Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Violets for my Birthday

violets

Yesterday morning French Husband gave me violets. He also was my slave: My wish was his command. I love it when he lets me command him to do things. So much fun.
Later we went to see the movie, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". A perfect  birthday movie. Sacha went with us. After the movie he said he didn't want to grow old. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a choice. But I reassured him it isn't as bad as it seems. In fact being 51 is wonderful. He looked at me and said, "I like my body the way it is. I don't want it to change."

Have you ever been in a conversation and someone says something and instantly your mind travels around the world and back? Were you go deep and far into thought, though only a second flashes by?

I grabbed his hand and said, "Hey Sacha I agree with you being young is gorgeous, (flashing back to the movie and seeing Cate and Brad when they are in their mid twenties…oh man is that Brad Pitt a hunk or what!!) but feeling good and comfortable in your body is another gorgeous gift too. Beauty runs deep so keep your eyes open to it. And if all fails you can dye your hair blond."

IMG_violets 

Later we went to Chelsea's apartment for dinner. Delicious. Decorated beautifully and soft music playing. It was such a lovely evening to be altogether, cozy and warm.

I was happy. Simply happy to have been spoiled by my family's affection.

violets 

Thank  you for sharing your birthday memories, and for telling me how old you are! I see most of us are around the same age. I think Charlotte is the youngest one here. For that she should get a prize! 

treasures 

The first two winners were: Shirley and Sugar … I began to wonder if the stars had something to do with the letter "S"… strange isn't it? And would the next winner start with the letter S too? But the next winner was Rosemary. (and the letter "s" was in the middle of her name.)

Yahoo! Shirley, Sugar and Rosemary (sounds like a new rock band doesn't it?)

Please lucky ladies send me your addresses and I will ship off a tiny treasure to you.

Thank you, all of you for your thoughtful birthday messages. I declare it is going to be a very good year.

Comments

58 responses to “Violets for my Birthday”

  1. Jeanne

    I loved that movie and love your violets.
    Love you
    Have a year full of blessings and health,
    love joy and peace.
    Love Jeanne
    ______________
    Hi Sweet Jeanne
    xxxx

    Reply
  2. Vita Lenta nel Bel Paese

    Cara,
    Tanti auguri! Aquarius is said to be a “winner” this year. My birthday is the 7th. Tell Sacha it is not such a bad thing turning 61 either. People listen to you at that age. Italy is, by the way, perfect for una signora. Con rispetto! But of course my har is dyed – since when I don’t remember…. (and just as well!) Bacione, Ingrid
    _________________
    Hi Ingrid
    I love all the bits of Italian you add.
    C

    Reply
  3. Caffienated Cowgirl

    Happy Birthday Corey!

    Reply
  4. Jill Flory

    Hi Corey,
    I’ve been busy, no time to comment earlier. Happy 51st! I remember when that sounded old to me, but no longer! And you don’t look that old at all.
    I will be 35 in May, so I’m really not that far behind you. My husband turns 40 in March which seems a little weird. I thought we were the young marrieds but suddenly we’re not!!
    Have a happy year!
    Jill
    ________________
    Hi Jill I loved being 35, 36, 37…. and it seems moons ago. But I love how you say we are the same age. That is a real treat! Thank you !!
    C

    Reply
  5. Cath

    Hi Corey, my name is Cath, and I’m 20! (Does that make me the youngest, I was 19 when I started reading!!)
    I’v been reading for just under a year, and in September my mother was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Your blog has been a source of comfort and hope for me. She’s in remission now, but I’d like to thank you for always being there to cheer me up with beautiful photography and wonderful writing.
    Many Happy Returns from snowy Scotland. xx
    ____________________
    Hi Cath
    You are younger than Charlotte. Sorry Charlotte.
    You will have to win the prize if nobody comes along and says they are younger.
    My prayers will be with your mother. I know how scary cancer can be. May she continue to heal and stay strong.
    Corey

    Reply
  6. herhimnbryn

    Dear Sacha,
    Age brings wisdom and a wicked sense of humour. It brings confidence too. I promise all will be well…………..
    Happy Birthday dear Corey.

