January 23, 2006
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Trois filles dans un bateau.
Three girls in a boat
English version below the picture
Au moment de Noël la maison était remplie et le soir je fis le tour des chambres des petits – enfants . En voyant les 3 jeunes cousines dans le même lit , je pensais immédiatement au roman « Trois hommes dans un bateau « que j’ étais en train de lire à ce moment – là . Ce livre écrit par un auteur anglais Jérome K Jerome à,la fin du XIXème siècle raconte les aventures de trois jeunes Londoniens faisant du canotage sur
Les trois filles étaient ravies de se retrouver dans le même lit . Et elles s ’ endormirent sagement .
Mais au-delà ceci me fit aussi penser à l’ ancien temps en France où il n’ y avait aucun confort dans les maisons et peu de place .Les frères ou les sœurs des familles nombreuses devaient dormir dans le même lit comme cela . Je connus cela chez mes grands – parents côté maternel . Un jour j’ écrirai plus longuement à ce sujet .
Ce qui était un plaisir aujourd ‘hui était une nécesssité dans le passé .
Clara ( 7 years ) , Manon ( 5 years) Sarah ( 7 years ) Some teeth are missing !! Dec 2005
Clara ( 7 ans ) , Manon ( 5 ans ) Sarah ( 7 ans ) . Quelques dents manquent !!
At Christmas time the house was crowded and at night I made the tour of the children ‘ bedrooms . At seeing the 3 young cousins in the same bed I thought immediately of the novel “ Three men in a boat ” that I was reading at this time . This book written by an English author Jerome K. Jerome at the end of the XIXth century relates the adventures of 3 young Londonians boating on the river Thames . Their expedition lasted almost 2 weeks and it ‘s a row of anecdotes or picturesque descriptions smelling good the perfect British humor . .
The three girls enjoyed to be gathered in the same bed but finally they slept wisely .
But , further , this made me think of the past time in
What it was fun today was a necessity in the past .
Comments (124)
Sweet....looks like fun for them!!!
Amazing how what for today is a novelty was once the way of life.
Such beautiful, happy girls. Perhaps in the old days it could be happy too, and not just discomfort?
Nous toujours rencontrons avec les histoires dans nos vies!
How cute. I used to have to sleep with one of my sisters. It's not a bad thing to share a bed. Last time I was at one of my daughters, I spent a couple of nights with both of her children in bed with me. Crowded, but fun.
a party bed! i have fantastic memories of my kids and i all over my bed to watch movies or to sleep in on the weekends. the picture brought back our giggles!
I remember those days. =)
Michele
C'est toujours innteressant de remarquer "Ce qui était un plaisir aujourd ‘hui était une nécesssité dans le passé ." Par exemple, quand on mange des tripes, maintenant c'est pour les fêtes et c'est plus cher (dans mon experience), mais dans le passe c'etait ce que mange les paysans puisque la viande etait trop cher. Ou quand on s'en va en provence pour "vivre dans la campagne" comme nos ancêtres dans un petit maison au Périogord or Lozère ou n'importe où.
Je ne sais pas si j'ai bien explique ce que j'ai voulu dire la-haut.
Merci pour ton commentaire. C'est toujours un peu difficile les "grands questions" de Dieu et la vie.
They are adorable!
Little Manon looks like you.
so true and how fortunate that we have improved out living situation this way. what a beautiful bed too!
I remember having sleep overs with my friends and thinking that it was fun to share a bed. My Papaw told me that he had to share with his brothers because they didn't have enough beds. I think there were 7 children in his family.
Bonjour, Michel!
It is a great sight to see three cousins getting along so famously together. And even more surprising is the fact that they were able to get any sleep at all! Whenever I had a sleepover somewhere, there was not much sleep involved.
My great-grandmother had eight children. If I remember correctly, the five girls had to share one room and the boys had to share another. Five girls in one room! I can only imagine how hard it would be for them to share the beds and live in small spaces like that.
I hope you this comment finds you well, my friend. God bless.
