Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

I am

I am not going to complain about my double chin.

I am not going to ask God why he didn't give me long legs.

I am not going to wish for a cute little nose.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

But when people ask me if I am my husband's mother, or my Father's wife…or worse, when they say I am my Father's wife and that my husband is our son (!!!,) or when people think I am my Mother's older sister, I will take comfort in my son Sacha's words:

Mommy, don't feel bad until they think you are Daddy's Grandfather.

Gee, that is reassuring! Thanks Sacha!

Maybe it is not a bad thing that people think my kids are my grandchildren.

New Year's resolution number one: I am Corey plain and simple, bold and strong!

photos of me by my daughter.

ps…take a poll on Lee's site!

Comments

103 responses to “I am”

  1. gracia

    Hello there, Corey! So nice to see you… and I love your resolution for the coming year. I believe you’ll stick to that number one plan, without a doubt.
    take care, g
    (Now I, too, will stop wishing for a little cute nose…)

    Reply
  2. louise

    Hi Corey,
    Sounds like a wise resolution. I might have to take a leaf out of your book and embark on the same course of “happy in ones own skin” action. Echoing Gracia with the nose comment I resolve to be happy with my legs.
    Cheers, lj

    Reply
  3. Lee

    We love you for who you are, not who you would like to be!

    Reply
  4. Britt-Arnhild

    Wonderful Corey. I love the great photos of you and I love your wise words…..-written by a Norwegian with “quite alot of kilos” on the body she is proud of!

    Reply
  5. Jeanne

    You are most beautiful inside and out.
    I adore you Sugar Plum.
    You are amazing!
    Love Jeanne ^j^

    Reply
  6. tut-tut

    WHAT?? Good heavens; I have a friend who, when asked similar questions. quite enjoyed “straightening out” the one who posed such a question. You are the beautiful head of quite a beautiful family. Thank you for your photos.

    Reply
  7. cruststation

    Hello there Corey, you look beautiful! I can see the kindness and loving personality shine through from your pictures (how people see you does not matter, it’s the inside that’s important). Having said that, I remember as a child I hated my nose it’s round and stubby-I pulled it daily, I think I almost broke the bridge!) To grow into maturity is to be content in the skin you’re in. Thank you for your words of wisdom as always.

    Reply
  8. Marie-Noëlle

    Can’t see any “double chin”
    Can’t see anything but a beaming smile…
    which says you are the apple of a Frenchman’s eye !

    Reply
  9. Paris Parfait

    Corey, you are lovely, inside and out! xo

    Reply
  10. patpaulk

    I guess what’s important is what French husband thinks. But to heck with him, you’re eye candy to me!!

    Reply
  11. herhimnbryn

    Gorgeous woman inside and out….I hear you roar.

    Reply
  12. carolyn

    Happy New Year Corey!

    Reply
  13. Penny

    Sometimes when I see a photo of myself I wonder when I got so ‘old’!! But most of the time is just go with how I feel inside and let others worry about my outside!!
    P.S. I have that ‘cute’ nose and I spent my teenage years trying to straighten it by pushing the tip down with my finger tips. I thought it turned up too much!

    Reply
  14. Shannon

    This is what I see:
    Lips to die for (nice and full and perfectly shaped…very kissable…I’m sure French husband would agree!)
    Kind eyes
    Your nose is PERFECT for your face!
    (99% of the women who have a cute little nose had the help of a plastic surgeon!)
    You have a welcoming approachable look about you and I prize that over anything else 🙂

    Reply
  15. rel

    Corey,
    Why would you want to be more beautiful than you are?
    My brother who is ten years younger than me and hasn’t a grey hair in his head always tells people that I’m his father. 😉
    Your heart shows in your face, and that’s a good thing.
    rel

    Reply
  16. Kerstin

    Oh, but you are lovely, Corey! I like the shorter hair, too. And you already are bold and strong, and definitely never plain. Never. Happy New Year to you, may it bring you all you wish for 🙂

    Reply
  17. berrie

    Horace Friess:
    “All seasons are beautiful for the person who carries happiness within.”
    YOU My dear are a radiant beauty! Inside and out. Seeing your face, only validates this for me! Like a fine wine dear, like a fine wine! Oh! How I would like to share that bottle with you! love ya! xo

    Reply
  18. candy

    I think you’re perfectly lovely and yes, your kindness and grace show in your smile and in those eyes. I believe that in our simplicity we are indeed bold and strong. I’ve also found that in my weakness there is great strength.

