mangeoire
Friday, December 23, 2011
Have you ever heard an old word... as if for the first time? Your eyes sting; suddenly, you are seized by meaning, when a humble old mot causes your body to form a lump in your throat. Read on, in today's story column.
1. trough, manger (animals) ; feeding dish (birds)
2. crèche (Christ child's crib)
Audio File Hear today's French word and proverb: Download mp3 or Wav
Cheval affamé nettoie sa mangeoire.
A starving horse cleans its trough.
In music: 21 Christmas Songs in French and English.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE... by Kristin Espinasse
Reading to my Francophone children in their native tongue is a humbling, sometimes humiliating experience—not only for the "pronunciation pause" (kid-issued breaks in which I must stop reading in order to repeat a French word that I have tripped up on), but also for the words that I still do not know, both French and in English!
Thankfully, not all readings are cause for reprimand. De temps en temps, there are eye-opening moments when suddenly, more than a word making sense, the world seems to take on new meaning as well.
It was while reading a chapter called "The birth..." or "La naissance de Jésus" to my daughter that I suddenly felt a lump in my throat and a sting in my eyes. An English word with which I've had but a yearly encounter—usually during the holiday season—suddenly defined itself as its French counterpart moved up my vocal chords and exited in a French chorus of sound and meaning. The text preceding the word (indicated in bold, below) only served to set the dramatic stage:
Là, dans la saleté et entre les animaux, elle mit son bébé au monde. Puis elle l'enveloppa chaudement et, comme il n'y avait pas de berceau, elle le déposa dans une mangeoire pour qu'il puisse dormir..."There, in the filth and between the animals, she brought her baby into the world. Then she wrapped him warmly and, as there was no cradle, she put him down in a feeding trough so that he could sleep."
Replacing the word "manger" with "feeding trough", its equivalent, gives the account an even more heartrending effect; "manger" is poetic, while "feeding trough" effectively evokes the brutal bed that was the only resting place for the delicate newborn.
* * *
As for those instances of humiliation—whether in fumbling through French text before a ten-year-old (or in the stories that I have lived and that will never be told)—my mind now calls up a peaceful bergerie, wherein an unspoiled baby would come to suffer all humility; this, instead of me.
.
.
French Vocabulary
de temps en temps = from time to time
La Naissance de Jésus = The Birth of Jesus (from the book "Grande Bible Pour Les Enfants," Chantecler edition)
la bergerie (f) = shelter (sheepfold)
une étoile = star
One of the black and white pictures that did not make it into my book. I still get a big smile each time I study the elements in this photo (taken during our wedding anniversary celebration, in Collioure's).
A Message from Kristi: Ongoing support from readers like you keeps me writing and publishing this free language journal each week. If you find joy or value in these stories and would like to keep this site going, donating today will help so much. Thank you for being a part of this community and helping me to maintain this site and its newsletter.
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
Thank you for reminding me. Yes, instead of me, also. Be well, love much, enjoy these wonderful days. Thank you for this past year of wonderful posts and a thousand congratulations on the new book. Mary
Posted by: mary | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 11:56 AM
This is the first time I've been "early" in the comments box. Thanks for "mangeoire," a word I'd not known, and the sentence in which it was used.
Kristin, I believe your birthday was yesterday. Many happy returns, and I wish you a great year!
I have ordered my copy of "BIP," and per Amazon, it should reach me tomorrow. I'm looking forward to reading it.
I wish toute la Famille Espinasse, and the extended family including Jules, Kip, sisters, cousins, etc. a very Joyeux Noel!
Meilleurs voeux!
Posted by: Marianne Rankin | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 12:08 PM
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Yes - I am up bright and early this morning to grab the #1 spot here in La Coin Commentaires..
..oop's looks like our dear precious friend MARY already beat me to the spot of #1.
KRISTI - as you already know I am an early riser - woke up at 4 a.m. this morning ready to get back on the MARKETING TRAIN.
KRISTI I love your little post this morning - I can remember the day we went to that little book store and bought Max and Jackie that wonderful book you mentioned above in your post. The book was actually for Jean-Marc too as I felt it would be a great tool to introduce him to all of the wonderful stories in the Bible. But I am not here to promote that book, I'm up and ready to reactivate our marketing campaign for your miracle book, the one an only book written here in 21 days of therapy for you and all of us as we journeyed through your recooperation THIS PAST NOVEMBER.
