How I Met my French Husband: The Coin Toss and Standing Naked.

Surprise!

It is funny how we forget certain things. Or think we know all there is to know about a subject. It is weird to discover that in the multi-page book, the patchwork quilt, or the box of puzzle pieces of our lives, there are points we have overlooked. It is incredible when the points make themselves known, When our eyes are opened to the fine print, or when our hand touches the patchwork's rough edge, feeling velvet instead. Or when a small piece of the puzzle adds an eternity of dimension.

Yesterday when Sacha came home from school, I asked him if he knew how my French Husband and I had met. He smirked, "Of course!" He defended his romantic knowledge of our meeting, and I beamed while listening to our seventeen-year-old talk about his Papa and me.

Then like a thunderbolt, he said something that made me take note, "What?! Oh my God! You're right. I forgot about that! How did I forget about that?"
Sacha looked at me like I was a delinquent lover, "Mom, if Daddy had flipped "Tails" we wouldn't be here having this conversation! How did you forget about that?"

(You see, when French Husband was in L.A. standing at the Pacific's edge, he realized that his dream of being in Santa Monica was not what he had imagined. He had not met anyone; his wallet was thin, and though Skylark was getting him where he wanted to go, he was desperate. Reaching into his pocket, he took out a coin, " Face (Heads) I will drive North, Pile (Tails) I will continue South.")

Laughing out loud, I said to Sacha, "I am flaky, that's why. Thank God I have you to keep me on track." Then I asked him if he had read my blog post yesterday because he was feeling all smarty and cute, looking so grown up. He said he hadn't.

I read him the Twenty-Steps. When I read number 20, he put his hand to his mouth, "Mom, your joking! You are making this up! You did not write that?"

Afterward, he realized this was a missing piece to what he knew of our story; he asked, "Please tell me he modeled underwear or something like that and not that he was hanging out like a penis model!"

"A penis model?" I laughed.

"Whatever," he shrugged, "Mom?"

"Ask you, Daddy; it is a good story."

…to be continued

———————-

Note: For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while, and for those of you who have just started: Many of you over the years have asked me to "Fess up" about how I came to meet my French Husband and what it is like living in France. After four years of blogging every single day, I am starting to put it on my blog.

Writing "How I Met My French Husband" is my new direction. Though I usually write about my passion for the French Brocante spiced with my personal life, I have never gone into so much detail about the reason I have spent over twenty years living in France. 

I will continue to talk about the brocante, my family, cooking, Annie, showing photos, and the other aspects of my life while diving into "How I Met My French Husband"– I warn you the details are not always as pleasant as the "Happy Blog" that I have been writing. Still, it is my story, and hopefully, you won't mind following along.

Your friendship, and your comments, are appreciated. Thank you for encouraging me to write my story.

(any tips, corrections, or thoughts are welcomed.)



Comments

83 responses to “How I Met my French Husband: The Coin Toss and Standing Naked.”

  1. I love these stories and all that you share
    I love you
    I laughed at Sacha’s remarks about his Dad’s
    modelling
    Love you
    cannot wait for the saga to continue

  2. I’ve been following this blog from August last and I really cannot tell you how happy it has made me. It is lovely seeing the wonderful photographs, the terribly interesting blog, but most of all your zest for life which seems to spring off the screen!
    Emilia from Malta

  3. Certainly life is not always happy. Life is difficult but there is much to be thankful for….

  4. Corey, you are the first thing I read in the morning. Write about ANYTHING you want. You have made me laugh, cry and think. Thank you.

  5. Your story is far better than any Peter Mayle book I’ve read. This is like a play, book or film in the making, only “you” own the rights. We all cannot wait to read the next day.

  6. DEB (INDIANA/US)

    I say this although I know it may be presumptuous…. It seems so fitting that you share your story-happy and not. This is not just an informational blog for many of us. We read this as though we are conversing with a friend. It IS as though we know you. We felt a loss when your father passed and joy when you held Yann on the motorcycle. You have become a part of our lives…

  7. Evelyn Jackson

    I’m so pleased that you’ve chosen to share more of your personal life with all of us strangers! I can only imagine Sacha’s angst when he discovered that Daddy was once young and fearless and willing to be naked…really naked! It’s good for our kids to know we’re real human beings, huh?

  8. linda marcov

    I say any direction you want to head is a good one for all of us, because your voice is so honest and true, and there is not a one of us who does not appreciate that in others… I too start my day with a cup of coffee and YOU, I have a sense that it is just you and I sharing stories… far to much empty chatter is out there, this is real… real good…Love Linda

  9. Jeanette Mc.

    I can’t wait – seriously I can’t wait. You’re just adorable and I will read (and enjoy) anything you write.