What pure joy to share a bed, laughing and joking and Granpapa coming to join in the fun, I have no memories of bed sharing, no brothers or sisters or cousins. When my children were small, all three of them, they used to come into our bed on a Sunday morning, they are such happy memories. That is what life is all about isn't it Michel, creating good times in order to have happy memories.
RITA.
How wonderful these pictures are. What fun for three little girls to sleep in the same bed and giggle and talk. Judi
Lovely photograph! The girls look like they're having fun.
Oui le "yarn" ce sont des fils de coton (ou laine qqfois) avec lesquelles on fait des crochets par exemple.
Non, je ne suis pas prof de francais mais je l'ai étudié depuis 8 ans et peut-etre un jour je serais prof (je suis toujours a la fac) ou peut-etre un autre metier....j'espere pouvoir utiliser le francais dans ma vie professionnelle dans le futur...on va voir....
What great fun was had by all of them
a great adventure talking through the night and keeping their grandparents awake 
. It was the same kind of adventure the 3 men in a boat had 
How sweet! Aren't they precious?
My father used to say that they all shared a large bed and had to take swimming lessons due to them having one brother having a weak bladder and being unable to get to the lavatory in time!!
Delightful picture.
Awwww! You are first in my book.
The 3 cousins look like they were having a lot of fun before they fell asleep! Waiting for Santa, no doubt.....
Have a pleasant evening, my friend!
I never read the book but I can definetly identify with the crowding into a bed. We had a full sized bed that I shared with my 3 siblings. The girls look so cute. Have a fantastic evening. Tami
kids are precious
LOL....how cute!!! I remember having to sleep with one of my sisters until my brother went into the service and then I got his room and my own bed!!!
Have a great week Michel...and God bless you and Janine(HUGS)
A very good Pic Michel. Bet those 3 giggled and talked till they fell asleep. We always had our own bed growing up but one room had 2 or 3 bed's kind of like the Walton's that TV show from long a go.
Shirley
Thank you so much for your posts! It is fascinating to see them and to hear you speak of such things to ponder upon. A true pleasure to read your site *smiles*
I remember sleeping like this with cousins as a child. What a rich childhood and something memorable that most children don't have now. When I am with cousins at family reunions we can tell such funny stories about each other to one anothers children. It is so much fun. And I do disagree with you ,well maybe a little the water and the rest truly beautiful and strong genetics.
Love, Brenda
That is true. For some people it is a necessity. Growing up in India, my family and I slept in one bed in a one bedroom apartment.
That brings back some very nice memories of going to my grandparents house and all of us children sleeping in the same bed. My sister and I shared a bed until I got married. Thank you Michel for letting me return to my wonderful childhood with that photograph. Be well my friend.
Love,
Debbie
Cute picture really captures their joy! I'll bet they didn't sleep much! (Guessing there was more giggling than sleeping!)
That is a very cute picture. Good times from the past will live on forever, just as long as people keep sharing them in their writings.
Again, very nice picture.
I look forward to hear more about when it was a necessity share bedspace and indeed all made do with less. I remember summer vacations and weddings when all our family would gather and we'd sleep out in the open under the stars. It was fun as long as it didnt rain!!!
Awwwww.....
Great fun!
What little cuteys. I remember sharing a tiny room with my two little sisters. When it stormed they would asked if they could sleep with me. So there were three of us in a twin bed, it was funny. Good thing they were small.
Yes, I think is was always the custom in time past for the beds to be shared by the children. I know that my sister and I shared a bed. It must have been hard for her, as she is almost 13 years older than me. I remember her complaining that I took the covers away from her! But I also have memories of her talking to me at night as we fell asleep, and she would comfort me if I had a bad dream. Growing up we had neighbors that had nine or ten children. There house was very small, only two bedrooms. The older children were girls. The father converted the garage into a place for the girls to sleep. Then the four oldest girls became well-known for their singing voices. They were on a weekly television program (Lawrence Welk show) and then had their own program (The Lennon Sisters). The family was able to buy a larger house, but I think that sharing that tiny house made the family very close. Today, perhaps, we worry too much about having things instead of relationships.
