"Un Sourire" (Bilingual poem that will make you smile :-)
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
"Un Sourire"
"A Smile"
Listen to Jean-Marc read this French poem. Click here
Un sourire ne coûte rien et produit beaucoup,
A smile does not cost anything but produces so much*,
Il enrichit ceux qui* le reçoivent,
It enriches the person who receives it
Sans appauvrir ceux qui le donnent.
without impoverishing the one who gives it.
Il ne dure qu'un instant,
It lasts only a few moments,
Mais son souvenir* est parfois éternel.
But its memory may sometimes last forever.
Personne n'est assez pauvre pour ne pas le mériter.
Nobody is poor enough not to deserve it.
Il crée le bonheur au foyer, soutient les affaires,
It creates happiness at home and sustains businesses,
Il est le signe sensible de l'amitié.
It is the visible sign of friendship.
Un sourire donne du repos à l'être* fatigué.
A smile brings rest to the weary soul.
Il ne peut ni s'acheter, ni se prêter, ni se voler,
It cannot be bought, nor can it be loaned or even stolen,
Car c'est une chose qui n'a de valeur
For it is something which has value
Qu'à partir du moment où il se donne.
Only from the very moment it is given.
Et si quelquefois vous rencontrez une personne
And if sometimes you meet someone
Qui ne sait plus avoir le sourire...
Who no longer knows how to smile...
(Left: Smokey's Dad, "Sam", and Mama Braise (BREZ)
Soyez généreux, donnez-lui le vôtre!
Be generous, give him yours!
Car nul n'a autant besoin d'un sourire...
As no one is more desperate for a smile...
Que celui qui ne peut en donner aux autres.
Than the one who is unable to give a smile to others.
***
The "Sourire" poem is by Raoul Follereau (1902-1977), who established World Leprosy day and who, throughout his life, shared his compassion for victims of leprosy--as well as for victims of poverty, indifference, and injustice
"Honey moon" in France. Did you get to see it? Where were you, when you viewed it? We were on our front porch, lying on lawn chairs.
Next day in the back yard. I threw on a black top for this picture, after the beige top I had on made for a topless look.... Did you want to see that picture? Hang on, I'll see if I can find it for you. Meantime, some pictures of our dining room and sas (or entry as in front door area).
We still need to paint...
I never did keep you up to date on the renovation, which, it turns out, is happening little by little--here and there and you get the picture. See, you did get the picture!
That picture I mentionned. (Only the tank top is nude.) Title: Who needs dumbbells when you've got 8 pounds of kale?
Olympic kale torch. (Gardening is a sport!) I am holding a heavy trunk of cabbage which I had to saw off (its leaves were like lace after the insects feasted).
Bon, not sure I've shared the right pictures with you today. As mentioned, my thoughts are hither and thither these days. Off to hug my Mom....
Me and precious, precious Smokey--the son of Sam and Braise (read about the miracle of finding the lost dogs in Marseilles!). I leave you with a photo of our hollyhocks. A French woman once told me: hollyhocks are too hard to grow. You'll never manage. I planted them anyway. Have a lovely, lovely day!
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I did see that "Honey Moon", night of Friday the 13th. The first Fri/13th full moon in our young century. The next one will be 2048, which I won't live to see.
Thanks for the pics of your renovation, been wondering how you were getting along - looks stunning.
Posted by: David Sheegog | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 12:52 PM
This is my first time commenting, but wanted to let you know that I love your blog and that I purchased First French Essais today which I'm so excited to have as a summer read. I am in the States and your blog makes me feel like I'm back in France. The images and the writing are so lovely. Please keep it up!
Posted by: Abbe | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 01:18 PM
Ahhhhhh! This post washed over me like a cleansing wave. My husband and I argued his morning about whether to turn on the air conditioner (him), or not (me). Here in the states, we barely let the summer warmth envelop us before we hit the canned air switch. It's an eternal marital disagreement for us........but this soothing smile post with pictures helped me gain perspective. No big deal. I'll go sit outside today, like your mere in the picture! I'll try to look as elegant!
Posted by: Laurel Fingerle | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 01:30 PM
Lovely pic of Jules at the cafe. I can hear the excitement and near desperation to squeeze every last microsecond of goodness from your time with your Maman. What a great memory to have viewed the Honey Moon with her in such an idyllic way. The photo is stunning!
You are quite right to run repeats (much appreciated, though we would completely understand your absence during this precious time), and grab all the hugs and kisses and special moments you can-- the significant stuff get lost in the shuffle of the prosaic otherwise.
Light & Life
to you & yours...
Posted by: Alisa | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 01:39 PM
I have only recently come across your blog from far away Australia but your photos always makes France feel so much closer. Thankyou.
I have bought your book so I am really looing forward to reading that as well.
Enjoy your week with your mum.
