Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Not Blogging about Politics

blogging, corey amaro

 

Writing a blog starts with a theme, and usually, that theme has to do with a person's interest or passion, such as food, family, crafts, politics, social awareness, style, or a knowledge regarding a certain area of expertise. Blogging is vast and takes on many subjects, some bloggers blog with a goal in mind whether for their business, pleasure or a way to keep in touch with family and friends. Blogging is journalling, it can be personal, it can be deep, lighthearted, carefree, connected, challenging… blogging is usually one person's voice as she or he feels comfortable in sharing online. 

 

 

corey amaro, french la vie

 

 

When I started a blog over thirteen years ago it was to share about my life in France with my French Husband, and two children, about brocanting, spiritual reflections, recipes, photography… a hodgepodge of whatever was on my mind. As the years went on I just kept doing more or less the same thing without focusing on a goal other than to be myself. Blogging opened up a world of friendships that I hold dear, plus I created an antique business, started freelancing for magazines, and ventured into sharing Provence with small groups… Blogging has given me many avenues to express myself and I am grateful every day for it. 

 

 

corey amaro French la Vie, blog

 

 

Lately, I have received emails regarding questions about politics, and as much as I like talking about politics in person, I do not feel comfortable doing so on my blog. Occasionally, I have hinted about politics about where I stand, but it is not a direction that I want to familiarize my blog with. If I start putting politics into my blog it might not end, it might change the feeling of my blog and readers, it might open Pandora's Box and lead in a direction that I am not willing to go with this blog as it is. With that said, I would encourage anyone who is curious about what is going on in the world to read a variety of news reports, to listen and share with others who want to do so online or in person. 

 

 

corey amaro blogging

 

I am open to ideas, your thoughts and feedback, blogging is not a one-way street. Why do you read my blog? Is there something you would like me to dive into deeper or talk less about? Though if it is to talk about politics I honestly do not want to share about that here. 

Thank you for being part of my world, and with your comments and emails thank you for letting me into your world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

76 responses to “Not Blogging about Politics”

  1. Jeanette

    I read your blog to explore and travel through your adventures. I hope to explore and travel in person some day but until then I spend my travel money visiting the grandkids!

    Reply
  2. g

    corey -I have been reading you almost as long as the blog has been going and don’t comment like before….this is because I don’t wish to open myself up to an unsolicited response- I feel that some of the comments -political in nature-actually for almost 3 years now- assume the other side has no validity-what ever the other side might be– these statements that null and void groups -whole groups of people shut down discussion before it even happens and this was never the forum for it or maybe more honestly I didn’t think it was –I felt the shift here when the woman’s march occurred-vicious is a word that comes to mind – and since then I still enjoy reading but feel very guarded in responding–

    Reply
  3. RebeccaNYC

    There is a place for everything. For me (as you know) Facebook is where I engage in political discussion. Unlike many people, except for the 5 people I have not met, I actually know the people I am friends with on Facebook. I use Instagram as a mini-blog about my life and career, and since most of the people who follow me are strangers, I keep politics out of it. I like reading your blog for everything that you share…the day to day life in France, the spiritual aspect of life, family and love. Anything you want to blog about, I will want to read…but not politics. Thank you for everything.

    Reply
  4. Martina

    I’ve read your blog for as long as g. Love the stories and photos about your family, friends, treasure/brocante hunting, history, architecture, design etc. I purposely do not read blogs that talk about politics.

    Reply
  5. Kathie B

    Despite being a highly political creature — it began in earnest when Farmboy Husband and I were living “Inside the Beltway” during Watergate — I really DO try to limit my political comments here, honest!
    As per my posts yesterday, Corey’s followers can readily find a range of news coverage online by searching Google News (where you can select the sources you trust most):
    https://news.google.com/?pz=1&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
    Parlez-vous français?
    https://news.google.com/?hl=fr&gl=FR&ceid=FR:fr
    Bonne chance!

    Reply
  6. Julie

    I read your blog because it’s inspirational and uplifting. Also, the pictures are awesome…Keep doing what your doing. It’s great!

