The Match Making Weekend Extravaganza, or where friends meet and share some wine...what will it be?

             

Love potion. A three bottle set. Crystal containers with gilded stars in protective wooden box.

A few months ago I teasingly wrote that a French perfume company was creating a love potion, and I asked, "If you could create your own "love potion," what would you add?"

Since today is the day that Mattieu and Eva will meet, I went back and re-read the comments to the post on Love Potion. A matchmaker needs to have her bottles full and must have a wealth of experience and advice. Or beg her friends to help.

                

Last night, since I won't have time today, I set the meeting scene, or better known as the table. I thought you might like to see it... it often begins with food in France. Do you think Mattieu should be sitting in front of Eva or by his side?

Mattieu arrives this evening on the TGV  "bullet train" from Paris. French husband will pick him up. Eva arrives at noon at the airport, I will pick her up.

French husband has it easy he knows Mattieu.

I asked Eva what she would be wearing as I could recognize her. She said a grey leather jacket and grey boots, she also said she was thin, and had blond brown hair. I asked her how she felt and she said, "Nervous."

How gutsy of her to be flying across the world to a blogger's home to meet someone she barely knows! Love certainly does ask us to take risks.

The other day when I talked to Mattieu I  asked him if he wanted me to invite some other friends to this evening's dinner party. You know to help the conversation, to ease the possible awkwardness, to give space for them to meet...you know like in Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet? Where Romeo and Juliette see one another in the distance and have time to look at each other in the midst of many people, you might call it safety by numbers.

Mattieu said, "Oh no, just us that will be best." He sure scored "real man" points with that answer.

               

On a red pillow she leaned, taking off her mask...yes she was ready for the chance-

I will add updates throughout today and the weekend. Bits and pieces or what happens or not, and of course I will add photos. It should be interesting... as Eva said, "Whatever happens one thing is certain, we will have a good time getting to know each other!"

Photos: 19th century portable liquor bottle set, plus other vintage paraphernalia of romance.

(Note: France is six hours ahead of the east coast and nine hours ahead of the west coast.)

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Update:

I met Eva at the airport, and we haven't stopped talking and laughing since. The first thing she said to me was, "This isn't a dream, this is really happening isn't it?"

Eva has a grey leather jacket, shorty-one, very chic and hip, which I might have to keep it for myself.

 

She has very expressive, artistic hands. I always look at a person's hands to know a person. Eva told me she thinks the same thing, also about a person's eyes. Definitely she is sitting across the table from Mattieu. He has the best eyes ever! Blue.

Eva a little peek. I can't wait 'til they meet!!

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Update:

(photo: Taken last June at the AIR FORCE Gala where Mattieu became an Officer.)

Mattieu called to say that his train was late...he will be here around 9pmish. I asked him if he wanted to know what I thought about Eva since she was right in front of me. I could see him smiling through the phone; He said, "I could ask, and I want to ask, but I want to live the moment and not hear it second-hand."

OH MY he is way too delicious isn't he?!

Between you and me, and a hundred others...Eva is a doll! A real lovely person and I cannot wait for them to meet.

I asked Eva if there was anything special she would like me to make for her "Matchmaker's Dinner?" Eva looked me straight in the eye and said, "Who can think of food on a night like this? We could eat Cheerios for all I care!"

Oh She is too much fun!!

-----------------------------------------------------------UPDATE

French Husband and Mattieu promised that they would call me before they arrived. That way we could be ready...you know what I mean. Excitment was high.

Eva said she was feeling a bit jet lagged and asked if she could have some fruit. Of course I said offering her the fruit basket, she took a banana. She peeled the banana and had just taken a big bite, when the front door opened and in walked French husband and Mattieu! First impressions matter, therefore I jumped in front of Eva, no way did I want Mattieu to see her with her mouth full, eating a banana! The first words out of my mouth were..."Hey you two were suppose to call first!"

Eva, leaned in and said to me, "What a true friend you are by saving me from the most embarrassing moment! Thanks for covering me!

Whatever ice there might have been was broken instantly.

___________________________Last update until tomorrow.

Sitting side by side. The sweet beginning.

