If I were to write a book about living in France

If I were to write a book about living in France, I would call it:

Park Bagatelle.

 

Chapter One: A Journey to Marseille

If life were to be penned as a tale of adventure and uncertainty, our family's journey to Marseille would undoubtedly find its place in the first chapters. It all began with our young family - my French Husband our three-month-old daughter, and myself. We had spent the first three years of our married life in the heart of Paris.

Fate had its way of orchestrating life's events, leading us to Marseille, a city rich with its unique allure. This relocation was due to my French Husband's job, which beckoned us to embark on a new voyage and create fresh experiences. Little did we know that the weight of sorrow and grief would soon accompany this journey.

We received the heart-wrenching news of French Husband's father's passing within days of our arrival. Our world turned somber, and the echoes of sorrow resonated from Marseille to the distant city of Rennes, where French Husband's family resided. With heavy hearts, we faced the choice of how to make this poignant journey - a long twelve-hour train ride or a longer drive. French Husband decided to take the train, and we decided I would stay behind to manage the disarray of our freshly unpacked home and care for wee Chelsea.

As the shadows of sadness enveloped our lives, I stood amidst a mountain of boxes that filled our tiny apartment, struggling to locate a black tie - an emblem of mourning that had now become a symbol of our connection to the past. French Husband asked me where was his black tie. Looking at the heap of boxes, I waved my hand above them. Unfortunately, it wasn't a magical wand. I sadly replied that his guess was as good as mine. We opened a few without luck. French Husband would later wear a black tie of his father's.

The next morning, French Husband left for ten days.

 Feeling sad and alone in a new city where the only soul I knew was a three-month-old baby. I put Chelsea in the stroller and went to the church across the street. There I met an older woman named Madame Guerin; she would become my French connection in the coming weeks (and years). (Also, the priest who years later would marry Chelsea and Martin.)

Madame Guerin did not speak a word of English; I spoke a handful of barely useful words in French. Though that did not deter the enormous sense of compassion, she bestowed towards me. Madame Guerin took me to a nearby park called Bagatelle... 

The second person I was to encounter was a delightful English woman named Frances...

Comments

[le petit cabinet de curiosites]

As always you have the most wonderful story to tell even if there is a part of sadness in it. I'm alone , Philippe is in Giens .

[Gracie]

Thanks for another piece of your life. I'll leave on saturday for a two-weeks-bike-trip to Austria and Germany, see you in august. I will miss your daily diary so much.....

[Julie Ann Evins]

Another wonderful chapter from the rich tapestry of your life. Do you still have contact with Mdme Guerrin ?
I also wonder if you jumped last night you brave girl ?! x

[nicole 86]

As a Frenchie, I do appreciate your story. I wish I were Mme Guérin for lonely foreigners, sometimes, I try ...

[Celeste]

The kindness of strangers is always something I treasure. Beautiful.

[Jeanne]

God bless the Angels sent to us by God.
I love you ♥

[kelleyn]

What a sweet story! I am glad she was willing to become your friend.

[Gina Baynham]

What a bitter sweet story. I know of the lonelyness of being in a strange place with a new baby.

When my first daughter was born I was very young, had moved countries for love and knew no-one in our small village that we had only recently moved to. I walked back and forth past a hall that had a Mothers group every wednesday but was too nervous to go in. When I finally plucked up the courage and went in the group of mums said they were wondering when I would join them. They had noticed me pregnant and had seen me walking my pram quickly through the village. Sometimes we have to be brave and make the first move. I made some great friends but it took guts to make that first step. Kids are a great ice breaker!

[jody]

perfect
write the book
xo jody

[Betty]

I know there has to be more to come on this story. Can't wait.

[Jeanette M.]

You finally started your book! I can't wait to hear the rest. Did you jump?

[Ardi]

Caring doesn't need words to be understood. Madame was a classic example. When you write the book, I'll stand in a line for an autograph - even if I need to come back to France!

[Leslie Garcia]

Dear Corey,
I can't wait to read more!!!!
You write so well...you feel so deeply about life and it comes across the miles very clearly. You touch my soul!
Peace and Love,
Leslie

[Jacqueline]

I'm desperate for the next chapter....the sign of a good writer...leave them wanting more...and I want more. !!!!

[becky up the hill]

A wonderful story and perfect cliff hanger! You have had us all along for the journey, now does this mean a new one will start? A good story teller, has the reader there with her/him. I bet alot of people were pushing Chelsea in her stroller and meeting
Madame Guerrin.

[Kathie]

Corey, you already have so much raw material for a whole shelf's worth of books right here on your blog, it's just a matter (as though it were that simple!) of deciding on your central organizing principle for each one. Also, whether you want a small volume of text-only, or a lavish coffee table book illustrated with loads of your photos. My first choice would be a book about Annie, while she's still well enough to help you with it.

[caren]

You left us hanging....can't wait for chapter 2!

[martina]

So beautifully written. I could picture you, with Chelsea in the stroller, meeting Madame Guerrin.

[Merisi]

While "bagatelle" may suggest something of no importance, but Park Bagatelle sounds full of promise.

[benson]

"French Husband would later wear a black tie of his father's" --what is the song "the cat's in the cradle"--I cry at that as well

[Marilyn]

You always have a way with words. I do think you will need to write the story. And as they say ".......the rest is history."

How lovely to be taken under her wings by Mdme Guerrin.

Marilyn in Oregon

[Marilyn]

I've always believed that there are angels that walk this earth to help and guide us in times of turmoil. I think Madame Guerrin was placed in your path to see you through a difficult time.

I, too, would like to hear more about your friendship with her.

Marilyn (in Dallas)

[annie]

So touching Corey. Don is gone for two weeks in Oregon. Kris is here but there is something about one's mate being out of sight that creates such a feeling of aloneness. I may be enjoying my separateness at the moment but it doesn't change the fact that I feel alone. I'm very glad you found the kind Madame Guerrin that day.

[Anne A]

Such a wonderful story, yes I believe that Madame Guerrin was there to help you, just at the right time.

If you were to write a book, I would be there to buy it :-) I love the stories about you and your French husband :-)

[Roganista]

I love your short, snipetty sentences and your gentle focus. Can't wait to read act deux (is the second chapter act deux in french)? You should definitely write a book - I would read it.

[dancing kitchen]

Good people find good people. It's a fact.

[Evelyn Jackson]

Madame Guerrin and Annie...you seem to attract the kindest, most compassionate people! I think that says a lot about how kind and compassionate you are. Can't wait to hear...'the rest of the story.'

[Mindi]

Your always teasing us... Great Photos, recipes and stories! I kept looking for more. And, I too, would love to come to France for an autograph! What a fun party that would be!!!

[Amy]

Jardin.....d' Bagatalle. One of my favourite scents!! It brings back my young years in love....

[The Peach Tart]

The pictures are extraordinary. I've spent a lot of time in the area and so miss the markets there.

I loved the story and can't wait to hear more.