sweet and aromatic. There is Roman and German. Also the best part is a nice FLAX SEED EYE PILLOW WITH LAVENDER. I have a website for Orlando,FL for a great one. Cut out around eyes and nose. Small elastic to hold on so you can move around and sleep on your side, but I don't know if she ships out of country but I am sure you can find one in France. It hits the pressure points too so get a good REM sleep. Nice dream state. KNOCKS YOU OUT into DEEP SLEEP! Hope this helps. To better sleep...
Posted by: Kellie | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 07:01 PM
OK...since I did not have a problem with la veille last night...Desole, Je vais tres bien aujourd'hui! I am attempting a crepe recipe aujourd'hui along with my daily chores. I found one online but I was wondering if you had one you make. I saw one of the ads here for a crepe pan and Nutella(always have this!) and it had me searching. I found your le livre and website a year ago, not sure which first, in my ever search apprendre francais over the last 25 ans. (still don't know it) Lost my job so I have the time now. Even worked in a French Bakery with a real Frenchwoman yrs ago here in town! Only got stuck on all the "bad" treats, Like melted chocolat en petit pan.(Ate waaaayyy too much of that at work! Any how...before I rattle on... have a recipe you use?
Posted by: Kellie | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 07:25 PM
Well, Cheri Kristin, you should have joined me! At 1:00am I was out of my pjs into yucky clothes crawling underneath my deck in order to turn off, hopefully, the faucet with the broken coupling....not sure exactly what ocurred as I went to bed with no water running, but at 12:26 there was water running outside...grr...by the time I calmed down, got the water turned off, cleaned up and back in my pjs it was near 2:00 something!
Posted by: Kristine, dallas | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 07:27 PM
La veille - eve. "the day before" specifically as in "the day before something" Christmas Eve : La Veille de Noel.
Posted by: Chris | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 07:55 PM
I don't have any French words to add, but think Andrea had the right solution with her suggestion of cuddling with a warm husband. All the other solutions are so lovely, but to faire l'amour is the best remedy for sleeplessness and chilliness in my opinion! :-)
Posted by: Monica | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 08:51 PM
Kristi - are we somehow supposed to put our photo's in these new little colorful boxes you now have next to our salutations??
XOXO
MOM
Posted by: Jules Greer | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 09:57 PM
Well, nobody has said it so let me be the first. Jacqui your reading was spectacular!!... Brava... I hope we hear from you more often. Kristin... try putting the heating pad in the bed before you jump in. Have it right where your feet are and ooh-la-la.... heaven is your reward and you can drift off to terre de reve!@!
Raining cats and dogs here in L.A. with lots of flooding, land slides etc. Temp. in the 60's
Posted by: Patience | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 10:28 PM
I have enjoyed your articles very much, so I decided to try to help you with your insomnia:
1. Do not drink coffee or colas with caffeine
after five PM.
2. If you have insomnia in the middle of the night, get up and have 2 tablespoons of honey,
before you know, the zzz's will come. It
works for me, I hope for you too!
Bon chance.
Posted by: Soccoro Griffin | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 11:37 PM
Hmmm, so many good suggestions,Kristin..but here are the ones that work best for me..
a cup of milk warmed in the microwave..with perhaps a bit of sugar and vanilla added, or better yet a bit of chocolate syrup mixed in, and to warm the feet..what I call a bean bag! Put dry beans in an old stocking or cotton bag and warm in the microwave..and put your feet on that. And yes, more covers, and even tuck a pillow against your chest to keep the core of your body warm..happy dreams! Hugs, Cerelle
Posted by: Cerelle | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 11:55 PM
Andrea, I'm trying to picture a "french/boiler husband"! :) And Kellie, where can I get that "FLAX SEED EYE PILLOW WITH LAVANDER"! That sounds wonderful! And, where is Bill from St Paul? I know what you mean JULES, we start to think of all these commenters as our friends we have yet to meet and when I don't see them on here, I miss them. (Like I've missed you!)I look forward to getting acquainted with NEWFOREST as I'm new on this site since NEWFOREST first appeared and then disappeared. OH, ONE MORE THING - I'm wondering the same thing as JULES about putting our pictures in the little icons :)
Posted by: Candy in SW KS | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 12:00 AM
I believe there is nothing like an old fashion water bottle. It was one of my favorite things to do as a mom when my boys were young. I would slip a water bottle in everyone's bed a half hour before bedtime.
Posted by: Suzan | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 12:45 AM
How about reveille - awake or wake up. In the Army, USA and possibly the UK too, they have Reveille Bugle Call. I think we used to use the same word when I was in the Girl Guides and we were in camp for the call to meet first thing each day. (Think the pronunciation may be Re-vall-ay, or something similar.)
