Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Gathering Family and Friends: A Christmas at Home

Season's greetings

 

Last night my mom and her friend Holly gave me a party in their shop called: Gatherings. Family, and friends came to share the evening together. I had a wonderful time seeing love gathered in one place. My daughter, my niece, my brothers, sister in laws, Aunts, Cousins, my Godmother, Friends from childhood, Blog friends from Oregon, Pacific, San Francisco, Chico…

Christmas all wrapped up in one joyous feast!

 

 

Cousins ans friends

 

My cousin Sandra wore her Cheerleading sweater from high school: A Christmas Cheer!

Joana I met in France years ago when she asked if I would take her photo…

My cousins and their children I was so happy to see them!

 

Living far from home makes the heart hold dear memories, loved ones, and moments such as these. Surely last night will feed my soul in the year ahead.

 

Friends laughing

 

 

My mom and Holly laughing.

They have a beautiful shop. Such talent, creativity, a destination of happiness!

 

 

Family and friends

 

 

Last night seeing those I love and care for.

It was a gift, a blessing, to have the ribbon of time continue to connect us.

 

 

Family christmas

 

Thank God one does not gain calories from love.

I would be as full as the moon!

 

Pinchable cheeks

 

 

Pinch-able joy!

 

 

Gathering faith family and love

 

Thank you Mom and Holly for the party. I enjoyed every minute and regret only that it had to end.

 

 

 

Desk drawer vase

 

 

May this Christmas light the candles of faith, hope and love in all of us.

 

 

Gathering family and friends

 

 

I have been spoiled. Utterly spoiled.

Homecoming Happiness.

 

Gathering party

 

Thank you for the candy, flowers, gifts, and home made treasures. Thank you for your friendship, for taking the time during this Christmas season to have come and spent the evening with me!

Happy! Happy! Happy! Thank you so much!

 

 

Christmas family and friends

 

Thank you for the best Christmas gift!!

 

 

 

Comments

39 responses to “Gathering Family and Friends: A Christmas at Home”

  1. Holly

    Thank you Corey for sharing your love and teaching us what really is important in life… Family, friends and indulging in the precious time we have together. May you have the Merriest Christmas ever and a Blessed New Year!

    Reply
  2. Ana

    love abounds in those moments that you describe. It is in the detail,in its sheer simplicity, that, true, unconditional, love exists. I have heard the saying’ my cup overfloweth’ and yours truly does. X

    Reply
  3. Debra

    Oh, love every single second of sharing this with you. How perfect for the season! Love, friends, family. A good friend just left my house after bringing so many gifts for my children and me – it meant so much as we wait for my husband to come home from rehab on Friday. All our love from our house way across the big US to you all in CA! xo

    Reply
  4. Heather Lindstrom

    Welcome back to California and ‘home’ Corey. Your evening with family and friends looked utterly delightful. Local girl, international blogger and blogging inspiration. You were the first blogger I had ever met in person back at Nantucket in Chico nearly 2 years ago. You were so right on when we chatted. Be yourself, be genuine and enjoy the journey of blogging. Thanks for the advice and I’ve taken it to heart. Enjoy every moment of your holidays at home.
    xx, Heather from Chico @ Stylemindchic

    Reply
  5. Momof5

    Such a joyous post! I loved the photo of your mom and Holly laughing. I wish I lived closer and could have come. Enjoy the holidays with your beautiful family. I am holding Annie in my heart until you return home. Joyeux Noel and bonne et heureuse annee 2014.

    Reply
  6. nancy w.

    You are soooo blessed! Merry Christmas.

    Reply
  7. Denise

    Corey I am so glad you got to go home. Family, friends and memories are all that are going to matter in the end. No matter how many material things we have you will always hold the “memories” of life events as the most prized treasures. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

    Reply
  8. Marilyn

    Beautiful! I would have loved being there. I have been in the shop and it is indeed wonderful. What a fun place to Gather.

    Reply
  9. debi@ormolulu.com

    I love Holly . . . and have met her only briefly. I love Corey . . . and have only met you through the blogosphere (which I’ve sadly dropped out of). But feelings are feelings. True. Genuine. This post blessed me and made my day–if not season. I feel like I was there, which I wish I could have been.
    Merry Christmas to ALL!!!
    Debi xoxo

    Reply
  10. g

    this is one of the posts EVER-I can really feel the love seriously!

    Reply
  11. Shelley Noble

    I am not surprised that you became close friends with someone you met at random along the street, Corey! Anyone who has ever had the good fortune to speak with you for even a moment would be so blessed.
    Your mom is looking especially well and lovely this year! And Chelsea every bit as adorable as when she wore a red beret on the stairs.
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  12. Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic

    What a blessed event! If I lived in No. Calif. I would have certainly been there to greet/meet you in person 🙂 Will follow your blog till you stop blogging….hopefully not for a very long time. Enjoy the remainder of your visit here in Calif. and a safe journey back to France. Hugs, Cheryl

    Reply
  13. Truly, Madly, Deeply…JEALOUS!

    Even Christine and Patrice were there…sigh…wish I were there too to give you a big hug!
    xo

    Reply
  14. Evelyn

    What fun to see all the people who love you so much! I can feel the joy beaming from my computer screen.

