Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Spellbound in Pasadena

Dome with letter

Last night the reality of what I had said yes to a few months ago sunk in. Next month I am going to give a talk at Spellbound. Gulp. Another gulp. What was I thinking? I am going to be nervous for the entire month.

Spellbound is where more than I can count creative, artistic, talented will be sharing and creating, the sponsors and instructors are:

Jo Packman (Where Women Create),

Kaari Meng (French General),

Denise Sharp,

Kristen Robinson,

Pam Garrison,

Michele Muska,

JoAnnA Pierotti,

Debrina Pratt, 

Deb and Shea the SpellBound Co-Hostesses,

Plus all the wonderful people who will be coming to exchange, share and create together.

 

Old French documents

 

I keep telling myself, "…these women are lovely, full of soul, salt of the earth, kindred spirits, they are going to be supportive, and encouraging… I don't need to be nervous…

BuT WhAT aM I GoInG To SaY to TheM ThAT tHeY HavEn'T HeaRD BeFoRe?

I know I have to have an opening line, something memorized… something to cast my voice out of myself so that it doesn't stayed buried only to pop out in a stammer, "Oh…Um…Gulp…ha ha ha, Hi!"

Gilded wood

I cannot talk about what I create… because I am not a crafter. In elementary school, where arts and crafts was usually the preferred class to reading, writing or arithmetic… I wasn't keen on doing arts and crafts, not that I excelled in the other options…Anyway I like to pick the dry glue off my hands. Scissors bugged me, and glitter was, well, simply messy.

I guess I could say, "Hi, I am not a crafter but I love what you do!"

 

French antique documents

So as I toy with words, thoughts, inspiration and the idea of how to get out of this–

I would like your advice: What should I talk about to this wonderful group of women who I don't want to look like a fool in front of???

Can you hear me say, Help!

P.S. Diogenes I am coming to see you, please have wine!

P.S.S Please come all of you and hold up signs that say, "Smile, Don't Worry, Think Brocante, I am here if you need to faint."

SpellBound Location The Langham Hotel in Pasadena, California.

Comments

103 responses to “Spellbound in Pasadena”

  1. Bev

    Corey, I would start by talking about how you came to love taking pictures and the brocante. Maybe talk about your mom. Or maybe start by telling that story of that elderly lady that you took care of who had all of those wonderful dishes and you would pull a different set out every day for a meal. Start with story. That’s what people remember. That’s what Jesus did. That’s what the Israelites did.
    I do it every week in my preaching and that is what folks remember–the stories. Then you can get in the practical stuff.

    Reply
  2. Jody

    Corey,
    You’re going to be phenomenal! You’re a natural story teller & everyone at the conference is certain to be “spell bound” 🙂 You’ve created a beautiful, unique home & a business helping others do the same. You’ve “crafted” a wonderful life for your family — that beats glitter any day. Best wishes!

    Reply
  3. Tongue in Cheek

    Such good ideas!! Thank you. Rose, that was the person I took care, oh yes. I like that.
    x

    Reply
  4. Tongue in Cheek

    LOL, I like the comment about glitter. That was a cute note!
    Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Laurie

    Corey,
    Do what you do best. Weave your wonderful stories about your found objects. Wish I could be there. It should be a wonderful time.

    Reply
  6. Suzanne

    Corey, you will be wonderful….tell your very own story, of family and how you met your hubby, how you moved to France, your blog and business and photography and of course, stories of the BROCANTE! How I’d love to be there to hear all your great stories! I love how you decorate with all your Brocante finds, too! And you have some delish recipes…I think you are multi-talented….
    A writer, photographer, designer, chef, world traveler, and Brocante explorer. Oh, I probably left some out.
    Make it fun for you, too!!! And everyone will enjoy!