Now I can rattle on all morning about the importance of bringing up the numbers on Amazon.com .....but first I must explain I found my new Christmas present early and talked Santa into giving it to me yesterday...YES! This morning instead of sitting down at 'The Coffee Cup' here at the Marina in Puerto Vallarta, I am all cozy and warm at my desk pounding on the keys of my new computer! YEA! Only problem is that once again the keyboard is in Spanish and the technology I am dealing with this morning contains 8 years of improvements over my old computer. I can't find the brackets to embrace all of my spelling errors, so please bear with me til I am able to clean my act up. Of course you all know the last senten=ce was a BIG LIE - but let's move on to the reason we must focus on marketing Kristi's book BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE.
Numbers are everything in the blogging world....the more attention we can bring to Kristi's book at this pivotal moment in time - the closer we are to intoducing Kristi's talent to non-French readers.
I'll be back in a few minutes - please take a moment to think of all the ways we can help promote Kristi's new book.
XOXO
JULES
Posted by: JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Kristin, my copy arrived on Wednesday - I'm very happy to start reading it! I wish you much success with the book! Merry Christmas to you and your family! We've had to cancel our trip to Provence next July so we won't get to meet you unfortunately but we will try some time in the future when we visit my husband's family in Ste Rome de Tarn.
Denise
Posted by: Denise Givens | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Mom, so relieved to have you here to orchestrate the marketing of my book. Each time I begin to announce please buy my book!, that little devil on my shoulder begins to pester me, trying to intimidate me back into my artists corner where I am supposed to create and give--and not promote and ask for help!
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 01:16 PM
HI KRISTI,
CAN YOU CALL ME NOW -
XOXO
MOM
Posted by: JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 01:48 PM
French pigeon - check. French bicycle - check. French menu board - check. Yep, I think I could know this photo was taken in France even if no one told me. To all the FWAD (and now BIP) readers: Joyeux Noël and Bonne Année.
Hope your birthday was all you wished for, Kristin.
Posted by: Julie F in St. Louis, MO | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 02:16 PM
Thank you, Kristin, for the new meaning of the word for manger. It broadens our thinking and our worship this Christmas and makes us remember the reasons we follow.
With love and Christmas greetings,
Glen and Carol Rea
Posted by: Carol Nelson-Rea | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 02:39 PM
When I taught French and would have the verb "manger" on the vocab list, I always talked with my students about the French vocabulary connection to the nativity...I love how learning a new language opens up so much more depth to your own native language! Joyeux Noël à vous tous!
Posted by: Cheryl in STL | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 03:25 PM
KRISTI'S NEW BOOK...BLOOMING IN PROVENCE....IS NOW
# 77
ON AMAZON'S BEST NEW RELEASES
CAN WE MOVE IT UP TO # 7
THAT WOULD MAKE THIS THE LUCKIEST DAY EVER!!!!
SEND ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS COPIES OR TALK THEM INTO BUYING ONE TODAY....!!!
I LOVE ALL OF YOU 'LITTLE GRAPES' OUT THERE - LET'S ROCK KRISTI'S BOOK TODAY.
XOXO
JULES
Posted by: JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 03:36 PM
Caught the "interested public" on the second look.
We purchased your book yesterday as a gift to me for my birthday, today (80).
We go first to your email each day that it shows up, and it never disappoints us. Keep up the good work.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, [and it will be a very good year in 2012; believe it.]
Our best,
Bill and Lee Mears
Posted by: William and Lee Mears | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 03:53 PM
Hi Kristin,
I hope you reach you're goal of 187 books today, something tells me you will! I just ordered my copy of BIP and I can't wait to read it. I enjoyed reading about "stumbling on words" as I'm sure I will be doing that a lot as I continue my French speaking journey!
Joyeux Noel and Bonne Annee to you and you're family.
Also Joyeux anniversaire....I hope you get your wish!
Chaleureusement,
Sandy from San Clemente, CA
Posted by: Sandy Strong | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 03:59 PM
J'ai le command! AND Wishing you a Joyeux Noel & Bonne Annee to you and yours(-:
Bisous
nancy & Ralph
Posted by: Nancy L. | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 05:06 PM
Kristen...Thank you so much for the reminder that I have a french Bible. I haven't read much of it because my french isn't that good, but since I know "The Christmas Story", I picked it up and could pretty well figure out even the words I didn't know. A perfectly splendid way to spend time in these next few days.
