Happiness is... a French quote about le Bonheur
Wednesday, June 07, 2017
A one-line metaphorical update on the sale of our vineyard here in St. Cyr-sur-Mer: For 7 months now, despite a mountain of bureaucracy involved in the transfer of our property, and with a few thousand miles to go...it seems we are about to come in for a rough landing--and I can almost see us all (Mama Jules included) spread out, along with all of our belongings--across a parched yard in La Ciotat where we will slowly pick up the pieces, water the garden, and move inside, to a new chapter of our lives.
"à notre portée"
- within our reach
- within our grasp
- available to us
- upon us
Listen to Jean-Marc read the following quote
Le bonheur est l'art de faire un bouquet avec les fleurs qui sont à notre portée. - Anonymous
Happiness is the art of making a bouquet with the flowers that are within our grasp.
(At the end of this post, see the bouquet Jules made for my belle-mère, with the flowers she found here at the vineyard.)
My Mom and the bouquet she made my mother-in-law.
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
Wow! Kristi, what a journey this has been for you! I am pleased to hear that your beautiful mom will be so close to you. Here's to a smooth transition and the softest landing possible!
Posted by: Katia | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 10:57 AM
Kristi, we hope to get to LaCiotat this trip. Thinking of you and I'm so happy we got to visit your beautiful home. Thank you for your hospitality. I too wish you a smooth transition and soft landing. So happy your mom is with you.
Posted by: Meiling | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 11:17 AM
So glad it looks as though things are going your way . A wrench to leave your beautiful home ,but your ''green fingers' will make a beautiful garden at your new home I'm sure !
Posted by: Audrey Wilson | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 12:27 PM
I've just sent a tiny donation and thought I'd share the ups and downs of it, but I want to stress that it took me all of 2 minutes or even less. However to put the amount in was tricky - the only tricky but obviously very important bit. I clicked to get British pounds not dollars - no problem, it was in the drop down list. But it was putting in the amount that was tedious. It (the system) wanted to put in decimals and brackets, when I just wanted a simple figure like 10.00 - however, when it offered to log me into my Paypal, I accepted snd after that it sorted itself out! So please friends of this blog community, don't be put off. It takes 2 minutes. It said it was going to charge me five PENCE (5 CENTS?) to do the deed but it wiped that out on the final page. Though I'd gladly have paid that tiny charge.
Posted by: Margaret | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 02:12 PM
Good luck with your move. This has been quite a journey for you.
Posted by: Elaine | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 02:28 PM
Oh! I am so excited for you!! As everyone, even though it's been a turbulent flight, here's wishing you a smooth landing. And between Mama Jules' green thumb and yours you'll have that parched grass and garden gorgeous in no time! May you all flourish for many happy years together in your new home!
Posted by: Alisa | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 02:31 PM
The quote is beautiful, as is the always lovely Jules with the bouquet, and oh that vine! Bougainvillea, I suppose. Here's hoping that landing is not too rough, it's been a long voyage
xxx
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn at Southern Fried French | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 03:21 PM
Congrats and best wishes!
Posted by: Trina from St. Petersburg, FL USA | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 03:59 PM
My fingers are crossed and my wishes fly to support yours in this move, Kristi! I send hearts.......
Posted by: Alyssa Eppich | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 04:04 PM
Hi Krist!
What a beautiful quote, beautifully read and a beautiful photo of your Mom with her bouquet of flowers!
I wish you all the best of luck and hope it's a smooth transition but if not, this to shall pass! You have your beautiful support system with you and your loving family will get you through.
Looking forward to your beautiful posts from La Ciotat! You will bloom where you are planted! 😊🌸💕
Posted by: Eileen | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 04:38 PM
If I had the flowers at my 'porte' that you have, I could make a similarly beautiful bouquet. You make the beauty that surrounds you everywhere you go. Thanks for letting us tag along on your journeys. You and your family are inspirational - really 🌷🍀🌺🌸🍄🌹🌷
Posted by: Pat | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 05:33 PM
Kristi darling, What a beautiful post! I'm so glad the move is coming along. As someone who has done the same (scaling down and moving after the kids moved on....)it can be tumultuous but in the end it all works itself out. But honestly, seeing that picture of your Mom was almost the best part of the post, what a LADY. She is absolutely gorgeous...and we all know you are the spittin' image of her. Sending my love to all of you! Grand bisous, xoxoxo Robin
Posted by: Robin | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 06:20 PM
Kristi, bon chance! Hoping it all goes well and looking forward to your blog from La Ciotat!
Posted by: Antoinette | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 06:21 PM
Bonne chance!!! I like the quote! Joan
Posted by: Joan | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 06:35 PM
Our dear Kristi,
Answered prayers for this encouraging news!
We are keeping good thoughts (and fingers crossed) for
a happy ending to this journey.
So hope beautiful Jules will be there with you,sharing in this long awaited happiness!
Beautiful flowers and pictures,as always!
And what a thoughtful,glorious bouquet!
Love
Natalia. xo
Posted by: Natalia | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 06:55 PM
I think Jules could make a bouquet out of anything!
Good luck on the sale and the move--I've been watching every step with bated breath.