Comments

[Linda Cain]

Simply Wonderful!
Linda

[MAy]

Sharing a wonderful meal , laughing , being close to each other . The good combination , the good begining ...

[Betty C.]

That picture of Eva looks totally, eerily, like me! And I think it is an unusual feeling to look at a picture of somebody else and think it looks like you! I'm sure she's quite a bit younger, though.

[Julie Ann]

Well done for averting the "banana" moment. That of course would never do. I hope that everyone was able to soon relax and enjoy wonderful company around your special table and perhaps new beginnings..... Don't lie in too long this morning Corey, the world is waiting...

[Liisa]

How thrilling!! It´s not easy to find one´s match, but to have someone like You to help that´s fun! He is handsome for sure!
Now You´ve made me so curious that I wan´t to stand behind the curtain to watch!

This is crazy, but I hope it will work out fine! ...can´t wait!

Liisa

[the farmers wife]

Lovely story developing here. Very exotic, the stuff of fairy tales. Flying off to France to meet someone for the first time. Speeding trains, well set dining tables, antique crystal wine containers. It all sounds like a romantic movie script.

[Mary]

Eva looks so chic for just having flown across the pond - I always look so bedraggled after that overnight. I may have to fight you for that leather jacket!

I'm so happy the two of you have hit it off so well, now just hoping she and Mattieu will "click". Sitting at your beautiful table - love the placemats - I see they are giggling perhaps - now that's a good sign.

Can't wait for more news and photos.

[Carolyn]

Loving it Corey! Will look in tomorrow.

[Jan]

Has anyone considered it may all end in tears.

[tommie]

OMG, I am at the edge of my seat reading each update.

[TACE]

hahaha, I've heard of faster then a speeding train but I'm thinking the phrase should be faster then a speeding Corey! Diving in front of banana snacking damsels to save them from a fate worse then anything....She'll never look at bananas the same again hahaha. Hope a fun evening was had by all. Really cool photos!

[Miz Booshay]

You are a doll, Corey.
I am on pins and needles ;o)

[lilie]

I think this is the 10th time I've stopped by here today :) I love the suspense and unfolding events -- so much more thrilling than any fictional drama. Thank you for letting me peek in on a real life fairytale. I can't wait to see more!

[Tammy]

oh very romantic. Reminds me of Pride and Prejudice in a way.

blessings,
Tammy

[Elaine L.]

Oh, I forgot to add that I am "laughing out loud" about you jumping in front of her to hide her eating the banana. It sounds like something I would do . . . good thinking.

The table is beautiful!

~elaine~

[andrea]

Oh my goodness...you sure know how to drive us all crazy! Add me to the list of those checking in every couple of hours!

Sigh...how romantic, I am in love with this story.
a.

[Elaine L.]

OMG, this is so exciting!!! I feel as nervous as a hen and I'm not even there. If I were Eva, I think I would faint. She must be a very confident young woman.

I can't wait for more photos!!!!!

~elaine~

[Lea]

little tidbits to dream on until tomorrow...

you are so fast missyyyyyy.....

do tell... were there any macaroons???

[Dana Smith]

My husband is a Sr. Coast Guard officer. I have a 19 year old daughter and a 23 year old daughter. Could you fix them up with one of French Husband's cousins...military background would be wonderful as they know the drill.smile I've logged on all day to find out what "happens".
Oh to be a fly on your wall!
Dana in VA

[julie christie leary]

First meeting....first shy touch...a bold kiss...the longing to do it all over again. Thank you for sharing and making me remember.

[Carol]

This is so exciting. I wish them the very best. Thank you all so much for sharing these private moments!

[amylia]

oh my! Cory, what a great thing to follow. Thank you so much for posting this and what a joy1! the highlight of my day.

So much better than TV, esp. since the writer's strike here in the States.

I love the photos, too.
Can't wait for tomorrow..I'm glad you're ahead of us in the States, you take off 7 hours!

[Elizabeth Parsons]

what a beautiful table setting! I love the sheet music as placemats!

Elizabeth Parsons

[Donna O.]