    Reply
  7. Shannon

    My birthday was on the 2nd and Brendon’s was on the 4th. Happy birthday to a fellow Aquarian 🙂
    __________________
    Happy Birthday Shannon and Brendon! xxx

    Reply
  8. My Melange

    Congrats to the winners! Glad you enjoyed your birthday Corey 🙂

    Reply
  9. Sue K

    Another beautiful post, Corey! I think it speaks volumes about the person you are, that your loved ones think you’re “the bomb.” Enjoy every bit of your year ahead – I was once 51, and can actually remember bits of that year. For some reason, I like the odd-numbered years the best.
    _________________
    Oh Sue,
    My family thinks I am a bomb in more ways than one 🙂
    😉
    Corey

    Reply
  10. Boxwood Cottage

    Now that’s a coincidence, I watched the same movie on my birthday movie night out he he
    xoxo C.
    ____________________
    Hi Carol
    How funny! Did you like it?
    C

    Reply
  11. Gracie

    Family love, what’s better?
    Again, many happy best wishes to you.
    —————–
    🙂

    Reply
  12. Vicki

    Sounds like a “perfect” day Corey!!! Oh, by the way I was 53!!! What did Chelsea make for dinner????
    __________________
    Hi Vicki
    Chelsea made this tuna tomato cream dip for starters (and it was delicious!) then she made puff pastry with goat cheese filling and salad. Then pasta with curry- coconut and Shrimp! Chelsea ate shrimp, Sacha did not. Then there was a cake… triple chocolate.
    I am stuffed full until next year.
    It was wonderful!
    C

    Reply
  13. Carolyn Mallin

    Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday,Corey. Time with family is the best way to celebrate.
    Congratulations to the winners of the prizes, you lucky ladies.
    Carolyn M

    Reply
  14. Julie Ann

    Happy Birthday for yesterday Corey – may it be a wonderful year ahead for you. I agree by the way you are as young & beautiful as you feel. I am 43 and therefore certainly do not qualify for any prizes !
    _________________
    Hi Julie Ann
    lol, you never know what I might think of. Maybe ll Js will win next time.
    C

    Reply
  15. Massilianana

    Happy belated Birthday , Corey ! I am 43 . Yep ! Have a wonderful year ! Meilleurs voeux !

    Reply
  16. Lynda

    Sounds like a perfect day, Corey! I haven’t seen “Benjamin Button” yet so I’m glad to read your review!
    xo,
    Lynda

    Reply
  17. cityfarmer

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY … I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO THIS MOVIE…
    HOPE YOU SAVE THE VIOLETS AND PRESS THEM PERHAPS.
    °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
    Hi City farmer
    Good idea!
    C

    Reply
  18. Alena Moss

    What a beautiful day Corey. When people ask me how old i am i have to think for a second, I seem to forget, I dont know why, maybe because i” act” and feel like 18 year old, dont seem to pay attention to numbers. Then I say 45 and and my mind wonders, wow, really?
    What I do find very hard at this age is to watch my parents becoming fragile more and more everyday.
    I know……. Circle of life…..
    Beautiful violets!
    Alena
    _________________
    Hi Alena
    I hear you on that one! Watching those we love grow older… I have a heard time imagining my little nieces and nephews growing older. I want them to stay little forever.
    C

    Reply
  19. Paula

    Sounds like a lovely evening.
    You sound happy. I’m glad for that.

    Reply
  20. Miss Sandy

    What a fun and special evening. I used to think the same way as Sacha but I have discovered that it is not as bad as I thought it would be and in fact in many ways it is more enjoyable than I anticipated. I think it is key to enjoy each stage and age as it comes. It sounds as if you have embraced this stage and age of life and I hope all Birthday wishes come true!
    ________________
    Hi Sandy
    We think alike! xx
    C

    Reply
  21. Marilyn

    What a lovely birthday! Violets are so romantic. You have a very special husband that brings violets.
    ______________
    Hi Maryilyn
    I twist his arm really hard I do.
    C

    Reply
  22. Mardog

    My Grandmother grew beautiful violets on a sunny glassed porch. I am 48 now and it is time for me to continue the tradition.