Posted by: onehsancare | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 07:34 PM
With you all the way, Kristi, Jean-Marc and now dear Jules too! Onwards through this transition time to a new chapter ... with much affection, admiration, and infinite respect. Le Ciotat is gaining a treasure of a family.
Posted by: Kitty Wilson-Pote | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 07:49 PM
Kristi,
Was there a post here yesterday about the beautiful bougainvillea that seemed to say you were somehow unsure about leaving your present house? Did you take something down? I swear I read this curious, interesting post that is no longer here. Can't find it now. Am I losing my mind?
Sheila
Posted by: Sheila | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 07:49 PM
Congratulations!
We just got back from a trip to Provence and to the Dordogne...inspired by your blog.
Thanks you so very much!
PS
What is that beautiful climbing plant in this blog post?
Posted by: Barbara Becker | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 07:51 PM
It's amazing to me that the sale of property in France is so complex and tedious! I'm sure, however, that it will be well worth the wait!!
Looking forward to seeing your new digs, Kristi!!
Posted by: Andrea Hughes | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 07:53 PM
To my dear friend,
Lovely update, lovely quote, lovely pictures, lovely lady your dear mom!
I look forward to hearing where you place your "hat" this summer!
With Love,
Stacy
Posted by: Stacy - Sweet Life Farm | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 07:54 PM
Beautiful post and pictures. Moving is hell but it is short lived. And you have a loving family to help. All of you are gorgeous and you make beauty wherever you go.
Posted by: Nancy | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 07:54 PM
Beautiful bouquet and beautiful Mom who wears her age so beautifully. May God bless her in every way!
God bless, C-Marie
Posted by: C-Marie | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 08:53 PM
Prayers for a pillow soft landing, some star dust to lighten your hearts, and love all around to keep you cozy. Hugs
Posted by: Betty Gleason | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 10:48 PM
Happy landings and best wishes for a happy future in your new home. Thank you for your entertaining, inspiring and educational posts. You are a superstar.
Posted by: sherry | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 11:29 PM
You look so much like your beautiful mother - will send donation soon!
Warmly,
Kimberley
Posted by: Kimberley Cameron | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 11:45 PM
Dear Kristi,
I well understand the heart-wrenching experience of leaving a place you have come to love. But I also have learned that the next place always has positive potential. I can only imagine how you and Jean-Marc will turn this house in La Ciotat into a wonderful inviting home.
Patience and persistence pay off, bringing security and finally contentment. Hoping that at some point you all be able to start down this new path with anticipation and excitement. My heart is especially with Jules...
Posted by: Chris Allin | Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at 11:53 PM
Did I misunderstand? It sounds like the sale has fallen through and you'll not be moving after all ... to me, that is.
The good news is ... your mother is gorgeous and you know what you'll look like when you're her age!
Posted by: Vicky from Athens | Thursday, June 08, 2017 at 02:02 AM
Kristi,
I am thinking of the sorrow that your mom must still feel since the passing of her beloved husband. Her face shines above all the pain and she is always an inspiration and joy. She radiates love and goodness. Thanks to you, we have gotten to know her as well as your family in France.
Thank you for continuing to blog for us. We would be desolate without your updates !!!!!
Hugs,
Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | Thursday, June 08, 2017 at 03:42 AM
Kristi,
I am sure that La Ciotat will welcome you with open arms and that it will become a warm and gracious home for you. The two times that we have stayed there have been wonderful. You won't have the vineyard, but then you still have each other. You will make it bloom and your plants will thrive and they will surround you with color, scents and love.
Bon chance on your move.
Kathleen
Posted by: Kathleen from Connecticut | Thursday, June 08, 2017 at 04:47 AM
much good luck on the move, every thing will be fine, see you in SEPT. Lou Bogue
Posted by: Louis Bogue | Thursday, June 08, 2017 at 05:55 AM
I've copied this wonderful quote so I don't forget to do just this very thing each day! I think I'll make a sign of some sort and put it up to remind me!
Posted by: Judi | Thursday, June 08, 2017 at 05:09 PM
Beautiful mom and beautiful flowers.
Hope your move happens soon and as smoothly as possible.
Love your blog.
Ana
Posted by: Ana | Thursday, June 08, 2017 at 09:51 PM
The bumpy ride will make the landing all that much sweeter. Lovely quotation and wonderful bouquet. Your mother has a wonderful sense of both whimsy and pleasing design. Clever use of what's available.
Chris
Posted by: Christine Webb-Curtis | Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 01:40 AM
Dear Kristi,
I am quite sure my husband and I will be La Ciotat in early July. I will contact you and see if we can be of help.
Jan
Posted by: Jan Hersh | Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 04:08 AM
I meant to say near by La Ciotat.
Posted by: Jan Hersh | Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 04:09 AM
Wonderful quote ...... I will write it out and put it on my fridge door so I can see it every day.
I do feel for you Kristi, all this waiting is so tedious, especially for impatient types like me! But as I get older I am learning not to try and push the universe .... just let things unfold in their own time ......
As someone famous once said, 'Life is what happens whilst you are making plans'. ........ something along those lines!
June is such a fabulous month ..... I have picked my first bunch of sweet peas and am luxuriating in their inimitable and intoxicating perfume. I love my life! Even though I now have to go and complete my annual tax return, my worst job ever!
Posted by: Lynda House | Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 11:54 AM