    Reply
  7. Ann of Avondale

    Hi Corey, I read your blog because I love learning about your life in France, about your lovely family and friends, your brocante adventures, your decorating style and so much more. My plan is to someday rent your apt. in Paris and/or Provence. I envision spending at least a month in France. So until then, we will be virtual friends.

    Reply
  8. Jacklynn Lantry

    I’ve read your blog for years because of my interest in French culture, language and history. Lucky for me I’ve gotten to know you and you wonderful family a bit. Now I feel like I join you when you go on an adventure-be it a cruise with the entire family or a trip back to Willows. I’ve had a glimpse into “real” French culture, as opposed to a tourist’s view and I am grateful to you for that. I’ve noticed when you blogged about something political, usually when there is something you feel profoundly about. I never thought you’ve gone too far, rather, I felt you were being true to yourself, standing for what you believe in without being judgmental or preachy. I have experienced you as being accepting of others opinions and respecting differences. That said, these seem to be difficult political times , all around the world. Just speaking one’s own truth can be incendiary. Backing off politics just now is probably prudent. Listen to your gut instinct, your inner wisdom. It serves you well.

    Reply
  9. Diogenes

    First of all that is a great picture, the first one. I’ve learned a lot here, that France is much more than Paris. I enjoy seeing the brocantes and your style point of view. And you have a wonderful readership that feels like a community. Your friends and family, food, furniture and photos fill these pages beatufully. And that’s plenty.

    Reply
  10. Paulette

    Corey, I will simply say that I read your blog to escape politics. You remind us that there is still beauty, friendship, and love in the world which seems to be in short supply these days, especially if one stays informed. Your uplifting posts are most helpful in what my friends and I consider to be very troubled times.

    Reply
  11. Sharon Crigger-Stokan

    I enjoy reading your blog for your French la Vie as it is titled. Thank you for sharing your world with us and giving us marvelous glimpses into your French life. I believe you are wise to not include politics for the reasons you state.

    Reply
  12. Marilyn M

    Thank you for leaving politics out of your wonderful blog. Your blog in support of the Women’s March was welcome – for an exceptional worldwide event of love and resistance. I welcome your opinions on human rights and social issues but you are wise to leave politics out.

    Reply
  13. gina lanman

    I agree Corey it’s better to focus on what we have in common. Save your rants for the trees being cut down in your village, or the missed treasure at the brocante. You are honest, full of compassion and fair in all aspect of life; from that place you will always shine.

    Reply
  14. Barbara Blizzard

    I read for the peace that your words bring and for the insights into France. All that enhances our travels in your adopted country – currently visiting the Alsace Christmas markets and thinking of you when we encounter the brocante items.

    Reply
  15. French la Vie

    I understand and feel the same way. I hesitated sharing “the march,” and when I did so I did not add any words, just photos. I felt like you did about the comments shared, and decided right then never to put anything political on my blog again. I am glad you are following me, our friendship was formed by this blog xxx

    Reply
  16. French la Vie

    Thank you Rebecca, I love what you add on FB and your instagram account and hope one day our paths will cross xx

    Reply
  17. French la Vie

    And now we have met! And I have seen your world! And will see it again one day xx

    Reply
  18. French la Vie

    Thank you Kathie for posting comments and for leading others to a political arena away from my blog. I appreciate the care you take in commenting and sharing with me.

    Reply
  19. French la Vie

    Thank you Julie!

    Reply
  20. French la Vie

    I look forward to meeting you and sharing my world with you xx

    Reply
  21. French la Vie

    Thank you Jackie! You know I appreciate you and am eternally grateful that our paths crossed and will cross again. I love the way you communicate your thoughts and your writing is always spot on. xxx

    Reply
  22. French la Vie

    Diogenes I remember spending time with you and I will never forget it, your home is beautiful! And I am waiting for you to come to France!!! Thank you for your comment x

    Reply
  23. French la Vie

    Thank you Paulette, that is why I blog: to see the beauty around me, and to remind myself to see it!

    Reply
  24. French la Vie

    Thank you Sharon!