    Reply
  15. Noelle

    Continued blessings this Christmas as you soak in the love of family and friends. Oh, that all would experience what you have shared with us today. We can pray that those around the world who need a loving word, gentle touch, a hug, understanding, or food for the day might be satisfied this season. God hears every prayer–it’s beautiful to share in yours of gratitude.
    Merry Christmas, Corey and Family.

    Reply
  16. penelopebi@me.com

    I am so happy you had this wonderful experience! I think it is the best life can possibly offer!
    I have to tell you a story!
    Last month; a dear friend was “I call it knighted” by France! He is the head of the Humanities Dept at Scripps College; a complete Francophile and expert; and the best speaker I have ever heard. His first “medal” from the country of France was given in France. (they don’t even like many Americans); this one was given at Scripps College by the French Consulate!!
    Everyone came…….(and no one lives in Claremont except him and his family ) We came because WE ALL LOVE HIM. 150 people came. From all over the world. We all love him, his wife, his daughter, his son. WE ADORE THEM ALL!
    No one said “no” to the invitation!
    His daughter (I am guessing 38or so) something….I have known her all her life) got up and turned around at the 150 or so attendees……and she said….
    “thank you all so much for coming! I have grown up knowing all of you! I recognize all of you and know how much you love my father, my mother and my family! I was just thinking when I stood up and saw all of your faces……..”This is what heaven will look like!!!”
    It took my breath away! And it continues to take my breath away!
    Your post reminded me of that!
    Yowzers!!

    Reply
  17. Patti L

    Oh, Corey, last night was pure magic and I felt so fortunate to be one of those glowing people at your event. I recognized your daughter from blog photos, and it was so delightful to meet her. The mood was so festive, and I was so touched by what a small world it is. I met Lori SF and am able to put a face to her name on comments, I met two ladies from Chico who actually got to stay with you in May, I reconnected with Holly and Denise who are such lovely, warm and friendly people, and your indescribable Mom. All this goodness glowing like a hearth in the middle of an otherwise quiet and dark winter night in a tiny farming town in N. California! And you, Corey, with your blog, have woven this beautiful web of bringing hearts together. Unpretentious, amazing and giving you are and I was so blessed to be there. Namaste!

    Reply
  18. Jeanne

    Beautiful blessings and memory making moments.
    How wonderful
    Love and blessings and Merry Christmas to you all
    Love Jeanne

    Reply
  19. carol

    Indeed, what a blessing the party was! You deserve only the best in life, dear Corey.
    Your pictures are glorious treasures now and in the future but, I’m sure you know that already.
    I’m also keeping Annie in my prayers.
    Merry Christmas to all!

    Reply
  20. jeanne stone

    Really enjoyed reading your post here and so happy for you to have this wonderful family time filled with memory making and friends. Know this is something living so far from home that you must miss in your life! Have a wonderful christmas, and know you will enjoy every moment.

    Reply
  21. La Contessa

    Beautiful GATHERING!
    Sorry, I missed it………….MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!

    Reply
  22. Ann

    THIS is what it’s all about..
    Love all the pics but there is one..
    Corey..look at the picture of
    Chelsea..your daughter’s eyes..
    brought tears to mine

    Reply
  23. Teresa Young

    The pic of you and your Mom did it….tears. So happy for you!

    Reply
  24. Peggy Braswell

    What a wonderful party + loved the photos. Merry Christmas. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

    Reply
  25. Diogenes

    Looks like a wonderful time was had by all! Thank you for the pictures. I am sorry we could not make it.

    Reply
  26. Chico Sue

    Continued Happy Holidays to all!

    Reply
  27. Kathie B

    What fun for you!!! Maybe some year we’ll be in California at the same time you are.

    Reply
  28. Kathie B

    Are those Sugar Pine cones? My mother had a basket of huge ones that were gathered in Trinity County.

    Reply
  29. Jody

    How sweet, I love that you can take these pics home and share with Yann and Sacha and relive the party with them. xxxxooo jody

    Reply
  30. Kathie B

    Is one of those beaming faces Ed’s?

    Reply
  31. Laurie SF

    It was all so wonderfully serendipitous!

    Reply
  32. Laurie SF

    Hi Patti,
    You were delightful!!

    Reply
  33. Rhonda

    Look at all of those happy faces, it speaks volumes! Having a Merry Christmas surrounded by love.

    Reply
  34. Zosia

    Dear Corey, this was what Christmas is all about. What a wonderful celebration. Willows is a very special place in the universe. Magic happens there.
    Wishing you and all your family a very Happy Christmas and may all your plans and dreams come true in the New Year.

    Reply
  35. Linda P.

    Loved the post. Loved the photos, too, as well as Penelope’s comments in the comment section. What a wonderful Christmas-y feeling reading all this gives me.

    Reply
  36. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    And not a single photo of you? Or did I miss you in the mix.

    Reply
  37. Ann

    Lovely smiles everywhere. Family and friends….can’t get better than that!
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  38. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi Rebecca
    In set five, I am with my Godmother.

    Reply
  39. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi Kathie B
    In set five, under the one of my Godmother and I. Ed is the one with the beard.

    Reply

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