Sticking With Cupid

Once upon a time....  That's how fairytales begin right?  How often do we want to know the rest of the story when it ends with true love's kiss and happily ever after?  Do you ever picture characters lives beyond a book?  I know I do.

Today I'm sharing and my old blog post, Romantic Notions, with the story of how I met my husband.  I'm linking up with Diane Estrella's How Cupid Shot Me blog hop, so pop on over and check out all of the real life love stories.

Beyond our story of how it all began, I have a secret to share.  Cupid doesn't leave.  I fall in love with my husband all over again daily.  While love, relationships, & marriage are not easy, we don't let the struggles keep us from what's important.  We love each other.

When I'm having a rough day, C often finds a way to make me smile and laugh.  He's surprised me with a thoughtful gift when I least expect it.  When I say gift, I don't mean expensive jewelry or roses.  If you ask my husband, he'll tell you that's not what I would want anyway.  To give an example of what I mean, it could be as simple as a special sandwich I've been craving, a crafty item I've been searching for, a soundtrack on my list, or a hard to find jacket that I've desired for a long time.  It's never about money or materialism, but about the thought and time he took for me.  It's the little things, such as a much needed reminder note, daily lunch time conversation, or just sitting near each other while we read, work on projects, or relax.  He let's me vent, encourages me, laughs with me, stands beside me, and holds me up when I need it most.  There are very few people in this world that I feel I can count on and he knows he's #1 on my list.  He let's me be who I am.  I adore him for being a wonderful father and husband.

On the flip side, I do my best to put thought & heart into our relationship too.  Thoughtful gifts are my speciality, but it's more than that.  A day doesn't go by without the words "I love you" and a kiss.  C knows how much he means to me and often hears my words of appreciation.  My husband is my best friend.

Not a day goes by when I don't realize how lucky we are... and fall in love all over again.

What's your story and how do you keep the pages turning?

Life's a happy song when there's someone by your side to sing along...

<3  March 23, 2012 makes 15 years since we met online and 13 years of marriage.  <3

Insult to Injury

Bullying is a hot topic in today's society.  While the focus is generally on children, the fact is that adults deal with it as well.  Rumors are spread, people gossip, and whispers can be heard behind each other's backs.  Simply put, it hurts.

Physical injuries are visible and people often easily recognize your need to slow down and heal.  It's not as simple with the emotional hurts we incur.  Most are unable to see heartache without someone verbalizing it.  We all react differently to these circumstances and at times they can even change our personality.  No matter if the issue is large or small, it can affect us.

Imagine a friend, acquaintance, or someone you work with.  Now think about that person talking negatively about you behind your back.  Think about how you would feel when you found out.  What if you had put your heart into something and those hurtful words were about how you handled it?  Would it sting?  Picture a time in your life when you were feeling disheartened.  Now throw that insult to your already injured heart.  Where would you be mentally after that?  Add in that more than one person was talking about you.  How much damage is done now?

Constructive suggestions and hurtful criticisms are not one and the same.  We don't always agree and our process & actions aren't going to be exactly the same.  Sometimes we need to discuss it to gain understanding or explain our own thoughts & concerns.  Certain people are detail oriented planners, while others are the "fly by the seat of their pants" type.  Each of us has strengths and weaknesses.  The world works well with all kinds of people in it.  Where would we be if we were all the same?  Respect, teamwork, kindness, and understanding go a long way.

"If there was only one note how boring life would be.  I'm glad there are so many notes in many different keys."


When life seems to be a whirlwind of negative, how do you shut it off?  Do you have a personal pause "button" to give you time to reflect, refocus, relax, & rejuvenate?  How are you able reclaim your brain and your life?