I consider myself so fortunate not to be an insomniac - it must be awful.
h/e
Posted by: hopeeternal | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 12:49 AM
Hot water bottles are great for the cold and a litany of prayers sometimes works to get me to sleep when I wake up in the middle of the night.
Posted by: Jan | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 02:15 AM
I believe veilleuse can also mean a pilot light, such as one on a stove.
Every person is different, so what works for one might not work for another. Reading in bed usually helps me fall asleep. Sometimes I am too preoccupied to sleep, such as after a car accident a few weeks ago, or when concerned about jobhunting, etc. Generally, the more we can decompress and shift gears, the better. Many folks have an evening routine which includes taking a shower or bath . . . I've heard one should avoid strenuous exercise before sleeping, although swimming laps, since it exercises all the muscles, usually helps me sleep.
I think the advice to avoid liquids well in advance of bedtime is the best, since having to get up at night is disruptive. Experiment, as well, to find the best temperature, and maybe keep a spare throw or blanket at the foot of the bed in case you wake up and want another. I personally like being under lots of covers, but some folks manage fine with one blanket, electric or regular.
Sometimes mentally reciting poetry or songs can help one drop off.
Rest assured that the cure for insomnia is insomnia. Eventually you WILL be able to sleep. Good luck!
Posted by: Marianne Rankin | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 02:18 AM
Hi Kristin,
Enjoyed your post today. I couldn't sleep last night but it was because mon mari "ronflait." Is that the right word? I went outside to look at the stars and I was rewarded with the most beautiful starry night sky!
Posted by: Eileen deCamp | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 03:04 AM
For hopeeternal, Reveille as pronounced by the US military: REH-vuh-lee! accent on the exclamation point! hihihi...(French for hahaha...Kristin's next word.
Posted by: Chris, Utah | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 03:22 AM
Mom,
Good question about "are we to put our photos in the new colorful boxes?" I don't know. I've only figured out how to turn them on! They do color up the comments box, don't they? Wouldn't photos be nice?
Patience, thanks for your comment, which had me re-reading Jacqui's words... which then reminded me that I dreamed of roobai (sp?) tea last night--and dreamed of my dear Uncle Rusty, too--which then made me realize that I did not have insomnia last night! Thanks to all of these helpful tips!
Posted by: Kristin | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 07:08 AM
Cerelle, Socorro, at ami(e)s, keep these goodies coming! The tips are "terrible!" as the French say (that's "excellent"... just in case :-)
Candy, So nice to read your notes -- and this one about our friends here. Wouldn't it be fun to have a reunion? It may have to be a "virtual" one! I am thinking about starting a community section here -- where we could start topics independently of this column. It is the "tech" side that is daunting... but it may be a way for us to reach out to one another.
On the other hand, if the comments box isn't broke... then why fix it (if this area is working well to bring us all together, then is there a reason to change things?)
Posted by: Kristin | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 07:25 AM
One 500mg capsule of l-tryptophan (a harmless amino acid)20 minutes before bed always works for me. It's available at Swanson Vitamins, on sale currently for $13.95 for 90. I guarantee it will work, and you won't feel any ill effects the next day. I loved your poem.
www.swansonvitamins.com
Posted by: Linda Chandler | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 07:27 AM
Oh, Smokey, I just discovered your baby picture. How adorable you were... and are.
Posted by: Linda Chandler | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 07:31 AM
Dear Kristen,
Has ANY entry in your blog ever received this much commentary??
I finally whiz-scrolled to the end, so maybe this idea is already in there somewhere: try to find, in a drugstore or health-food store or large super-marche, liquid melatonin. You can adjust the amount you take so easily with that, compared to in pill form. Ever since I started taking that - just one tsp., not the 2 and a half tsp. suggested on the bottle, I have NEVER had a single night of insomnia, not at the beginning & not during the night either.
Note: if you drink alcohol after about 7 p.m., it can cause you to have trouble going to sleep, or going back to sleep if you get up to use the restroom.
Here in the Midwest it's sold at a super-store called Meijer; I'll check the name brand & send you that demain.
BONNE NUIT!!!
affectueusement,
gypsy
Posted by: Gypsy Martine-Tetzloff | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 07:39 AM
Réponse à:
Please help add to this list in the comments box
--> "la veille" (the day before) can also mean the fact you are wide awake.
-> with the word "heures" -> 3 heures de veille = 3 hours without sleep, being awake for 3 hours
-> with the word "état" -> être en état de veille" = to be awake, to stay awake (instead of sleeping)
-> Après tant d'heures (after so many hours) de veille, elle est épuisée (épuisé = exhausted / worn out)
--> "veille-sommeil" is an ADJECTIVE, made of 2 nouns, invariable / neutral,
so, this adjective doesn't agree with feminine, masculine, singular, plural.