    Reply
  19. ParisBreakfasts

    Oh LOVELY Corey
    Strong and true,
    And BRAVE too.
    I wish I was you.

    Reply
  20. Jos

    And, Oh, how you quicken my beating heart, Mademoiselle!

    Reply
  21. swampgrrl

    honey, you’re gorgeous … inside AND out.

    Reply
  22. Star

    Oh, Corey, this made me laugh right out loud.
    I bought a webcam to use when we are at my mom’s; my brother has one and it is always so fun to actually see him when we “chat.” When I set it up this past weekend, my very first thought when I saw my picture on the screen was “wow, look at that double chin!” and promptly set about trying to make it disappear–no dice. It just doesn’t matter; we are who we are.
    And you are a gem. Thanks for starting my day with laughter. 😀

    Reply
  23. Regina Clare Jane

    I am so glad you posted these pictures! It’s nice to see where all this loveliness emanates from! I knew that only the loveliest and most sincere person could write such beautiful words and post such beautiful pictures- it comes naturally to you!
    And BTW- I can tell you have shapely eyebrows- mine are the wonkiest things you have ever seen! But… I don’t care- they’re mine!

    Reply
  24. Jeanette

    My mother can so relate to this…I remember in jr. high a new cashier at safeway telling Mom she is such a good grandmother letting her grandchildren spent the summer with her. Mom said that’s it I am dying my hair. She never did and now she is a pround grandmother and makes sure people know that the girls are her grandchildren not great grandchilren. LOL (she has alway had beautiful grey hair as long as I can remember back) Happy New Year, Jeanette

    Reply
  25. Anna

    You give us many gifts, Corey …your deep and meaningful reflections, your wisdom, and now your beautiful face, mirroring your beautiful soul…..heartfelt thanks.

    Reply
  26. Pauline Clarke

    and tres jolie from the inside out!

    Reply
  27. stephanie s

    i am going to assume it is not the ‘french way’ to flip someone the bird when you are mistaken for your husband’s mother?
    i love that you are who you are. that confidence in yourself shows in every picture you take, every word you write and especially those beautiful photographs. your comfort in who you are simply radiates.

    Reply
  28. Ulla

    Now here is the Corey I adore and admire! Full of honesty and style! HAPPY NEW YEARS GIRL!!!

    Reply
  29. constance

    Dear Corey,
    YOU are beautiful at every age. I am rereading the Four Areements. Thought I’d pass them on to you.
    -Be impeccable with you word
    -Don’t take things personally
    -Don’t make assumptions
    -Always do your best
    Happy New Year Friend!!
    Constance

    Reply
  30. Sioux

    You seem a beautiful person to me. None of us is happy with our looks, I think, but this is the way God made us! So we are grateful that He did make us…we are individuals, all different. Thank God!

    Reply
  31. naturegirl

    ~*Out of mouths of Babes..*~
    your sons comment!
    I do NOT *color my hair* anymore oh how liberated I feel no more a {{slave}} to the dye job!
    COME ON SILVER FOX!!..so they say!

    Reply
  32. Linda

    I come from a family of beautiful, young looking people of which I don’t fit in. I’ve had my feeling hurt a few times by unthinking people but am now at the age where we are all starting to look the same. I am still a face cream junkie hoping for that miracle to make me look 20 again.

    Reply
  33. Novel Nymph

    I think you are beautiful…

    Reply
  34. Karla

    People used to think my mom was our grandmother too – but she also had white hair starting when she was in her 30s. I still didn’t care what they said – she was and always will be beautiful to me.
    No matter what the world thinks – you are very beautiful!

    Reply
  35. Sandy

    Corey,
    Everyone is beautiful in their own wonderful unique way!
    Also, congrats on your article in the new Cloth, Paper, Scissors! I was so surprised when I saw your name!!

    Reply
  36. AnnieElf

    and luminously beautiful.