    Reply
  7. Karen Hoida

    Oh my Goodness….You will be wonderful!! People already love you and feel like they know you because of your beautiful blog and photographs. You have an EYE for beauty and through that you share wonderful things that most people would never even notice…that is one of your special gifts. Did you know that Barbara Streisand has terrible stage fright? SHe still worries her audience won’t like her? Fear is just nature’s way of keeping you humble….break a leg! Hope I can come and meet you in person. I have followed you for years and bought a few of your treasures. xoxo

    Reply
  8. Sharon Penney-Morrison

    If I were coming, I would want to hear about your trip to China and the orphanage that you were visiting.
    You do have a nak for decorating, so you could give ideas for the holidays coming up, and what is tradition in your world.
    Tell a story about something no one knows about you. I think most visualize you as having a charmed life and no strife. We do not get off this planet without being taught the pro’s and con’s of life. How we handle the situations is what builds character.
    I attended a dinner some years ago, and the speaker was a well known and loved Woman of Faith. Her children were grown and charmed. She talked of each one of them and their education and current employment. She was giving a testimony of her life. Then after a flourishing sentence she said, “My husband came home from work and told me he was having a love affair, and it had been going on for a year or more, and he wanted a divorce.”
    She went on to unveil the story and we sat there SPELLBOUND, so to speak, in total surprise!
    I don’t know what you would want to share, but a lot of young women, sometimes think, they are the only ones who have ever experienced a crisis with family.
    Whatever you speak of will be wonderful!!!!!!!!! Wish I could be there. Way to expensive for me to attend from Kansas, and France is in my budget for next spring. Wish I were mega wealthy.
    hugs…xoxox

    Reply
  9. Kate L.

    Living a Passionate Life! If I were able to attend I would Love to hear you speak on Passion, passion for life, no matter what it entails, flea markets, decorating, family, crafting and the making of stuff… it all is defined and brings a passion to our lives. Making time, space and living our passions. People, places and the adventures in life give passion to the everyday. I know it is not all fun and roses, but I think your percentage seem to run higher than most!

    Reply
  10. labergerebasque

    🙂 NEVR did like glitter

    Reply
  11. Shelley Noble

    That’s easy. When I look at what you create (and obviously why you have such a large devoted following) it’s so natural to you, you don’t even *think* of it as an act of creation.
    I see that you take the world around you and infuse/merge it with your magnificent beingness and are doubly gifted in your ability to then express that divinity back out through your words and/or your images.
    I think that is basically the artistic process for everyone, including the talented women in your audience. If you explore such a thread with them, I’m sure all will find it a feast.
    I’m thrilled you will be so nearby soon, Corey. I hope your schedule will allow us an in person visit at last?!

    Reply
  12. Diogenes

    Hi Corey,
    First of all I am so excited you are coming to LA and that we are finally going to meet! I will have the wine(s) ready. There are so many fun things to do and see here that you will be distracted and won’t have time to be nervous.
    As for your talk, there are some very good comments above. You probably notice that when you post a picture taken in your home, I will invariably comment on furniture/art in the background. You have a decorating style that I like a lot – it’s ordered but has a touch of whimsy. Neutral colors, but with an interesting twist. You have picked some great pieces. How did your experiences in France shape your style (stories of people, places)? I would enjoy hearing you talk about how you choose objects for your home and how you edit them. At the end of the day, you are a designer.
    Also you could show pictures with your talk to inspire the crowd and guide your speech. I think everyone would enjoy hearing about the brocantes and how they’ve inspired your style. Hand a list out of your favorites – in France and in the US.
    Keep me posted of your schedule and let me know if you want me to pick you and French Husband up at LAX. It would be my pleasure.

    Reply
  13. Beatnheart

    Corey … I am about 25 miles away in Long Beach and oh now I wish I could met you… I considered attending until I saw how much and well holy crap I could fly to France for that kind of money… I am probably going to come anyhow and hope to catch a glimpse of you and just be like a backstage groupie of something… I figure if I am near you at least I have some kind of chance to meet… It won” t be for lack of trying….
    Yes… Tell your stories… Talk about how you got started, your photography , brocade in France your mom, your dad, your children , your hunka hunka honey ….You will be lovely, not to forget skinny!
    I am determined and will find a way… Don’t know how busy you will be… If you free time I could come pick you up…. Anything !! Xx

    Reply
  14. Jenna

    No advice other than to be yourself, they wouldn’t have invited you unless they liked you already.