  10. Massilianana

    Corey ,
    There is so much honesty , human warmth , wit in everything you write that no matter what direction you go , I think we will all follow with equal interest and regard , caring along with you .
    Please continue !
    You do know how to keep the suspense going !

  11. Its an delight that you share your stories with us, enriching that you share your passionate life with us, and a deep honour if you share your heart with us Corey. Thank you, we respect your honesty and all admire your honesty.
    The more real the better. Give me heart over Brocante any day, I was not drawn here for material, but for the profound and metaphysical.

  12. I’m loving your story, and, although I know I’m lucky to have the great husband I have, I think how much simpler it would have been to fall in love with a French man!!! Then I’d be in France too.

  13. Sheila Cain-Sample

    You are a lovely writer, please continue. It’s like I can experience France (just a little) through your eyes.
    I will continue to follow.

  14. Corey, you are a fabulous storyteller – you do not need any tips from us!!! x

  15. Corey….I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now and feel like a friend though we’ve never met. Hearing your stories makes it more so. You are unfolding your life slowly, as friends do over a lifetime (or even your partner does – after almost 30 years together, my husband will tell me a story from his life that I’ve never heard – sometimes making me rethink the frame I’ve got him in)!
    Ruth

  16. i was just thinking the other day about how now i think of you as a french aunt or something who i’m happy to check in with every day. we’ll read whatever you write ๐Ÿ™‚

  17. Thank YOU for sharing your story with us out here in blog land!!
    I love the little surprise and intrigue you mix in. It makes for a very interesting read. You have a way with words, it’s like you are talking to ME like two girlfriends over tea.
    I love the photo of Sasha’s big “oh” face!

  18. Leslie Garcia

    Dear Corey,
    Please! I want to hear more!
    Love,
    Leslie

  19. Just keep writing Corey! You have such an amazing gift. Tell us your story. We are hungry for more. We can handle it. We love you. You’ve made this a safe place and you honor us by sharing it all.

  20. I love you blog, I love your stories. they are real. real isn’t always pretty, but real is what it is and that honesty is what makes this a place i come to every morning with my first cup of coffee.
    big hugs

  21. Elizabeth Ann

    Dear Corrie, I have been reading your blog for several years now, through your joys and sadness, and have felt close to you with every post you share. Remember, this is YOUR blog and you may share as you wish and it is us, your blog friends, who are the happy recipients! Your writing is ALWAYS from your heart…thank you for sharing these stories, all of them.
    hugz,
    Elizabeth

  22. Ed in Willows

    Corey, we would follow you no matter what you write about. Your openness and willingness to tell every detail about your life is what endears you to us. Each of us feels that you are our closest, personal friend but you have enough “best” friends to fill a stadium. I love the new direction you are taking and can’t wait for more.

  23. Julie Ann Evins

    It is the diversity that makes it all so special & keeps us hooked, Jx

  24. The thing I love best about your blog is that it’s all heart – and the heart isn’t always a happy place, but it’s true. I’ll read every word and hold it dear.

  25. Gypsy Purple

    Oh this is so deliciously good!!!

  26. Paula S In New Mexico

    I think I’ve read you for about 99.5% of those days you have posted. You are the first thing I do each morning with my cup of coffee!!!!!!!!
    This is a fun twist on the usually wonderful Corey. Honey, I’d read anything you write….

  27. Life is not a picture book and it is easy to forget that when we live in a time when we can “craft” the image we want to present. I’m eager to hear ALL of what you have to share. Thank you so much for giving us this deeper look into your life, Corey!

  28. heather kathleen

    lovely lovely story ๐Ÿ™‚ can’t wait to hear the rest! life is beautiful…however it unfolds….

  29. You’re doing great and it looks like we are riveted.

  30. Corey, this is so exciting hearing about this part of your life. We all have the ‘not so pretty’ parts and I thank God you are willing to be open and real to such a broad, large audience and share this with us. I’m enjoying every bit of it!

  31. Corey, I am lucky that most mornings are not too rushed and that after I have taken care of the kids I can sit at the computer a few minutes and share some time with you. If things are busy and I have to rush, I look forward to getting home and catching up with the blog. So, go any direction you want, just be there . . . .

  32. Lisa Johnson

    Dear Corey,
    Every morning after I get up I go immediately to the computer and yours is the first blog I read of the day. I am always excited to see you there on my sidebar with a tease of your most recent post. I always finish reading your posts wanting more. I agree with others that say you write from the heart which I believe is what makes your blog so darn appealing. Can’t wait to read more about your story!
    Hugs,
    Lisa
    BTW, Isabel and I went to Amy Doll’s Store Opening last night. Her beautiful French antiques were getting swept up left and right. Her brocante finds were simply lovely as was she. So glad I got a chance to meet her and that is because of you. Thank you for telling us all about Amy Doll.