    Reply
  37. simple me

    You are BEAUTIFUL Corey and that’s the only thing I have to say today…
    oh!…and you made me laugh 😀

    Reply
  38. Colette

    Corey, the light shines out of you.
    Love, Colette
    Being me, happily.
    xoxo

    Reply
  39. pamela

    Corey, I discovered your blog a couple of months ago and just love it. I am a photographer too, as well as a mixed media artist. I was challenged to start a blog by a friend and when i saw yours, I was truly inspired to go for it…It was a little scary, but I just posted my first entry yesterday. Thank you for the beautiful photographs and lovely thoughts…I was so glad you did not stop when the ‘year of the challenge’ was up. You truly are a lovely person.

    Reply
  40. connie govea stuart

    you are an amazing creature
    and i still vote you as my
    favorite Blog of the year..
    (hug)

    Reply
  41. Maryam in Marrakesh

    My 75 year old father got a face lift – just a week ago. He felt he looked like my mother’s father. But now that the swelling is gone, I must say…I miss my Dad’s face.

    Reply
  42. eivlys

    the wisest resolution that could be !!
    whatever , the COREY I get to read every day is the COREY I expect to read the day after and even though she always succed in beeing just … amazing !!

    Reply
  43. JO

    Hello from St. Louis MO USA
    I’ve been a lurker for a while and just have to say you are beautiful. I so enjoy your posts and pictures and thoughts. I especially enjoy the flea market finds.

    Reply
  44. Shelley

    Corey, you are adorable and cute since the first time i met you at 4-H! You have the warmest heart, you have touched so many lives just by your beautiful words!

    Reply
  45. shelley Noble

    Yay for you!! Fantastic that you came “out” for the new year, exposing not only your heart and soul, as you do everyday, but also the face of all that beauty. (I finally posted my full plain and bold photo too after nearly 2 years.) For some of us I guess it takes more self-confidence and wisdom than it might for others. But hooray for loving who we really are–AWESOME!
    Seeing you face to face, I love you even more!

    Reply
  46. Brother Mathew

    We can complain about Orama’s double chin?

    Reply
  47. shabbyinthecity

    I agree with everyone…YOU LOOK GREAT! And you are a role model…only…don’t put on a red dress and purple chapeau…

    Reply
  48. Renee

    So nice to see you, after reading the blog for so long. The photos are beautiful, and happy new year to you. xx

    Reply
  49. Bettina

    Corey, i don’t know anything about your age, but I do know that YOU ARE A HEROINE!

    Reply
  50. Casey

    You look like such a lovely, kind, happy person!! I say people overrate appearences anyway. 🙂 I love how you have your hair cut, btw!!
    Your little post reminded me of my resolution this year to make peace with how I look as well. Reminding myself I will never look like a model, but that’s okay because my family and friends love *me* anyway! hehe.
    Your posts continue to inspire me daily to find beauty, peace and joy in life…

    Reply
  51. Teresa Sheeley

    It is so wonderful to see your gorgeous, cheerful face. Don’t worry about that double chin thing, I think it just happens after you turn 40. I am forever tucking mine in now remembering what I used to look like without it! 🙂 I love your post!!

    Reply
  52. sheila

    Leave it to our sons to stir things up..!
    Beauty they say, is in the eye of the beholder….
    “For beauty is simply reality seen with the eyes of love.”

    Reply
  53. Sarah

    Character in a face is far more beautiful than a button nose!
    I had to laugh at your son’s comment. Leave it to a boy. 🙂

    Reply
  54. snowsparkle

    it’s lovely to see you, my beautiful friend! i only wish the photos had captured a close up of your dazzling eyes, krinkled in laughter. your heart shines through them and captures mine! you are anything but plain and simple.

    Reply
  55. sophie

    …and certainly don’t you dare complain about your
    beautifully shaped lips or your luminous glow in the dark smile or your
    mysterious deeper than all roses eyes…
    don’t you dare.

