You Are My Sunshine!!!

 

 Well, my dear blog, it's been a looooooooong time since I showed you any love but I promise to make it up to you.

There are so many things that happened to me in the last 5 years. I moved from the US back to the Bahamas and then the love of my life passed away 2 years ago in my arms, in the middle of Covid. Needless to say, life in the last few years has been really challenging at times. Forever the optimist though, I look for the bright spot in everything. Today I was browsing and came across these little beauties. They really made me smile. If my husband was here I could see him purchasing one for me and hiding it under my pillow. :) Today is the anniversary of his passing and I miss him terribly but I realize his spirit is still here with me, always showing up in little ways so I know he is here. 

 

Like it? Get it here.

 

CHERIO! 

A Tale Of Love And Lessons

I had the kind of relationship that was iron clad.  One that could never fail or falter...... until it did. 

I had been married to the most wonderful man on earth for almost twenty years when my whole world shifted of it's axis.  We had been living long distance for a considerable amount of years when one day we both realized that we were not "as happy" anymore.  We still loved each other madly but over the years he had built his career in one country and I in another. Neither of us wanted to ask the other to give up his or her life work to move and start over, but we both wanted the same thing.  To be together. Again. 

In the main time the separation was taking a major toll on us.  We were both miserable without each other. And so one day, in a confused and frustrated emotional state, we decided to just end it.  

Our relationship had become, too hard, challenging and the separation from each other, a major source of tension. 

There was seemingly no solution to our dilemma.  If I asked him to forfeit everything he had spent his life blood building, surely he will resent me and he felt I would resent him if he asked the same of me.  What a colossal mess!  

And so, for two years, we grieved for what could have been.  We called each other from time to time, and lost ourselves in each other for a few minutes.  It was always the same, like slipping on your favorite pair of jeans. 

Dependable. 

Comfortable.

 Effortless. 

Just Right

 Two years later, we still had not pulled the trigger on getting a divorce. Neither of us had the strength or fortitude to follow through on it, though we knew it was inevitable. To make matters worse, neither of us could date another person.  He was stuck on comparing other women to me and I compared other men to him.  Needless to say, everyone we could potentially date was all wrong for us! No matter how good looking or good they were. Clearly, it wasn't them. It was us.

Eventually, my hubby and I realized that we had made a huge mistake.  It was clear to us now that what we had was rare. Something to cherish and nurture.  All we needed to be happy was each other.  To hell with all else! 

Today we are together.  My husband and I wake up every day next to each other. We are happier than we have ever been.  Over the years we have learned lessons that makes us appreciate what we have.  Ironically, our two year separation has done more for us than the best marriage therapist. 


Here Are A Few Lessons We Learned Along The Way.

Never sweat or nit pick the small stuff

Laugh and enjoy each other every day.  No excuses!

Work and set goals as a couple but never worry or quarrel about money or bills

Be grateful for what you do have

Trust each other completely 

Communicate your feelings! 

R E S P E CT each other. Period.

Never go to sleep angry or upset

Show your love by your actions!  
Give impromptu massages or cook/order each other's favorite dish

Today, while I may not be a guru of love, I have learned enough to make a significant difference in my own relationship.  I will never, ever make the mistake again to think that my career or anything else is more important than my relationship. 
 If given a choice, I choose LOVE!  

CHERIO!

Everything's Coming Up Roses

www.wallmuralsart.com

77-ideas.

I love romance and though it may be a little cliche, to me, nothing says romance better than red roses.  I am getting ready to redecorate my bedroom and I fell in love with red rose pieces all over again. It is amazing how a rose here or there can change the feeling of a room. But what makes the red rose so sexy......why are they so intoxicating to the senses?  Well, as I have an inquiring mind, I did a little digging.  This is what I found.

http://www.etsy.com

The Red Rose not only carries more meaning than many other color roses, it is also one of the most universal of all symbols. The long history of the red rose makes it very significant. From being represented in countless works of Art to classical paintings, poetry, music and media the rose has endured. Not only throughout history but across many cultures and religions as well. The mystique of the red rose has been a source of immeasurable inspiration for many throughout the ages. However, it is as the symbol for love that the red rose is most commonly recognized.

The modern red rose we are now familiar with was introduced to Europe from China in the 1800's. The meanings associated with them however, can be traced back many centuries, even to some of the earliest societies.  In Greek and Roman mythology the red rose was closely tied to the goddess of love. Many early cultures used red roses to decorate marriage ceremonies and they were often a part of traditional wedding attire. Through this practice, the red rose became known as a symbol for love and fidelity. As the tradition of exchanging roses and other flowers as gifts of affection came into prevalence, the red rose naturally became the flower of choice for sending the strongest message of love. This is a tradition that has endured to the present day.

Now, who am I to mess with that.......I just can't wait to add some of these beautiful flowers to my decor.  Long live the rose!

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unknown pic origin

Cherio!

Love. Straight From The heart

If there is ever a time I thank God for being born female, its just before and on Valentine's day.  And its not for the reasons one might think.    

What makes me grateful to be a woman on Valentines day is not having the pressure and anxiety that most men feel to go beyond what they did the previous year.  To be more romantic, to buy a bigger/ better gift and to wow everyone, not just his wife or girlfriend. Especially if the gift or flowers is delivered at work.  In a lot of ways its like a competition with drastic consequences if you mess up. The gift has to be spectacular or the poor guy finds himself in the dog house, on the sofa, or enduring "the silent treatment."  Either way, there is a serious lopsided dynamic happening here that women do not experience.  

Now, I am not endorsing the inactions of inconsiderate men.   Those of you who year after year fail to let your lady know just how special she is to you, shame on you.  I suggest you get your act together and start making changes.  Like right now.  Am no Dr Phil but one thing I do know is that everyone wants to feel loved and appreciated.  If you show your spouse more love and affection, your relationship will become deeper and more fulfilling.  As a direct result, you will be a happier man and there will be peace in your home. A woman needs to feel that she is heard, loved and appreciated in her home.  Its the greatest gift you can give her.

Contrary to the commercials and marketing rhetoric, love is not measured in chocolate, red roses or karats.  Love is measured by our actions.  Our actions speak much louder than our words ever could.  I truly believe that true romance is in the little things we do for each other.  Like when your man offers to cook, do laundry or take the kids to the park just to give you a little time to relax.  Or how he remembers your likes and dislikes and tries his best to only do what you like.  Thats love. 

Some of the most romantic experiences I've had with my husband were unplanned and spur of the moment.  Like the time he stopped a public transit bus after it had already pulled off just to "kiss his wife bye" and then get right back on.  And, over the years he has surprised me with river rocks, beach glass, wild flowers, shells, sand from my favorite beach in the Bahamas and so much more.  He's a hardcore city guy and not at all outdoorsy like me so its that more special to me that he would go to these lengths to make me happy. Although I do receive expensive gifts from my husband sometimes and despite the fact that he enjoys spending money on me, I am glad that he knows that I love him.  Not the stuff.  

And Thats Amoire.