tonnerre
Friday, April 29, 2011
Chief Grape in his tractor. (Photo taken earlier this month.) The vines are now leafy green and those bushes, in the foreground, are covered with sweet-scented, golden, Scottish-broomy buds.
Un update on Jean-Marc's test results in today's story: "Light at the end of the Tonnerre"...
Correction: The pronunciation for chocotte, or "to have the jitters" (and nothing to do with "chochotte", or "a fussbudget / fusspot"), is updated here.
le tonnerre (toh nair)
: thunder
Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc pronounce the following example sentence and the expressions below: Download MP3 or Wav file
Le tonnerre ne vient pas au même moment que l'éclair.
Thunder does not come at the same time as lightning.
un coup de tonnerre = clap, peal, of thunder, thunderbolt
un tonnerre d'applaudissements = thunderous applause
du tonnerre = terrific, wonderful, fantastic
Tonnerre de Dieu! (or "de Brest!")! = heavens above, or hell's bells!
A Day in a French Life by Kristin Espinasse
"Light at the End of the Tonnerre"
After the pounding thunderclap, I burrowed farther into my husband's arms. Lying there we looked out the bedroom window to the flash of lumière.
Out of blackness, the vineyard became illuminated, every leafy vine coming into view, the stones beneath them glistening. Overhead, a jagged hand of lightning pointed downward, like a conductor's swift command, and the field below was awash in the melody of light.
I listened to Jean-Marc count quietly: un, deux, trois...
A breath of French numbers tickled the back of my neck.
... quatre, cinq, six...
I recognized his "distance of lightning" calculation. The seconds, divided, correspond to the number of kilometers between us and that threatening bolt.
... onze, douze, treize...
The counting trailed off. In the wait between time and space, I asked Jean-Marc to repeat the nurse's exact words concerning the test results for the kidney biopsy he had two weeks ago.
"Rien d'alarmant."
I repeated his answer, as I had when we first heard it, and again in the hours between then and now. "Rien d'alarmant"....
"Oui, Chérie," Jean-Marc agreed, his arms reenforcing his hold on me.
We lie there in peace, having stopped counting the distance of lightning. After twelve seconds and twelve long days that menacing thunderbolt never came.
***
Post note: Apart from the assurance that "rien d'alarmant" showed up in the biopsy results, we have no further details from the medical exam. Jean-Marc is to return to the doctor's in three weeks (the soonest the nurse could schedule him in) for an evaluation.
Le Coin Commentaires
To respond to this story, click here to access the comments box. Merci d'avance!
French Vocabulary
la lumière = light
un, deux, trois... = one, two, three...
quatre, cinq, six... = four, five, six
onze, douze, treize... = eleven, twelve, thirteen...
rien d'alarmant = nothing alarming
oui, Chérie = yes, Dear
"Flower Boy". Smokey-Doodle says: You always hear about Flower Girls...
Smokey: "Why is it that Flower Boys never get any attention? (There I am, Flower Geek, in the background...)"
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Praise God for the news of 'rien d'alarmant'! I know this brings some relief after a long period of unrest. Prayers continue for you all.
Be joyful as today is the day the Lord has made!
XO!
Posted by: Kristine, Dallas | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Oh, Kristin! First, I must say I am so happy that everything is okay! Second, after reading your blog for so many years, this is my very favorite post, not only because it contains good news, but the way you wove it in with the story about thunder was so beautiful. What a tender, touching moment - gave me chills! Best wishes for continued good health to you and your family!!
Posted by: Janae | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 10:53 AM
A world-wide exhaling of breath and giving thanks for prayers answered. Was there celebrating or just a sense of peace pervading?
Posted by: Betty (up for the royal wedding) | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 10:54 AM
What a relief. The story was very touching and tender. May the wonderful news continue.
Soyez patients!
Posted by: Jackie Sand | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Woot! What great news to wake up to! And you even gave us a story to cradle that wonderful news: 'rien d'alarmant' - now there's a phrase I'll remember!
Much love,
Linda
Posted by: L. M. Davies | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Good news, I am so glad for you both. And the fact that there wasn't an appointment for three weeks reinforces that it's "rien d'alarmant". I imagine they keep the early appointments for the people who do have "quelque chose d'alarmant".
Posted by: Passante | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 12:36 PM
I agree "rien d'alarmant" is good news. Like J-M when we're having a thunderstorm I always start counting when there's a flash of lightening, it's gotten so I can't help it. What's the "formula" for calculating how many kilometers away the lightening was? As our dear Golden Theo aged he became very afraid of the thunder. So much so that one time we had to put him in the bathroom in the basement where we thought he'd feel safe. Unfortunately, he got in the cabinet under the sink and chewed through the (plastic) pipes to the sink. Now we had an extremely agitated and wet dog!
Posted by: Bill in St. Paul | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 12:44 PM
This is such a beautiful and tender post today, Kristin. I am so happy and relieved that I want to run through the fields like "Flower Boy"!!
Posted by: Karen W (Towson, Maryland) | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 01:09 PM
Great news, Kristin! What a relief!
