Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

How I Came to Live in France

Eiffel-tower-on-map

Because I didn't like the 110 degree heat in my hometown as a child.

Because the Sound of Music made being a nun look like fun.

Because while living in a monastery in New Mexico, I said my name was Nicol and that I was from France.

Because while at the monastery my spiritual director was an Abbot from France.

Because I could not become a priest, I left the monastery and landed in the bay area.

Because I fell in love with a young man while studying to be a Youth Minister.

Because a few years later, he tragically died.

Because two years after his death, my family and friends tried to set me up with every Tom, Dick and Harry in town,

Because I didn't want to date, I went to the I-BEAM (a Gay Club) to dance (Knowing it would be the best place to dance and never meet a man to marry….).

Because at the I-BEAM there was one straight guy from France who kept dancing by me.

Because that straight guy was named Yann is John in French.

Because.

Comments

32 responses to “How I Came to Live in France”

  1. herhimnbryn

    All those journeys, all those twists and turns through life…each step bringing you closer, closer. Then one day the next step brought you together.
    Such is life…

    Reply
  2. Gina

    No matter how we think our path through life will be straight it twists and turns ahead of us. What feels like the cul-de-sac sometimes leads to a new alley way that leads us somewhere we never imagined. All the strange co-incidences that bring us to where we are now.
    I often think “What if’s?”
    What if my husband had not gone on the last minute holiday with his friend to Greece?
    What if my friend hadn’t insisted we go to a particular restaurant?
    What if our holiday hadn’t intertwined?
    He just laughs at me and says he would have met me on a different day in a different place but that he WOULD have met me so stop all the “What if’s?”
    Something greater than us is working its magic and we are so lucky to be living lives that bring us so much happiness as a result…

    Reply
  3. Jackie

    This gave me chills…I probably think I am wacky (lots of people do) but I really, truly believe you are an angel on earth.
    jackie
    bliss farm antiques

    Reply
  4. Jackie

    Re: the comment above…I meant “you” probably think I’m wacky, not “I”. Proof of wackiness:)

    Reply
  5. Alan

    I might have been one of those ineligible men you danced with at the I-Beam on Haight Street. I used to go there many, many, years ago.

    Reply
  6. Chris Wittmann

    That’s quite a heart wrenching tale and an experience few have, to see a loved one die. I believe that no matter what relationships follow, a love like that forever has a special place in a corner of our hearts. Your I-Beam story made me chuckle, it reminded me of the gay bar my band occasionally worked in before I married “English Husband.” He and I were the only straight couple in the place, and he accompanied me on the band gigs. I know he felt horribly out of place, being a proper Englishman…but they loved the band and apparently English Husband was quite well liked to 🙂

    Reply
  7. Penny

    So poignant, Corey. Someone else mentioned the twists and turns in life, which we all know to be true. Still. . . some of the twists truly hurt. Thankfully, there are the turns which help mend our hearts.
    Because. Now I will be thinking of the Wizard of Oz (movie) and signing “because, because, because, because, because of the wonderful things he does” all the day long.

    Reply
  8. cynthia Wolff @Beatenheart

    The beauty of life lies in the what ifs’…and the pain as well. it’s all checks and balances. As we all ride this roller coaster together, the ups and downs and in and outs, we feel the pain and pleasure together in the woofs and warps of the tapesty that we all share. I hope one day our threads may intertwine Corey. It’s always a wonderful thing to meet your hero’s.

    Reply
  9. Star

    Sounds like your life is right on track, with the ups and downs we all have. I hope we’ll be able to hear more about your experiences at the monastery sometime–you wanted to become a priest?!

    Reply
  10. Julienne

    What a journey you have taken me on tonight, of love and sorrow and love again,Obviously you were meant to end up in Paris! Bless you xx

    Reply
  11. Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic

    But…why was Yann at the gay club??? We want to know how THAT happened!

