The constellations the moon the sun the whispers in the trees the breeze around our faces the waves kissing the shore They all knew before we did…
When we first met, the future gave no intimation as to what it held for us, but what evolved was a love without a finish line, deepening as we basked in each moment spent together.
Thirty-five years ago, I gave my heart to him – He gave his heart to me, trusting, knowing something exceptional was happening.
Whatever path we chose in the past, whatever path we choose in the present, we walk hand in hand facing the unknown, facing the adventures.
His life is built around mine. My life is built around his.
I wrote about how we met here. But how we’ve stayed together is an entirely different chapter in our book. Of course, love is the key component, but the other significant elements that follow love are friendship, unselfishness, wanting each other to be happy, communication, and listening. And though we’ve had disagreements, we’ve never had turbulent fights, nor have we stooped to name-calling. My mother-in-law gave us a card that had sage advice for newly married couples. One piece of advice was never to go to bed angry. We never have. So, we feel proud to reach 35 years, but we also feel fortunate to have found each other to share our lives with, and we hope to celebrate many more anniversaries to come. ❤️
He and I became us.
Thank you for joining in the celebration of our35th wedding anniversary! Have a wonderful week ahead! ❤️
Even though my blog break during the holidays was wonderful, while also toasting to my late Father-in-Law who passed in October, I have missed you all! I hope your holidays were filled with love, laughter, family and friends, along with good food and drink! When I was thinking about what I’d post for my return to the land of blogging, some prior content came to mind, so here we go again (a little revised)…
It seems time becomes more clever as we bid adieu to each year. Do the minutes and months feel more fleeting as we clink our bubbly-filled glasses on the last day of the year? Now that we’ve dipped our toes into 2024, is your list of resolutions hanging on your fridge by a favorite magnet? 😃
As I reminisce about last year’s glories and sorrows, I’ve concluded that resolutions may just be a thing of the past. This doesn’t mean that setting goals isn’t effective. It’s good to have projects to work on, to keep our brains stimulated, and it’s healthy to keep our bodies moving if goals include incorporating more physical activity or getting in better shape. So, as we ponder our new set of goals, let’s remember to reach for them at our own pace – don’t worry about what others are doing. Okay, let’s expand on this…
Here are a few words from the author, Kirsten Sevig:
“I decided to measure success in happiness, progress, wisdom, accumulating rejection and failure, resilience and determination, pride in my work, confidence, and comparing only to myself instead of to others.”
Since a new year is upon us, it’s logical to wonder if we’re on the right path to success. But define success. Do you measure success in dollar signs only? Have you compared your accomplishments to those of your friends or acquaintances then easily beat yourself up for not achieving as much? I’m not afraid to admit that I’m guilty of doing this because comparing is a common human behavior. But it’s not a healthy habit to continue. Comparing your success to others can cause a lack of self-esteem, and in severe cases, depression that can trigger a breakdown. I don’t compare anymore, and maybe with age comes wisdom, or perhaps, the notion of “I don’t give a sh*t!” Sometimes, we care too much about trivial things, so it’s up to us to shift our mindset – no one can do it for us – mind over matter, remember? Put your cares and energy into the right stuff!
I hope this wisdom enlightens your visions for this new year full of opportunities! And even though you and I may have read similar encouragement before, this affords us another chance to create a new year in our lives that will bring contentment and true happiness.
Below is a fun poem I wrote a few years back that I hope you enjoy again, or even for the first time, as we welcome a new class of 365 days:
There were… High points to celebrate Low points to tolerate Tears that flowed but eventually slowed Lessons to realize Adventures to feel alive Demons to fight Wrongs to right Goals completed Some deleted Yet, looking back we witness impact More time to forgive Another year to live Accelerate in high gear No invite for fear Pour the bubbles Forget your troubles Clink and Chime Celebrate Big Time!
KEEP ADVENTURE IN YOUR HEARTS!
It’s good to be back, and I look forward to reading your posts again! Happy New Year, and may 2024 be a good one for us all! 🥳🥂❤️
This past Saturday was the Celebration of Life for my dear father-in-law. The sun shone boldly in the vast, blue sky and the air was cold in the mid 50s. Not weather for shorts or flip flops, but truly glorious for this special December event. It took a village to make the service what it should be, and the village was successful. The speakers (including me), the music, the memories, and the reception following with delicious food and conversation reflecting upon this ‘gentle’ man who lived a little more than a centuryall flowed seamlessly.
Verses from one of my poems were printed on the back of the bulletin:
A Life Well Lived
Tears may spill into our days, but so do the memories and celebrations of a life well lived.
