Tag Archives: quote

hello 2017

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“Are you feeling a bit shaken, maybe stirred, maybe fearful and doubtful and completely, utterly, wildly terrified? Good. Keep going.”

Victoria Erickson

 

I have a new mantra for 2017. I read an article last week written by a man who can’t move anything but his face. He shares seven incredible life lessons, and the one that stood out to me most is: fear = fuel. Take what scares you most and turn it into positive energy, motivation. I’ll be honest – there is a lot scaring me, both at home, and in a broader sense, like the (broken) state of our country. Personally, I’m facing finding a more suitable home for my family, recovering financially after my husband was unemployed for five months last year, dealing with a recent diagnosis of adenomyosis (first time I’m disclosing those two facts publicly), deciding on an educational path for the kids, and strengthening my marriage after four years of survival mode with twins. These fears and concerns didn’t disappear at the stroke of midnight.

I’m not suggesting that I live in constant fear, but these issues have been a bit paralyzing recently. Instead of letting these fears continue to fester and frighten me, I’m facing them head on in 2017. Fear is incredibly powerful – I’m going to harness the energy and channel it, letting it propel me forward. My actions and decisions will be motivated by, but not made in, fear. I’m going to light a match (or two, or three) and set my fears on fire. So let the internal inferno begin, and hopefully the flames will light the way to a brighter future. I can already feel a difference – just changing my mindset has boosted my courage and lit a fire. Burn, baby, burn. Do you have fears you’d like to set ablaze, or a new mantra to share?

french is beautiful

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“Aucun pays ne profite aussi bien de la vie sur terre que la France.

No country does life on earth better than the French.”

Blackpoodles

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The author of this quote is unknown except for their pseudonym, but no matter – the message is poignant, and so very true. I’m deviating from my usual focus on language in this series, in light of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris. While many others have eloquently articulated their feelings on this subject better than my writing abilities would ever allow, I simply cannot remain silent. It’s no secret that France has my heart, and Paris is at the beating center of it. It hurts me deeply to see the French people, and the city, suffering so. And yet, while hearts are heavy, the messages and displays of strength, resilience, and hope shine brightly through the darkness. The city of Paris has a Latin motto: fluctuat nec mergitur, which translates to “tossed by the water but not sunk”. We have all felt the waves, around the globe. As “blackpoodles” stated so beautifully, “Paris, we love you. We cry for you. We know you will laugh again, and sing again, and make love, and heal, because loving life is your essence. The forces of darkness will ebb. They will lose. They always do.” Thank you Paris, for sharing your strength with the world. Take comfort knowing that we stand with you.

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *

french is beautiful

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“One must not always think that feeling is everything. Art is nothing without form.”

Gustave Flaubert

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It’s hard to believe, but I’m already halfway through my French is Beautiful Level One course! I can honestly say that my French has already improved, and I look forward to each lesson. Studying French doesn’t feel like work to me, except maybe when it comes to verb conjugations, putain. I highly doubt that anyone could find that enjoyable. Getting back to the subject at hand – my most recent lesson had a focus on form. The French language has a certain formality to it, which is of course, echoed throughout the culture. It is crucial to know the rules, etiquette, and proper form before taking liberties. For instance, the imparfait verb form is more of a feeling, and looser than the tighter, more finite, passé composé. I’m doing my best to understand when to use each verb tense, and it’s becoming less intimidating thanks to my tutor, Carrie Anne James. Although, when I get stuck, this magical phrase buys me some time to figure it out.

** french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here **

french is beautiful

louvre-museum-paris

 

“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.”

 Thomas Jefferson

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The French language is constructed around beauty, much like the country’s landscapes and architecture.  When speaking the language, it helps to remember that fact – yet another priceless tidbit from my tutor, Carrie Anne James. When doubting your pronunciation, think about what would sound the most beautiful, and you’re most likely right. One of the most crucial aspects in speaking is the “liaison” – how the words connect and blend together, creating a fluid sound. For example, the letter s in the word les is generally silent, but when combined with the word amis, it is pronounced with the “z” sound, connecting the two words…les amis. It is what makes French so enticing, and dare I say, so sexy. Even the way it’s spoken adds to the allure…you use mostly the front of your mouth, and at a low volume. Vowels at the end of words are meant to be lingered upon, and enjoyed…mini-syllables, if you will. Take the word femme…that little, innocent looking e on the end should be emphasized and savored. For me, pronunciation is paramount, and I squeal with delight when my words melt together like taffy. These details are not to be missed…after all, it is where much of the beauty lies.

** french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here **