    Reply
  15. Tongue in Cheek

    🙂
    let’s hope so!

    Reply
  16. Tongue in Cheek

    Pick me up, I like that! An escape route, lol! Hope to see you.

    Reply
  17. Tongue in Cheek

    I am so EXCITED to meet you! I am arriving on the 7th,
    Anything, anywhere, but a place to hear your story and share a glass of wine, and encourage you to come to France!
    x

    Reply
  18. Tongue in Cheek

    Shelley, If I don’t meet you I will CRY!!
    PLEASE I want to HUG you!
    C

    Reply
  19. Tongue in Cheek

    My percentage includes alot of ding dong.
    Thank you for the generous compliment, Passionate Life
    started because France paved the way.
    C

    Reply
  20. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi Dear Sweet Sharon;
    Until we meet again!
    Yes nobody has a perfect life, it is just how they present and inspire others.
    Life is full of curve balls, sometimes they hit you hard. But if you can pick yourself up with the grace of love, enlightenment, family, friends, faith, or a glass of wine so much the better! I need all the above to get me through and blogging (the community gathered here) is the icing on the cake that HONESTLY sees me through it.
    C

    Reply
  21. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi Karen
    That is the gift that keeps me blogging, the people I feel I know even though I don’t know them. Your name is so familiar to me I jump up when I see it and say “Oh Karen”… Thank you for your encouragement!
    C

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  22. Tongue in Cheek

    xxxx Thank you!!!

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  23. Tongue in Cheek

    I like glitter now, if someone does it for me.
    xx

    Reply
  24. Debra

    too bad I live near DC . . .looks like I am going to have to come up with some type of itinery to get you east! Look, Corey, you may not like the slicing & dicing of crafting, but girl you got an eye. Every time I take a gander at your brocante offerings I am amazed at your set-ups & photography. Don’t sell your creative soul short cuz you’ve got it and it’s all wrapped up with an incredible heart inside.
    PS Still panicking about coming to France alone:)

    Reply
  25. Nancy W

    First of all RELAX! Believe it or not, you only have to be yourself and everyone will be happy. I was first introduced to your blog through ARTFUL BLOGGING. Your photos spoke volumes to me. So, I would say, “Bring some photos”. The subject matter I would suggest is your home w/brocante decorating and your lovely family. Both in France & the U.S. Truly whatever you feel most comfortable with will work.

    Reply
  26. Franca Bollo

    You could always reprise your dance to Mississippi Mud.

    Reply
  27. Tongue in Cheek

    lol, I prefer Super Freak!!
    Vote:
    Mississippi Mud
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IumNz3-8FU
    or Freaky Town
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYHxGBH6o4M

