Voile: Uplifting Thoughts to Start The Day
Thursday, September 19, 2024
There's a sailing theme in today's essay as well as a nod to our 30th wedding anniversary. The term "voile" neatly captures both…so let’s begin!
TODAY'S WORD: VOILE
: sail (la voile)
: veil (le voile)
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
It’s the start of a new work week, and Jean-Marc, Ricci, and I have overslept. Perhaps Sunday’s long luncheon at our new table, along with all the fantastic desserts our guests brought, weighed us down so much that we couldn’t wake up on time.
“Quelle heure est-il?” my husband mumbles in the dark.
Below my feet, I can feel Ricci stretch as I reach for my phone. It’s 6:51 a.m.
“Je suis en retard!” Jean-Marc gasps. I hurry downstairs to let our dog out and quickly make some chicorée-café, our new morning cup o’ Joe as it is gentler on the nerves. Jean-Marc’s phone is already ringing—harvesters at Domaine Antiane, the Bandol vineyard where he’s in charge of la vendange this season, are arriving in the fields at sunrise. But which field? They want to know. It’s amusing to imagine how my husband will give the precise coordinates to locate a specific block of Mourvèdre grapes. Will he say, “Just past the old windmill and over the creek? Turn left after the olive orchard…”? I can picture it now, having stumbled onto dozens of isolated parcels in the years we lived in the vineyards. Reaching to caress Ricci, I’m so grateful to be back in my warm bed, with my warm mug!
I leave Jean-Marc to deal with his vineyard dilemmas while I face my own: Which story should I write for this week’s deadline? Doubts swirl around the drafts forming in my mind. There’s the one about my mom, tentatively titled “LaLa Land”—a place I suggest we all start dwelling more often, instead of taking everything so seriously. “These are the best days of our lives,” I remind both Mom and myself, genuinely believing we should stop worrying about the who, what, where, and why—and once and for all step into this storybook life!
On the other hand, given this is Jackie’s birth week (she’s turning 27!), there’s a funny anecdote about my daughter that I could write instead. She recently got me all worked up with her nearly impossible birthday plans: As she’s beginning her Master’s program this week and would be away all day, she suggested we celebrate at 6:30 a.m. with pancakes, bacon, eggs, a fully decorated house, and the whole family in attendance. Just when I was about to unravel from all the detailed planning (and the pressure of trying to make it all perfect), she snickered. “Mom, I’m fine with a bowl of cereal. Relax!”
While I like both stories, I’m suddenly overwhelmed with doubt as I sip my coffee. Not only am I indecisive, but I'm starting to worry that readers will tire of these same old anecdotes. After all, c’est du pareil au même—more of the same! Maybe I should be writing about sports, cryptocurrency, or les actualités instead…
As I sit there, panicking over my coffee, Jean-Marc calls up from the bottom of the stairwell, “Bonne chance avec ton édition!” He says that every time, and for a moment, I forget my fears. I think instead about the progress we’ve made and continue to make individually and as a couple. It’s just a matter of staying the course…steady as she goes!
So far, this boat is sailing, even if, week after week, we get hit with our fair share of flotsam here on deck: a family crisis, a social conundrum, a traffic ticket, a plague of mites (thank God they finally disappeared). But when I stop and let the wind wash over me, I realize how freeing it is to face the gales head-on—avec la foi.
As one of my favorite French thinkers, François Fénelon, tutor to the Duke of Burgundy, once said, “Le vent de Dieu souffle toujours; il vous faut seulement hisser la voile.” The wind of God is always blowing…but you must hoist your sail.
Though I didn’t follow through with either story plan today, I managed to write—thanks in part to a certain Frenchman. Before rushing out into the vine fields, Jean-Marc took a moment to share a few uplifting words. What if, finally, that was the most important order of the day? Not to pick the right path, but to help hoist one another’s sails?
As Ricci comes trotting back in from the yard, her nose wet from the morning dew, Jean-Marc’s voice drifts in from the distance, where he’s already absorbed in the vineyard’s daily rhythm. I glance out the window and smile. The day is young, and with each other's support, we’ll weather it—just as we’ve weathered all the others.
***
Update: We all got up early yesterday to make pancakes, bacon, and eggs and celebrate Jackie's birthday. See the video at the end of this post.
September 24th, 1994, at the dinner reception following our church wedding.
COMMENTS
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FRENCH VOCABULARY
REMERCIEMENTS
With sincere thanks to the following readers for their recent donations. Your continued support brings life to this journal and keeps it going. Merci du fond du cœur! — Kristi
Patti C.
Carla N.
Marji E.