    Reply
  25. French la Vie

    Thank you Marilyn, and for mentioning the Woman’s March xx

    Reply
  26. French la Vie

    Oh those trees being cut still hurts! and you know the missed items do too lol.
    Thank you dear Gina xxx

    Reply
  27. French la Vie

    Hi Barbara and Frank, I saw on FB that you were in the Alsace region and it looked COLD! Stay warm and have a lovely time xxx

    Reply
  28. joanna

    Not to sound redundant, but my views are echoed with many of the above comments.
    I have followed your blog from almost the beginning and I read you everyday it pops up in my email. It’s like receiving a letter from an old friend who shares many of the same passions in life, a kindred spirit, even though we have never met. I rarely comment, but I do want to say your blog is a beautiful “story” about life, family, friends, beauty, passion, life’s ups and downs and all the mundane things that makes life truly worthwhile in its sublime simplicity.
    Leave the politics out……You have a “winning” blog, as it is.

    Reply
  29. Robin

    Corey, thank you. Politics infuses so many parts of our lives but we have to maintain sacred spaces. Your blog is a sacred space that touches the soul. The thought “Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and give unto God what is God’s” Comes to mind. We can choose to leave politics to Pundits And keep your blog as a little piece of heaven.

    Reply
  30. Michelle

    Thank you for not posting about politics. It’s one place I know I can go and not see/read about it.

    Reply
  31. Barbara Kelly

    You are right..there are other avenues to find out about politics. I find it curious that people who don’t agree with you politically suddenly don’t consider you a friend anymore. It has become so devisive that I don’t enjoy talking, reading or thinking about it. I love your posts on the European cultures. It is informative to me. I also love your spiritual being! Keep your Happy Place!

    Reply
  32. Paula Tyner

    Good morning.
    Please continue on as you have been doing. I started reading you in 2008 or maybe before. I started to read you because of my interest in international travel, international shopping(!!!), international foods, etc.. There are other connections for politics.
    I now enjoy following your life and your family. I love reading your observations, so enjoy your photos and recipes.
    Please keep doing what you do so well. You are a connection to a spirituality and view of the world which is valuable to me. Your world view seems a Kinder, gentler space.

    Reply
  33. Jennie

    Bonjour, I have been reading your blog from whenever. I read it because it is like reading a new poem every day which I am doing already. Your “poem” is a bonus for me. I have never met you but hope to someday. I live in San Francisco but Paris is the love of my life!!! Just spent the month of October there and it was paradise being away from politics, except that my flat mates discussed politics every morning. I shut out the noise and mapped out our exploration for the day instead.

    Reply
  34. Judyo

    With the way things are in the States now, I find your blog such a refuge where I can enjoy your travels, family life and all that is French. It is like a little gift I give myself every day. I agree with your blog view completely. Thank you, Corey!

    Reply
  35. Vicki

    I read your blog because I like hearing about your family and share many interests with you. I do not care to read anything about politics for any where in this world. I don’t care to hear about all the craziness going on. It is depressing for
    me.
    Thank you for making your blog so interesting. Your handsome husband and beautiful children are a delight. I share your thoughts on having a son living far away. I live in Texas and my son, his wife and my two granddaughters live in Idaho. We see each them about 3-4 times a year.
    I am thankful you are not going into politics!

    Reply
  36. Candi D.

    I look forward every evening to reading your blog, I so agree with you that you’ve found a perfect balance in what you share. I only wish I was able to return to France and meet you and go brocante shopping together. Oh maybe one day, till then I’ll keep reading.

    Reply
  37. Deanna Bailey

    I read your blog because I love you and love that you share your love of France and your life with us. I can get politics from many other sources if I so choose and appreciate the fact politics is not a part of French a Vie.

    Reply
  38. Susie

    Well, hurrah! I love political free zones and thank you for choosing to be one. 😘😘. You are my box of chocolates that I indulge in daily. Please don’t mess with my chocolate.

    Reply
  39. Dawn

    I read your blog for that joie de vivre, your experience as an expat, a mom, antique afficienado, and the window that you open onto your world. That ah-ha! Oh-la-la. Etcetera, and I love the way your write.

