FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

Kristen, I am the worst procrastinator ever. The Queen Mother of putting all things off until the very last minute. I've been trying to make lists lately to see if that will help. Bon courage...puppy time helps me destress when I finally switch into action gears.

Salut Kristin,

Another definition of the phrase "remettre au lendemain" might be:

"Never do today what you can get someone else to do tomorrow."

That probably would not work for you though since your writings are "so you" and the deception would be obvious.

Procrastinate?....I'll write more later..Ha!

Herm in Phoenix, AZ

Kristin,
In case you do get a mitt and want to oil it, remember Neatsfoot Oil is the only oil that can be used. You probably don't remember Bill Buckner, but the rumor is that he did not use Neatsfoot Oil !! The rest is history.

Hi Kristin,

Who doesn't love to procrastinate? There are always more fun & interesting things to do than those on one's "to do list". My strategy is to give myself a little reward if I accomplish something on the task list. If I'd rather read my novel I will allow myself to read a chapter after doing one or more of my "tasks". It's good to have a list of tasks for the satisfaction of crossing them off the list when you've done them. I agree with you that gardening is a great de-stresser. I like to head to the garden after work to deadhead, weed or just see what has come into bloom that day. Pretty soon, I've forgotten all about anything that was worrying or stressing me.

Cheers,

Mary from Toronto

Taking a writing class with that author!! How fabulous. Oh, yes, I know about procrastinating. I've been putting off writing two letters (in French) to some acquaintances in France. I've put off another task that is necessary but unpleasant (why else to put it off.) However, I've been sewing up little Pockets in my studio and making little collages, and assorted other things. OH, I best stop writing and get to the letters en francais, eh? Merci for you writings. I so enjoy them.

Never give in, break in... will be using this one a lot - thanks!

Your writings are so pleasing to read when you share your imperfect but beautiful self.

15 pages ... how about a story of an Arizonian ex-patriot using some of your special-to-me writings! --- adapting and choosing with such as when you visited the "gypsie" woman and the experience was a life-changer, the gift of the French book, your trips to France (esp. the one when you first met Jean-Marc(!), telling about your one way ticket back, describing your fabulous husband and two children and uniguely charming mother, building your new home, your first 2 experiences with public speaking, your visit to the emergency room with your chip-off-the-block son with the concussion??? Or your favorites...

This could be fact or with fictional characters and events. Dans chaque cas, your best of FWD could oil your 15 page submission challenge. Lots of love toujours

Your tips are original and helpful. Thank you! I will be trying some of them!

Fred, extra thanks for your thoughtful suggestions. I had thought of using something already written (make that "already begun"), but it kind of felt like cheating! I may have to resort to this, but your note makes me feel less bad about it.

I managed to write a first chapter and am feeling less stressed. Let's hope tomorrow will be fruitful. I received another workshop note and have learned that I need to print 6 copies of this not-yet-written manuscript. Eeps. The stress is returning--and it's all self-inflicted so one can't even feel badly for oneself!

Also, Fred, I can't remember if I wished you a Happy May 29th birthday. (Better late than never? :-) Happy 83rd!!! :-)

Relax, girlfriend.:-) Everything that has to get done, *will* get done. I know sometimes it may feel as though we are juggling a watermelon, chainsaw and a baby, but really, there is always time to smell the flowers, watch a gorgeous sunset or hug our kids...you know, the really IMPORTANT stuff.:-) As for the short story, it's really only the form you're wresting with. After all, you already know how to write. (Something you do exceedingly well, by the way) And, since you are a student of the form, you are free to let go of your ideas of perfection to play with various ideas. So, go ahead and play! That's a much more inviting idea than 'homework' anyway.

Familiar classical music makes my heart soar, which, in turn, reduces stress. Almost always...

Salut Kristin.

A little poem for you:

Get a Round Tuit

I tend to wait, but
I hate to be late.
It makes me irate,
But I do want to state
When called by fate
To heavens gate,
I’ll not procrastinate

Herm in Phonix, AZ

Dear Kristin,

You have all you need to write your story, YOU! Just relax take a few breaths in and out and you will do wonderfully. Your gift is always present as we see each time you send our your wonderful blog.

Give the dogs a big hug!

Sunny as always in Phoenix, AZ

Hi Kristin and fans. Who here is already amazed at the time Kristin must devote to writing for these wonderful thrice weekly (and Saturdays, too) stories avec plus des photos?! Now... with this class you have even MORE to write. I guess it's "assignment" oriented as opposed to writing in "journal" style as you do usually.

When I enrolled in a writing class last year it was meeting the assignment criteria that was the hardest part. I felt like a college student - up until the wee hours of the morning (because I started writing ideas after dinner when the house finally quieted down) and then having a "rough go of it" the next morning as I tried to function with the children, pets and daily tasks like DRIVING!! UGH. I LOVED it but I think I will have to wait until the kids are in college before I can do that to myself again.

I admire your never-ending pursuit of what you love, Kristin.

I agree, dogs do help when you are stessed. They are great listeners!! My son makes fun of me for talking to the dog.

I feel your pain about writing. I have tried over the years to write something. Other than writing papers in college, it has been hard to do much other than keep some journals. I have been told to write my life story, but there are many parts I would rather forget. Maybe I will write about my travels through Europe with my sons...here I go daydreaming again.

A story will come to you. You do have a talent, as most have seen and told.

have a wonderful week!!

I do not like to tell anyone what to do but I am asking you to please balance your drive to write better with your love of self and family which requires you to maintain a minimum degree of rest and nutrition for health, energy, and mental composure. With love ... Fred

I'm a great one pour' remettre au lendemain' especially ironing (till the basket overflows,), window cleaning, & cleaning brass & copperware . Still as I'm retired what matters it ?
Yoga breathing is a great de-stresser I find & I paint , so I lose myself in this .
Keep wriing Kristen

I've learned that I procrastinate only if i think I can't succeed at finishing the project- do I have enough time, enough equipment? So I break it down to smaller elements- usually by laying out goals by the month, or the season (or a due date) on a giant calendar I usually make myself. If it is a writing project- I just start; really fast for about 10 minutes. I never even try to start at the beginning- just start, with any interesting idea about the topic.Full-sentences are no needed. You can fill it in, and re-arrange it all later. (That's why computers were invented!)

Bonjour Lolly,

My wife is a super quilter and instructor. She would be interested in your quilting ideas. Check out Sharron at the www.quiltzaz.com website.

Herm in Phoenix, AZ

Kristen, Your photos and words are what keep my longing for France at bay! What part of the French experience crawls into one's heart and makes a home there, like a little cat with milk-soaked whiskers who yawns and stretches and by so doing wakens the soul to a longing that pierces to the marrow?! If I die without seeing Provence again, the sleepy little town of Venasque or the sweeping vista from the steep climb to Gordes, then Heaven had better be an exact reproduction! (Sorry for the long sentences, but they are the deep exhalations of a heart-sick Francophile.)

This brings out the English teacher in me which never got to be expressed in real life. You said "Dogs are said to have the same affect:"

The word should be "effect."

"Affect" is to be used only as a verb.

"Effect" can be used as a noun or a verb.

I am in the greater Chicagoland area and the temperature is about 80 degrees F.

Thank you for restoring French to my life after many years missing.