Reviving breeze

Posted on 2006/09/24 17:32:35 (September 2006).

So here I am, listening to Helene Grimaud's interpretation of Chopin. Piano Sonata no.2 in B flat minor (whatever it means...), op.35. I feel in the mood for it.

Today, my moral being a bit low -- for no particular reason except perhaps that I feel ill fit for this world (as always) -- I went for a lonely walk amidst the surrounding, freshly ploughed fields. The weather was grey, but a light reviving breeze chased my dark thoughts away. The hunting season has begun and I passed a few hunters as I wandered about the plots. I was wearing my Aigle hunting boots which made me look like some sort of gentleman farmer to the local people. Being somewhat counter-productive in my professional life -- in short I'm a total failure --, I particularly endeavour to keep up appearances...! Not that I behave like a snob (snob = Sine NOBilitas), far from it ! But... err... though I would never permit myself to look condescendingly at someone wearing sport shoes, you wouldn't often see me wearing those in the street. That's the way I am, I'm afraid. Appearances are all that is left to me...

Christelle has had a miscarriage. It was last week. At first, the gynaecologist said all was fine. But a few days later, things got worse. And it came as a shock to Christelle when she was told that the heartbeat of the baby (more like an embryo, but I don't like that word) had ceased. Oddly enough, I only feel the effects of it now. I mean, physiologically speaking. I feel tired and confused.
Normally, one is advised to wait three months before announcing that a baby is 'on its way'. But as Christelle's first pregnancy was a success, we didn't think necessary to take that precaution. Now we must pay for it.
Brinsley (see above picture) took it rather well. We tried to explain the matter without beating around the bush, though I'm not sure he is fully aware. He is merely four years old.

The three pics below are (organic) tomatoes from my beloved kitchen garden. As I keep saying, it's always a great satisfaction to eat what you produce. True happiness comes from the soil.

Sheri, my dear friend - I'm sorry to hear the news. No words can help - I know that. Jocelyn and I suffered the same heartbreak ourselves before Tim came along.

It's a strange thing, I discovered. Most women seem to be much more down-to-earth about such things. Whereas we men - rather surprisingly - take it all to heart.

Ah, those vegetable look splendid!! Nothing beats home-grown food, I agree!!

Posted by Nigel at 2006/09/25 22:08:34.

Sheri,

So sorry to read about Christelle's miscarriage - one can only wonder if Nature, in her infinite wisdom, knows best in such cases...? It must be truly heart-breaking for you both, but be strong and look to the future. For now, you have Brinsley, who is a fine-looking chap!! You never know what joy the future will hold.

Bringing a touch of humour into this message, the red tomato in the middle picture looks a lot like my ex-mother-in-law's face...!!

Take care...

Bryan

Posted by Bryan at 2006/09/25 22:33:50.

Really sorry to hear the sad news Sheri, I hope you and Cristelle can come to terms with it.

I would hope if nothing else it will make Brinsley seem all the more precious.

Posted by John at 2006/09/26 10:55:17.

No! Please rewind...

I come back from a crappy business trip and I read about this thing, and I cannot find anything to say, I just feel very sad and empty.

When I was in France I was thinking of you and Christelle and Brinsley, trying to force me to reind that NOT all French people are bad, that there are actually a lot of smashing folks like you guys.

Then I read this thing.

My colleague in my previous company suffered the same ill fate, when the kid was bigger, suffered quite a lot for it.

But then, as there is always a "THEN", she's got a marvellous baby one year later.

Does it help? I don't think so, but I am sure that together you'll get out of this sad moment, then, you'll never know!

As for the vegetables i you keep posting them I will be forced to make you feel sorry about you by showing MY CROPS (errr.... actually my mum's) :) :) :) They look delicious, I'd cook a nice fish with capers and olives with the small ones, drowned in a nice Alsace Riesling or Sardinian Vermentino.

Chin up Sheri! And let me know if you need anything!

Posted by Lox at 2006/09/27 16:35:25.

Thanks to you all, guys. Actually, it is not as bad as it sounds. Surely you have noticed I indulge in self-pity...! It's one effective way to draw attention on me... I'm French, after all ! Latin temperament ! Lox, being Italian, knows a lot about it too... ;-)

Posted by Sheri at 2006/09/28 08:21:29.

OK, I believe you, Sheri!! ;) Well, whether you want it or not, you get my support!! :))))) Ha! So there!!

Posted by Nigel at 2006/09/28 08:57:52.

Nigel: Idem (or "ditto" for you english guys) for me...

Posted by Lox at 2006/09/28 24:26:39.

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