  33. AuroraSuzette

    It’s my first time visiting your blog, and I’ll happily admit it was the title of this post that brought me! I’ll be back, and look forward to following the story!

  34. shannon in oregon

    i am so glad i didn’t have any coffee in my mouth when i read “PENIS MODEL”! lordy mercy, corey! ๐Ÿ™‚

  35. OK I must admit you are also the first blog each morning too. You keep us in suspense. Now what about #20? I want to hear more.
    I also was at Amy Doll’s brocante last evening and met Lisa and Isabel too. What fun to have you all bring us together here in Oregon. What a clever lady you are.
    Marilyn
    in Oregon

  36. Deborah Miller

    Corey, You start my day every day. Nothing like a little Corey and coffee in the morning. I’ve been reading you for quite a while now. Last year my oldest son (19) was in Italy and France for 3 weeks and because I was reading your blog I felt like I knew a little of what he was experiencing. This cajun/french momma of six who loves flea markets, vintage treasures and cherishes her french heritage sure loves you. Visit me at http://UndertheCajunsun.blogspot.com
    Deborah

  37. Dana Smith

    I called my husband in this morning to read your latest post and we both had a good laugh and related!! We just recently started sharing bits and pieces of the colorful parts of our early years with our 21 year old daughter. We’ve decided that the look on her face when we chat about our life in the ’70s is far more precious than the memory itself. It’s tough on a kid when they finally learn that their parents haven’t always been 50 something! smile

  38. Alexis Lozano

    Oh Sacha! ๐Ÿ˜€
    So…did he eventually ask Daddy? And are you going to tell us the story as well? ๐Ÿ˜›

  39. My husband had led an immensely adventurous life and his family love to hear his tales – it’s all in the telling! But he finds he has forgotten a lot too ๐Ÿ™ so it’s important to get it written down early in life – well done, Corey, you are a natural-born storyteller.

  40. didn’t you mention putting some nude drawings in the new bathroom when the remodel was done? Oh my!

  41. Elizabeth Harper

    Pleasant or not …I’m here for the duration. I love the happy blog, but I always want to know more about the lives of people who interest me…so keep talking…I’m listening and thanks for taking a chance and sharing the hard stuff.

  42. I cannot believe I am one of many who also starts the day by reading your blog – yours and my daughter’s email (she lives in Spain). You are like a close relative. I shared the loss of your dad – mine also passed away the same year.
    You can share what you want with us. We can keep a secret !
    Hugs,
    maria

  43. Jeanette Mendonca

    All storys are combined with good, bad, happy and sad it is your story and as is with life there will always be lows and highs. It is how we get through and move on to the next stage of life that defines us and give us strenght to survive the lows and makes the highs worth living for!!!!

  44. Wandering Chopsticks

    After so many years of reading your blog, I’ll read whatever story you tell me. ๐Ÿ™‚

  45. missy from the bayou

    don’t stop…….

  46. Keep going! This is my favorite kind of story!

  47. Just write.
    Tell your story.
    Go to the brocante.
    Take pictures.
    Anything.
    But.
    Please.
    I need my daily fix.
    Anything.
    I will love it.
    You go.
    Girl. ๐Ÿ™‚

  48. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog and your amazing insights…so please continue. No ones life is perfect, though to many looking in, it may seem so. I’ve been married 25 years and there have been many potholes in the road along the way, but I wouldn’t replace my husband or children for a smooth ride. Your life to us reading your story appears so romantic…but I’m sure it wasn’t always so…but it’s so much fun dreaming what if…seeing France through your eyes! I can’t wait for the next turn of the page in your story!

  49. People who write well don’t need to worry about the topic, so carry on Corey. And the world never wearies of love stories. Gory details and all. We understand that real stories do indeed contain, well, REALITY. And it t’aint always pretty! Since we know you’re happy now, we can take it:)

  50. Corey, Thanks for sharing your story and more of what makes you so special! Have a great day!

  51. I think it is important for you to write down your story not for us blogger and readers, but for you and your children and their children. Love your blog! It is like a minute of getting away to France each day for me.

  52. I just want to hug you. I know the story. You told it a long long time ago. And about John before Yann. Hugs and love all over again.

  53. I echo “Ed from Willows” sentiments….who is Ed by the way.
    xo, Mardog

  54. My Mother and I went the your Mom and Holly’s shop last week. Touched the witch and gathered a few treasures as well.