In French, it is often used with the words "rythme", "cycle" or "alternance"
--> Le rythme veille-sommeil -> the sleep-wake rhythm
--> le cycle veille-sommeil -> the sleep-wake cycle
--> l'alternance veille-sommeil -> the sleep-wake pattern
In this context, one speaks of our "horloge biologique" / rythme biologique = our 'biological clock' / biological rhythm
--> "une veilleuse" = a night light - also a pilot light
but... une lampe de chevet = a bedside light
See you later
(7am, English time, so 8 am French time.... My biological clock is "un peu fantaisiste" and I'm going back to bed right now)
Posted by: Newforest | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 07:51 AM
...hot water bottle for the feet....
...pen and paper by the bed to write down your worries (or annoying thoughts) so you can forget about them for the night...
...electric hand on a stick for turning pages on a cold night that my husband vows he is going to invent...zzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted by: Gretel | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 11:54 AM
So many great tips, can't stop reading. AND...A HUGE welcome back to you, Newforest!! You were so very missed.
Posted by: Karen - Maryland, USA | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 01:18 PM
I'll add my vote for the good ol' hot water bottle, the low tech, ancienne solution. I wrap mine in flannel (an old pillow case) and rest it on my stomach while I read my book in bed in preparation for sleep. I also drink a cup of tilleul (linden flower) tea last thing at night, something I learned here in France. I passed on that trick to an American friend who has regular problems with insomnie.
For getting rid of those pesky thoughts running around in your head, nothing helps me like writing them down.
Posted by: N2 | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 01:19 PM
I AM STILL GIDDY WITH JOY TO SEE NEWFOREST BACK.
For any of you who don't know who NEWFOREST is you just experienced one of her little gifts above. It would be well worth your while (that sounds like something my Mother used to say, how funny, it just popped out on my keyboard) for us to pressure Kristi into giving us the date (or WORD) when NEWFOREST first showed up in the comment box a year or two ago, then we could collect her comments into a little side journal to help us on our French path.
WE LOVE YOU NEWFOREST - YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORK SO HARD FOR US-just knowing you are here again is enough for us.
XOXO
JULES
Posted by: Jules Greer | Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 08:45 PM
My Grandma always liked a glass of warm milk before bed to help with sleep. I will always think of her on a restless night. :-)
Posted by: Jennifer in OR | Friday, January 22, 2010 at 06:20 AM
Kristin, for YOU my remedy would be redundant; however, for my moments of insomnia I put on my learn-to-speak French tapes. Works every time!
Posted by: Inky Pen | Friday, January 22, 2010 at 08:17 AM
Ok Candy in SW KS,
I got my LAVENDER EYE PILLOW at the Southern Women's Show in ORL FL. but her website is www.kozycollar.com and she offers all kinds of products too.
I have several of them. The ones for the neck are AWESOME. They have slippers for those of you in the longer winter areas! You can microwave them, freeze them. She will even do them unscented if you have allergies or for your man who doesn't want lavender.
She was a teacher who was in a horrible car crash who designed it to stay on her neck for therapy then came up with the other products. The design is what is so great about them. And durable too...my chihuahua,Goliath,decided he likes lavender and was sitting there just chewing away but didn't get thru the fabric. I wipped it down good and zapped again it for good measure! Holds up great!
I love them for my headaches and my back. Or when it's down right cold! They make great gifts and they also offer sets. She is a sweetheart from Florida too. And sewed me two unscented and had them to me in a few days! They are well worth ordering!
Posted by: Kellie | Friday, January 22, 2010 at 06:48 PM
When I have trouble sleeping, I read something. Many times it takes just a page or two to do the trick. Sometimes I read more, but I believe the secres has little to do with the amount of reading, as with the fact that I read something. It does not always work, but it does most of the time.
Chicago area, temperature in the 30's F.
Posted by: Susan Radatz | Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 02:13 AM
Some of these solutions work for me, but I have to vary them. At times I only need one of these and at others a combination works best. Aspirin; meditation; yoga breathing (includes putting chatty stuff on an imaginary cloud pillow); reading; a bit of warm milk; or Valerian (herbal supplement). When nothing works, my exhausted body kicks into sleep and I just go with the flow. . .hard to do with all that you have going on. Good luck!
Posted by: Janet Fisher | Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 04:34 AM
When you can't sleep, don't count sheep, talk to the Shepard.
Posted by: Mary Gooding | Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 07:18 AM
That's SHEPHERD.
Posted by: Mary Gooding | Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 07:28 AM
I didn't hear mention of Jean-Marc?? But someone did say above that her husband provided a lot of warmth. The one thing I miss about my X--he was always hot as that French boiler. which didn't work so well in Key West (3 horrible years) sorry if any of you love it there.. Or Hawaii (10 years the second five divorced) then Oh La La I NEVER had insomnia just lots of great guys in bed.
Posted by: Harriet | Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 06:53 PM