    Reply
  23. Carolyn

    Beautifu violets for a beautiful lade, Happy birthday Corey! sounds like it was a perfect day spending it with those you love.

    Reply
  24. Donna O.

    Oh, a Happy Birthday to you, Corey!! Sounds like your day was wonderful. I guess the only way it could have been better is if Brad Pitt jumped out of Constance’s cake. BOTH are gorgeous!!
    XO
    Donna
    __________________
    Hi Donna (Donna makes the MOST BEAUTIFUL CROWNS!!! Stunning artwork. You gotta click on her link and go check them out. If you buy one tell her she has to send me one too ((for free.))
    I WISH BRAD PITT POPPED out of Constance’s cake. That darn Constance for not thinking of that. I know Donna you have your heart set on Johnny Depp. So I’ll take Brad Pitt.
    C

    Reply
  25. Morgan

    Ahh Happy Belated Corey!!!
    Sounds like you had a fabulous evening with your family.
    Thinking of you!
    Morgan
    ————————
    Hi Morgan, (Morgan is my second cousin. Her mother is one of my dearest cousins!!)
    How are you? By the way how old are you? 22?
    C

    Reply
  26. pam

    Your birthday sounds like it was perfect. What a blessing it is to have the family together on these special occasions. I’m glad you felt showered with love, because that is what you do everyday with your blog, you shower your readers with love!
    _________________
    H Pam
    Thank you. What a generous thought thank you!
    C

    Reply
  27. Alina

    Interesting info about violets: “Birth Month Flower of February – The Violet
    Is the rose the traditional flower of Valentine’s Day, or is it the violet? As the legend of St. Valentine goes, this Christian priest used the ink made from crushed violet blossoms that grew outside his prison cell to write notes of love and friendship. He wrote these words on violet leaves. These notes were delivered to St. Valentine’s friends via the elegant bird of love, the dove. Violets were once the most popular flower on Valentine’s Day; however, roses are an enduring symbol of deep love.
    Fun Facts about Violets:
    Violets represent faithfulness and “I return your love”.
    It is thought that to dream of violets predicts advancement in life.”
    Sacha: Growing old sure beats the alternative. 🙂
    _____________________
    Hi Alina ( I met Alina this summer. She came to the airport in SF to meet me. What a wonderful gift that was.)
    I never heard this story about the violets. Makes me love violets even more.
    C

    Reply
  28. Candy

    What a perfectly lovely day! I love the conversation you had with Sacha. Perfect. My 17-year-old is pretty into how good he’s looking right now too. I’m going to read him this conversation. I believe you’re right! This is going to be a great year!
    _____________
    Hi Candy
    Boys are worse than girls now aren’t they. I thought girls spent hours in front of the mirror…but boys hold the record. Don’t you agree?
    C

    Reply
  29. Kim B.

    Lovely, lovely, lovely. Glad you had a warm and cozy birthday.

    Reply
  30. Violet @Create Beauty

    Happy Birthday month! I think the older we get the longer we should celebrate! – Violet
    ______________
    Hi Violet
    That sounds like very good advice. I’ll tell Yann he needs to be a slave a for a few more weeks!!
    C

    Reply
  31. Betty @ She’s Sew Pretty

    Oh! I missed your birthday! It sounds like you had a wonderful day! I spent my last birthday pouting because I was turning 49. This year when I turn 50, I’ve decided that life will be even better at 50.
    ______________
    Hi Betty
    It is! it is! it is!
    We could have a 50s club.
    C

