French autumn breathes in gold—

the harvest waves surrender,
a slow unfolding of time’s intent.

Mulberry leaves spin in soft descent.
Sunflowers, once proud,
bow their sun-dried heads.

Chestnuts, in their prickly casing,
and pumpkins dot the fields—
each an autumn testament.

Cèpes rise above the soil,
their pungent perfume rich in the air.
Pomegranates split with grace—
ruby jewels gleam within,

as grapes linger on the vine,
soon to be sweetness poured
or gathered by the fistful,
wrinkled into memory.

Revealing that even what breaks
can nourish.

                

Comments

• Your words and photos are amazing!!!! The pumpkin picture ... by Marilyn Miller

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In Marseille adding it to the list of places to go with my groups.

French country style.

                

Comments

• I would love, love this place. I could see things I couldn't ... by Marilyn Miller
• Lots to like in there! Love the black walls. Love the commode ... by Diogenes
• I spy with my little eyes, so many things, so many things! by Jan
• Mirrors, yes please! by Ali
• Looks delightful! by Kathy

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Their names are carved in stone,

-their bodies and blood fed our fields.

The wind carries the memories farther on.

Children from the town walk towards the memorial, just as others once did-

not knowing what lies ahead.

We read the names of long ago,

not knowing who they are,

and wonder – 

We need not look far

to see that violence still lives.

Will there be more monuments 

To root the sadness they hold?

The earth sleeps.

The stars light up the sky.

Nothing is for naught—

the dead,

the seeds,

and somewhere,

their souls are 

in the air we breathe

Notes;

It began with a single shot,
the drumbeat spread across Europe.
Nations pulled one another into a war
For dominance, alliances, greed
and over 16 million were slaughtered—
soldiers, children, families—

Let memory guide us
to understanding,
and let our lives bear witness
to the weight of what has been,
so that we may always strive for understanding
and acceptance.

                

Comments

• Thank you Corey. Let us learn from the past and build peace ... by Cynthia Thompson

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Butt, of course!

                

Comments

• Corey, your sense of humor just made my day and I have to agree ... by Pat
• Yes. I know this syndrome. I bought two contemporary chairs for ... by Diogenes
• And a nice one it is…. by Ali

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Imagine being invited to a wedding at the enchanted Domaine la Castelette… where you are part of an extraordinary, beautifully orchestrated experience designed to showcase the incredible talent of local wedding professionals.

I love weddings, the planning, the joy, the atmosphere, the flow of love, the celebration… even this pretend one- what a wedding it was!

A dear university friend of our daughter, who works alongside her family’s domaine here in Provence, brought together an amazing collection of local artisans and wedding professionals to create the most spectacular staged wedding for their website to showcase the possibilities at their fingertips.

Every single detail was thoughtfully planned and beautifully executed, with all the vendors coming from the surrounding area. From the designers creating the wedding dresses and ties, to the hair and makeup artists, the florist, caterers, bartenders, invitations, wine and drinks, musicians, wedding planner, table settings, designers, and all those wonderful finishing touches — even the cufflinks! — everyone contributed their talent and creativity.

My husband and I were invited to play the part of the bride’s parents, with instructions to arrive dressed as though we were attending a real wedding. And so the fun began by acting the part. Without bringing gifts.

I even had my makeup done by the talented beauty team before being swept into the day’s festivities.

There was a beautifully choreographed entrance, an outdoor wedding ceremony complete with a celebrant, the most gorgeous floral arrangements, and, of course, a stunning (acting) bride in her wedding dress. We had a blast acting.

Then came the cocktail reception, music, dancing, fabulous food (!) beautifully dressed tables, delicious drinks, and a spectacular wedding cake. It really was the whole wedding experience, from beginning to end. 

A full day of celebration, laughter, creativity, and incredible attention to detail. The photographer captured over 1,000 photographs the staged wedding looked so very real, and felt real.

It was such a joy to see so many talented local businesses come together, each showcasing their craftsmanship and passion in such a creative way.

And the best part? This beautiful domaine and its surroundings are available to rent for weddings and special celebrations. What an extraordinary setting to create your own unforgettable day in the heart of Provence.

Dancing with those shoes on gravel was nothing compared to that dress that seem to be airborne at every turn.

P.s. I will act in any staged wedding I had a blast playing the mother of the bride xxx

Lieu de réception : Domaine la Castelette | Photographe : Jeanne Pascal Photographe | Vidéaste : Skyfocal Productions | Wedding planner : Raja Agency | Robe de mariée et tenues des demoiselles d’honneur : Le Carré de la Mariée | Tenues des invitées : Aethia en Provence | Accessoires des demoiselles d’honneur et des invitées : Maison Rottier | Coiffure : Cabri Hair | Maquillage : Le Bar à Paillettes | Costume du marié : Gaudissard Cérémonie | Costumes des témoins : Devred Pertuis | Nœuds papillon : Nelola Créations | Fleuriste : Pétales de Rose | Lustres : Phos Events | Arts de la table : Vert Amande Location | Alliances : Bijouterie Roques | Groupe de musique : Solstice Live | Papeterie et signalétique : Atelier Papa Ampère | Cadeaux invités : À l’Ombre de l’Olivier | Faire-part : Pauline Papeterie | Traiteur : Stevens Kitchen Provence | Choux : Le Café Chou | Champagne : Maison Rafalyne | Bar à cocktails : Mr Mojito

                

Comments

• Corey, As always, we love seeing you and your family enjoying ... by Sara Barroso
• In reply to Jan. *Magical and charmed. by Jan
• Well, I know someone planned this event and all the details, ... by Jan
• Corey, you were beautiful as the fake Mother of the Bride! What ... by Kathy Chaney
• How fun! Love that first picture of you two! by Diogenes
• In reply to georgeanne. the last picture the shoes read more ... by georgeanne

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We harvested 88+ pounds from three very young trees.

It takes 9+ pounds to make one quart of olive oil.

There are two pressing mills within minutes from where we live.

                

Comments

• gorgous shot, Corey. maybe you should consider bottling your ... by Sue J.
• How absolutely wonderful! Yummmm! by Marilyn Miller
• This has been so interesting. I assumed you were going to make ... by Diogenes
• Questions, questions! How many pressings do you get out of ... by Kathie B.
• Olivier Lorsque chacun des dieux prit un arbre en partage, ... by Renee Jeanne

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