robustesse

In Soave Italy, where "museum-worthy" meets mundane. The art of life includes being able to have a cup of coffee, post a letter, and study a sculpture.

robustesse (ro-bus-tess) noun, feminine

    : robustness, sturdiness, strength

 

A Day in a French Life... by Kristin Espinasse

"Robustesse"
Sensitive... yet Strong

The highlight of Spring Break was visiting Cousin Audrey (oh-dray) in Verona. Before Jean-Marc and I married, in 1994, Audrey (15 years old at the time) traveled from Toulouse to séjourner with us. Though a duodecennial divide separated the French girl and the American woman, a complicity was born between the two expatriates. (Audrey eventually went on to live in Italy, and I made my nest in France, marrying Audrey's cousin.)

Audrey and I share more than a lightning fast facility for blushing, we've in common a love of language, comedy, and gelato... but when the bill comes we get serious, neither of us willing to accept no.

Witness the following restaurant scene in which two women play tug-oh-war with a poor old porcelain plate... Unable to settle, the bill—or l'addition (delivered to our table via the plate in question) dances over the plate's surface like a feather.

A conversation ensues in which one will win and one will lose...

Audrey: C'est à moi!
Me: Non! C'est à moi!
Audrey: Non! à moi!

The porcelain plate is teetering dangerously between the grips of the two women... Jackie and Max, who are dining with us, are staring with wide-eye excitement, betting that the saucer will soon take flight... Separation is imminent: the plate will either launch, or end up in the sole grips of la plus "staunch".

Moi: Non! (tug, tug, tug...)
Audrey: Si! ... (tug, tug, tug...)
Moi: Non! (tug, tug, etc. etc. and so on...)

Normalement, the idea of breaking a plate belonging to another would have horrified we "WannaPleasers". But a decision had been quickly reached: risk vandalism for victory! All this just goes to illustrate one final commonality or trait: beneath the delicate desire-to-please-all façade, there lies strength...

...power enough to propel a porcelain plate... from Italy, to France... then over the Atlantic to New York State.

 
Cousin Audrey, right. Kristin, left.

:: Le Coin Commentaires ::

This forum is open to your thoughts about today's edition. You may also pose questions about France, the French language and similar topics. By helping each other we enrich this community, educate, and inspire one another in all things French. Click here to comment.

French Vocabulary

séjourner = to stay, to sojourn
c'est à moi = it is mine (to pay!)
non! = no
si! = yes (after a negative statement)
normalement = normally

:: Urgent: A Call For Help! ::

I received this letter from Rowan and Rhiannon, who volunteer at a local animal shelter:

Dear Kristin,

I am a Brit who lives in Carcassonne and I volunteer at the SPA (dog and cat rescue). We are desperately trying to find homes for our dogs, who are overcrowded and therefore at risk. There are dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes, some who would suit older people or those living in apartments, and others who need lots of space and walks.

One boy, in particular needs a home, his name is Tigue (pronounced Tiger), who is a beautiful Shepherd/ Bouceron cross. He is 3 years old and good with people and other dogs, and even seemed to be fine when I took him to the cat house. But he is not happy in his kennel and when people pass his box they assume he is aggressive (nothing could be further from the truth). The staff feel that he is unlikely to ever be re-homed and want to send him to the big kennel in the sky. I think this is wrong, as he is a beautiful boy and very good natured.

The adoption fee is €90, which includes tattoo and vaccination. I have two dogs already so can't take him, but in order to save him I would be willing to pay his adoption fee if a home is found. This offer doesn't stand for the other dogs there, by the way, but Tigue is a particular favourite  of mine.

I have attached a photo in the hope that you may be able to publicize Tigue and the other dogs and cats at the SPA. We are desperately short of money and volunteers, too....

Many thanks in anticipation. I attach a link to the SPA website.
http://spacarcassonne.e-monsite.com/


Rowan

Smokey (left) says... Please help our friend Tigue. Contact this shelter today!!! Braise (right, mud on her face) seconds Smokey's plea.

Comments

[Jeanne]

Who won????

[paris (im)perfect]

I'm with Jeanne. Who finally triumphed?