    Reply
  32. Dana

    I will be 51 in eleven weeks…..
    From Quiet Life I found your blog and always enjoy your stories, photos, and cooking.
    Birthday Blessings fm Georgia, USA
    ————————
    Oh in Eleven weeks you will be older than me!
    Happy counting the days until your birthday xxx
    I am glad Quiet Life sent you my way. Aren’t her photos amazing!!!!!!!!!!
    Corey

    Reply
  33. Nancy ~ Fete et Fleur

    Happy Birthday Corey! What a joyful year round gift you have in your family.
    Nancy

    Reply
  34. Islandsparrow

    I’m so glad you had a wonderful birthday celebration Corey – we are the same age – at least for another 2 months.
    and thanks for the movie recommendation – I was wondering about that one.
    __________________
    Hi Land Sparrow
    I enjoyed the take on life, and age and our bodies.
    I saw Slumdog Millionnaire and loved it. The filming and story line was amazing.
    C

    Reply
  35. angela

    As usual I am late but I am wishing for more of the “same” for you this entire next year!! Maybe hubby will let you be “Queen in charge” a little more often this year. In fact I think I should try that tonight even if my bday isn’t until Nov. I’ll let him know we have to practice to make sure we have it down pat by then,hahah. First command will be fix dinner and then keep my feet warm!
    Here’s to many more wonderful birthdays spent with your beautiful family Corey!!!!!

    Reply
  36. anne

    Happy Birthday ..hope you had a great day. congratulations to the winners of your fantastic gifts..;-)
    I remember you telling us about the gift from Constance..so sweet of her as always!

    Reply
  37. Denise

    Happy Birthday Corey!
    I will be 49 at the end of March, my husband
    turned 50 about 6 months ago.
    My mind is thinking, last year for me in my Forties!!!
    I don’t write very often, and you don’t know me at all. But, I go to your blog every day, sometimes more than once a day.
    Can’t seem to help it..HA. You have a lovely family.
    Happy Birthday, God bless you.
    ____________________
    Hi Denise,
    When I was 4O something I dreaded the idea of turning 50. SO instead of waiting I started to say I was 50. Well when I reached 47 I was certain I was already 50. It felt great, funny and I realized it wasn’t important. The years were all mixed up with my upping the count.
    51 sounds so cool you will think so one day too.
    Corey

    Reply
  38. Cindy

    Your birthday sounds like it was so wonderful. Filled with love. That’s much better than “stuff” isn’t it.
    I agree with you about getting older. Someone once asked me if I wanted to be young again. My immediate response was “NO!”
    I’ve gained too many good things in all my years and, in my opinion, those good things are way better than youth.
    I just know this is going to be a good year for you Corey.
    _______________________
    Hi Cindy
    Yes indeed those things we gain make me feel young!
    Corey

    Reply
  39. Christine Allen

    Happy Birthday …..
    JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE !
    …. and many more !!

    Reply
  40. Mahala

    I did not realize it was your birthday…missed a few posts…Happy Birthday to you and many more…I’ll be 44 on the 19th…
    Mahala
    _________
    Happy Birth Month Mahala!

    Reply
  41. Rosemary

    Hi Corey,
    Sounds like you had the perfect birthday.
    What a great family you have!!
    The violets are really pretty!
    We have dinner every Sunday at my daughter’s house, so I know that is special.
    Have a happy day!
    Rosemary
    ______________
    Hey Rosemary
    You yes you are one of the winners!
    I received your email and YES YES YES you are the winner.
    C

    Reply
  42. Kim…Up On A Hill

    Happy Birthday! & beautiful flowers too! I want to see that movie also. Numbers are just numbers: it is truly how young your spirit man feels anyway!

    Reply
  43. Lorene

    Hi Corey,
    I hope I am not late in wishing you a very happy birthday! Enjoy your day.
    Lorene

    Reply
  44. suesue

    happy birthday! i think the greatest gift of all is always to with those you love for this special day!! for my last one (54th) my oldest daughter couldn’t come and i missed her terribly even tho’ i had all the others.

