Le Sixieme Jour, Vendredi 4, Juillet 2008

A word

In terms of classes and new understandings, yesterday was quite enlightening and exciting for me.  As you probably know or can guess, I speak French a little like Tarzan might, solely in the present tense and absent of any other, say, helpful tense, such as the future or past.  C'est dommage!  How regrettable!  This is an irritating process for me and for those who struggle to listen to me.  I preface each statement with "Dans la passe" ou or "Dans le future."  This is an  incredibly arduous way of speaking.  So, yesterday's writing class on using passe compose and imparfait was excellent.  Now I can awkwardly get through a sentence, and in suitable (for the most part) times, use the passe compose or future.  Still stilted, but evenso, the situation is much preferred to the Tarzan speak with which I have become far too comfortable and familiar.  My writing professor is patient and of good humor with a proper French name like Laurent.  Bon professuer!

Today is Independence Day for my American home, so I am wearing a bright red shirt and blue jeans for the occasion.  As the weather was quite chilly this morning, the jeans and long sleeved shirt were perfect.  But, as the day has warmed up a good bit, I have pared down to my white tank and jeans.  I sit in a cramped and brightly sunlit corner of the school's salon and write to you, my friends.  As one of the professors plays on the small piano in the sitting room, I meditate on how very blessed I am to be sharing a small bit of July 4th with you, even if from afar.

Today's morning was busy with my first weekly exam and language class with another one my bon professeur s, Anne-Marie.  What has boggled my mind is that throughout each one of my days, for the whole of the day, all that I hear and speak is Francais.  It feels a bit bizarre to write in English.  Moreover, what is so incredibly cool is that a whole class, meal, or conversation, will carry on and I alors then realize, "Hey, I have understood much of what has been said!"  With a class full of folk from Spain, Poland, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Denmark, etc., it makes perfect sense that not one question should be returned with an answer en anglais.  The professors respond always, further, en francais.  And, in turn, I find myself taking notes, also, entirely en francais.  C'est bon travail!  It is good work!

I am not sure how often I will be able to access the internet this weekend.  In the case that I am without a way, I will most certainly post on Monday.  For a little adventure of my own, I have reserved a small and reasonably priced room in the 6th arrondissement neighborhood of Paris, called Saint Germain des Pres.      

A thought 

two souls

In the vast and inexhaustable country that stretches out infinately within our being, our travel here is given form with word we have already mapped and known.

Yet in the quiet of listening, we discover this always abiding universe, ever being stretched and born.  Beyond is the grander length of land within, remaking herself with new words and the telling of a companioned mystery in the terrain untouched and uncharted.  And, always abiding, the place bids us draw the course.

A hope

The good news is that I have added a link with some French language practice.  If you are interested in a little French work of your own, please access this helpful link and have a little fun.  In lab yesterday, we worked with some of the exercises and I enjoyed very much reacquainting myself with the sounds and mechanics of the French language.