    Reply
  12. Sharon, Morrison Mercantile

    I did not know our lives crossed in so many way. My Richard died as suddenly of a cardiac arrhythmia at age 58…2:30 in the morning I heard a thud in the bathroom…I waited thinking it was the cat, but subconsciously I knew Richard had gone to the bathroom. I waited and then jumped out of bed. The door would only crack open and he was in front of it, but I could see him slumped over….they brought a heartbeat back, and after a brain scan found he was an empty vessel for earth. My 3 daughter and I made the big decision to pull life support and on Oct. 11, 2001…at sunset, he went to be with his family in another wonderful place.
    I am now with Scott for 3 years, and it is different but oh so adventurous. Richard and Scott are similar, and then again not really. Both kind, soft hearted and funny.
    Time heals…but one never forgets.
    love you Corey.

    Reply
  13. Jean Wright

    I love the synchronicity of it all! And how sad you lost your lover–but you’ve been equally blessed with your husband. And you MUST tell us more about the monastery. And I would love to know where it was as I have spent a good portion of my life in New Mexico — sometimes I miss that mysterious landscape. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Paula S In New Mexico

    Oh love, sweet love.
    And how are the other lovers?????? Catch us up Corey.

    Reply
  15. Vicki

    You never know where our paths will lead or cross…..glad your path collided with Yanns.. you are such a beautiful & sweet couple!!! Wishing you many years of happiness!!!

    Reply
  16. Patt

    Because….It was meant to be.

    Reply
  17. Leslie Garcia

    Corey you are so inspiring! I love your stories! I finally made it to Paris a few weeks ago with my daughter…a life long dream!
    Your words and photos were everywhere in my mind…Paris is just like you describe it to be!
    Thank you for all these years of taking the time to write about your life…you are a gift to all of us!
    Love,
    Leslie

    Reply
  18. Grace

    Just sinply beautiful…waiting for my path to stop winding and making cliffs. lol Thanks for the hope. Grace

    Reply
  19. Marilyn

    A very special story with so many twists and turns. I have loved following your story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Reply
  20. katilady

    love it that you met your hyusband at a gay club!

    Reply
  21. Tracy

    Such a moving story Corey. It reminds us that we should live in the present because we never know what is coming around the curve in this life. I am confused about one thing. (well actually I walk around most the time confused) However, I remember reading on your blog once (I think) where you were a nurse, and nursed a gentleman who had a motorcycle accident, and he remembered you years later when he heard that you were sick and came to the hospital to see you. Was that Yann, or John, or somebody completely else(?)

    Reply
  22. Throughthemilkhousedoor

    Je t’ adore.

    Reply
  23. KJ

    I was in the Sound of Music 2 times and, as you know, the movie was totally about discovering the unexpected on the way to pursuing something else. I can see how your experiences have shaped the life-loving person you are today. Seriously, this would make fascinating reading for a book.
    Hugs, KJ
    SoCal

    Reply
  24. cheri

    Thank you for sharing such an intimate story, Corey. It gives me hope when I need it the most!

    Reply
  25. Julie

    Oh my gosh! What monastary in New Mexico was it? I know someone who joined a monastary in New Mexico.
    __________________________
    Pecos.

    Reply
  26. Lia

    because…you are cute
    dam you are cute at storytelling
    real life twined
    because you are you
    Yay!!!

    Reply
  27. Christine

    John in french is firt JEAN… Yann is more given in Brittany, I know it, I live part of year in Côtes d’Armor :o)
    Very moving story !
    ______________________
    Yes Jean and Yann mean John in French.
    Yann is from Brittany.

    Reply
  28. Mindi

    So funny how things are so meant to be. God has the perfect plan.

    Reply
  29. parisbreakfast

    Is the I-BEAM still a place to dance?
    I wanna go to the I-BEAM.
    But do I have to go to the monastery in NM before heading for the I-BEAM?
    I will be Claude…
    _______________________
    Hi Claude,
    The I-BEAM went up in smoke…so sad.
    You do not need to go to a monastery beforehand (as a commenter below who wen to the I-BEAM did not go to a monastery. 🙂
    Love, Nicol

    Reply
  30. Raul

    I’m another gay man that used to go dancing at the I-Beam! So much fun and great memories. So sweet that you found each other there.
    As to why your husband was at a gay club… I certainly can’t answer that but I think straight Europeans seem to be more open minded and secure enough to go dancing where the gays go 🙂

    Reply
  31. OLIVIA

    Sounds like an amazing movie.
    Would love to hear more details should you want to share.
    Olivia

    Reply
  32. Carmie of the Single Nester

    Love it!
    Can’t wait to read more!
    And more!

    Reply

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