    Reply
  28. Kathie B

    1. How much time are you allotted? This makes a huge difference in terms of how broad (or narrow) you make your topic. And to feel self-confident, talk about what you know best!
    2. Pick a topic you have reason to believe no one else at the conference will be discussing, so you’re bringing something new to the table (and also so there’s no one else for you to be compared to — LOL!).
    3. Consider planning your talk by first selecting photos for the PowerPoint display. Use as little text as possible — and for the love of Mike, please NO bullet points! Allow at least 1 minute for each slide to appear on-screen, so the audience has enough time to absorb it.
    4. Let the slides serve as your outline, guiding you as your write the text of your talk (the best ones practically write themselves!). You may want to rearrange the slide order to accommodate your writing. Avoid the siren temptation to cram too much material on one slide.
    5. Make a “cover” slide to appear at both the beginning and end of your talk, that identifies your name, location, email address, the title of your talk, and an iconic image (perhaps the TIC header?). Also put your name and talk title in the top margin of each of the other slides.
    6. Think of a boffo ending for your talk, and make it such that if you need to skip to the end due to unexpected shortage of speaking time — there’s nothing like a 30-second warning to make a speaker break out in flop-sweat! — you can do so with the ending still making sense.
    7. A trick I learned from a veteran newspaper reporter, who had to write on daily deadline (look on the bright side, you have a whole month!): Unlike what your teachers taught you in school about essay-writing, do NOT write your opening sentence first, because you can get mired down with massive writer’s block trying to get it just right. Instead, start somewhere in the middle of your talk that’s easy for you, then work outwards in both directions; eventually, you’ll know what you want your opening sentence to be.
    8. Time yourself on how many words/minute you speak, so you can calculate how long (or short!) your talk needs to be. I speak about 2 words/second = 120 words/minutes, so theoretically a 15 minute talk allows me 1800 words, a 20 minute talk 2400 — although I’m more comfortable making my talk a minute shorter than my allotted time, in case something goes awry (e.g., the PowerPoint).
    9. Insert cues into your script for where you want to advance each slide. I do this in red bold-face caps, so it’s easy to read even if the light’s lowered in the room. Also, despite have very sharp eyes, I like to type (keyboard?) my talk in 14-point Times New Roman, at least double-spaced, for legibility. I also cue myself for words I want to emphasize by putting them in italics, and use a lot more commas than usual, as breathing cues while speaking.
    10. Rehearse and time your talk while simultaneously operating your PowerPoint display (kind of like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time!). You may decide after this that you need to prune your talk a bit and delete a few slides.
    11. Back-up your back-ups! Save your talk script and PowerPoint display on at least two flash drives, which you pack in different places (entrust one to Yann, if he’s coming along). Also, print out multiple copies of the text and pack each in a different bag (I keep a small-type, single-spaced, double-sided copy of the talk with my passport).
    12. Breathe!
    P.S. Here’s an abridged version of my 2011 Paris talk (including you!), which might give you a few ideas for organizing:
    http://www.mycalifornianfriends.com/commentary.htm
    Bonne chance! / Ótima sorte!

    Reply
  29. Tongue in Cheek

    I was in Artful Blogging?
    That is news to me.
    But I am glad you found me!

    Reply
  30. Tongue in Cheek

    Don’t worry France well seduce you the moment your foot touches the ground!
    xx Thank you for your encouragement!

    Reply
  31. Kathie B

    “Gangnam Style” :-)))

    Reply
  32. christineallen@yahoo.com

    Through your photos, writing, and travels you are an inspiration to your audience. You are passionate and positive and true.

    Reply
  33. Zosia

    Corey, just be yourself, talk about France, antiques, French food and, as some people said here before, bring your photos. Maybe you are not a crafter, but you practice the Art of Life, the Art of Full Living, a holistic approach, if you will. I am sure you will do fine and the audience will love you.
    P.S. my post today is for you (about a small antique market in Warsaw)
    http://polonicahomeagain.blogspot.com/2012/10/antique-market-in-warsaw-warszawski.html

    Reply
  34. Chris Wittmann

    Corey you ARE a crafter, a designer, a creative artistic soul! Years ago I gave talks on the medicinal use of herbs, not because I wanted to, because I was constantly being asked too. I had written for 2 national herb magazines for years, but talking in front of an audience petrified me. Odd considering I’ve performed music in front of people for dedades 🙂 I was so nervous it was pathetic. But after the first few minutes you relax and everything flows. Trust me!! Try looking over their heads for just the first few moments, not into faces. After you relax, then it’s easy to look at the people. Remember, when you know your subject, it will come as naturally to you as talking to your best friend. Smile alot, and you will do great.

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  35. Kathie B

    Corey, if you’re required to speak about a crafting genre, your wallpapering work would be ideal.

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  36. Massilianana

    I am sure you will do great because you ARE a crafter ( I am thinking about the little frames upstairs in the commodités, for instance ) and also your art of telling stories will have the eyes of your audience sparkle like glitter in the sun. You will do just fine and everyone will be sous le charme , next thing you know there will be plane loads of Californians heading to the South of France to follow you !!!

    Reply
  37. Carol

    Corey,
    Believe me when I say that everyone there will be as nervous as you, even the most seasoned pro.
    Why don’t you treat it as if you are an author on a book tour. Pick out several blog entries that best describe what you do and how you do it and read.
    Speak off the cuff at the intro and the closing. Your blog is the vehicle that everyone associates you with and already admires you for.
    You could always start with the old standby…”Hello, My name is Corey and I am a brocante a-holic”.