    Reply
  56. nel

    oh Sacha…lol!
    Corey, only this morning before I checked your post I was thinking what a beautiful, kind, gracious, loving friend you have been to me and so many others. Just one look at all the responses this post has created says so much more than anything else I could say. Love you gorgeous, and I have a funny feeling your husband thinks you are the sexiest woman he’s ever laid eyes on 🙂

    Reply
  57. clarice

    Cory I think you have the most open, honest, beautiful face !!! Clarice

    Reply
  58. lisa

    Such a pragmatic boy. lol You are so lovely, Corey. Thank you for sharing these photos.
    I made a comment about my fat last week as my 14 year old son was hugging me. He said “that’s not fat, Mom, that’s just…Momness.” hehe gotta love ’em.

    Reply
  59. Elaine

    Corey, you must be beautiful to make so many of us love you and ourselves. Each time I stop here I gain a new insight into the world and myself. You have a gift that only a precious few receive and even fewer share. I am thankful each day to have such beauty in my life.

    Reply
  60. Ani

    You’re chic and living in France! Who cares what others think 🙂 Nice pics!

    Reply
  61. susanna

    Thank you for making me laugh today, Corey! I happen to think you look great (and you do have a cute little nose. Wait til you see the snoz that I have! C’est une grande honker!)!

    Reply
  62. Pam Aries

    THe Greatest thing was to see all these lovely responses! That has got to make you feel good, girl! AND YOU DESERVE IT! Glitter ON!!!!!!!

    Reply
  63. Annabelle

    Lovely to see you! Now only if I could do the same. You’re an Angel for sure.
    Annabelle ~^..^~ xoxo

    Reply
  64. ParisBreakfasts

    Next would you do one of those voice sample things that Tadpole does on Petite Anglaise?
    You have the MOST wonderful voice Corey.
    Full of hope and vitality and spirit!
    I can’t really find the words..

    Reply
  65. Catch

    Hi! Nice blog! Thanks for dropping by my blog today! I like your post for today…I chuckled a little ( because I know how you feel) and then I said….I am woman..hear my roar! God bless

    Reply
  66. annie

    you, my friend…are beautiful…inside and out…i am thankful for this electronic encounter…you inspire me…thank you…xo…annie

    Reply
  67. MB

    Oh, Corey. Your post stopped me short. Why is it so many doubt their own beauty? Your radiance shines through everything and always will. It is not so much what we possess but what we do with what we possess that counts. Your eyes are deep with kindness, your smile brilliant with love. There are beauties galore who offer nothing to the world. You not only possess beauty, you offer it up for others in many forms. You embody it in your actions, your motions, your loving ways. I love your resolution for its courage and simplicity, its honesty and self love. May your year bring you contentment within your beautiful skin.

    Reply
  68. Blondie

    You’re radiant, Corey. Both inside and out!! Happy New Year!

    Reply
  69. melba

    Seeing your photo put a big smile on my face.
    You Are lovely!

    Reply
  70. Julie

    Good for you!

    Reply
  71. Gel

    Self-confidence is attractive and appealing. You exude that plus a natural warmth, via the written word and visuals.
    From the moment I saw your smiling photo when I first visited your blog, I thought “I’d enjoy meeting this woman in real life!” I paint portraits (and other subjects for a living) and those parts of you that you accept never waved “Hey: look at me.”
    When I was younger, shortly after college, a close gal friend pointed out the sagging elbow skin on herself. It was barely there but so meaningful to her because her mother had complained of her own for so long. I had never even contemplated my elbows skin except for its texture to draw it for art class or not to scratch it from tenacious eczema breakouts.
    A good friend of mine says we “earned those wrinkles” in reply to the tons of people seeking plastic surgery. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder as the saying goes. I’m lucky to have stumbled across your inner and outer beauty here in blogland and maybe if I ever make it to France where I’ve longed to visit since I was a teen, I’ll see those shining eyes of yours!

    Reply
  72. Lee-ann

    what a lovely comment from your son……..I am waiting for the day that I am asked am I having a baby!!!
    your blog always makes my feelings swing high.
    thank you for being you!!
    happy new year dear friend.
    lee-ann

    Reply
  73. MaryBeth

    I applaud your honesty ((Dearest Corey)))
    I must admit to some NewYears-
    “who in the hell is that lady in the mirror??”-syndrome myself…
    then I visit my dear hospice patient and Thank God for every healthy inch of me-wrinkles and all!
    You smile shines as bright as your soul
    XO
    MB

    Reply
  74. camilla Engman

    Hi Corey, I think you look good! So nice to see you 🙂 People you love or want to love is always beautiful, aren’t they.

