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

[Dee]

hummmmm...now let me think...what kind of wine do you serve with Cherrios? :-)

[TACE]

hahaha, that's so cute about the cheerios. Certainly would take the pressure off the cook! hahaha Maybe it should be alphabet cereal instead of cheerios, that way people can spell messages in their bowls. :)
It seems from the descriptions that both Eva and Mattieu are warm, wonderful people so no matter what happens tonight it'll be great! what a lovely memory being created for all involved!
p.s. I am glad there is no quota on positive words for I feel like I could churn out a thousand today, hahaha

[Sher]

Such a great story and a wonderful adventure you are providing for Eva! You must be extraordinary and giving; I can hardly wait for your next post! (BTW, we've seen her hands - how about a peek at his eyes?!)
Sher

[Di]

All these teasers....... I can't wait!

[Beverly]

This is so exciting! I can't wait for more updates!

The last picture...is that French Husband with Mattieu? At the train station? How did you get that picture?

I'm so curious now, it's shameful!!!

[Amy]

the table setting is exquisite! I really should set my table instead of the perpetual mess it is ....where we push aside papers to put down our plates.

excitement in the air at your house...hee...this is quite how I imagine my daughter....flying off to another country in search of her romance... :)

[Lea]

I am so glad you found Eva at the airport... you didn't dip in for a cup of coffee and MISS her!!!

Let's see... it is about time right now... for you all to be getting ready...

it will be a beautiful, beautiful evening...

[Mari-Nanci]

Oh I am so excited, I think I am getting a nervous headache! Really! I haven't had this much blogging fun, since..... EVER!

Loving each and every tid-bit!

Joy to all concerned!

And I know that you must be practically over-the-moon with it all. :-)))) You are such a sweetie, all the time. And now this! Wow! Joyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy...

Mari-Nanci

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

I agree with you; Eve is very gutsy. How exciting for all of you!
As for what Marie Sophie siad...pshaw! If it weren't for a blind date set up by my best friend I wouldn't be married to my sweet husband.

[Sher]

Such a great story and a wonderful adventure you are providing for Eva! You must be extraordinary and giving; I can hardly wait for your next post! (BTW, we've seen her hands - how about a peek at his eyes?!)
Sher

[TACE]

I am enjoying your blog, I am enjoying your sense of romance and adventure. I am enjoying your generosity at taking the time to share parts of your life with us and appreciate the beautiful photos you put up. Some times people don't like the same things as every one else. That's fine I think, makes the world more interesting.
Can't wait to find out what happens today!

[Karen Cole]

I've bitten my nails down to the quick on this.
Do you have a movie deal yet?

[marie sophie]

I used to come to your blog to enjoy watching you "savoir vivre" and your french way of life and not to watch a reality show.
I'm very disapointed to see that finally you don't have any tact or sense of decency .

[Nancy and Bill ~ Fete et Fleur & Loving Her Beautiful]

Yes!! I'm so happy they are seated opposite each other. My hubbby is off to work so I need to keep him updated. We are completely captured by this story. She seems to be a lovely person I'm sure they will hit it off.

Nancy

[Christine]

Now yo've got me hooked on your site:) If Matthieu and Eva are meant to be just think about how much fun they'll have looking back years from now at all of these posts.All of these people behind the scenes, who dont know them, but are wishing all the best and that cupid will secretly be at that dinner. Just tell Eva to act as if she's known him forever,in a past lifetime(s)..may or may not help ease the butterflies:)

[Marie-Noëlle]

Is Mathieu's second/middle name Adam?

Do your guests know the lot of us are spying on them behind your tapestries and portraits ?!?

[le petit cabinet de curiosites]

LOOK at her jacket !!! I think she is the right one ..she 's got it ...( the jacket of Antoine de saint Exupery)What a hot diner you will live !

[Lorene]

This is so exciting! I will have to keep checking all day for the updates. This is so much fun. I can't imagine what you are feeling. Good Luck and keep the updates coming!

[pam]

I am loving this so much! Last night I told my 21 year old daughter about your plan to make a match. She smiled broadly and wanted to know more. We read your post together cheek to cheek giggling and sighing all at the same time; maybe wishing that one of us could be the Juliet in your play. Neither of us could even think of going to bed until we read your new post for today, so we waited up together, talking about who would make a good match for the other....then we saw the new post, and we read it holding our breaths. Across the table from each other, was our immediate response! Thanks for the update!

[Suzanne]

Yes, me neither!!! Keep us update Corey! We want romance writings in your blog! or at least a good time spent together!

[martina]

I can't imagine flying to a foreign country to meet someone like Eva did. But then, Grandma met Grandpa(he had settled in the U.S. but came home for a visit) in Norway. They fell in love. Grandma sailed to the U.S. She stayed with her brother's family until she married Grandpa eight months later. They had many struggles and many joys and lived very happily ever after.
Matthieu sounds just as charming as your FH!

[Dee]

You are so wise...sitting them across from each other...eye to eye! Side by side is cozy...but they need to see each other!

[Ulla]

Corey - its really true! What a fairytale - no matter the ending! I wait with baited breath - what next?

