Let me take you inside Provence.

Come with me into my friends’ homes for dinner, wander through my favorite shops, and step behind the façades to discover places and people that are Provence.

We’ll find inspiration around every bend, take long drives through the countryside, linger over late dinners, and collect memories along the way.

But be warned—our days will be full. Intentionally full. Filled with “I want live here!”, laughter, conversations in franglais, kisses on both cheeks, discoveries, and unforgettable moments.

Come follow me.

               

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And also the bounty of breaking bread together x

                

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• Corey, you set a beautiful table! And I love that wall of ... by Diogenes
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Antiques can be found amost anywhere, if you have the eye to find them. Some of my most favorite pieces where not found at an antique fair or shop. I love telling the story of finding a full set of crystal 1800s wine glasses at a bicycle repair shop, for the price of putting air in my tires.

Do not be surprised to find things in unusual places.

Look- under a vendor’s table. Peek into their trunk, ask if they have what you are looking for, ask if they have more, If something is under the table, or set askde ask if it is sold, don’t assume.

More than anything be curious.

Ask questions. Don’t assume that because something is put aside or looks nice, it is either sold or too expensive.

It truly doesn’t hurt to ask, “How much?”

Use your antiques; don’t buy them to put them away for a special day. My mom would say, “Use your things, because if you keep saving them one day when you die your children will have a garage sale, and ask 10 cents for the items you guared all your life.” Obviously, she wasn’t thinking about me.

Enjoy your antiques, daily.

How many of us have room, or need anything more? Very few of us. Though many or us like collecting, furnishing our homes, setting a pretty table for company, even decorating packages with old ribbons, and bits & bobs. Or if you are like me, start a business from your passionate collecting.

Use things in different ways. Experiment with texture and design.

Every scratch, dent, chip, and patina layer holds a piece of history. Try to see imperfections differently. In a land of polished, new, not hand-made, or lived- Antiques carry stories, they add personal style to your home, they spark conversations, and they do not have harsh chemical glue and toxins holding them together.

Antiques tell a story, and your story is added to them.

In France the most important part about antiquing is respecting the dealer. Be polite, a simple bonjour can open doors. Ask before taking a photo. When bargaining, respect their pricing, don’t start with this is too expensive, or I have one of these and I paid far less. I cringe when I hear that sort of thing. Bundling items allows room to negotiate, but a smile and politness go further.

Good manners, bring good deals

Social media sells trends, but orginality comes from the heart. Create your space/home that spark your own appreciation. Be bold, build a sanctuary meant to tell your story, the way you see beauty. Or practicality- which rarely scores high in my creating. (Photo of my friend, Lizzie’s home. Pure happiness.)

Your home, your rules, buy what you love, what makes you sing out loud.

I could go on and on and bore you silly. Instead, let me say that when it comes to antiquing… As Nike says,

“Just do it!”

                

Comments

• Wine glasses at a bicycle shop – I love it! Sometimes those ... by Diogenes
• I am with you! I love what you said. 🙂 by Kathy
• The white covered dish in the final picture…be still my ... by barbara moorshead
• I love your comments every day Corey. I'm using my Mums ... by Leonie

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Tangled branches, storms, and resilience.

You know how it is when you see a flower growing out of a crack of asphalt? Growing in a godforsaken improbability?

 I find myself thinking if I had to make something grow here, I couldn’t,

and it makes me wonder, with that kind of smirk look, because isn’t it true, when we try so hard to make something happen-

And yet sometimes, without any effort or reason, things just pop up, bloom, and show us a way out.

That is the best of nature. It strives to continue. It lends us a hand to find our way.

…tangled branches, storms, and resilience.

The sun comes up.

Memories flood,

time ticks on, maybe we heal,

Life continues, and we hold on, and hopefully see life growing through the cracks.

The ever-changing seasons showing us change is enviable. So I dare say: Love, Forgive, Love again.

                

Comments

• Lovely photos! by Diogenes
• Beautiful reminder, dear Corey……Thank you! by Annafromindiana

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Hatred, greed, and dominance

are never on the right side of history, or humanity.

Three years of unimaginable grief. Three years of children, (families- people ) growing up beneath bombs instead of stars, of families searching for loved ones, of homes becoming memories, of names becoming numbers.

I have refused to look away.

Bearing witness may feel small, but history has shown us that silence is what allows cruelty to grow. To witness is to say: I see you. Your life matters. Your suffering matters. You will not disappear without being remembered.

The easiest response to violence is indifference. The harder, more human response is to keep our hearts open when the world tells us to close them.

No nation, no government, no ideology, no religion, and no cause can justify the destruction of innocent lives. Dominance, greed, hatred, and violence have never written history’s noblest chapters. Compassion has. Courage has. The people who chose humanity over fear have.

What is happening in Gaza, in Palestine is a genocide.

                

Comments

• Well said, Corey. We will remember. by Kathy
• Prayers always. Thank you for keeping this in the forefront of ... by Cynthia Thompson
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• Amen! by Bev S.

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They are here – a group of good friends. Two of them have been with us before. Isn’t that the best compliment?

They definitely hit the ground running- purchases were made and the trunk in the van showed it.

They are peas in a pod that have brocante in their blood! We are going to have fun.
I think I have the best job ever! To be with kindred spirits, who love life, friendship, good food, and yes, the Brocante.

Thank you, each of who have come and joined me, and have come again and again. I love sharing what I know about antiquing in France- I feel like it is a dream.

                

Comments

• Have a fun week. It looks like it is off to a good start. by Marilyn Miller

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