What pas camera are you presently using? I have Amazon-wish listed a couple you have mentioned in the past, but it's been awhile. Just now seriously shopping around....if all works well, a trip next summer... maybe we will see you then!
Joyeux Noel & Bonne Annee! (hmmm can't remember exactly)
tammy
Posted by: tammy @ arizona | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 05:22 PM
Your posting today gave my heart a strong squeeze. Yes, thank you for reminding us that the perfect baby came to take our place at the alter of humiliation. What an eloquent rendering of this miraculous event.
As for your marketing efforts, I wish you all the best in selling your book. I will order your book today and look forward to reading it. I'm lucky to have discovered your blog in the past year. You make everyone who reads it feel like they are your new friends. At least that is how I have responded to your writing. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Posted by: Claudia | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 06:15 PM
Thanks Kristin, "Away in a manger, no crib for his bed" ... that song suddenly has deeper meaning for me. Mele Kalikimaka, Merry Christmas, and Joyeux Noël to all! (And a special Feliz Navidad to you, Jules, for your extraordinary dedication as a Mother!) PRAY FOR PEACE AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Aloha!
Posted by: Bill Facker | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 07:19 PM
Bill, Happy 80th!
Good news! 66 copies sold so far today! 121 to go... Do you think we will make it?
Mom, get back in here and tell us what to do next! Here is the direct link to Amazon, in case anyone would like to paste it directly into their Facebook updates box:
http://www.amazon.com/o/asin/1467929794/mdj-20
Let me know if you have shared the link. Meantime, Ill be back a little later to let you know how many books have sold in between time!
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 07:25 PM
Thank you, Kristin, for continuing to write and post your thoughts. I am always blessed by reading them. Un très joyeux Noël à vous et à votre famille !
Posted by: Allyson Gretz | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 07:34 PM
Happy, Happy Christmas and the very BEST of New Years, Kristin! I've bought my copy of the book and can't wait to read it. I never know which I love more - your thoughtful insights or your glorious photos. I've given up trying to decide and just tell people I love them BOTH.
Whoops! In all the holiday rush, I missed wishing you a Happy Birthday - so HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! And here's wishing you and your family All Good Things!
Lots of love,
Linda
Posted by: L. M. Davies | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 07:54 PM
Kristin,
Your "book selling pitch" worked like a charm. I just ordered two - ainsi vous pouvez atteindre une étoile.
My daughter who lived in Paris as a student got me started on your blog and I look forward to it's arrival each and every time. Your experiences give this "Zonie" hope that I can someday "speak" French.
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année
Posted by: Mike Rollins - Tucson Az | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Chere Kristin,
J'ai commande votre nouveau livre il y a trois jours et hier Amazon m'a informe que le livre est en route. Je vous souhaite des tres bonnes fetes aussi bien qu'un grand succes avec les ventes du livre.
Posted by: Ed Klinenberg | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 08:11 PM
Merci beaucoup, Linda, and to all who have left a lovely word!
Bill, thank your review at Amazon. Mom said shes going to print it out!
Tammy, I use this pocket camera most of the time (easy to carry in purse! never miss a photo):
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003962DXE/mdj-20
I also use this one, which is a lot of fun and makes me feel like a photographer
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0012OGF6Q/mdj-20
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 08:14 PM
BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE
IS NOW
# 44
AMAZONS BEST NEW RELEASES
LET'S GO 'LITTLE GRAPES' ---TIME TO KEEP THE FIRE HOT.
WHERE IS CHIEF GRAPE AND GRANDPA GRAPE IN THIS PURSUIT OF ALL
THINGS THAT WILL MAKE OUR KRISTI HAPPY TODAY.
KIP HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR NEW NICK-NAME....GRANDPA GRAPE JUST MAKES ME SMILE. BUY SOME MORE COPIES OF YOUR DAUGHTERS BOOK....
XOXO
JULES
Posted by: JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 08:33 PM
Hi Kristin,
First of all, I want to say "Happy Birthday", though it was yesterday, but yesterday I was sick and could not do anything.