[Betty Gleason]

The rest of the story please. How did the plate wind up in New York state? Or as usual with New Yorkers (born & raised), was it just a state of mind?

Hobe Sound, FL Scattered clouds 70 degrees F

[Cyndy]

You two are beautiful! What a great picture.

And further down the page: which lucky family member got to bathe Braise?

[elizabeth taza]

Well I cannot help in offering a home to a very much needed animal my heart breaks to know these beautiful creatures need love and care but I will send an email to all of my wonderful friends and I have also posted the SCP site onto the AngloFranco site. My love & prayers that we can all help in someway to find happy homes for our furry friends. Elizabeth Taza in the Charente.

[Margaret]

Kristen,

Your posts always allow me to reflect back on wonderful travel moments. The scene from the cafe is a classic. I am reminded of my photo tour in Venice of "Saints in Bondage." I noticed one statue in her niche that was protected with bars to spare her from vandalism and perhaps nesting pigeons. This discovery developed into a sort of Easter egg hunt as I looked for them around town and took photos. These scenes make us so keenly aware of our surrounding. I do think your particular find is fabulous -- a coffee, a post card home, and a couple of hail Marys for luck - what more could you ask for?

The tug-oh-war reminds me of a day in Paris when three of us stopped for a glass of wine at an outdoor cafe. We had a wonderful time and all assumed someone had taken care of the addition thereby avoiding the usual, "I'll take care of this, no, I'll take care of it" back and forth. Three blocks later I asked, "did anyone pay the bill?" I was met with two blank stares. I ran back to the cafe only two be met by the entire wait staff with their hands on their hips. I used every bit of French I knew to assure them that we were not cheats and that my embarrassment was beyond measure. I topped it off with a very large tip. I am not sure if they were convinced.

At our next cafe stop the following morning, our coffee was delivered with the check (not the usual custom in Paris). Had the word gone around in Paris? Beware of three middle aged women known to run out on the check?

Margaret in Durham on a lovely spring morning...

[Bill in St. Paul]

We seldom go out for just coffee with friends any more. Instead we prefer to go out for dinner with them where we don't argue over who gets to pay - we just split the bill because the argument would be the opposite of yours and Audrey's - "Yours" "No, yours" (LOL).

How did Blaise get that dirty nose? Was she digging in the garden and someone used a hose to scare her off? Or was she getting a bath? I can't believe that Smokey didn't want to get in on whatever it was that got Blaise so wet.

[Eileen deCamp]

Hi Kristin,
I thought you were going to say that the plate went flying and hit the wall or another diner. Great picture of you and Audrey. I love the picture of Smokey and Braise. Did Braise just get a bath or did she jump in a creek or pond?
I volunteer at the local SPCA here in Charlottesville and there are so many sweet animals just waiting to be adopted. I hope Tigue finds a nice home soon!
Sunny and 85 degrees today in Charlottesville, VA

[Kristin]

I would say we both won (just in case Audrey is reading... hehe). Seriously, Audrey got me back by treating to gelato à gogo. The plate, incredibly, was not broken!

Betty: New York STATE because it rhymes with plate... (I had a hard time with the ending to this story)

Merci Cyndy! And I believe the mud fell off, eventually...

Elizabeth, thanks for posting the info!

Margaret, loved your story "très imagée"

Bill, that is exactly what happened! She was digging her nose in the garden until Jean-Marc chased her off! Smokey doesn't take as many risks as Braise does, though chewing on the walls, chairs, floors, couch (etc) isn't considered a risk... but a right.

Eileen, we were certain the plate would fly off and hit the wall... or worse! I think this is what scared my cousin into submission :-)

[ann ceraldi]

Nice story! Darling picture of the two of you. I am so sorry about the dogs. I hope Tigue finds a home soon. Here in the States we have the same problem. I'm going to be adopting a couple more big dogs from the pound--recently moved to a farm! Must gather up my courage before going, because my heart always breaks when I see all those animals that are abandoned.

[Phyllis Smith]

Hi Audrey! Good to see you even if on the blog. Hope all is well with you in Italy and hope to see you again soon.

