Narnia comes to France

I have to be honest, I am a bit tired today. I am not exactly in great spirits, and have had to fight a negative attitude all day. Perhaps it's because the kids are sick and vomiting everywhere, or perhaps just because the post office trip was a disaster today, or maybe I am flat worn out. I am not exactly sure the raeson, but today was certainly a "Murphy's law" day. However, the day is over now, and the night sky is so clear that I can see the furthest stars even with the lights on inside, and I can't help but smile, even if just a tiny bit.

I will tell you the highlight of my day, though. I took the boys, Melvil and Milan, to the movie theater today to see the new Chronicles of Narnia film...in French. It was certainly quite the experience, complete with a trip to the candy store (for some chocolate macaroons, of course!) across the Rotunde on the way back to the car. I rather enjoyed the movie, but I will adamantly contend that I must see it again, in English because there is always a disconnect when two language collide, and I had a bit of difficulty understanding some parts.

Anyways, like I was saying, while translation communicates words, it fails to effectively communicate betaeen cultures. For instance, while 1/3 of the English language is of French descent (I can explain in greater detail if you really want to know. I will, though, refer you to the Norman Invasion if you are so inclined to discover the truth for yourself), the "French" words we use in English often have different connotations or circumstance when used in France. Translation always diffuses emotion, for it is an activity that requires not just the re-communication of words, but the re-expression of an entirely different culture. Perhaps that's why I am so frustrated here today. I am overwhelmed with not being able to joke and laugh with the kids. I hear "ça veut dire quoi?" ("what does that mean?") AT LEAST 12 times every day, and today my nerves were shakey.

Tomorrow is certainly another day. We have company coming again. And, by the way, don't think for one second that I am not having a good time still, and that today was a total waste. I am and it wasn't. Laetitia asked me to run to the grocery store for her this evening, and I politely obliged her outwardly, while inside I was about to burst with excitement, because I knew I would have a few moments to myself. And, you know how much I love the grocery store, so it made for the perfect pick-me-up.

bonne nuit (good night)