I am so glad that you are doing much better.
I like the post, but I have a question. You said: "Replacing the word "manger" with "feeding trough", its equivivalent,...". Is it its equivivalent? Manger is a verb, but a feeding trough is a noun. It probably should be "mangeoire" instead of "manger", non?
Joueux Noel et Bonne Annee!!!
Olga.
Posted by: Olga Brown | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 08:40 PM
Thanks Mike--for the two copies ordered! Good to know how you found out about the blog -- is the other copy for your daughter?
Mom, Love Grandpa Grapes. Book sales update: 76 copies sold so far today! 111 to go...
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Kristin,
mais oui. elle mérite une bonne lecture pour trouver votre blog.
Posted by: Mike | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Sure hope amazon.com includes in its totals books sold at amazon.ca in Canada, as that is where I bought my copy of Blossoming and where I directed my e-friends and others -- as well as amazon in the UK! Oh, they MUST!
May that magic number "187 books sold today" be reached before midnight Pacific Time!
Quel bel aventure, n'est-ce pas?
Posted by: Kitty Wilson | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 10:59 PM
YEA KRISTI !!!
BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE
IS NOW
#32
ON AMAZON'S BEST NEW RELEASES
IF ALL OF YOUR WONDERFUL FRIENDS WOULD JUST GO OUT AND BUY ANOTHER ROUND OF BOOKS WE COULD GET KRISTI ON THE REAL
TOP 100 - BEST SELLERS LIST IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD !!!
XOXO
JULES
Posted by: JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 11:03 PM
Ordered the book! I've enjoyed your blog for several years but have never commented before. Love following you and your family. Studied French many, many years ago and it is good to try to bring it back to the surface of my mind.
My best to you and your family for a good Christmas and New Year.
Judith Wellingon, KS
Posted by: Judith Dishinger | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 11:12 PM
A little last minute but I have ordered your book! I can't wait to read it, I'm sure I will enjoy it as much as French Word a Day. Thank you Kristi for enriching my life by sharing your life. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Posted by: Dana | Friday, December 23, 2011 at 11:50 PM
Merry Christmas to you all, Kristin. Our book has been shipped.
Tom and Beth
Posted by: Tom Mann | Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 12:37 AM
Once again your blog touched my mind and heart and dampened my old eyes. Isn't it wonderful that a heart so small as yours can hold the enormous empathy and love which are clearly reflected by your reaction to reading the story of Jesus' birth.
Many years ago while struggling with my religious beliefs it became clear that we too often think of, describe , or illustrate the manger scene as clean, neat, and pretty while, in reality, barns or other animal shelters with their mangeoises are usually more or less dirty and stinky! Visualizing that is the staggering impact.
And, please forgive me, it always vastly impressed and impresses me that poverty was his way of living his words -- "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth...." and "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
You have enriched my life by your words and actions. Comme toujours, Fred
Posted by: Fred Caswell | Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 01:46 AM
Kristin, just weighing in with best wishes on continued success of your book and appreciate your blog so much. You brighten the world and bring people closer together. Mille mercis et grand hugs!
Posted by: Pat, Roanoke, Va | Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 02:16 AM
KRISTI DARLING,
I'm sure you are fast asleep now - I hope you are having sweet dreams.
i am so proud of you - you are such a sweetheart.
XOXO
MOM
Posted by: JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO | Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 02:46 AM
At 9:oo p.m. EST, Blossoming is at 36 at Amazon! Fly, baby, fly!
Posted by: Pat, Roanoke, Va | Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 03:12 AM
IT IS ALMOST THE 'NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS' ...
All of us little 'Angel Grapes' are busy working in Santa's office, busy working on our computers telling everyone down on EARTH to buy Kristi's new book BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE.
We are whispering in all of our 'contacts' on our address page to quickly go to to FRENCH-WORD-A-DAY and click on Kristi's new photo on the left hand side of her blog page - the big photo of Kristi's book BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE. Once all of our friends are there and they click on the book they will automatically be zoomed over to AMAZON where they will be looking at KRISTI'S BOOK right on the order page.
WE ARE ALSO WHISPERING IN ALL OF OUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS EARS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE. WE ARE BUSY SETTING UP THE LINK THIS MORNING SO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS WILL KNOW
WHAT WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS - AND WHAT TO SEND THEIR LITTLE OLD GRANDMOTHERS FOR CHRISTMAS.