Linda R.
Pattie M.
Susan B.
Robert H.
Karyna W.-S.
I have followed you for many years, and am never disappointed. Thank you for persevering in your beautiful snapshots of your life! —Pattie M.
Merci pour les récits sincères et charmants de votre vie quotidienne à La Ciotat. Bon automne à vous et à vos proches, y compris Ricci. Bien amicalement, —Patti C.
Il y a trente ans - thirty years ago
In this week of birthdays and anniversaries, here's a very special Joyeux Anniversaire to Jules. Thank you, Mom, for teaching us the value of sharing uplifting thoughts, to always think positive, and to keep your eyes on the horizon. The seeds you planted early on have blossomed into this storybook life. The only thing that could make it better is an ice cream truck circling our neighborhood, as it did when we were little. XOXO
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
Lovely reminders and, as usual, photos!
Posted by: Leslie NYC | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 11:28 AM
Gorgeous Bride!
Posted by: Fatima | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 11:36 AM
Kristi, you were a breathtaking bride- and 30 years later, you're just as breathtaking 😚
Happy Anniversary to you and Jean-Marc; Happy Birthday to Jackie; and Happy Birthday to Jules!
Love from Annecy.
Posted by: NYC Trish | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 12:41 PM
Kristi,
A beautiful bride and still beautiful. What a neat celebration for Jackie and the pancake cake is perfect. Happy Anniversary, Happy Birthday Jacki and Happy Birthday Jules 🥳
Peace, Kathleen
Posted by: Kathleen | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 02:21 PM
Trente ans de mariage! Félicitations! Et j'adore les photos.
Et merci also for this wonderful quote. A great one to start the day.
Le vent de Dieu souffle toujours; il vous faut seulement hisser la voile.
Bonne journée à vous deux.
Posted by: Ophelia | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 02:28 PM
thank you for starting my day with such lovely thought and reminders. Gratitude is a wonderful attitude to embrace. Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Nancy | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 02:43 PM
Dear Kristi,
Your stories of late have touched me to my core, moving me to remember and to contemplate. It has been quite the emotional journey.
Such a beautiful quote from your favorite French thinker. It is especially helpful to think of in stormy waters…
Sending happy birthday and anniversary wishes to Jackie and Jules and to you and Jean-Marc. Life and love are truly precious gifts to celebrate.
Posted by: Chris Allin | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 03:51 PM
I always enjoy your posts!
We all have our daily challenges and it’s helpful to hear how you overcome yours. Hearing your latest is like having tea with a good friend.
I’m happy to see you had the breakfast celebration for Jackie, and I love your angelic wedding photos!
Thanks for keepin’ on
Posted by: Lori | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 03:51 PM
Just beautiful, thank you for sharing.Very calming.
Posted by: Deborah | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 04:10 PM
I enjoy your posts. Veil is le voile.
Posted by: Janet | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 04:18 PM
Thanks, Janet! I had not noticed there was a difference. I have updated the post to veil (le voile) and sail (la voile). Much appreciated.
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 04:26 PM
Happy anniversary! Congratulations. Many couples don’t make it as far as you have. It is through struggles and challenges that you both grow. Others give up and seek something new. I commend both of you for facing those hard times and becoming stronger individually and as a couple. Love starts out fresh and bright but life tends to dim that quality. It is up to both of you to let a new light shine through your marriage and bring a new dimension to that love you share. My wish for both of you is strength, perseverance and a renewal of love that will continue to grow as each year passes. May you find fresh reasons to look at each other with respect and joy.
Posted by: Jo-Anne | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 05:04 PM
Bon anniversaire a Jackie et a Jules.
Je vous felicite a l'occasion de votre trentieme anniversaire. Comme Jo-Anne a si bien dit, un mariage exige d'effort et de travail. Mais ca vaut le coup. Je vous souhaite encore beaucoup d'annees joyeuses ensemble!
Posted by: Marianne S. Rankin | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 05:57 PM
I couldn't find the video at the end of the post.
Posted by: Marianne S. Rankin | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 06:02 PM
Don't worry, Kristi--you're a naturally talented writer and we always enjoy reading about your life and family. Too many "actualities" everywhere else--no need for you to join the fray.
Posted by: Teresa | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 06:58 PM
Our dear Kristi,
Your gifted words and beautiful thoughts truly wrap our hearts in well being and hope .Ater seeing such a wonderful couple, their beautiful family, and their continued happiness we are filled with optimism again and thanks to God for allowing us to share in this blessing.
Such a gorgeous bride,and handsome groom! Your joy still radiates,still inspires.Please know through you both we are feeling it,too.