    Reply
  40. Wisps of Words

    Thank you for this clarification. Thank you very much.
    I apologize, if my question, was intrusive.
    Blogs which look for Joy, and avoid politics, are oases. I fully agree.
    Again I say, thank you for this clarification.
    Happy Christmas!
    ✨🎄✨

    Reply
  41. Ali

    Oh, I echo the sentiments of everyone above. I read for the beauty of the writing, and the mouth watering photos, the escape from a world gone mad. I love France, and am fortunate to have visited often. We know where you stand, and most are right behind you. We all need the beauty and humour that you provide. Thank you for sharing your life with us for all these years. Write what moves you…I will always read…
    Ali

    Reply
  42. Nicollette Whitfield Spicer

    I started reading your blog 13 years back, when you first set your goal of posting something on it every day for one year. It was a dare, no? I was initially interested in what your life as an expat was like, and fell in love with the way you tell stories. Antiquing was a happy coincidence because it’s not what brought me to the blog, though it happened to be a passion of mine as well. Over the years you spent more time opening up about your love for the brocante and sharing your finds and have guessing games. You’re just a genuinely lovely person, whom I’ve now purchased a couple of antiques from!, and I love that your just share yourself with us; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thank you. <3
    ~nicollette

    Reply
  43. Marilyn

    I totally agree with you. My blog is called Delights of the Heart for a reason. Politics doesn’t delight my heart.
    I love what you do and your are my #1 blog to read and in my heart. Thank you for being you and sharing things that delight our hearts.

    Reply
  44. Michael

    Dearest Corey, Every day is a visit with you in your world, and an escape from politics! Your copy and photos are happy wonders, and gifts to us all. We can-and do-get politics any old place(s). Whether it is a brocante, or a trip to Pike’s Market, Or an afternoon in Willows, or even a motorcycle trek to India, It is always fun seeing with you and your family. Please leave the yellow vests and orange wigs to those who can’t see further. We’d rather be with you!

    Reply
  45. French la Vie

    I am happy to hear that! Especially that you like even the simply little things, we are kindred spirits xx

    Reply
  46. French la Vie

    I hope I do that. Thank you for your saying so!

    Reply
  47. French la Vie

    I am glad you agree with me. Thank you.

    Reply
  48. French la Vie

    Thank you Barbara, for calling my blog a happy place. xx

    Reply
  49. French la Vie

    Thank you Paula for finding my blog kind and gentle, that is how I hope it to be. xx

    Reply
  50. French la Vie

    Hi Jennie, I hope the next time you are in France you will look me up. I am sorry you had a flatmate that could not put politics aside while on holidays.

    Reply
  51. French la Vie

    Thank you Judy!

    Reply
  52. French la Vie

    Hi Vicki, Sounds good to me! Let’s talk about children and hopefully one day I will be able to talk about grandchildren too.
    x

    Reply
  53. French la Vie

    One day I hope you will be able to come to France and go shopping at the brocante. That is a goal ok?

    Reply
  54. French la Vie

    Deanne, you know I will drink to that holding my sparkling glass by the stem, see you soon xx

    Reply
  55. French la Vie

    Lol if I could I would mess with your chocolates just to eat them.

    Reply
  56. French la Vie

    OMG, I love what you wrote, “That ah-ha! Oh-la-la. Etcetera’ I think that would be a perfect name for a blog! I love that you feel that way about mine.

    Reply
  57. French la Vie

    No need to apologize, you were not being intrusive, I had several enquires and felt I needed to say something here about why I haven’t said anything. I appreciate your asking it gave me a reason to mention why.
    Thank you xx

    Reply
  58. French la Vie

    Thank you Ali I appreciate your saying so xx

    Reply
  59. French la Vie

    thirteen years is a long time for me to keep up a dare, but I am glad I have. I am glad I have met many of you and feel I know many more of you. Thank you Nicollette for being part of the reason I blog xx

    Reply
  60. French la Vie

    Ah you are a true delight of the heart! Thank you Marilyn xxx

    Reply
  61. French la Vie

    Thank you that makes me happy to feel like what I am doing something right. xxx

    Reply
  62. PJT

    Chere Corey,
    Living near DC, I read your blog to ESCAPE from all that is happening in my city and the world! I enjoy our shared passion for French culture, photography, travel, textiles and religious ephemera. If you ever travel here, please let us get together and I’ll show you the sights…not quite Provence tho!