    Reply
  38. Jeannie

    You could throw the creating back at the audience. Hold up something (you could start with a give away even) and ask what it is, what would you do with it, and would you buy it. That would focus their attention on THEIR creative minds. Also, talk like you write. (This is difficult for me.) Pretend that they aren’t there and you are just reading a blog post entry out loud. Good luck!!! I detest and run screaming from public speaking. 😉 We all love you, remember that!

    Reply
  39. Kathie B

    Wear a favorite outfit in which you feel über-confident, and comfortable shoes.

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  40. Franca Bollo

    What did you dance to on the football field in your flapper outfit?

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  41. danasparkle

    Enjoy all of it. Be wild & brave. Dx *

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  42. Tongue in Cheek

    I know what I wore, I know it was cold, but I wasn’t, I know I was nervous until I heard the band…. I can hum it but you cannot hear it. If it comes to me I will let you know.
    Thanks for remembering the flapper girl!

    Reply
  43. Catherine

    Surely you have been asked to speak because of who you are, not what you do. These very talented women are most likely wanting to get to know YOU, and how you view the world. How you approach the Brocante, what you look for, how your mind works when you are visually distracted by all that lies on the ground and on the tables. What draws you to a table? What catches your eye? What moves your soul ? This is what they come to hear. Talk about what you love and it will be so much easier than you think. BTW…they will love you.

    Reply
  44. Lorelei

    Telll your stories, Corey. Tell them about your passion for old things, about the brocante, about Annie, about the items you share in your photographs. Be Tongue in Cheek in person. Share your love for all things antique, old, worn, and loved.

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  45. Becky F

    Corey, I feel like I’m repeating everyone’s message. They will simply adore you and you will have a wonderful time!
    Your speech will flow with your creativity, inspiration and passion! Just start. You will be loved! Wish I could be there! Becky

    Reply
  46. Delphine

    If I were coming to your talk I would like to hear you tell what you see when you find a treasure at the brocante. It becomes something else in your eyes, other than a dish or a frame. You see it as…? Just tell them what you envision and they will be impressed. Help them think outside of the box like you do. They’re creative whiz kids and so are you, but you do it differently. Just talk and show them what you see. You’ll be a hit.

    Reply
  47. Franca Bollo

    Why did I think it was Mississippi Mud? And how could anyone forget you dancing by yourself in front of the entire marching band with a feather attached to your head? By comparison, performing for the crafty women will be no comparison.

    Reply
  48. Susan

    You will be a perfect addition to the Spellbound conference. I certainly feel spellbound with the stories you weave from your brocante finds, and your photography is what brings the stories to life for me. Because of you, I enrolled in a photography course. Your creativity is inspiring. Everyone will love you, and you will be fantastic.

    Reply
  49. Laura @ 52 FLEA

    Are you kidding me? You will be phenomenal…just be yourself…so natural and relate-able. Your photography alone is enough but all these girls will surely appreciate the finds and fun you have at the brocante. You are such a good story teller…wish I was going to be there!

    Reply
  50. Jillayne

    You are a crafter – of words in your stories, of love in how you speak of your family and friends, of home in the beautiful things you gather – crafting is more than scissors and glitter, it’s about creating what you love from your heart.
    Some people demonstrate making beautiful things; you show how to make a beautiful life…. talk about that…

    Reply
  51. Gail M

    Such wonderful suggestions above. I always wonder how you are able to write such beautiful and inspiring posts with such frequency. You must awake each day with love & joy in your heart comvined with an eye to observe it! I adore your curiosity — the brocante guessing game is a favorite. Everyone will love you. I would love to hear you talk about what inspires you…. And the stories… So many good ones…

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  52. Ann

    So many good tips and ideas already provided. As a speaker they say, speak from experience and what you know. Think about your audience, who are they and speak to them. This group probably would be looking for inspiration on doing what you love…. having an adventurous outlook and how reaching out to the unknown…how this can be rewarding and bring the unimaginable to life.