Joyeux anniversaire,mes cheres,toujours toutes benedictions!
Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JULES!!
We are all graced by your presence---and because of you we all are looking for that ice cream truck!
Blessings and prayers
Arms tight around you all
Love
Natalia
Posted by: Natalia | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 07:57 PM
Happy Birthday to Jackie! I remember being there to celebrate her 12th birthday in 2009. Time flies!! Bonne Anniversaire!!
Posted by: Jacqui Rowe | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 08:02 PM
Sweet Jackie!
Happy birthday to our beautiiful,talented and accomplished woman!!
Feliciations!!!
Arms around you,ma chere!
Love
Natalia xo
Posted by: Natalia | Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 08:42 PM
Hi Kristi,
I haven't gotten your post in several months, I'm glad to hear from you again.
Posted by: S LoweryWilliams | Friday, September 20, 2024 at 12:06 AM
Hello Sue,
I am so glad to have you back. If this happens again, please check your spam filter, where my newsletter is sometimes found. Also, please whitelist or add the following address to your address book:
[email protected]
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Friday, September 20, 2024 at 06:48 AM
Thank you, chère Natalia, for this and for all your wonderful encouragements. You are the queen of uplifting words 💗. Arms tight around you, with love.
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Friday, September 20, 2024 at 06:54 AM
Bonjour Kristi,
I especially liked the photo of you and J-M dancing. I hope you celebrated your 30th anniversary with an Anniversary Waltz. Also, a birthday breakfast is a wonderful way to begin a special day. My current favorite is a buttermilk waffle with fruit or ham on top. Yum! You are so fortunate to live with 3 generations of family who pitch in to keep everyone afloat either by sailing or by rowing!
Posted by: Joanne | Friday, September 20, 2024 at 07:32 AM
bonjour, Kristi: How I love reading your posts; I don't think any of your readers will ever be bored or tire of reading them. Thanks so much for sharing your life with us! If we let it, life has a way of opening our eyes to its mysteries, its questions (& possibly answers) & if we just listen, we can adapt, accept, organize, & be calm. I have learned a new mantra that I'd like to share: (1) I am grateful for this new day; (2) I embrace impermanence; (3) I will find compassion in myself & others; (4) I will walk the path of wisdom; (5) I am at peace with myself. So, at 80 years old, I'm so happy that I can still read your news & keep learning! Bon di; amicalmente, Ann
Posted by: ann | Friday, September 20, 2024 at 04:10 PM
Your prose is beautiful and the interlacing of French and English is always enlightening. Thank you for the words of encouragement!
Have you considered creating a Substack?
Posted by: Margaret | Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 05:53 AM
Kristi, thanks for this bright and encouraging reminder of how to face our days! I needed it today for sure! Bises, Denise ❤️
Posted by: Denise G | Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 02:32 PM
How have I never realized that you and Jean Marc were married on my Birthday. You and your mother never age. Still a beautiful bride. Jacquie was just a tiny little one when I first discovered you. I feel as if I know all of you so well. Happy Birthday, Jacquie.
Posted by: Sherry | Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:09 PM
Dear Kristi,
Congratulations to you and Jean-Marc on your 30th Wedding Anniversary!!! My husband and I walk and pray alongside you two on the journey of marriage. May the Lord keep guiding you with His Light, Love, Joy and Peace and countless goodness.
Thank you for each of your posts, rich with family living and French language. You do a great
[!GREAT!] job writing and being steady to post, week by week, year by year. It is not easy to write authentically about one's daily life, through the hardest moments over such a span of time, without eventually revealing what makes us human: the pain of life and loss. You don't stop there, though. You faithfully tend to those wounds, week by week writing of how to let go, forgive and strive to love without measure. It is that which makes us blessed, and you let that goodness have the last word and produce what is needed for the next post. Well done!!!
Happy Birthday to your momma, Jules, and your daughter, Jackie. May God continue to bless you all and those you love.
Most Sincerely,
~Celestine N.
Posted by: Celestine N. | Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 03:09 PM
Thank you, Celestine, for these lovely, spirit-filled wishes and for your encouraging feedback here and in the past. Your words, along with these thoughtful comments from readers, really inspire me to continue posting. I appreciate your taking the time to share these kind words of support. Merci infiniment! 🩷
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 03:34 PM
A joyful week of celebration! Your beautiful words welcome us into your world; one which is rich in love, family and life. I’m sending much love your way, dear Kristi!
Posted by: Stacy Lund | Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 07:36 PM
Thank you my dear Stacy 🩷
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Monday, September 23, 2024 at 09:12 PM