Carol Suzanne
Lovely picture of the three cousins in bed!
Yes years ago, there was very limited room in homes, and children would had to share beds on a regular basis. How times have changed!! I remember when my cousin as a child, stayed at our house. We used to giggle most of the night, just the same as your picture shows, Michel. 
Three girls in the boat of life. They have very good experienced adults to teach them how to manoevre the boat. Now they are just having fun.
Amitié
Carlo
I love that picture...Those girls are having such a wonderful time and a wonderful memory captured. Thanks for sharing your moment of joy!
I'm reading "Villette" now by Charlotte Bronte and she uses a great deal of French...I get the jist of it but...Perhaps, if I don't understand a passage I can send it your way.
Francoise...
I love that book. It is one of my favorites and I reread it every year or two.
What charming girls!
Le bonheur de ces trois petites filles fait plaisir à voir
Oui aussi en Suisse il n'était pas rare que les grandes familles doivent partager autrefois des espaces de vie très restreints ...
Je n'ai pas connu cela mais ma maman oui.
Amitiés et merci encore en particulier pour ton très beau commentaire d'aujourd'hui sur Multiply
Michel, the photographer was Madison, 9, and she thanks you kindly for the compliments!
hmm ur last sentence is very thought-provoking
again , how wonderful!!!
I thank you for your continued support at my site, Judi
Boujour, Michel! Vous avez les plus nombreux commentaires en tout le monde de xanga! Fantastique. Cette lit la, c'est comme des meubles ici. Il faut les photographe pour vous -- a "vanity" (women's desk or "dressing table") and a "dresser" (chest of drawers). Similar style to that bed in the photo!
Yes, we have one horse and I will be posting a photo soon -- "Chessy," which is short for "Chesapeake," the large bay we have here in Maryland -- originally it's a "Native American" word that means "big water" or something. And a second horse, "Chief" is Chessy's stablemate that we can ride also. So, both will probably come over here once our barn and fences are up!
Merci de passer me voir...Todd est un dur...pas le premier os casse!!!
Merci pour ce post ...tres nostalgique ,j'adore ....
Mimi
Carriages: I have wanted to do that for many years. At one time I bought an antique sleigh and two buggies, a surrey and a smaller buggy (carriage). I never did get the shafts and harnesses, etc., nor did I see if any of my horses (at the time -- I had 3) would "drive." But, I have had it in my mind for a long time to get a "driving horse" someday and get a sleigh and buggy -- just for fun. We have very good areas adjoining our property, horse trails and many thousands of acres of public-owned land, and this would be very fun and satisfying to do. Also, by law, as I recall, the race horses must be retired when they reach 11 years old or something like that, and their "value" is much lower at that point and they can be acquired at a very reasonable price. Particularly "trotters" or "pacers" are already "driving horses" and can theoretically at least be made into a pleasure driving horse. At the horse expo we went to Saturday I picked up brochures from the driving horse association of our region. So, if I can ever get around to it, I might do some of this. Also, my uncle in Ohio is restoring an old sleigh, for himself, and I have asked him to "be on the lookout for" a sleigh and buggy for me too.
Is it your daughter, you said, who has a horse and carriage? You should post some photos!
Beautiful memories..
I am the 2nd of eight children...
As usual..GREAT POST..
Thank you Michel..
A hug,
Lucy
They are totally precious. What a cute picture!
Our four children used to come into our bed on Saturday mornings - it was bit of a squeeze as you can imagine. The BBC showed a programme of three men in a boat, copying the book but it wasn't nearly as funny. I was very disappointed as I enjoyed the book many years ago.
Marie
Oh, yes, I remember sleeping two or three to a bed. Especially on the farm. We didn't know any different and it was comfortable and warm in winter. The girls look so happy and I know they were having fun. Thanks for sharing and bringing back memories. (((hugs))) and smiles to you and to Janine.
~char
Tellement adorable! Quand j'étais petite, j'aimais bien dormir dans un grand lit avec mes amies ou mes cousines.