Our eyes are open to the legacy he has left and the yesterdays that were shared with him…
so, we will honor his wish… we will smile for our tomorrows.
About 90 people attended, so you can imagine the many stories gently weaving around each one of us as we talked about our father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend. It really was a perfect day and we knew Wil was present in spirit, smiling and laughing along with us. My husband’s second cousin flew in from Idaho, and she is one crafty woman! She remindsme of my mom and mother-in-law who could skillfully sew, knit, or crochet anything!It was great to see her, but it was also fun to catch up. She’s been working on a new project – crocheting items for Random Acts of Crochet Kindness USA. (Members in this groupcrochetsmall, meaningful items that are placed in randomlocations in their communities for anyone to find. A thoughtful verse is included to brighten the finder’s.)
She brought some adorable and beautiful creations. Here are two that are reveling in the comfort and scent of our tree:
Traditionally dream catchers were made from a willow hoop or calabash covered with decorative fabric on one side and feathers on the other to be hung near a person’s bed. In this way, the dream catcher is said to protect people from bad things that happen in their sleep as well as bad omens during the day. (Googled)Meet Lorelai!
I have never heard of this organization, but any act of kindness is commended, and I can see how these handmade items would uplift the spirits of many people, especially during the holiday season when not everyone sings, “Joy to the World.” I’ve always loved dream catchers, and Lorelai is so adorable! How can you not smile when you see those purple glasses, vibrant colors, and cute, yellow beak?
Well, this post is coming to an end and will be my last post and day of blogging for 2023. I will visit as many blogs as possible today, but I apologize in advance for missing so many. Unfortunately, blogging has taken a back seat. Our son is home from his 7-month road trip, so we’re enjoying his wonderful presence, company, and humor, and even though Wil’s service is behind us, we’re in the middle of settling his estate and perusing his belongings where more treasures are surfacing.And we can’t wait to see our daughter and SIL for Christmas. I’m sure you can guess thatI’ll leave you with a poem, one from 2020, but words that still seem fitting for today…
A Christmas Soliloquy
The noble fir smells heavenly Pervading throughout the room Lights twinkle in red and green Adding to its festive costume.
Stockings embellish the mantel Eager to be filled with treats Garland graces letters in gold Spelling out P.E.A.C.E.
Dangling to model icicles, White lights sparkle on eaves Ornaments shimmer on branches All this, the stuff of dreams.
But can dreams still come true After this year, so displeasing? Amidst the tears and heartache, Is there room for believing?
I have faith that joy weaves Its way through the pain Angels keep watch while Love Is the magic that remains.
I don’t know your story The details are yours alone But I do wish you Happiness That you may seize and truly own…
As we listen to the marching rhythm Of the exultant Christmas drum For these holidays upon us And for the New Year to come.
Just click on the image to purchase your copy, and if you enjoyed this collection, please consider writing a review, a hug for indie authors. 💚
Thank you VERY much for stopping by, and I wish you a peaceful holiday season filled with lots of hugs, giggles, cookies, and carols. The gifts may be fun, but the people, the connections bring the most joy. Sending you all holiday hugs as I continue to keep those who are suffering in my heart.
I look forward to seeing you all in 2024!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!! 🎄⛄️❄️🎉 ~ Lauren ❤️
After more than three decades, my husband and I still recall and celebrate the events leading up to the “I do’s” that we said in Southern California on January 21, 1989. Today is one of those events…our first date 36 years ago. We were 26 & 27, and while some fine details have faded with the years…many stay rooted as little nuggets of ‘the start of us’. The amazing restaurant for dinner, Sycamore Inn, then driving up the mountain to The Lodge for dancing.
If you’ve followed me for awhile, you know I’m a romantic, and this night was pure magic. There was an aura of romance embracing us throughout the evening: over light conversation at the restaurant, on the slow drive up the mountain to the lodge, sipping delicious “Michelle’s Climactic Adventures.” Well, let’s face it, anything with Baileys Irish Cream is sinful and delectable! Then the dancing…we ‘rocked out’ when the beat demanded and held each other close (as if never to let go) when the tune slowed. We danced all night, taking a few breathers, stepping out onto the large balcony. The chill in the air felt good on our hot skin, and the view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains pulled us deeper into the enchantment.