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  53. martina

    You craft your photos and stories into things of beauty enjoyed by many people. Come on Corey–you can do it! Even if some of us can’t be there physically, imagine all of us standing right behind you when you give your speech. We’ll be saying “don’t fret, we are right here with you and we know you will do fabulously” Of course our mothers would say “stand up straight, get the hair out of your face and enunciate”…Oh…er that is what MY mother would say…

    Reply
  54. Teri Salvo

    The Langham will help you set the tone as its history is very rich and interesting. Having grown up in Pasadena it was one of my favorite places to play “pretend”. Given the beautiful photos that you post it will be a natural backdrop for what I am sure will be a great presentation. Just soak it all in and enjoy!

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  55. Kit

    Corey, you create with words and pictures, weaving stories around beautiful things. Maybe they need to know how to reach the world with their stories, their beautiful things that don’t yet have words to help wing them on their way. Maybe they need help with photographing their beautiful crafts, or just with pushing down their own self-doubts to show them to the world – You always have something to say, and even if it has been said before, your stories make it new. You will be great!

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  56. monica

    Do what you do best, tell the Corey Story! Bisous, Monica

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  57. jend’isère

    Gluing, sewing or putting things together is much simpler than assmbling with words and bubbly personality.

    Reply
  58. Liz

    Corey,
    You are a ‘curator’ – by that I mean you provide valuable ‘content’ that shows your depth of insight into brocante, colour, style, and has a finger on the Zeitgeist of the world of makers and crafters. Your blog is a blast of inspiration for a diversity of creatives – writers, homemakers, patchworkers, interior designers, photographers, and more. You are part of their world – and let’s not forget, you’re a dab hand at papering entire rooms in scraps of wallpaper and vintage prints! Your daily curation in each blog post is pure gold to all our imaginations! The blog and its world is what you need to talk about. The community it inspires. Stay on home turf in your talk and even if you ‘go off programmed’ script, your words will flow. Enjoy the moment…

    Reply
  59. Karen@PasGrande-Chose

    Corey, I’m late to this post and you seem to have no shortage of advice already! But while reading this post I was looking in awe, as usual, at your photos, and it seems so obvious that what you create in images is literally spell-binding. I agree with Kathie B that slides of your photos should be your starting and focal point. (and if you get tongue-tied or lost for words, no worries, because your audience will be mesmerised by the images!)
    Also, I have a hunch that you’ll be at your best doing most of it spontaneously and from the heart, so maybe you shouldn’t over-prepare. Good luck, but I know you’ll be just great anyway!

    Reply
  60. Rita

    Hi Corey,
    I agree with Kate that it would be wonderful if you talked about how you get your passion for what you do. We are all in awe of your creativeness, your passion for your family, France, brocantes. You educate each of us daily about things we would know nothing about without your blog. You have helped expand our world with knowledge and so much fun!!! I have been going to England & France for years buying for my store but never gone brocanting until I started reading your blog! Now I would rather do that than anything else. I love being out with the people, talking to them , getting to know them and learning about what they are selling – the history of a piece, where it came from, what it is, etc. I can take that back to my customers. And it is all because of you! You are creative and you create every day!!!!
    If you have access to show photos the audience would enjoy seeing some of your favorite brocantes, pictures of the people selling and a little about them. I found that each village fair has their own personality! I hope to see you there in November! Rita

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  61. denisesolsrud@hotmail.com

    i honestly cannot believe that you would be nervous. now me? that’s different! you will do absolutely be grand and all will love you. i would follow you to the ends of the world to hear you speak. you know how you say,eat less,move more. i say have faith and fly. wish you could tape it for us. you will speak of what you love. you may not make handmade items,but actually you do. you help us create in our minds. Fly! the Bestest,Denise

    Reply
  62. Merisi in Vienna

    If I were you I would go through my pictures, create a slide show of my favorites. Each picture would be the starting point for talking about the many different ways you find and live your passion.