Je suis désolée que je n'avais laisser des commentaires sur ton site dans quelques temps. Mais j'étais reconnaissant de recevoir tes commentaires.
En particulier, sur le poème que j'ai partagé sur mon site. Je n'avais pas le temps pour lire ton site personnel, mais c'est un de mes buts! J'ai écrit toute en français aujourd'hui!
Bon soir!
~Jenny
The children look so happy! When they are grown up, they will remember these times with many smiles!
I also read back and enjoyed all the pictures of people blowing out their birthday candles. Janine's father looks very good for his age.
That antique farm looks like a lot of fun. I liked the picture of the geese at the drinking trough.
Ah yes, I remember the carriage photos from April! Thanks!
uh...hi?
Roughing it is always more fun if it's a choice. I love the picture.
Thank you, Michel, for your kind comment on my blog.
Michel, my mom was one of 12 children. She shared a bed with 3 of her sisters! I will never know how they got any sleep.. As for holidays here, the more children, the more laughter, the happier I am!
betch u cant do it like meeee gusse who this is and dont get on mah xanga or ill kill uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu=]
They look so adorable all together in the bed. Bet they had a fun time! They will always have great memories of these times together at their grandparents home.
Ken has told me about when he was little, and he and two brothers would share a bed also. It was a necessity, since there were 10 children in the family. He said it was really nice during the winter. Their upstairs bedroom was not insulated, and was VERY cold. All the body heat produced from 3 in a bed, they stayed nice and warm!
this reminds me of nights past that were stayed at my grandparents house. such fond memories!
It looks like they are having so much fun! When my little sister and I had to share a bed during vacations and whatnot, we viewed it as punishment.
Beautiful bed! I remember "slumber parties" that had us all in one bed, but alas, no sleep! We were so tired. I don't think I ever enjoyed slumber parties because of that. Take care. -Rachel
Such a wonderful picture-all the happy faces! I understand about several sleeping in the same bed, in the past. No doubt one was warmer with more body heat. ryc: Thank you for your compliment, and the belated birthday wishes for my daughter.
hi glad you liked my hotdog entry, cheleD said you have not tried peanut butter, if you have not found any, i will gladly get a jar for you and send it to you ,let me know
wendy pinky62
I have lots and lots of skeletons. Come and see.
"Ce qui était un plaisir aujourd ‘hui était une nécesssité dans le passé "... je suis entièrement d'accord!
à propos, j'ai bien reçu ta belle carte. merci beaucoup.
Hey sweety I pray you and yours are all well may Gods love and health shine down on you now and always.
GOOD MORNING!!
What? No Tooth Fairy in France?
http://www.abarnett.demon.co.uk/atheism/tooth.html
In response to your question, I think that some students can learn very well in online classes, but some should never take classes online.
One thing that has surprised me is that students actually have more access to me for help and answers to their questions than my on campus students do, because they can email me any time and when I check my email I can answer their questions and try to help them solve their problems. In effect, I am "on call" for them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Those who take advantage of that learn a lot.
There is also an online discussion board where students post their assignments. I respond to them and ask them questions. Other students also respond and participate in the discussion. Those who take full advantage of that also learn a lot.
Unfortunately, I think many students who take online classes do it because they think it will be quick and easy. They do not spend much time on it and they do not learn very much. I am finding that it is similar to the regular classroom where those who spend the time and do the work learn, and those who do not don't.
Hi Michel: Actually I did a blog on 3--first ladies, I also did one on Martha Washington our very First--first lady. Her husband George was our first president. I wanted to do a few blog's on our past first ladies before I hit the most recent one's. Mainly because these ladies served before women obtain right's like to vote and work among two. These ladies served their country when women were told to stay in the back ground and remain silent which they did to a degree working mostly through their husbands. The first ladies wrote the history on women's rights and I found it interesting the way they unfolded it and brought it forward. I will do a blog on Kennedy, Clinton and Bush soon.
Shirley
Looks like fun to me.
Martha Washington is on January 20th blog in case you would like to read about her.