    Reply
  75. Renee

    Corey, you are beautiful and you bring so much joy to so many people.
    Not just on the two continents where you have family!
    Thank you, and I wish you and your family a fabulous 2007.

    Reply
  76. Pat Spiller

    I remember when in my 30s (an age and a half ago!)and I was suffering from some angst related to godknowswhat! I asked my best friend, Rosemary … “pretend you don’t know me….you see me coming towards you on the street…..what would you see?” She replied quickly, “I see a wholesome and interesting woman.” And I was mightily disappointed. I wanted to be beautiful. Mysterious. Exotic. I still do at 62. I still chringe when I look at photos of myself and see only faults. But not “false” for while I am not very photogenic, I am true to myself, to my age, to my life experiences ~~~~ and will leave the smooth button faces and tight little butts to those who have not lived as long or as much…..Thank you for not being “false” to yourself!!! Or to us, your faithful readers. And thank you again for lovely and warm New Year’s greeting. Pat

    Reply
  77. splendid

    Corey,
    thank you for this
    i hate photos of myself as well
    but it is true
    every wrinkle is hard earned
    i see your lines and think to myself
    ‘ what a wonderful person she must be to have such great smile lines’
    keep up this fantastic blog, i love to read your words,and to see the world through your eyes!!!!!

    Reply
  78. gracie

    Here’s gracie, late again, to add her heartfelt “I love you” to Corey’s collection of love notes.
    This morning, looking for photographs for my poems, I came across some entitled “shame”. They were invariably of people with their hands over their faces. And it struck me how we instinctively cover our faces when feeling that emotion.
    You have taken away your hands… there is no need for shame… and we can only look at it with love and awe, as we have already done with your heart and soul revealed here. Beauty.

    Reply
  79. Jann

    Seldom to people step away from themselves or step outside and look at the person they really are-how fortunate for you that you have been able to do this and that you are pleased with the results from your Creator.You are an inspiration to so many…You are beautiful!

    Reply
  80. susan

    wow, i guess i am a little late here, but gee, you already know how beautiful i think you are 🙂
    happiness to you always,
    xo
    susan

    Reply
  81. paula

    The beauty of who you are as a person living on this earth feeds my soul every single day. XOXOXOXOX

    Reply
  82. jerri

    Can it be, Corey, that you who sees the beauty in every little thing can not see the beauty in your face?
    Look at yourself as you do a teaspoon or a glass or a pile of vegetables and you’ll see true beauty and value and grace.

    Reply
  83. BuddingCook

    you have cute little nose! 😀

    Reply
  84. Linda Harre

    Corey, you are beautiful on the inside and out! Embrace yourself…..you with all your talents and beauty! You bring so much to my world…..I love your double chin:)

    Reply
  85. [a}ma

    None of my comments have been posting on typepad for ages, but I hope this one does.
    YOU ROCK.

    Reply
  86. pinkmohair

    My husband came home with “Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses” for my 3 year old last night, one of those new “animated” cartoons (fake and cold.) During the movie where all the girls had tiny waists and perfect bosoms I kept thinking, “How is this healthy for her brain?” At what point will she cop onto this farce? It is our job as women to counter the media blitz of cold perfection out there. You’re beautiful; the airbrused perfectionism we see every day is tragic.

    Reply
  87. mary ann

    corey you are a beautiful person both inside & out!!!! i think you look lovely!!!!!!!!!!!!
    thank you from the bottom of my heart for your little package, i got it yesterday!!!!!!
    xo, mary ann

    Reply
  88. meredith

    Just back and catching up on reading….my husband and I have the opposite problem. He is only three years older than me, but is often mistaken for my father, by silly people 🙂

    Reply
  89. Lori Witzel

    Darn, I hope I’m not too late to this group hug!
    😉
    Ditto all the comments, especially MB and Clarice. I do understand those feelings. Sometimes it takes a lot of being blessed by others — like those blessings left in your comments here — to be happy and feel grace in one’s skin. May this year bring you more of that joy!