[Andrea]

Great picture of Audrey and you... beautiful ladies!

Besitos,
Andrea @ Austin, TX

[Jules Greer]

Hi Kristi,

I loved your story this morning, what a wonderful gift your stories are for me. I am adoring Tigue, wish I was settled nearby in a little cabanon, he would be mine for sure. His breeding combo is exactly what I
would want to protect me in the forest surrounding my dream cabin. When I lived in
the village of Les Arcs near you I saw many of these magnificant dogs at the cafe/tabac I hung out in each day. Oh, the memories...

XOXO

MOM

p.s. Smokey and Braise look like a comedy team...ready to do their skit. I was shocked when I saw Braise covered with mud as I know she bathes daily in the creek below the clothesline.

[Christine in Salt Lake City]

Good luck to Tigue! Wish I could take him, but I'm a little to far away in the US. (Although I have to admit, he sounds so great that I wondered how much it would cost to get him over here.) Thanks Kristin for posting that letter.

Christine, writing from Salt Lake City where it is finally Spring! 72 degrees here today.

[Teresa]

I thought Audrey was a cousin on your side of the family, Kristin. You seem to resemble each other; similar smiles and eyes. Maybe it's the close friendship. Either way, beautiful picture of beautiful women in a beautiful place. Brightens this cool, gray day in Clinton, NJ. Makes the desire to drag my family off to the Mediterranean even stronger!!

[martina]

Hope Tigue finds a home soon. He looks very handsome. We have a dog rescued from a puppy mill and he is loved beyond measure and returns that love.

[Candy in SW KS]

Oh, chere Kristin, what a wonderful post and photos this morning. I needed that! Merci! The photo of the statue, "poste" and table and Margaret's comments regarding them are priceless. Indeed, what more does one need than faith, family and friends - well, dogs of course, but then aren't they friends or family? :) The photo of Braise and Smokey is wonderful. They have such an innocent look on their faces - yet covered with the evidence of guilt! So "golden", isn't it. Kristin, you and Audrey are golden also. I love your photo as well. And I love that "robustesse" is feminine! Bravo! Best of luck with finding the precious Tigue a family. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to your cinema verite! It is a beautiful rainy day in SW KS. We so need the moisture. It will help my newly planted roses and azaleas to be "robustes"!

[Susan]

I'm in DC but have some contacts in France/Italy re: animal adoption. Will send the message on.

ciao!

[Kathryn Winslow]

Hi Kristin & all you lovely people out there who add your interesting comments. This is my first post, although I subscribed several months ago. I may be your oldest reader(70), but I love your thrice-weekly stories, bits of wisdom, and sheer Frenchness. I have dabbled in the language for years but started formal classes 2 years ago under a wonderful program here in San Antonio called the Academy of Learning in Retirement. My overall impression of your posts in general is they reinforce in me the belief that even the most ordinary, mundane moments of our lives can be sacred. Thank you!

[Lee Isbell]

I hope Brit in Carcassonne can provide us with a happy ending to Tigue's story.

Sorry Kathryn, I've got a couple of years on you and I don't doubt there are people older than we are who are reading FWD!

[Herm Meyer]

Salut,

Kathryn and Lee, this old boy will be eighty next month and I'm having a ball learning French.

Kristin . . . love your website, thanks!

À bientôt,

Herm in Phoenix, AZ

[Paula]

I too volunteer to "rehome" abandoned or relinquished pets. My organization is in Madison, WI and can be found on the web at madisonmutts.org. At the momment we are fostering a fantastic little terrier named Honey. There are many more wonderful animals listed on the site (many with videos)and the people who care for them are incredibly unselfish. Check out the site, adopt an animal, and send a donation if you can.

[Susan]

Please let us know what happens with Tigue.

[Cecily]

Hi Kristin and other Francophiles,
I love the photo today, the espresso cup, the cigarette ash tray!, the Saint statute and the post box! How Italian!!! Do you know which Saint this is? (showing my religious ignorance... excusez-moi!!)

[Rhiannon]

Hi Susan, we will let you know how Tigue gets on. Unfortunately he only has until Monday to find a home so lets hope someone is able to help him before then!