Shirley
Beautiful picture!! How fun. I remember days at my Grandparent's house sleeping like that with my sisters.
in the not so distant past...i slept in the same room as my sister until i was 18...3 brothers were in another room...3 in yet another...bunk beds...but still, very crowded
lovely picture of the girls!
m
moi je pense aux aventures de ces filles pendant la nuit... quand je partageais une chambre avec mon frère pendant nos visites à la famille, nous avaient une autre monde pendant la nuit...
Many a poor family sleep lots to a bed. I think it happens now to keep warm and if the room is not there. I have read that in Russia there are still more than a single family in apartments. We don't realize how fortunate we are. As a child I did sleep with my sister but I don't remember ever more than the two of us in the bed. Small families have a lot of advantages that large families do not but I think large families have more fun. Am sure some families may not agree with that assessment.
Have a super week,
Darn, I wanted to say just how cute that photo is because it really is.
Becca
What an interesting parallel and contrast you have drawn. I must look up that book since I do enjoy anecdotal writing.
That's such a sweet photo! And yes, what's fun now might not have been so pleasant when there was no alternative. Such a lovely room though - the furniture is really beautiful
The book sounds delightful ~ and the girls are just precious! Have a wonderful day!
Hugs ~
Aimee
I'm an only child, but I remember when my girl friend would spend the night. We'd talk all night, and drive my Mother nuts.
Thank you for your attention, Michel. That monument in named Monumento aos Bandeirantes. Clkick on the link for a nice explanation.
Em amizade sempre,
Sheila
Girls always have fun together!!
This is a wonderful photo
I hope you are well Michel, and Janine too
*I have a video up now. Come see
I get a calendar in my email with something for everyday and that cake was for Thursday have no ideal what it does anyway no my birthday isn't until March. Looking forward to my 3 day weekend off, I need the rest and time to unwind.
Shirley
I came back just to see the joy and glee on those girls faces...
Thank you so much for sharing, Michel...
You captured a magic moment..
A hug,
Lucy
What fun for the little ones...and what a smile they bring to the heart
your live is reference to anyone, Michel. You have such lovely family and I"d love to be at your age with lots of grandchildren. Maybe that's not in my path. So i admire
hopefully no one fell out!
<3ashera
Awww, sooo cuute.
I miss my cousins.
That reminds me of my sisters and I at Christmas... to excited to sleep. I would love to hear more about the earlier times of your life.
Good morning have a beatuiful weekend God Bless.
It'sFriday
Any skeleton requests?
Thank you so much for gracing my blog with your comment! We shall see what work I shall do.
Love to you. 
Have a Blessed weekend Michel!!!!
A superhug to you and Janine,
Lucy
Happiness of children - You are blessed - Hope you have been well.
Just can't wait for another update, Judi
Ces photos sont formidables!!! J'adore les enfants.
Je suis tres contente! Merci pour demander.
Et tu...tu es tres content aussi! J'espere que tout va bien pour toi!
Amitie,
Caroline
awww...the photo so reminds me of when I was younger and we slept multiples to a bed.
Michel, thank you as always for your comments, they are always so kind and thoughtful you are a special xangan. I read your blog first in french and then checked my understanding against your english version. In french my first translation of the book was to think of Three Men in a Tub, and even though that is not what you referred to, your babies in bed still remind me of the old poem. As soon as you mentioned the large families sharing a single room and bed- sometimes beds to keep warm, I remembered seeing the first home my father grew up in as a young child from a large family of 12 and one small bedroom that accomodated all of them. Thank you for triggering that memory. -g
oui, tu as raison, réfléchir est une action, mais je trouve reposant de ne pas réfléchir aux cours mais plutôt à des choses plus personelles.
Ok. I've got one more superhero image.
I don't think we do own this spark of creativity in our head but it was put there for our use. We can find it if we just seek, Judi
I remember sleeping four in a bed. Someone would sleep at the bottom part! You grandbabies are precious, Michel! They are so lucky to have you and Janine! They look as tho they are giggling (that's what we call laughing that small children do!)
