With Valentine's Day people and especially marketing professionals focus on LOVE. Often thought to be an exclusive holiday for couples, it is a wonderful time to visit family and friends.
I purchased a pack of recycled paper Valentines, though I could have made my own from scraps of craft paper and fabric. I splurged on good quality chocolate. To be more eco-friendly give local treats.
My honey and I made a list of people who weren't as likely to be remembered on Valentine's Day and set out with our goodies and cards. Everyone we visited gave us surprised smiles and had a romantic story to share with us. Their reminiscences made us feel more romantic too and glad we'd taken the time. Sharing love sparks more love. And isn't that what life is all about?
THE END
Friday, February 12, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
“My Green Goddess”
I'm not one of those ladies who gets up an hour early to style my hair and apply makeup to look perfect. I insist on natural beauty, without trying to look commercial perfect, but I love to feel pampered. Seeing me in various stages of spa treatments is nothing new. While preparing for our evening out, I wandered upstairs to apply a honey, aloe and avocado mask to my face, neck and décolletage. I thought nothing of wandering back downstairs.
My honey didn't look up from reading a technology magazine and proceeded to read me highlights from a research article. Our eyes met as usual in private couple's communication for passing non-verbal messages. Conversation stopped mid-sentence.
“My green goddess.” After tasting the mask my honey asked, “How long do you have to leave it on?”
I'm sure I blinked at the question and maintained silence because I thought it might have been shock or disapproval. I shouldn't have worried.
“You couldn't look bad if you tried. Just I'm already dressed and I'd hate to wear my appetizer all evening.” Aww, romance lives and breathes due to humor.
THE END
My honey didn't look up from reading a technology magazine and proceeded to read me highlights from a research article. Our eyes met as usual in private couple's communication for passing non-verbal messages. Conversation stopped mid-sentence.
“My green goddess.” After tasting the mask my honey asked, “How long do you have to leave it on?”
I'm sure I blinked at the question and maintained silence because I thought it might have been shock or disapproval. I shouldn't have worried.
“You couldn't look bad if you tried. Just I'm already dressed and I'd hate to wear my appetizer all evening.” Aww, romance lives and breathes due to humor.
THE END
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Romantic Use of Time
My honey and I tried an experiment to determine how much time we spend together or doing things for each other because we often hear one complaint from people. “We’d be able to have romance if it wasn’t for children, jobs etc.” True enough sometimes I think we take for granted some of the things we do like daily chores as benefiting our selves and others too.
Here’s how our typical day breaks down.
My honey – 51.8% of time with me or for me, 25% chores and work
Me – 40.6% time with my honey, 16.1% cooking, 37.5% working
Our times don’t add up to 100% because of incidentals like grooming, exercise, email, taking breaks and personal time. Surprise! My honey spent more time for my benefit than I though. We each recorded three intentional hugs throughout the day, multiple quick kisses and numerous ‘thank yous” We also eat our meals together. Despite varying schedules day to day we appreciate every moment we spend together and we discovered even though we have tasks and outside responsibilities the majority of our time is spent on our relationship. Even work can be considered for us because we both enjoy the results.
Try keeping a record and you might be surprised as we were how many romantic or necessary things we do for each other.
THE END
Here’s how our typical day breaks down.
My honey – 51.8% of time with me or for me, 25% chores and work
Me – 40.6% time with my honey, 16.1% cooking, 37.5% working
Our times don’t add up to 100% because of incidentals like grooming, exercise, email, taking breaks and personal time. Surprise! My honey spent more time for my benefit than I though. We each recorded three intentional hugs throughout the day, multiple quick kisses and numerous ‘thank yous” We also eat our meals together. Despite varying schedules day to day we appreciate every moment we spend together and we discovered even though we have tasks and outside responsibilities the majority of our time is spent on our relationship. Even work can be considered for us because we both enjoy the results.
Try keeping a record and you might be surprised as we were how many romantic or necessary things we do for each other.
THE END
Monday, January 11, 2010
Amateur Trackers We Are
Winter is the best time to develop tracking skills because snow creates almost forensic-quality imprints. After studying several guides on identifying animals and behavior by their tracks, we set out on a warm sunny day (if 26 degrees F is considered warm). We started with the exercise path before heading deeper into our urban wilds. Don’t laugh we worked on guessing gender and size of the Homo sapiens who’d been there before us and Canis lupus familiaris (dog) was also easy. Our observational skills and the guide also helped us identify squirrel, rabbit and fox.
We were fooled though the next weekend when we planned an outdoor adventure with another couple. We had reservations at an outdoor lodge and the blizzard conditions weren’t stopping us. With the guys in the front bucket seats and the gals in the backseat we drove along the major highway at about 25mph. Headed into the snowstorm we thought the big flakes became mesmerizing picked up by the headlights in the dark.
My honey saw tracks. “It might be a moose.”
The guys kept lookout eager to see a moose up close. “I see it,” one of them yelled.