    Reply
  90. a.

    Let me add yet another…you are lovely.
    a.

    Reply
  91. Jenny

    Everything has all ready been said here by all and I DO think you are so very beautiful…but Corey! Your EYES! So much love and beauty in your eyes! They could capture hearts anywhere…and have.

    Reply
  92. Merisi

    I came over from “Tic ill” because I was curious who was behind the “Tongue in Cheek” (love your blogn name! *g*) and now I am perplexed: How in the world yould you ever think you were not beautiful? You look very warm and open and loving and graceful and beautiful to me. I love the picture on the left, looks like you had a hard time not bursting into a big smile. 😉

    Reply
  93. Anna

    Wow, look at these comments. I have never seen so many comments on a post before this!! Corey you are such a beautiful person even though I am only a new blogger friend I feel that I can say this to you and I don’t think that I am the only person who thinks so judging by all the beautiful words above.
    Anna

    Reply
  94. cathy

    Corey, Je pense que tu es tres jolie. Ne change pas 🙂 Sorry for the poor French grammar. You seem beautiful inside and out, I would ignore people’s comments.

    Reply
  95. mimi

    you are ten times more beautiful for KNOWING you are beautiful. to have it and to know it, that’s what it takes.
    to spread love, there is nothing more beautiful …

    Reply
  96. anne

    You’re beautiful…
    simple as that. =)

    Reply
  97. Carol

    Wouldn’t it be boring to be perfect?

    Reply
  98. kim

    Corey,
    As you have heard over 90 times..and I am once again late:) You are such a beautiful shiney person!!! Inside and out. You are blessed and it radiates from within you!
    Confidence is a beautiful thing and that is you, confident and poised!
    Kim

    Reply
  99. pinar

    I am two yrs older than my husband..
    and my daughter found a way of expressing it always..
    when her father said something she would answer.. mum would know because she is older than you.. every day a few times..
    but one they fed off.. I told her I didnot like to be recalled every moment..
    so that they.. while dining.. something happened .. that I don’t recall.. and that should bring out this age-specifying replique from her..
    silence.. we all looked up at her.. she looked back without blinking..
    that was the day she started to grow..
    holding up her spontaneous comment..=))
    I love my transformations..
    don’t you..??..
    have a wonderful week..

    Reply
  100. Yann

    You will always be beautiful to me.
    x

    Reply
  101. kali

    You are beautiful in the true meaning of the word…
    You shine internally and externally…
    Happy New Year Dear Corey.
    Thank You so much! xox

    Reply
  102. Marilyn

    I’m laughing…not at YOU! But because I suddenly remembered standing in an applicance store in Brookings, OR a few years ago with my father who was shopping for a dishwasher. The salesman walked over and asked about our ‘needs’…looked at my Dad and then me…and asked, “Do you two have kids?” I sneered, “I AM the kid.” (And then thought, please tell me it’s because he looks young for his age.) 😉 You’re lovely and I’m glad you have the nose you do. It took a long time, but I finally reached a place of acceptance about my No. Italian/Portagee honker…now it’s just ME. xoxo

    Reply
  103. Sheri

    I have always been a beautiful woman, exotic, mysterious, yet innocent and sweet looking. As I turned 45, wrinkles began to appear (so soon! I thought!), at 54, my eyes are getting puffy and wrinkled when I smile (so should I stop smiling so often, I mused). I have always been a beautiful woman, and not being ‘top dog’ in a room is new to me. I am learning what it is to be ‘displaced’, quickly glanced at and not stared at, just another face in the crowd. Yet, as I further develop my inner beauty and happiness, I find that others glance my way and smile, a thing they never did before. They speak to me easily waiting in line. I no longer intimidate…I invite. You look like a woman who has always invited with your inner beauty, excitement, imagination, warmth, love of and zest for life that dances so joyously and obviously in your eyes. Perfection is an ideal, does not exist here at all, and yet, as we have been taught to do, we grieve that we are not perfection itself in manner, appearance, speech, and thought! Your web site is beautiful, intriguing, relaxing, gracious, a vacation from everyday life, inspiring, artistic, enchanting…and you think that you are not beautiful?
    Beauty, Madame, is thy name.

    Reply

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