Posted by: Wayne | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 01:49 PM
A magic garden! Whether words or pictures, your post nourishes the heart, the mind and the soul, reminding us of the reasons we love France so. Thank you, Kristin~ Savor your time with your mom!
Posted by: Chris Allin | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 01:58 PM
lovely poem..a smile,although not as common in France as in the states, is such a lovely gift.sharing with my dog people on facebook around the world
Posted by: catharine ewart-touzot | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 02:13 PM
This post captures the ease and beauty of early summer. Your life is clearly nourishing you, and now us! As a friend of my mom's says, "Your cup has to be full before it can runneth over."
Here in NYC, we have a doo-wop group that sings in the subway. They like donations, but also add, "Remember: smile! It won't mess up your hair!"
Posted by: Leslie NYC | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 02:22 PM
Don't worry about your friends. We'll be here, waiting for you, once your maman heads home. These are precious moments and I'm glad you are savoring each one. Many thanks, though, for taking the time to send some pictures, and I just love the poem! Will be taking it to my French class on Thursday!
Posted by: Jeanne | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 02:23 PM
About the cabbage insects, I just discovered NEEM OIL, it is an organic spray-on treatment. For years it was race to see if my cabbage could mature before the insects spoiled them. I envy your garden and climate. Thanks for sharing photos of it.
Posted by: Dreamer | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 03:08 PM
ahhh, this brightened my heart and made me smile ;-) I am stressed and frazzled these days...
there is something about your writing and approach that is simple, transparent (no hidden agendas!) and humble that it spreads
a lot of goodness and healing energy to those who read it.
merci!
Posted by: valerie | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 04:39 PM
Loved the pictures and the poem. Have fun with your mother. You both were just given a big smile.
Posted by: Nancy, San Antonio, Texas | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 04:56 PM
Just read Dreamer comment about Neem oil. I just started using Neem toothpaste - a friend told me about it. Very clean feeling. My six month check up will have the final word on it.
Posted by: Nancy, San Antonio, Texas | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 04:58 PM
You have a green thumb, no matter how much you deny that. I always liked the song, "let a smile be your umbrella on a rainy,rainy day..." the poem is so sweet and true. Enjoy every moment with Jules. I really like the blue in your picture of the interior of your house.
Posted by: Diane Young | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 05:14 PM
So happy you are enjoying being with your mom!
Posted by: Meg | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 05:21 PM
Thanks for a lovely post and thank you, Jean-Marc, for reading the poem; it is a special treat to hear french being spoken! Your home is beautiful and the dining room has such a welcoming feeling. I enjoyed all of the photos, especially the one of Jules. Give her a hug for me.
Très mille mercis, Cynthia
Posted by: Cynthia Lewis | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 05:24 PM
Hi Kristin!
God bless you and your mom and your time together. Thank you for the poem, it's beautiful. Love your home and all it's imperfections - paint or no paint!
Posted by: Beth | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 05:26 PM
Here's one I made up for the occasion . .
A mind too hard at work can steal your smile,
A mind at play, I think, is more worthwhile.
Posted by: Arnold Hogarth | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 05:27 PM
La belle nature...a feast for the eyes and the soul...j' avais besoin de ça ce matin....merci beaucoup, Kristin!
Posted by: Faye Stelly | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 05:28 PM
And are you standing behind GIANT blooming artichokes?
Posted by: Roseann | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 05:43 PM
Thank you for the lovely poem.
Posted by: alicia brown matthes | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 05:43 PM
Have a relaxing and wonderful visit with your Mom. What a gem she is - one to be cherished. Don't worry about us ... we'll still be here for your next post!
Posted by: Luann Marie | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 06:09 PM
Chere Kristin, Merci pour le beau poeme, eh oui un sourire peut changer la vie d'un autre...Nous venons de rentrer mardi dernier, avons passe 2 semaines en Alsace, France avec ma maman qui vient de celebrer ses 88 ans...Je vous souhaite a toutes les deux de passer de belles journees ensemble....Bisous de la Floride, Mary Jeanne
Posted by: Mary Jeanne Reich | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 06:12 PM
Your garden is amazing. But you let all those tasty artichokes bolt and flower. I know they are pretty, but very tasty. If small I cut them in half, boil just a bit and then grill them. The larger ones: cut the top of the leaves off, spread them, douse with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic pwdr, or stuff garlic in them. boil
and then I use a dipping sauce of half mayo, half lemon and a pinch of cayenne.
Posted by: joie in carmel-by-the-sea | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 06:40 PM
Our dear Kristi,
Today's post is absolutely beautiful!
Between that lovely poem and your gorgeous pictures,you have once again wrapped us in hugs.
THANK YOU!!
Love
Natalia XO
Posted by: Natalia | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 06:59 PM
Thanks so much for the lovely poem and fabulous photos. I'm so glad you are enjoying your mom's visit.
Treasure these moments with your mom!
Be well!