“Yeah, if moose wear parkas and running shoes.” Us urban trackers should have picked up on the first sign. We passed an abandoned car on the side of the road about half a mile back.
Grab a guide, learn some signs and get out in nature with someone you care about. Happy tracking.
THE END
We were fooled though the next weekend when we planned an outdoor adventure with another couple. We had reservations at an outdoor lodge and the blizzard conditions weren’t stopping us. With the guys in the front bucket seats and the gals in the backseat we drove along the major highway at about 25mph. Headed into the snowstorm we thought the big flakes became mesmerizing picked up by the headlights in the dark.
My honey saw tracks. “It might be a moose.”
The guys kept lookout eager to see a moose up close. “I see it,” one of them yelled.
“Yeah, if moose wear parkas and running shoes.” Us urban trackers should have picked up on the first sign. We passed an abandoned car on the side of the road about half a mile back.
Grab a guide, learn some signs and get out in nature with someone you care about. Happy tracking.
THE END
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Endings and Beginnings
Every day offers new possibilities. For my honey and I 2010 begins where 2009 leaves off. Does this justify a celebration? Of course, especially for romantic reasons.
Who we’ve met – humans as social beings enjoy connections with others to share ideas and enjoy camaraderie. Our acquaintances expanded from attending a wedding, reaching out to new neighbors and regular visits to the public library.
What we’ve done – we share our accomplishments. We’re both looking to the future and everything we’ve done individually or as a couple is a joint effort. This year publications increased and I’m especially proud of inclusion in Cern Zoo (and it's top secret which story is mine until next year - perhaps you can guess).
Where we want to go – we prefer to not make resolutions though we do set goals. Our romantic destinations for the coming year include a moonlight picnic by the lake, toad hollow to learn more about ecosystems and human effect on them, to the top of a mountain (any mountain) and at least one public lecture.
How we plan to get there – laugh a lot. Rocky patches become less tragic when we take them less seriously. We enjoy collecting humorous anecdotes and share our memories. This year we’ve added to our “inside jokes” with a heart to heart with a monkey, the draw of our magnetic personalities to draw others to us at concerts and going up a tree and out on the limb
Why we choose to go forward together – Our commitment to each other is our absolute and to that end we make time together a priority. As situations arise we adapt physically and philosophically. May you take advantage of many opportunities in the coming year and joy in the ability to share them with someone you love. Join us as we find new dating possibilities that are environmentally friendly. Thank you for spending this past year with us.
THE END
Who we’ve met – humans as social beings enjoy connections with others to share ideas and enjoy camaraderie. Our acquaintances expanded from attending a wedding, reaching out to new neighbors and regular visits to the public library.
What we’ve done – we share our accomplishments. We’re both looking to the future and everything we’ve done individually or as a couple is a joint effort. This year publications increased and I’m especially proud of inclusion in Cern Zoo (and it's top secret which story is mine until next year - perhaps you can guess).
Where we want to go – we prefer to not make resolutions though we do set goals. Our romantic destinations for the coming year include a moonlight picnic by the lake, toad hollow to learn more about ecosystems and human effect on them, to the top of a mountain (any mountain) and at least one public lecture.
How we plan to get there – laugh a lot. Rocky patches become less tragic when we take them less seriously. We enjoy collecting humorous anecdotes and share our memories. This year we’ve added to our “inside jokes” with a heart to heart with a monkey, the draw of our magnetic personalities to draw others to us at concerts and going up a tree and out on the limb
Why we choose to go forward together – Our commitment to each other is our absolute and to that end we make time together a priority. As situations arise we adapt physically and philosophically. May you take advantage of many opportunities in the coming year and joy in the ability to share them with someone you love. Join us as we find new dating possibilities that are environmentally friendly. Thank you for spending this past year with us.
THE END
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Season of Gifts – Family and Friends
A commitment to sustainable lifestyle doesn’t mean eschewing all things commercial during the holiday season. My honey and I aren’t lavish givers, though we do enjoy a little shopping as eco-elves. Shopping during the holidays makes a beautiful date especially if you love being around other people like I do. Choosing gifts is harder and we’ve come up with a few guidelines we use.
Know the recipient – make gifts personal and don’t bother giving something that will be returned for a refund. If the recipient loves hot chocolate how about two mugs, a jar of organic, rainforest friendly or fair trade chocolate mix and maybe a comfy blanket or quilt. We also love to give trees for planting and books.
Hand-knit socks – so, knowing how to knit is a must, but choosing the wool yarn from small, local producers and spending time making the socks adds something special to the gift. And the socks seem extra warm and cozy
A craft – artists and crafters can create one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends. Some artists hesitate to give this type of gift afraid it makes them look cheap. Have no fear, this gift becomes ever more precious throughout the years. I painted a picture for my wall of a waterfall; my grandmother loved it so I gave it to her. She kept it through two moves one to assisted living and then to the nursing home. The painting is now back on my wall and is more precious because my grandmother loved it so much.
Tickets – entertainment is expensive and providing tickets for two and offering to baby sit if the couple has children allows for a needed evening out for them and an evening of fun with borrowed children for you.
Fill a need – if someone you know really needs a set of dishes, a kitchen table or to have windows washed, go ahead and grant the wish. For bigger items check out thrift stores and second hand to find one that can be refurbished. For recipients of fixed incomes consider, slippers, warm sweaters and sweatshirts, lap blankets or a few good books on tape (if they have something to play them on). Don’t be afraid to re-gift or buy used and let the recipient know of was to pass them on if they are interested.
Gift Bags – Fill a reusable canvas shopping bag with non-perishable food, favorite snacks, a bottle of wine or sparkling cider or perhaps eco-friendly soap, lotion and massage oil as well as spa tools. Be creative as you show that living environmentally friendly can be a pleasure
THE END
Know the recipient – make gifts personal and don’t bother giving something that will be returned for a refund. If the recipient loves hot chocolate how about two mugs, a jar of organic, rainforest friendly or fair trade chocolate mix and maybe a comfy blanket or quilt. We also love to give trees for planting and books.
Hand-knit socks – so, knowing how to knit is a must, but choosing the wool yarn from small, local producers and spending time making the socks adds something special to the gift. And the socks seem extra warm and cozy
A craft – artists and crafters can create one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends. Some artists hesitate to give this type of gift afraid it makes them look cheap. Have no fear, this gift becomes ever more precious throughout the years. I painted a picture for my wall of a waterfall; my grandmother loved it so I gave it to her. She kept it through two moves one to assisted living and then to the nursing home. The painting is now back on my wall and is more precious because my grandmother loved it so much.
Tickets – entertainment is expensive and providing tickets for two and offering to baby sit if the couple has children allows for a needed evening out for them and an evening of fun with borrowed children for you.
Fill a need – if someone you know really needs a set of dishes, a kitchen table or to have windows washed, go ahead and grant the wish. For bigger items check out thrift stores and second hand to find one that can be refurbished. For recipients of fixed incomes consider, slippers, warm sweaters and sweatshirts, lap blankets or a few good books on tape (if they have something to play them on). Don’t be afraid to re-gift or buy used and let the recipient know of was to pass them on if they are interested.
Gift Bags – Fill a reusable canvas shopping bag with non-perishable food, favorite snacks, a bottle of wine or sparkling cider or perhaps eco-friendly soap, lotion and massage oil as well as spa tools. Be creative as you show that living environmentally friendly can be a pleasure
THE END
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
A Season of Gifts – Couples
Preparing for the winter holidays means thinking about gifts, whether to give or not and what to give. My honey and I have an agreement; no stocking stuffers or impersonal gifts for each other. This means less stress on the budget and no gift returns. (SIGH! – that’s relief) we don’t have to move mountains of wrapping paper, figure out what to do with non-recyclable packaging, hunt up packages of batteries or head to the store for additional rechargeables. Any gifts given are truly wanted though usually not a surprise.
We found a way to kept the holiday excitement and spirit while banishing stress with Sweetie Days. We wrote 30 personal requests on the back of repurposed paper and placed them in two bowls. Each evening (choose your own interval two/per weekend ‘til New Years, or one every night for eight or twelve days) we draw a slip of paper and fulfill the request. Below are some of our favorite suggestions to inspire your holiday fun.
Pose for a couple’s portrait with me.
Snowball Fight (we didn’t have snow when we drew this request and used rolled up socks instead)
Neck massage
Light Candles and Share your favorite memory
Write me a poem
Dance with me to ‘our’ song
Bake cookies
Give me Seven Minutes in Heaven
Take a walk with me
Lap dance for me (PS – a great resource is The Complete Idiot's Guide to Exotic and Pole Dancing by Wendy Reardon)
Tickle me and make me laugh
Talk about giving – fulfilling a wish for the one you love and having a wish granted in return is a romantic way to spend the season. And it’s a great idea for sparking relationships any time of the year.
THE END
We found a way to kept the holiday excitement and spirit while banishing stress with Sweetie Days. We wrote 30 personal requests on the back of repurposed paper and placed them in two bowls. Each evening (choose your own interval two/per weekend ‘til New Years, or one every night for eight or twelve days) we draw a slip of paper and fulfill the request. Below are some of our favorite suggestions to inspire your holiday fun.
Pose for a couple’s portrait with me.
Snowball Fight (we didn’t have snow when we drew this request and used rolled up socks instead)
Neck massage
Light Candles and Share your favorite memory
Write me a poem
Dance with me to ‘our’ song
Bake cookies
Give me Seven Minutes in Heaven
Take a walk with me
Lap dance for me (PS – a great resource is The Complete Idiot's Guide to Exotic and Pole Dancing by Wendy Reardon)
Tickle me and make me laugh
Talk about giving – fulfilling a wish for the one you love and having a wish granted in return is a romantic way to spend the season. And it’s a great idea for sparking relationships any time of the year.
THE END
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