Give me days of pastoral peace and quiet beside my wagon with a nice glass of Cahors!
To be honest, even with my caved in wagon, those are still most of my days.
Wednesday was an exception, and an exception full of French.
I may be deluded, but I believe that I speak better than I understand.
The path from brain to voice seems to be clearer than ear to brain.
I used to tease Jean, that if you put the 2 of us together you had a whole French understanding-speaking person. She understood more and I didn't mind speaking more.
We often helped each other, and in many more ways than just French!
It began at the Limogne vaccination center. Of course, the nurse I had to continue to redirect me. I listened and understood.
The doctor and I actually had a nice conversation.
He didn't need my Carte de Sejour or my Assurance Maladie Card.
He asked if I was "English" and we were off and running. I said American, and he said ah, the accent. He clearly spoke and understood English, but I soldiered on with my French. I told him I came from New Orleans. He asked about speaking French there-so, no. I shared how my friends from Cadrieu came with me in 2008 and learned that we don't speak French.
We even had the Cajun discussion. Honestly, it was fun for me.
Then, Christiane and I headed to the Presse in Cajarc to see if I could get my US-sized passport photos so I could get my application in to renew my passport. There is a husband-wife team who have the Presse. The husband is in charge of the photos. I was lucky he was there. The camera had to be reset from the French setting to the US setting so there was a little wait. Mask off, I took my place. Look into the camera of course, but for some reason I couldn't get my head into the position that was needed.
First, it was "tournez" so I turned. Then, it was "penchez" that I quickly learned meant "tilt/lean!"
Poor guy, what ever I was doing was either too much or too little turning and tilting. We finally got it. I checked out once my photos were ready, along with all my other presents to me for a successful day!
As I walked out and thanked him he reminded me one more time, with un "sourire" (smile)..."tournez-penchez!" I giggled! I had the force of my smiling angels with me!
Of course, I will never forget!
Happy Friday!
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