Fifty Shades of Bliss
I’ve been away from my writing
celebrating fifty years of marriage. That’s right, 50! I know, it’s a shocker. But just to explain, we were married in kindergarten. Yeah, that young. It’s hard to believe, but back in the 60s, anything was possible and rules were broken. Rob and I fell in love at such an early age, there was no stopping us. We were kids with a dream. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Before I continue, I’m sure you’re thinking with my post title that I’m trading on the wild success of the book, Fifty Shades of Grey. You’re right. Come to think of it, that would’ve been a good title for this post, as between Rob and I, I’m sure we could come up with fifty shades of grey on our heads alone. I haven’t even read the book, nor plan to read it, but it’s a great title.
For our fifty shades of bliss, we started our celebrations with a three day trip to Strathcona Park Lodge on Buttle Lake on Vancouver Island. Our daughters and grandchildren joined us in a cottage by the water, where we swam, kayaked, and cooked kielbasa and toasted marshmallows over the fire. We hiked, did the zip line, and the ropes course. In the evening, we opened a bottle of champagne and the grand-kids put on a play, re-enacting our courtship and marriage. Being so young, they were perfectly cast to play our younger selves.
Afterwards, we went on a cruise with dear friends and then, Rob and I spent two weeks in London, just the two of us. It’s been momentous, to say the least. We feel very blessed.
When you’ve been together as
long as we have, you can’t help but reflect on your journey together. Though in appearance, it seems we’ve always been rosy, that’s not the case, and it’s not real life. We’ve had our share of storms and rainy days, even a few tornadoes when it looked like everything we had built together was lost. It wasn’t easy finding one another amongst the rubble. But we picked up the pieces and started again.
Of the fifty shades of bliss, the ones we keep honing are (in no particular order) – love, humility, respect, forgiveness, humor, kindness, gentleness, helpfulness, consideration, patience, communication, sex, friendship, honor, and loyalty.
I can’t say what might work for others, one shoe doesn’t fit all. Speaking of shoes, with the divorce rate as high as it is, I sometimes think marriages are thrown out like old shoes. The guy or the girl in the marriage might think it’s no longer any good; it’s served its purpose, worn around the edges, not the style I like anymore, so throw it out. In my mother’s day, you fixed that shoe. You put on new soles, shined it a bit, got new laces, and it was good to go. There’s something to be said for that.
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What a lovely post, Diana! Hooray for a good pair of shoes… 😉
Congratulations again on your anniversary!
Thanks, Shari.
Oh wow! Beautiful post and beautiful photos. Congratulations! I actually know about Strathcona – been there! And it’s cool that we were in the UK at the same time!
I agree – Fifty Shades of Bliss – a much better book!
Ah, thanks, Julia. It was cool we were there at the same time. I’ve now been to England, Scotland and Ireland. Not Wales, though. Love your posts on that beautiful country.
Congratulations, wishing you continued bliss. Hugs!
Thanks, Katherine. I love your blog. All the good things in life.
Lots of wonderful congrats to you both! That doesn’t happen much any more. And the celebration looks great, too!
Congratulations on 50 years of wedded bliss! Thank-you for your kind comments about Strathcona Park Lodge. It’s been the place for many happy reunions and celebrations. Wishing you many more years of happiness together.
Christine Clarke
Executive Director,
Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre
Thank you Betty and Christine for your good wishes. And Christine, our family loved the time at the lodge. Building memories.
Congrats for the anniversary . Its a long journey everyone wishes for 🙂
Thank you Kulwant. It is a long journey but a worthwhile one.
It’s great to break free from writing as it clears our heads. You are very talented.
Thanks, Jackie. I appreciate the vote of confidence.