[Jeanette]

I am at the edge of my seat what will be next the meeting. Will stars go off or the world slow and they notice no one, but themselves.!! Please feed us more of this wonderful story. Eva is a very stronge person just as you are to travel over the ocean and to a foreign country to find love. I went over water and land too...a major river and over one county line.!!! LOL

[Casey]

Oh!! You are such a crafty matchmaker, Corey!! I am simply loving reading this as it unfolds... just like a fairytale or a chic film. ;) Your table setting looks simply divine too... I'm sure everything will go smoothly in such a lovely setting!

[Holly]

Paula in New Mexico...
Nice to meet you.
I am Holly in California.
Isn't this a wonderful gathering!!!

[AnnieElf]

It has all been said above. So I will simply chime in, say hello, and wish fervently for a romantic connection and a happy ending. This is definitely the stuff of dreams.

[carol]

This is a most intriguing adventure for all. IT'S WONDERFUL!

[Sheba]

Corey in her glory. I know the excited twinkle in those hazel eyes that accompanies a scheme such as this, having more than once been one of the subjects. From those fortunate experiences I have a wealth of gorgeous memories. Spin your web, baby. No one will regret being enmeshed!

[TACE]

:) Wonderful update. It sounds like you are having fun. Such an exciting day. Do they know they are the subject of a blog? That so many people are holding their breath all day, in so many time zones, to see what happens? Such a unique thing.....old fashioned romance and modern technology...a lovely combination I think!

[Paula]

Oh yes, to sit across from someone means you get to look into their eyes, absorb their expression.

Oh my gosh, I can hardly wait for the next installment. Corey, you have me captivated!

I can almost feel the electrical charge right here in New Mexico !

[~Kim]

How exciting! I will be gone all day, but will check in for all the rest of the updates this evening. The table is LOVELY. Have a wonderful time! :-)

[Holly]

What a beautifully romantic setting!
It's so exciting to be invited to such a gathering and to watch as every minute unfolds.

Do they know you have guests from all around the globe joining them?

[Julie Ann]

Just checked in to see if there was news...
Dear Marie-Noëlle, what a wonderful idea. I hope it is true Corey - a warm up game to relax your guests....Hope love is in the air and bon chance to ALL around your table this evening x

[Dee]

Your table is beautiful. My favorite thing when having a dinner is setting my table.

Can't wait for the updates this weekend!

[Pat]

It's just a little past 8AM, Missouri time and I could not wait to see if there were in updates here, Corey! Anxious to hear more!

Pat

[Darla]

You are a regular little Cupid! How fitting with Valentines Day coming up.

Darla

[beachy]

Perfected love potions crystallize into diamonds (and we all know what diamonds can do)! =)

[Kitem]

Can't write in English, tellement je suis impatiente de savoir la suite. Table set absolutly beautiful Corey, as usual, I am envious of your sense of taste.

[Suzanne]

I'm anxious for Eva and Mattieu! But everything will be just fine!

[Cre8Tiva]

darn i knew i should have been more persistent about my dd...but this is fascinating...i pray that they find each other likeable and, perhaps, loveable...i believe you are becoming french wife corey...match making sounds so very french movie...perhaps it will become one...blessings to all, rebecca

[Dee/reddirtramblings]

Thank you, Corey. This is fun.

[Lisa Johnson]

I think definitely across from each other. Easier to talk and see the other's body language that way. They can also touch feet, remember? The candlelight is a must of course. I was looking for that post you did awhile ago about matchmaking where you talked about touching feet. I loved that one. Can't wait to see what happens this weekend.

Lisa

[phyllis]

Eva is right it WILL be fun!!!! What an awesome adventure for all of you. I think they should sit across from each other so they can look into each other's eyes :)
Tommorrow night of course, they will sit side by side ;)

[Edi]

Will you be blogging live from the wedding? :)

You know everyone will want to see the wedding and the reception too...

I had an "across the ocean" romance - it can work out. Well it wasn't quite "across the ocean" - he was in the USA and I was in Canada...but being apart was like being oceans apart!

We wrote a billion letters back and forth over many years (we began as children), and then met each other for the first time in 8 years, got engaged, and got married all within 6 months.

[le petit cabinet de curiosites]

at this time of the day , you have met EVA .
Can't wait to read more about this soap opera ...Hope you will send beautiful pictures as always ( touching hands , beauty spots , burning candles)
YOU are the best , my friend .
I'm sure this cocktail will work perfectly , LOOK at you and FH , the perfect mixture.
SO tell us more as soon as possible.
I don't know if I will be abble to follow it this week end but I'm sure you will tell me more details next week .
By the way , I know what is these little papers for ...What did you write for EVA ??
is there any apple for the meal ?

[Dawn]

How exciting!!! Corey this is so very you, all about love ~ romance ~ they definitely need to be across from one another this meal! To steal glances, look at each other in the eye and to smile....can't wait for more tidbits! xxoo, Dawn

[Linda]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. What an interesting weekend you all will have.

[My Melange]

Corey,

This sounds like the French version of a reality TV show. Yes, I think gutsy is a good word to describe it. Have they ever seen pictures of each other? Or is that a surprise too? Your table looks great!!

[rochambeau]

Excitement galore! By now you and Eva have met! May your secret potions and carrot soup work their magic! No matter what, may you all enjoy one another immensely!