  55. I would love hearing your story. Even the not so pleasant parts. Hearing the good and the bad is what makes you such an inspiration.
    I want to hear that your life was not always so perfect, but that you forged ahead, with faith in living, to this happy life you now lead.
    XO elaine

  56. You should write a book!!! It would become a best seller immediately–you have such an amazing way with words and my day is not complete without reading whatever you select to share with us that day!!!!!
    I am soooooo loving this introduction to how you met French Husband!!!!! He is gorgeous by the way, but then again you do know that!!!

  57. It is your transparency that I appreciate most! You bless me. Kimberly

  58. Life is a roller coaster for us all, so don’t worry about not being the “happy blog”. I am so enjoying the love story. Thank you and Yann for sharing it with us. Cheers

  59. I agree with Jeannine, your story is book worthy! As for # 20 – Brad Pitt has nothing on French Husband!

  60. Toni Mason

    Dear Corey, I like all your stories of life at the brocante, Annie, cooking, but this I love! You have touched so many lives writing this blog. I sure would miss visiting you here on a daily basis! Continue on!

  61. Shelley Noble

    Silly wonderful woman. You actually thought it was the subjects you write about that make us love you?! Hhahahaaaa ha!

  62. TERI REES WANG

    Y’all are too funny!
    ..I have to go back, I missed some major steps.

  63. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog since 2006…I don’t comment as much, but I’m here almost every day! You’ve got a way with words and now I look even more forward to reading your blog each morning with your autobiography of how you met your beloved FH!

  64. I’ve been reading you since early days, Corey. There is absolutely nothing you could write that would not keep me coming back for more. SERIOUSLY!!!!

  65. I love reading your blog because your heart is in it. The photos and descriptions of French life are beautiful but these recent posts that tell the more personal story of who you are are just so wonderful! I LOVE them. Keep writing Corey…!

  66. Corey…
    your stories just keep getting better! You are a very interesting woman indeed!Cannot wait to hear more!

  67. I LoVe your writing, your photos, your stories–the whole enchilada! The Best Ever!! Judy

  68. A very fun story, I love it ..maybe too much information, ๐Ÿ™‚ how can we look at photos of FH and not imagine him as a Penis Model ha ha ha

  69. I love your story! I tell your story often!!! I will probably gradually pretend it is my story which is what I sometimes do when I really like a story ๐Ÿ™‚

  70. I am enjoying this direction you are going. I have been ready for a couple of years now and I am ready for all you’ve got!
    love, Mahala

  71. Dawn @ The Feathered Nest

    Thank you so much sweet Corey for sharing such personal pieces of your life, I LOVE hearing all about it!!! It’s like we are at a giant slumber party, all sitting around listening to you tell us your story ~ and no one’s story is perfectly beautiful, but that’s what builds character, right? hugs and love, Dawn

  72. Joan@anythinggoeshere

    Go for it, girl. We are with you all the way!!!

  73. We all know it has a happy fairytale ending so I would love to read all the ups and downs, that’s life.

  74. Ellen Cassilly

    It’s all lovely and good.
    E

  75. I think it’s wonderful, and am just delighted that you are willing to share this part of your story. Perhaps it isn’t all happy… who amongst us has had a life that is nothing but happy? We’d be pretty boring, wouldn’t we?

  76. Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage

    Corey, can’t get enough of your life’s story… Can you make your blog posts longer? Pretty please?… I know, we must practice patience.. just like you had to practice when you brought home the stack of French letters that had to be translated for you by Sascha and French Husband… Did you ever finish them?… Donna

  77. Thanks so much for sharing… it’s wonderful!
    Hugs,
    Jill

  78. The Brocantess

    Corey,
    Please continue to write. You inspire all of us to follow our dreams and take leaps of faith. Your blog is the first thing I read each day and one that gives me hope that love still exists when much in my life this past year has shaken me to my core.

  79. Corey…you are a great story teller and in the rush of my life lately, I look forward to the stories of your life. Thank you for being willing to share them.

  80. such a tease….thank you for sharing your story. as seen by the many comments, we all want to hear more!
    Christine

  81. Love your blog and appreciate your sharing your story. The music was a surprise today. Very distracting. ihope you are not going to make a habit of it.

  82. Be Yourself ~ it’s YOUR blog! ๐Ÿ™‚ Share as you will with us. We care for you no matter what may come and are open to getting to know you even better.

  83. Sue McGettigan

    Ha ha, a “penis model” – only a 17 year old boy could come up with that phrase ๐Ÿ™‚ The story of Yann and Corey is so charming, very well told – I’m enjoying each installment, thank you Corey.

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