    Reply
  45. miss*R

    I adore violets.. i have a large patch growing under my old apple tree and when they flower, the perfume is exquisite…
    and I loved the movie Benjamin Button

    Reply
  46. Linda

    My name is Linda. I got to your blog through Poppy Fields and love to read your inspiring thoughts, beautiful words and news of France.
    I am 55 and here to tell you it is fine!

    Reply
  47. heather

    sounds like a great birthday! violets are one of my favorite flowers, i wish i could get them to grow up here.

    Reply
  48. Sugar

    O my! Did I really win?! Thank you! And Happy Birthday to YOU!
    Thanks so much!
    Sugar

    Reply
  49. Courtney

    Violets,dinner party and a French husband to be my slave…? My, my, that does sound like a good birthday indeed!
    Happy birthday Corey.

    Reply
  50. kerry

    Glad you had a wonderful birthday.
    I’ll be 55 next, but as I had Cancer on my last birthday and now I don’t………I am looking forward to celebrating !!
    All the best,
    Kerry.

    Reply
  51. Deirdre

    I missed your birthday! It sounds like a lovely day all around. Happy Birthday!

    Reply
  52. Diogenes

    Dear Corey,
    Glad you had a great birthday celebration! You cracked me up with “And if all fails you can dye your hair blond.”
    I didn’t add my recent birthday story yesterday, but here goes. I turned 52 on January 12. I received a card in the mail that day, from my younger sister – I could tell by the return address. It seemed thick, like there was something folded inside. Gee, I hope they didn’t send me money, I thought, not at my age. Then I wondered how much they sent. 🙂 When I opened it, it turned out to be one of those talking cards. Inside was a picture of a pig-tailed girl and she said “na, na, na, na, na, na…you’re old!,” then laughter. Lovely. My sister’s birthday is August 4, so I’ve got plenty of time to find the perfect pay-back card.
    Boy is your friend Constance talented to make that cake!

    Reply
  53. Teresa Sheeley

    Happy Birthday Sweet Corey! I love Brad Pitt, I think he is around our ageish? 45-50 See Sacha even older guys look pretty darn good! 🙂
    Teresa
    xo
    °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
    Hi Teresa
    Guys do look better and better… I see that Yann looks better and better as the years go by…. and he looked really good in the beginning too!
    C

    Reply
  54. Denise

    Dear Corey, and I just caught..”my husbund turns 40 in March, by Jill.
    I remember when my young, boyish husband turned 40…When he turned 40, it put me into a “thinking mode.” Where had the time gone? My thoughts were….The boy that I married turned into a MAN…. Right before my eyes…but, I never saw it developing. (He actually became a quite handsome man..I would like to add) LOL Today, we are beyond 40, he is 50.
    I don’t know HOW you respond to so many comments!
    Again…God bless you.
    Your blog is a joy for me,…and obviously many others.
    Goodnight.

    Reply
  55. Die Rabenfrau

    Hi Corey! Happy birthday and many happy returns!
    Rabenfrau

    Reply
  56. Jenny

    Happy Birthday Corey! Sounded like a lovely circle of love to be the center of on your special day. Violets are so hauntingly beautiful. Something about their fragrance…I’ll be 53 in April. An Aries ram charging headlong into the golden-good 50’s. 50’s are nifty! ( I went blonde too!) God Bless you and rock on! 🙂
    Jenny

    Reply
  57. tinker

    Ah! Lucky you – violets are my favorite flower – and here you can’t find them in a bouguet, anymore…
    I came back a day late – but hope you’re still celebrating. Tell your son the secret to staying happy as you grow older on the outside, is to grow younger on the inside…The younger you are inside, the busier you’ll be with looking at the world with wonder – much too busy to count wrinkles and white hairs in the mirror — at least, that’s my theory (and hope! 😉 Besides, he shouldn’t worry too much with his familyline – all he has to do is look to see how gorgeous his parents still are!
    Happy, happy birthday, Corey!

    Reply
  58. annie

    Belated birthday wishes, Corey. The violets are such a sweet token of love. Really heartwarming.

    Reply

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