Posted by: Paul Heffron | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 01:33 PM
This made me cry with happiness for what you have(relief and a great love) more than for what you don't(bad kidney news). It's a beautifully written story. Thank you for your courage, candor, and generosity as a writer.
Posted by: Martine | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 02:14 PM
Fabulous news! Kiss Jean-Marc for me (trois temps)! I think we'll pop a bottle of Domaine Rouge-Bleu rose tonight to celebrate. Like the others, I appreciated today's post and interweaving the stories.
Posted by: Suzanne, Monroe Twp., NJ | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 02:16 PM
So happy to hear the news that there is "rien d'alarmant". I know all of you must be very relieved!
I use to count during thunderstorms as well. I miss the thunderstorms in Missouri where I grew up. I don't get to experience many in San Diego. When I lived in Aix-en-Provence, I was surprised by the violent thunder storms in Provence at times. Your blog reminded me of this souvenir de Provence!
Posted by: Julie Schorr | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 02:46 PM
So very happy for all of you at this wonderful news. Todays story is beautifully written -- very touching and tender. Amities, Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 03:35 PM
What a relief! After such a long period of uncertainty, the good news is even more welcome. You nailed it with your story today--masterful in the way you wove the "rien d'alarmant" diagnosis into the thunderous moment. I can hear a collective sigh of relief from your blog family around the world. Now you can settle back into your "normal" life, appreciating each other even more. Cheers!
Posted by: Jan in Colorado | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 03:36 PM
Wonderful news! And once again, delivered in such a clever way. Congratulations on both counts.
Posted by: Bruce T. Paddock | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 05:06 PM
Merci, Seigneur.....xo
Posted by: Patti | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 05:08 PM
Smokey's romp through the flowers is a celebratory exclamation! We are all so relieved with "rien d'alarmant"! And let us all learn from Smokey how important it is to "smell the flowers" in spite of the thunder! (How's that for mixed metaphors?!) Sending hugs and blessings to you in your beautiful Provence kingdom.
Posted by: Candy in SW KS | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 05:27 PM
Good News.
You both inspire me .
Georgia
Posted by: Georgia Catasca | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 05:28 PM
Excellent news about the test results. And as the doctor doesn't want to see J-M for another three weeks this is confirmation that all is well. If there had been a problem a much earlier appointment would have been made.
A small typo: change 'lightening' to 'lightning.'
Posted by: Nick | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 05:30 PM
Great news for all your family. The relief must be enormous ! Several years ago I had sudden severe loin pain, diagnosed as renal colic. Further tests found kidney stones. Amazingly disolved with several treatments on an ultrasound machine. Thankfully - no operation AND no reoccurance! I was moved by the delicate way you shared your story and am delighted with the outcome. J-M is obviously Veeeeeeeeerryyy precious.
Posted by: Georges Kirkwood | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 06:12 PM
I am a new subscriber and I love it. I've been following your news. I want to say "YEAH". What a wonderful and heart felt post. Stay well and keep writing!
Posted by: Faye | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 06:14 PM
I have been awaiting Jean-Marc's test results and read today's post with my breath caught in my chest until I was sure "rien d'alarmant" meant what I thought it did! I am so happy and thankful for the good news!
By the way, when I was a child, my father and I would sit on the front porch during a thunderstorm and count out the seconds between the lightning and the thunder clap. This is a memory even more cherished now that my father is gone. So along with your wonderful good news, you also evoked a treasured memory. Thank you for both.
Posted by: Julianna | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 06:19 PM
Un tonnerre d'applaudissements!
Atlanta, Georgia,US
Posted by: Loretta | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 06:30 PM
Les mots, "rien d'alarmant," literally brought tears to my eyes (and I just put on my mascara, ugh!)! So happy to hear good news!
Posted by: Leah in sunny NE Illinois | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 07:04 PM
I didn't realize I was sort of holding my breath waiting for this post. What wonderful news, and put in the context of a storm that didn't materialize made it even more touching.
Thank you for sharing the news in such a lovely way.
Linda
Caldwell, NJ
Posted by: Linda Beck Cane | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 07:04 PM
So tender! Lovely, Kristin. In Minnesota we had some snow-thunderstorms this winter. It was eerie and amazing to see the world all snowy and all lit up in those lightning blasts in January and February.
Posted by: Amy Kortuem | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Mis en bouteille au château Bottled at the chateau
Appellation contrôlée Designated growing area
La dégustation des vins Wine tasting
La vigne The vine
Le vignoble The vineyard
Les vendanges The harvest
La viniculture The wine industry
Le sommelier The wine waiter
Le grand cru Superior vintage
Un verre de rouge/blanc A glass of red wine/white wine
Une coupe de champagne A flute of champagne
Un litre de vin du pays A liter of wine (from a cooperative)
Un Bordeaux A bottle of Alsace wine
Un Bourgogne A bottle of Burgundy wine
Un Chablis A bottle of Chablis wine
Le terroir The soil, the land
La vallée de la Loire The Loire Valley
Visiter To visit
La région Sancerroise The Sancerre Region
Connu de par le monde World famous
Une ancienne tradition An ancient tradition
Les bonnes directions Good directions
Pour trouver To find
Un des meilleurs One of the best
Régionale Local (feminine)
Régionaux Local (plural)
Au moins At least
Du pinard Cheap wine
Un grand millésime A vintage wine
Posted by: gail bingenheimer | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 08:02 PM
Grateful the thunderbolt never came. The white flower at the bottom of your post is so pretty; the texture reminded me of crepe paper.