[Jennifer in OR]

Lovely photo with table and niche. I like the phrase, "where museum-worthy meets mundane."

[Merrie Dail]

Poor Tigue - perhaps shelter volunteer could rescue until a home could be found. After our two rescued / aged cats died, we decided that one rescue pup was enough amidst frequent visits from other rescued grandpups and grandchildren (not rescued). And then I stumbled across the sickest, tiniest, most flea ridden little creature with my grandson; we prayed our way through round the clock feedings puncuated by one drop doses of antibiotic (he was soo small). At nine months of age, he is still here - strutting into the living room, wreaking havoc on everthing from the dog to delicate boat models. No more room at the inn? Well, maybe just one more, just this once.

[Christine in Salt Lake City]

Rhiannon: If someone were to make a donation to the shelter in Tigue's name, will they keep him until he's adopted?

[gail bingenheimer]

Bonne chance Tigre, gail

[Kristin Espinasse]

Christine, what an excellent idea! Now, if only it is possible...

[june furey]

As always Kristin I so enjoy your little stories attached to your photos. I am still in Ceret and its market day today and deep blue skies above with the lovely pale green leaves on the trees, such wonderful scenes for me to take with me and paint when I get back to New Zealand. As I was 80 last year, I think Katherine, I must one of the oldest of Kristins admirers
Please email me if you wish on [email protected]
felicitations
June

[Rhiannon]

Hi Christine. Its a great idea but we have already suggested that to the shelter. They have said that they would still not be able to keep him (or the other dogs that are on the list to be put to sleep on Monday) Its literally just a case of not having the space for them. Thanks for all your suggestions though, its very much appreciated.
Rhiannon

[Rhiannon]

Hello Everyone,
Just had some great news from Rowan please see below...Thanks to you all for your help especially to Kristin, Smokey and Braise for their article on Tigue yesterday.

Another last minute save. It may be forever, I am hoping it will, but if not, at least Tigue will be okay till a permanent home can be found. It is up to him and how he behaves with his new friends of both the canine and feline variety. I intend to have a good talk to him this afternoon and tell him not to blow it!
So a trip to the vets for Tigue, but for tattooing and pre-release checks! Hurrah!
Thanks to everyone for their support and interest. Not sure if the new owners want to reveal their identity but if they are happy to do so and want to keep you posted on Tigue's progress, you can all watch this space!
Thanks again
Rowan

[Christine in Salt Lake City]

Formidable! Thanks Rowan and Rhiannon for posting here about Tigue. So happy that he will have a second chance!

[Kristin Espinasse]

Ouaiiiii -- go Tigue! We are so relieved to have the news! Oh, your foster parents are lucky (and they are ANGELS too). Love K, Smokey, Braise et Co. P.S.: merci encore to Rhiannon and Rowan for sharing you with us. Keep us updated.

[Jules Greer]

Thank God - I prayed all night for Tigue - I was quite upset about his status for Monday. I hope his new friends will share more photo's of Tigue.

[Kirsten]

Oh, I just got on today to read this story about Tigue! I am so glad to hear the good news. Thank you, Kristin, for posting his story and helping him out.

I have a rescue dog and so do many friends and family members. If we all keep spreading the good word about adopting pets, spaying/neutering, and working to end puppy mills, maybe we will someday have a world where there are no crowded shelters where potential pets are at risk...

Hooray for Tigue!

[Julianna]

I am praying for a home for beautiful Tigue. I live in Las Vegas, NV, USA, and have four rescues of my own already, as well as one foster dog. It breaks my heart that pet overpopulation is as big a problem in Europe as it is here in the States. I know someone wonderful is going to see his picture and want him. He looks beautiful! Kristin, as always, I love your site... thanks to you, three days a week I get to go in my imagination to the French countryside.

[Julianna]

PS -- Just saw the post where a foster has been found for beautiful Tigue... and, of course, I will be following closely for updates on him and his new life.

[Jan, Colorado]

Today's posts brought tears to my eyes and then joy to my heart when I read that Tigue had been spared! Way to go! Kristen, it's amazing the services you provide through your extended family/blog readers.