YES, ANGEL GRAPES ARE BUSY TODAY - CHRISTMAS IS TOMORROW AND WE ARE GOING TO GIVE
KRISTI
THE BEST CHRISTMAS SHE HAS EVER EXPERIENCED.
I LOVE THE NUMBER 7
LET'S ALL WORK HARD TODAY TO MOVE BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE UP TO
# 7
on AMAZON'S BEST SELLERS LIST!!!
WE CAN DO THIS!!!
XOXO
JULES
Posted by: JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO | Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Thank you very much Beth and Tom and everyone who bought a book yesterday. Are you ready to know how many books were sold?...
Thanks Mom for being the best PR Mama. I could not have dream up a better marketeer.
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 03:17 PM
Kitty, thanks for posting about your Amazon.ca purchase of Blossoming. I noticed the book is available there--via resellers. Be careful not to pay too much. The book should cost $14. It might be a little more, via a reseller, but if this makes it possible to get the book shipped outside the US, then it might be worth it -- just make sure the price is near $14.
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 03:28 PM
THanks, Judith, for commenting for the first time. Welcome! Any other lurkers willing to come out and play today? :-) On en mord pas - we dont bite!
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 03:29 PM
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
GOOD NEWS!!!
BECAUSE OF ALL THE HARD WORK YOU LITTLE 'ANGEL GRAPES' DID YESTERDAY YOU SOLD
111 COPIES OF
BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE
Here's a funny little snippet from Kristi and my telephone conversation yesterday ...
Kristi Honey,
Where on earth did you come up with the #187 - you mean you want to sell 187 books today...
Oh Mom - you know you are always nagging me to think BIG...
-----------------------------------------------------------
WELL - NOW WE ALL HAVE KRISTI THINKING BIG...T.Y.G. FINALLY!
TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK - LET'S SELL ANOTHER 100 plus books again today.
XOXO
JULES
Posted by: JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO | Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 03:49 PM
Salut Kristin:
I got news that my copy of your book has been delivered to my home. I'm now in Texas for the holidays so I won't see it until...next year!
Je vous souhaite, à toi et à ta famille Espinasse, de bonnes fêtes de fin d'année. Que la paix et la joie de ces fêtes soient avec vous, tous les jours de l'année nouvelle!
Joyeux Noel et Bonne Année 2012!
Posted by: Millie | Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 10:44 PM
I bought my copy as soon as it was available. Can't wait to read it!
Thanks for the heart felt columns. - I adore reading about your life, it is funny, moving & wonderful!
Have a healthy & happy 2012!
Posted by: Faye Stampe, Gleneden Beach, Oregon | Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 12:54 AM
;MERRY CHRISTMAS KRISTI
XOXO
MOM
Posted by: JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO | Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 01:48 PM
Bonjour Kristin,
I am finally taking the plunge to lurk no longer. I bought 2 Blossoming in Provence and they arrived in the mail Christmas Eve. One for me and the other a gift for a friend at work (she also follows your blog, but thought the book was in all in French)! P.S. I met you at Shakespeare & Company when you were there the other year! Joyeux Noel - il fait beau aujourd'hui.
Tish a Richmond, VA
Posted by: T Tyler | Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 03:58 PM
Hi TISH,
I JUST READ YOUR ABOVE COMMENT TO MY HUSBAND JOHN -
YEA! YOU ARE NO LONGER OUT IN THE COLD 'LURKING AROUND'
FRENCH WORD A DAY.
KRISTI WILL BE SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU HERE IN THE COMMENTS BOX.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TISH
XOXO
JULES
Posted by: JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO | Monday, December 26, 2011 at 12:47 AM
Good one Kristin! BIP=Buy It Pronto!
I've finished it and it is so great! Congrats and hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Posted by: Eileen deCamp | Monday, December 26, 2011 at 08:37 PM
Bonjour, Kristin,
Just a quick note to wish you and your family "Bonne année et bonne santé" and to let you know that my daughter, Hallie, (who married Didier, a lovely young Frenchman, this past summer) loves her gift: BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE.
Bien à toi,
Gabrielle
Posted by: Gabrielle Tsabag | Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 09:07 PM