Posted by: Jennifer in OR | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 08:52 PM
What a royal relief!
Posted by: Maureen | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 08:58 PM
Kristin, my husband does the same thing...uno, due, tre, quattro or in French, or in English sometimes and voila! The tonnere arrives just on time.
I am happy for your news, and await the 3 week discussion....
In each other's arms...that's all that matters.
Posted by: Suzanne Dunaway | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 09:50 PM
I have been praying that all would be well for "Chief Grape" and you! Thank God for good news.
Posted by: Mary Ann Boysen | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 10:34 PM
love this post and am so happy and relieved for you at this good news!
Posted by: Jan R. | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 10:40 PM
I looked up how to calculate how far away the lightning is. One counts the seconds either with a timepiece or by saying "one-one-thousand," etc. for each second. Take the total number of seconds between the lightning flash and divide by 5 to get distance in miles, or by 3 to get distance in kilometers. If, say, you counted 24 seconds, that would be about 8 kilometers or not quite 5 miles.
So glad J-M est en bonne sante!
Posted by: Marianne Rankin | Friday, April 29, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Kristin,
I'm so happy to hear it's "rien d'alarmant!"
I hope that further evaluation brings only good news!
Posted by: Christine | Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 12:43 AM
Dear Kristin and Jean-Marc,
I'm so happy with this news for both of you. I wasn't very worried.As in, not panicked for you. Somehow I felt it would be "rien d'alarmant!"
I wish I had some Domaine Rouge Bleu left to celebrate your good news.
Hoping for continued good news.
Peggy
Posted by: Peggy | Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 01:34 AM
Kristi,
I have been away from things for a while and have just been catching things up. I am sorry for the health fright you both went through and wish you both the very best! Lightening seems to come awefully close sometimes and it's good to have a counting companion to help with our perspective.
OXOX,
Missy
Posted by: Missy | Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 03:41 AM
Wonderful news!! Thank you for telling it to us in such a touching way. My wishes for continued good health, Cynthia
Posted by: Cynthia Lewis | Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 03:48 AM
Great news! Stay well.
Posted by: Sue J. | Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 05:26 AM
A beautiful touching story from my talented writer wife and some great caring words... What can happen to me ?
Thanks a lot for your support.
Cheers,
Posted by: Jean-Marc Espinasse | Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 07:28 AM
Beautiful story Kristin and great news for Jean-Marc!
Posted by: Eileen deCamp | Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 01:30 PM
So glad for the good news about Jean-Marc and happy that you can breath easier now. Waiting for news is such a difficult task.
Posted by: Susan Carter | Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 02:04 AM
Kristin
So happy about the rien d'alarmant and as Candy said, and as Smokey says "stop and smell the flowers. Now that you have the good news about Chief Grape, you can stop and smell the flowers with Smokey.
Posted by: Kathleen | Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 09:29 PM
Bonjour Kristin et Jean-Marc!
Je suis un peu en retard, mais c'est chouette d'apprendre que tout va bien pour Jean Marc. Quel soulagement pour vous deux!
The photos you post are, as usual, very nice. It's always a feast for my eyes. Thank you, Kristin!
Posted by: Millie | Monday, May 02, 2011 at 03:22 AM
Great story and beautiful pictures. France seems like a very beautiful country, I wish to visit it sometime before I die.
Posted by: Zeiss conquest | Monday, May 02, 2011 at 11:59 AM
What good news Kristin! I am so pleased for you & Jean Marc that this waiting is over .
Posted by: Audrey Wilson | Monday, May 02, 2011 at 04:41 PM
Dear Kristin and Jean-Marc,
I've just returned from Normandie and didn't read my e-mails - a huge relief for you both and like everyone else your story fits perfectly.
xx Angela
Posted by: Angela | Wednesday, May 04, 2011 at 02:13 PM
Just realized I missed this one! What a relief... Am so happy for you both. "Rien d'alarmant" is music to the ears. Love this cute story, too.
xo
Posted by: Ophelia in Nashville | Wednesday, May 04, 2011 at 05:21 PM
Thank heavens for the good news! I was imagining all the positive healing energy being sent your way from all of us, your devoted readers! xoxo
Posted by: Cate Salenger | Thursday, May 05, 2011 at 09:52 PM
J'ai prie pour la sante de votre mari et le bon Dieu m'a ecoute. Pensez positivement et tout ira bien.
J'aime French Word a Day!!! et le audio avec JM.
Marti
Malheureusement mon e-mail ne me permet pas de mettre des accents.
Posted by: Marti Hinman | Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 03:11 AM
I just read this today...your best writing. Maybe read it again now, and find that peace again.
Posted by: nancy Rial | Friday, October 07, 2011 at 11:42 PM