I am reading a biography of Django Reinhardt and it is so interesting in its description of Paris in the 30's and 40's. Also about the caravans and where they packed their belongings! I was surprised the first time I heard English people call travel trailers caravans. They do not resemble a gypsy caravan!!!
standardized tests have become a big thing over here at least....hopefully i can escape them soon.
<3ashera
Thanks a lot for your comment. The link was all messed up and I think I've fixed it. Please come try again.
And thank you for being the twentieth person to comment. I was waiting for that magic number.
Sometimes, my kids (they're teenagers!!) and I crawl into bed together with the dog and listen to the radio. We call it a 'puppy pile'. It's fun. These moments are special and will always be remembered. Maybe once you could curl up in bed with them for a story.
That's such a cute picture, Michel. We're all lucky that we don't have to crowd in like that anymore.
Have a great day.
Paula
What a wonderful time they seem to be having; smart grandfather to capture the memory.
Michel What about people in mental needs ? Are you talking about the mentally ill? They can be healed of this dis-ease if they are willing to let it go. Judi
Such a sweet picture. Reminds me of sleep-overs when I was young. A bunch of my girl friends would come over and spend the night with me. During the day, we would roam the river that went through the farm, climbing trees, sliding down the slopes of the banks, try to catch minnows in the water and find all kinds of treasures (empty bottles, broken toys, etc.). Then we would all go to sleep at night piled into one small mattress, cuddled up in front of a fireplace. Wonderful times. Blessings, kc
A beautiful sight those children enjoying themselves.
I was fortunate to only have to share a room with a sister. Twin beds. The day came when younger sister moved in as older moved out. Now she was a pain!
Ciao Michel, combien elles sont jolies, les trois fillettes. Et aussi heureuses. Elles rappelleront ce moment pendant beaucoup d'années, sois-en sûr!
N.B.: J'ai lu l'histoire de ta fleur preferée. Il y a tellment de choses en commun entre nous que parfois j'oublie de t'en parler, comme si tu connassais déjà tout, ou comme si tout avait déjà été conté...
Hello again, Michel. Yes, the eye specialist did say that if it did not go away in about 4 months that the next step would be surgery. I'm hoping that doesn't happen. And I get my observation skill from my journalism background, I think. I'm no scientist..... just a journalist and journalism teacher. Thank you for the compliment. Wish me luck in learning some French before our trip to France. I listen to tapes every day for at least 30 minutes. I am hoping to know a little bit before coming to your wonderful country in March. Many Blessings and much love, kc
I have two vases for you to give an opinion on.
Your friend,
John
One of my favorite non-fiction books is Provence by Peter Mayle. Have you ever been there?
HI!! cute post. i love jumping in bed with lots of people!! i'll be in italy the first 2 weeks in july!! i can't wait. i'm just ready for a vacation! hope you have a good day!!
-becky
Hello my friend thank you for your comment I am feeling alot better and even more so knowing I have friends who are conserned about me God Bless my friend you and yours
((((HUGS))))
ryc
OK. I've added a new vase to the collection.
Hi Michel: I applied for a job in N.C. thanks to my oldest sister but not sure I want to live there, it's so much hotter year round and more expensive to live. Now that this new company is opening here well I may just get a job with them. They make plastic drink bottles. Over hallf the people where I work have applied and the number is rising, my friend emailed me today that 25 more have gone and applied. One would think this company would take notice but they want know until everyone leaves they have lost some great workers already over the past year they treat workers so bad. I'm off to work.
Shirley
Michel,
You are right, Simon is napping somewhere by the heating back in Simonville.
Very cute! It must have been fun for them all. When I was a child I had to share the bed with my brother out of necessity. But we played and kicked each other's feet when we slept with our head point at each end of the bed. It was a lot of fun and we fell asleep after the strenuous kicking!
hey michel, oh how i wish that were me.,. that is kellie my daughter, but that is exactly the way i used to look at that age!!! poor thing,, in 30 years she will look like the profile pic!!! abrazos y besos
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