    Reply
  63. Irene

    I read your blog because you have a gift of bringing joy and beauty to your family life, your photography, and your spiritual writing, and sharing it with us. I love how your writing meshes your American and French way of life, how you constantly follow your pursuits with such apparent grace and ease. And…I can’t wait to see your remake of the new Cassis residence.

    Reply
  64. Jane

    Thank you so much for your blog!!! I don’t even listen to the news like I used to- all so negative & political. So sad- I woke up the other day so discouraged about all of the lies & exaggerations. Then I read my email & read your wonderful entry – your sweet family, beautiful pictures, wonderful stories, inspiring thoughts. I don’t comment much- the last time i did comment was during the worst of the California fires – couldn’t believe someone’s response. Please stay the way you are- you were our inspiration for going to Provence a few years ago. We do love France- and you

    Reply
  65. Sue Young

    Corey, the last photo, a very wonderful mosaic, intrigued me!!! What is it?!?!?

    Reply
  66. aportmanteau

    Very smart decision on your part not to allow politics to enter your blog, or even your IG posts. It is a no-brainer, especially if you want to retain old friendships and cultivate new ones. It seems politics cannot be discussed in polite company now without potential loss of friendships. About a year or more ago, I quit following someone on IG who had for a very long time a long history of many interesting and beautiful posts on lots of subjects. But things changed after the election in 2016 and her posts became so full of political hatred that as far as I was concerned, it ruined my reading her posts at all. Recently, by sheer coincidence, my BFF and I discovered we had both, unknown to each other, wrote down a comment that had been made at the funeral of George H. W. Bush that we found to be very apropos to this day and time, the quote being: “Hatred corrodes the container it is carried in.” I don’t think the person that I have mentioned above will ever be able to rid herself of the hatred in her container, which is really quite a shame.

    Reply
  67. Jan D-M

    As one who found your Instagram through comments on Corey’s blog, I appreciate the peek into your world. I so appreciate the politics-free zone and the respite from the angst that Facebook so often brings me. While my life is rich to me, my day-to-day events would not necessarily be of interest to others, so I keep my audience small and limited to family and a few friends. Thank you, Rebecca.

    Reply
  68. Jan D-M

    Just do you, Corey. It is enough.

    Reply
  69. Julie Loeschke

    I have read your blog for many,many years and it is to stay in touch with your beautiful soul.God bless you and your family during this season of love.

    Reply
  70. French la Vie

    It’s a deal and I will try not to talk Politics! hehehe.

    Reply
  71. French la Vie

    Thank you I try, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t but trying is what is all about.

    Reply
  72. French la Vie

    Thank you Jane. I hope the news starts to show hope, faith and encourages others to unite xx

    Reply
  73. French la Vie

    https://mosaicartsource.wordpress.com/2006/11/07/mozaikev/

    Reply
  74. Chris Wittmann

    I have things going on in my life now that often keep me from reading your blog as often as I would like. I love the photos of France, the antiques, and little stories about your family. Those who know me know I am very political, and so is my hubby. They also know we are not afraid of voicing our beliefs and political leanings and I often do so on my own website. Has it lost me some customers? I’m sure it has. That being said, there are many chaotic and unpleasant things going on in the world that we cannot always avoid bringing into our daily lives or conversations, and though we may not wish to go there, if confronted with questions or a quest for the truth from someone, I certainly will never back down nor will I be afraid to speak my mind. I completely understand why you don’t wish to talk politics on your blog. I don’t know how it is in France, but this is still America.

    Reply
  75. Momof5

    Everything Jacklynn said….

    Reply
  76. Sarah

    Oh thank you for not talking politics. We come here to escape that issue

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions