Category Archives: Marriage

The View from Below

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Spending time in the water has been a major part of my life. It has shaped my character and given me countless hours of fun, excitement, and life-lasting memories. It shouldn’t be surprising that a love of the water was a requirement for my husband. Luckily, Darren agrees that “Darling it’s better / Down where it’s wetter”. Although we both prefer the ocean to a pool, we usually bring along the waterproof camera and make the most of the warmer, less choppy waters. Our personalities are magnified under the water and life appears a little bit brighter.  Continue reading →

We Need Love, but We Crave Romance

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Sometimes men want to be more romantic; they want to show just how much they really care, how much passion they really feel, how much their partner means to them, but it just doesn’t come naturally. Sure, they could buy some roses and yes they could bring home chocolates or a bottle of wine but what about women, like me, who see flowers as a waste of money because they quickly wither and die, who don’t drink wine because it doesn’t satisfy their taste buds (or because they are pregnant), and who see chocolates as less-than-worthy  notches in their belts? I have more love in my relationship than I ever thought possible and I need it like I need food and water, but romance is like Rice Krispies; I crave them; I long for them; I want them to be part of my major food groups. Continue reading →

Together We Have… Everything! Happy Anniversary Darren

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On this day last year, I danced down the isle, better known as the beach in Jamaica. Darren and I celebrated our love while being surrounded by our family and friends and the most surreal environment imaginable. From rock climbing, trapeze-swinging, sand-jumping, and over-the-shoulder throwing, we had it all. Here’s a glimpse of our wedding day.
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Splashing Around in the Ocean, Jumping off of Cliffs, Boogie Boarding, and Water Chicken Fights…the Memories of My Childhood

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Splashing around in the ocean, jumping off of cliffs, learning how to roll in a wave, boogie boarding, and water chicken fights were all part of our daily beach adventures when I was a child. Singing, dancing, playing horse shoes or cards, and drinking until the wee hours of the morning filled my early adult life and shaped the bond between my family members. All of my fondest family memories took place in one location. When I think about being “home” or reflect on my greatest form of happiness it is Ingonish, Nova Scotia that holds my heart and it was with great anticipation that I introduced Darren, my husband, to my happy place and a large piece of my past. On our first vacation to Ingonish together, I knew that Darren needed to experience Smokey Mountain, Black Brook Beach, Black Brook Falls, and Ingonish Beach to have a glimpse of my life and become part of it. Continue reading →

Nursery of My Dreams

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Since I was a teenage girl, I imagined being married to the man of my dreams. Unlike most teenage girls, though, I didn’t focus on the wedding day or any one day in particular. My imagination didn’t run away with details of wedding dresses, flowers, bridesmaids, churches, invitations, locations, or accommodating guests. I didn’t envision a personally designed engagement ring fit for a princess or the perfect proposal, although I received both of those with an open heart. No, my thoughts and wildest imagination centered on having a partner who loved traveling the world with me, who loved to explore and create a beautiful, unique life with me, and who cherished the daily events that filled our lives with joy. Designing a nursery for our precious baby girl was one of the most  fulfilling  experiences of my life. We created a dream world together. The accumulation of all of my teenage and adult dreams was met through the process of designing Athena’s room.  Continue reading →

Something Borrowed

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Weddings bring a continuous smile to my face. The beautiful bride, the anxious groom, the grateful friends and guests, and the happy parents; what’s not to love? As a recent wedding guest for my sister-in-law’s wedding, I felt tickled with joyousness and pride. It wasn’t the thought of gaining a new member of the family or the beauty of it all that was most overpowering, although those two things were perfect in their own way. Listening to the vows, witnessing the loving expressions on everyone’s face, and hearing the delightful tone of each speaker’s voice allowed me to superimpose my own marriage. Witnessing two people confess their love for each other and taking part in the following wedding celebration allowed time for reflection on my own life and love, and in those instances I was reminded how blessed I am. I borrowed moments from her special day to cherish my beautiful life.

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How to Win McDonalds Monopoly

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Anyone that knows me knows that I have an addiction. It may not be to drugs, alcohol, or smoking but it is just as fierce – it’s to McDonalds. Since I was a little girl, my ideal meal was a Big Mac combo and I haven’t faltered since. The zesty Mac sauce and the salty fries make my mouth water just thinking about it. Even when I lived three hours away from the nearest McDonalds, I would make the trek at least once a month to get my fix. My husband was fully aware of my faults when we met and he still accepted me with open arms.  It was a surprise that I’d yet to win any major prize on the McDonalds Monopoly and I had proposed that it was rigged. Continue reading →