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  63. Merisi in Vienna

    I should have written passions, plural. xxx

    Reply
  64. jody

    oh, i am a day late! but Corey, out of your mouth and heart flows an abundance of kind, beautiful, talented and collected words. Have no fear! Your popularity abounds because of the love and joy you give to others.
    That is so much what we all love to hear, the good news, and someone who prompts us to remember to notice the beautiful in life. You fill our beings with vision. i pray your heart receives as much back as it has given. xoxo jody

    Reply
  65. peggy braswell

    Joy, Joy you + FH coming to LA! Hope to see you while you are here. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

    Reply
  66. Karen Carson

    You have every right to be nervous…communicating via a blog is quite different than presenting in-person, in front of an audience. BUT…having said that, you have wonderful advice from your faithful followers. I especial liked Kathie B’s and Mirisi in Vienna’s comments. So here’s the thing…you live a creative life with people who love and support you. You inspire others with your ideas and humanity. Share your story of how you came to live in France…it’s awesome. And if you get stuck, take a deep breath and start giving your talk in French ; /

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  67. Ana

    Hi Corey, you paint pictures with your words, you weave a tapestry of Provence with your pictures and you forge friendships with your passion for life and love. I am supremely certain that you will be glorious, because , you will be yourself, a genuine artist.
    good luck my friend.

    Reply
  68. Teddee Grace

    How do you shop a brocante? You do it your own special way, with your special “eye,” to find the things that attract you. It will be great!

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  69. Brenda L. from TN.

    Well, I am a day late in offering advice….but everyone on here has given you the perfect answers….JUST BE YOURSELF! You can’t go wrong there!! You ARE an artist! Except you use words to describe what you see and feel instead of a brush…seeing things thru YOUR words is a pleasure….Just tell how you “see” ways to use and display the treasures you find at the brocante…and the perfect uses you have for them when you get home….you ARE a crafter!!

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  70. Tongue in Cheek

    xxx Just be Yourself!! Let’s hope I can be the not freaked out me, and that happy me only.
    xx Thanks,

    Reply
  71. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi TG
    How do I shop a brocante….that is a good question, good food for thought, Thanks!
    C

    Reply
  72. Tongue in Cheek

    Thanks Ana!! Remember you promise the next time in France you will come by!

    Reply
  73. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi Karen
    You are so right. When I think of my readers as an audience I have a very hard time writing. When I think of writing to friends that is easier.
    But seeing is a whole new potato!
    I cracked up when I read, “talk in French”!
    C

    Reply
  74. Tongue in Cheek

    Me too!! Though Yann will not be with me.
    xx

    Reply
  75. Tongue in Cheek

    Thank you for the prayer Jody!

    Reply
  76. Tongue in Cheek

    I wish you were coming! You know what a mess my photo files are in !!
    Finding the photos is the first hurdle!

    Reply
  77. Tongue in Cheek

    You are the bestest Denise!

    Reply
  78. Tongue in Cheek

    I hope to see you too! BYW now I know who has been getting all the good stuff at the brocante before me!
    xx

    Reply
  79. Tongue in Cheek

    Karen
    Your telling me that you like my photos when yours are so wonderful is a lovely compliment! Thank you.
    My friend Denise has offered to help me do a slide show, so I am going to do it… if I can find my photos, since they are BADLY not organized at all.
    xx

    Reply
  80. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh Liz how do you know I will go off script! Thank you for telling me to go with the flow, that is my style, and I hope to God it works otherwise I will be dumbfounded. Thank you for the lovely compliments to my blogging style.
    x

    Reply
  81. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    Oh my goodness, what wonderfully practical tips!

    Reply
  82. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi J
    Well at least for me it is… because gluing is just messy and the rest is so detail oriented and for ballerina hands, I give up so easily!
    Thanks for affirming what I find simpler- assembling words (though I believe you are the master of that !xxx)

    Reply
  83. Tongue in Cheek

    lol Thanks! I am glad you appreciate the gift of my gab! Storytelling runs in my family.
    C

    Reply
  84. Tongue in Cheek

    Kit, I feel we know each other. Nearly seven years of blogging friendship. Thank youxxx

    Reply
  85. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    1. Print out all these comments (and the emails and whatever other sorts of encouragement you’ve received.)
    2. Keep the print out close at hand.
    3. Each time you freak out (not “if” but “when”) read these all through again. And again.
    4. What you have actually crafted is a community.
    PS. charm them with the story of falling from the ladder while papering your wall. And not being able to hook your bra or, worse yet, use your camera. Everyone will be totally on your side right after that!