Posted by: Faye Stampe, Gleneden Beach, OR | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 07:08 PM
I want to memorize this poem. I'm so glad you ran this offering today.
Posted by: Elizabeth Lopez | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 07:16 PM
Several years ago my husband and I were eating in a restaurant when a man came in looking somewhat sad. I gave him a big smile and he smiled back. After the man left we asked for the check. The waitress said that the man had paid our bill and that she should not say a word until after he had left. I always wondered if my smile had something to do with it.
A smile can make everyone feel better. Thank you for the beautiful poem and pictures. Amities, Janine
Posted by: Janine Cortell | Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 11:46 PM
Ah, gardening in the south of France! And we think we`re lucky with climate in this mild corner of BC - some even say we`re smug. My
daughter upstairs keeps 4 hens who last week escaped and headed to eat her kale seedlings. I`ll show her your photos.
Translation question: how do you describe someone we call a piece of workÉ. (That is how my computer sometimes makes a question mark.
ENJOY THE VISIT WITH MAMAN! Dorothy
Posted by: dorothy dufour | Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 12:29 AM
Love the poem...have to copy that one down!
Lovely story from Jaine above!
Your garden is looking beautiful! :-)
Enjoy your week with your lovely mother Jules!
Posted by: Gretel | Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 02:05 AM
Kristin, thank you for sharing the lovely poem, it brings back so many memories of the smiles I have given and received one in return , I feel as if I have been given "a special gift". May you have a week of beautiful memories with your lovely Mother, I am looking forward to my daughter arriving later this month, so know your joy of those precious days. affectionately June,G.C Qld
Posted by: june furey | Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 03:45 AM
j'aime cette poeme tres tres tres fois. mercy beaucoup.je aimerai lire beaucoup de poemes a cette place. au revoir
Posted by: namjoshi vikas | Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 01:19 PM
Dear Kristin! I loved the poem & the pics. Well done on getting your garden going. I am visiting Istanbul at present where we were served large artichoke hearts covered in oil & lemon juice-tres delicious.
Fondly, Ann Marie
Posted by: Ann Marie Corcoran | Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 04:15 PM
Dear Kristin! J'adore le poeme (accents will not type. I will be sending it to MP Thomas Mulcair, the opposition leader of Canada. He will appreciate this as our current Prime Minister of Canada almost never smiles.
Merci,
Karen in Canada
Posted by: Karen | Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 04:42 PM
Thank you, Kristin. Your mom (and the photos and poem) brings smiles to us all! I treasure each of her visits as it gives you such calm and so much joy. I hope your busy husband enjoys the mellowness of the scene too. It is a gift to count your blessings, gardens and all. Give her lots of hugs.
Your renovations are looking lovely. Bravo for the patience!
Posted by: Betsy | Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 03:08 AM
Loved the poem ! Sounds like you and your Mom are having some serious good times together! I know how it feels as the end of the stay draws near...like that old song.."the days dwindle down ..to a precious few...September , November and these few precious days I'll spend with you ...these golden days ..I'll spend with you ..." Enjoy every moment you two !!
Posted by: Anne | Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 06:41 AM
Your poem is so inspirational, Kristin. I, too, rewrote it many times and took it to my french class this morning to share. As intermediate-advanced students, this poem was easy to read and comprehend which is oftentimes not the case. There was no author listed, was it you, by chance? If so, nicely done!
And...of course, enjoy every last minute you can with your Mom, from reading the other's comments; we certainly understand!
Mary in Oregon
Posted by: Mary in Oregon | Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 07:21 AM
Go for more nude pics!!!! It's okay to shake up a few people some of the time...haha.
Love the poem.
Off to buy a skin-colored tank top.
Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne Dunaway | Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 03:24 PM
So very nice to have a simultaneous translation from French to English, giving a very easy to understand explanation of the French language sentence construction & syntax, without having to consult a book on verb conjugations and of course the dictionary- which gives many different meanings & usages for the same word. if there were more easily available stuff like this it would be a whole lot easier to learn French as it's really used today.
Posted by: Rich Saylor | Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 05:11 PM
Kristin,
I love the poem! That's what I always do- smile. It helps me and other people.
Thank you for that wonderful post!
Posted by: Olga Brown | Friday, June 20, 2014 at 03:45 AM
We saw the "Honey Moon" on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada and it looked almost exactly like yours! Love it.
Posted by: Carol Jo | Friday, June 20, 2014 at 05:44 AM
Hello Kristin,
I have been following your daily email for a couple months, and, thankfully, yours was one of the few I didn't "unsubscribe" during my recent vacation in the Dordogne.
I adore France, but have never come close to mastering the language. I will share this poem with our little French film and conversation group at our local library next week. Thank you for being a constant reminder to me of the beauties of France and thanks for sharing such lovely thoughts. You make me smile!
Posted by: Linda Faas | Wednesday, July 09, 2014 at 07:27 PM