December 5, 1987 turned out to be ‘our beginning’ because six months following, Matt drove me back to the lodge on a sunny June afternoon, and after riding the ski lift to the top of that mountain, he popped the question. Then six months after that romantic proposal, I walked down the aisle wearing satin and lace as he stood waiting for me, looking handsome as ever. And here we are nearing the end of 2023…grateful to still have each other and our two amazing children, who are now32 & 28 years old.
And of course, inspiration over the years found its niche:
Simple Existence
I stare at this page, milk white as the blanketed ground in winter’s staging.
Where are the syllables to create a mixture of magic?
I fear they have flown to faraway places, across desert dunes and boundless oceans and might not return so that I may tell him (again) how irreplaceable he is.
Instead, I’ll touch his lips with mine and steady myself in the arms of a man satisfied with my simple existence.
Love Note across a backdrop one star-studded evening a love note lingers
Belonging
Do you trust me? Will you take my hand and let me lead the way to a place transcending boundaries of our reality? Let us get lost in tranquility – dancing to the majesty of the surroundings, feeling rhythm vibrate through our bones. For as long as our hearts desire, this is our destination. Time is but a memory. Its existence leaves no trace on the path where we tread. There is only you, me, and the intensity of our belonging to each other.
Thanks for stopping by today, and let’s continue to celebrate the dates and events that remain joyful and significant in our personal stories! ~ Lauren ❤️
Thanks to your generosity and time, I was voted Author of the Month for May on Spillwords Press!!!
I’m excited to receive this honor among so many amazing writers! Thank you to Dagmara K. and her team for providing this literary site for authors to share their emotions through words. I’m thrilled to be a part of this community!
A Big thank you again, dear friends, for your vote and wonderful support, and for visiting Spillwords to read my poem, “Toots and Circles.”
She protects with arms of strength and adoring love, embodies splendor of many colors, bold for confidence, pastel for giving support
She is the butterfly on the breeze, flying with style, the hummingbird outside our window she graces our presence a lovely blessing
She will swim upstream with vigor if need be a sister, daughter, friend, lover, a caring spirit like no other an angel on earth
(My mom passed away 12 years ago and my mother-in-law at a very young age, three decades ago. But these two amazing women live in our hearts, and not a day goes by without thinking of them.) 💗
My bridal shower in 1988. Mom in red stripes and my mom-in-law in red flowers.
And thank you to my amazing daughter and son for making me feel so blessed! ❤️🙏🏻
I’ve been on a break and during that time, my husband and I visited our son in VA . He was able to dust off his ‘tour guide’ and ‘host’ hats again, and of course, he did a fabulous job. Just spending time with him in his apartment, catching up about life and enjoying wine and good food, is something special we’ll never take for granted. But he did have fun playing tour guide, so a few places we visited were Arlington National Cemetery, Harper’s Ferry, Shenandoah National Park, and the Teddy Roosevelt Island. Some sights were simply breathtaking while others such as the Cemetery were somber. We couldn’t help but get teary-eyed. It was relaxing driving around the area too, reveling in the sights of acres and acres of lush green grass. Just gorgeous! Here are a few photos that I hope you enjoy;
Arlington National Cemetery – The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Iwo Jima
Harper’s Ferry, W.V. – Potomac River
The Appalachian Trail runs through Harper’s Ferry, and I am proud to say we walked a few miles on this iconic trail! It was fun and inspiring to talk to some hikers who were just beginning their 1000-mile trek up to Maine!
Harper’s Ferry, W.V. – Potomac River
Shenandoah National Park
Tunnel on Skyline Drive (105 miles long) in Shenandoah National Park
Another vista inShenandoah National Park
Walking from our son’s apt. to our hotel – a 5-minute walk.
Teddy Roosevelt Island Memorial – an 88.5-acre island and national memorial located in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. The land is generally maintained as a natural park, with various trails and a memorial plaza featuring a statue of Roosevelt. No cars or bicycles are permitted on the island, which is reached by a footbridge from Arlington, VA on the western bank of the Potomac.
Teddy Roosevelt Island
And to top off this post, today is my father-in-law’s 100th BIRTHDAY!! He suffers with pain but walks with a walker, and his mind is as sharp as ever. It’s beyond amazing! He didn’t want a big party, so we had a small gathering with family and friends, and he was very appreciative. When the celebration was over, we took him home so he could take a nap!!! 🎉🎉
He doesn’t eat cake often, but he indulged in this delicious cake for his 100th!!
Thank you for stopping by! Work continues on my upcoming book, and the release month is now June for ‘summer reading.’ I’m also working on reviews for some wonderful books I’ve read this year. I hope you are doing well, and I wish you a bright start to this new month of May.
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 