Fruit salad as the first course and waiting to be served the second!!!
You are TOO good, Corey.
D.

[rochambeau]

ooooooooooooooooooohh
Such fun in Matchmaker Land!

[Hasmin]

OMG!!! I am soooo excited for them...you and FH are so cool and dear...can't wait for more updates!!! :-)

[annieelf]

omigosh corey. you are SUCH a tease. LOL

[Miss Sandy]

I will be on pins and needles until tomorrow, how I wish I were a fly on the wall!

[Rosemary]

That banana move was smooth Corey.
Until tomorrow,
Rosemary

[Dee]

Oh my goodness! I won't be able to sleep tonight!

[Sally]

Hey! I was listening for the flutter of heartstrings, not the unwrapping of a banana. :)

I just realized that the evening has already happened (having noticed what time it is in Los Angeles - I'm a little slow on the uptake you might say DUH) and that you're feeding us all of the *courses*. You little devil you. :)

[annieelf]

Omigosh. This is so funny. No way does a young lady want to look like a stuffed-cheeked monkey the first time she meets a handsome Frenchman. Can't wait for the next installment.

[beachy]

Stunning leather jacket, sweet short hairstyle, lovely partial profile, slim physique from what I can see behind the banana... oh your nephew won't even need Cheerios! He'll be too busy not-blinking those beautiful blue eyes! =)

[Jeanette]

I read your update and laughed! Then called Lorene did you read it yet! She hadn't! You are making a slow Friday at work full of anticipation, romance, every update is a cliffhanger which leaves us waiting for the next chapter!!! Romance is in the air I think dinner and movie for tonight or maybe dancing! Now to find a babysitter. off to the phone I go!

[Lorene]

LOL!!!!!! You are a good friend. I would not have thought to jump in front of her!!

[Sally]

(oh my goodness! this is making me all quivery quakey - having been "unfortunate" in the blind date department. shiver shiver shake. tremble.)

The mood has been set and the setting is magical Corey. Now we await the sound of heartstrings. Do I hear a flutter?

Wishing everyone a lovely evening and new friendships.

And perhaps ... the story may continue ...

[Sheila]

Even if nothing comes of this romantically, they will always have you..!

[suzy]

This is SO delicious! I won't sleep a wink waiting for every update!

[Melinda]

I am telling you - this would make just the perfect movie!
What will be will be and if nothing comes of it - there is the chance for two good friendships - no Three . I forgot you and the game lady!

[Alison Whittington]

I am speechless at the wonder and joy in this story.

And I have tears in my eyes.

[Lisa M. S. Oceandreamer]

I cannot wait to hear how all this unfolds.....I think you have added a whole new article to your repertoire for magazines! Or perhaps it will end up like the best plot ever for a romantic film. I wait with bated breath.
XOXO

[Miss Sandy]

Corey,
If this works out I'm sending my 19 year old daughter to you for some of that French Man Magnet potion!

[Candy]

I just got home late last night from Jamaica and I find this! I love it! What an exciting adventure for both Eva and Mattieu, as well as you, French husband and Lily! I'm on the edge of my seat!

[Lynda]

This is so exciting! I can't wait to read about their first meeting ... I have a feeling this is a match made in Heaven! ~ Lynda xo

[Kim]

Oh Corey,

How blessed is Matthieu to have an Aunt & Uncle like you two! I guessing the air is wonderful at your home.

[Cynthia G]

Corey
You are shamelessly adorable....
the 21st century Jane Austen
"Emma" reincarnated

[Rosemary]

I like her too Corey. She sounds great!!
Can't wait to hear all about the meeting.
How very exciting and romantic.
Waiting for more,
Rosemary

[Lorene]

Awwww! He wants to wait. How cool is that! And Eva's comment about Cheerios. How funny! LOL!!! I can't imagine how excited she is. I am loving this!!

[stljoie]

oooOOOOhhh this is soooo much fun...I hope the magic happens.

[cruststation]

Oh my, oh my! this is too exciting and delicious to read, how fun! Wish them all the best, their intriguing answers have me hooked :)