    Reply
  86. Tongue in Cheek

    You grew up in Pasadena! Oh do tell what I must see and do. And the Langham is going to be the icing on the cake!
    C

    Reply
  87. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi M
    Stand up straight, I hear you sista!
    xx

    Reply
  88. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    PSS. I think Americans will be/ are intrigued with the concept of being an American living in France, and Provence even more so. That’s probably an angle that none of the other speakers can touch.

    Reply
  89. Tongue in Cheek

    Dang Kathie leave it to you to nail it down and make it easy to understand. Thanks!!xxx

    Reply
  90. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    “inspire others with your ideas and humanity” — well said.
    Do you even talk in French, btw? You could talk in garbled French and tell stories about how that’s worked (or not worked) for you.

    Reply
  91. Tongue in Cheek

    Zosia
    I am going to the market with you okay!
    C

    Reply
  92. Tongue in Cheek

    LOL!! God I hope I can say
    .”Hello, My name is Corey and I am a brocante a-holic”.
    Nothing is more true!

    Reply
  93. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh that is right I did make something !!! Thanks for remembering that made me smile!

    Reply
  94. Tongue in Cheek

    Good idea!! I like that.

    Reply
  95. Tongue in Cheek

    Ditto!! That is the first thing on my list.

    Reply
  96. Tongue in Cheek

    wild and brave 🙂
    x

    Reply
  97. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    Start your talk,
    “So, there I was suspended on a teetery ladder with just a little further to reach as I was applying copied ancient letters to the wall, sticky all over because I don’t handle glue very well. Juuusssttt a little further, and then I’ll stop for brie and baguette and Annie’s plum sauce and maybe a sip of wine. Juuuusssstttt a little more. Then kaboom. Ladder slipped, and I could no longer hook my bra nor hold my camera to take photos.”
    There. It’s written.
    They’d adore you.

    Reply
  98. Cathy

    Take it from me, nobody gets more nervous speaking in front of a group of strangers than I do, so I feel your pain. However, you’re advantage is that you’re speaking on a topic you absolutely love which is evident by your blog you love. I’m captivated by your love of the brocante and your life in France. Each time I read your blog I feel like I’m tagging along with you on your journey and it’s awesome. Share your love of your family, friends, and the brocante and you’ll be a hit, I’m sure of that! Yes you can!
    P.S. When will you be speaking, I would love to come and hear you speak and hold up my “sign”?

    Reply
  99. Ana

    This is a promise that I am working towards and cannot wait to keep. as soon as I can I will come.

    Reply
  100. Claire

    My children had a teacher who used to say to them when they were frittering away on details, “Blunder boldly!” I would add, “And take a deep breath.”
    I read a great book called Museum:Behind the Scenes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art by Danny Danziger who interviewed the staff from the custodian to the major donor to the curators to the director. He asked them all the same question which went something like this, “if there were a fire, which piece would you save and why?” All the answers were different and full of story.
    I would love to hear yours however you choose to tell it and so would others.

    Reply
  101. Lia

    Love this…go on, a wee story will spell bound them… I am always enchanted. x

    Reply
  102. Karen Carson

    You’ll do great! Bon chance!

    Reply
  103. mundenliana@hotmail.com

    Corey, You are understandably nervous, but do not worry. You are truly gifted with words. I remember the first time I read one of your recipes, where the cucumbers danced with the mint, etc. etc. You have created a very unique blog that is very uplifting and reminds us daily what is really important in life (no not the brocante, but your passion for living and your truly generous heart. You are Halarious. Remember the recounting of you and Nathalie when you camped out to get to the broncante early? It was halarious. You have a way with words, not to mention the beautiful photography. We all want to be your friend and come to your house!!!!
    You will be just fine!!! You are talented and one of a kind. Just be yourself and they will be in for a treat.
    Just remember also that pasadena has an awesome antique swap meet every second sunday I believe. You will be in Heaven!!!
    Your friend,
    Liana

    Reply

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