Last weekend, I whisked W away to the city for two days of fun and romance. Or maybe she whisked me away. I can’t be sure.
You and me in our Italian restaurant. Yes, it’s as darling as it looks.
Anyway, we saw the musical Mama Mia, dined at a cute little Italian restaurant, browsed the shelves of a gay bookstore, caught a movie, did some shopping. It was restful, rejuvenating and romantic.
Plus, it was my birthday, which made it super sweet like the tiramisu in a little teacup that we shared for dessert.
The weekend got me thinking about this quote:
“A successful marriage requires falling in love over and over again, always with the same person.”
— Mignon McLaughlin
Sunday morning, W and I were lying around in our king-size hotel bed all wrapped up in each other, and I could feel them: the butterflies in my stomach, the tingles in my toes. We could see the sparks in the air like we were huddled under the covers and we both had a major case of static electricity.
That’s when it hit me. I’m still in love with W.
It’s not that I had doubts or had forgotten. Sometimes there’s no time for being in love in the rush of our ordinary, everyday lives.
Sometimes you have to slow down and take the time to see what’s been right there in front of your eyes the whole time.
The weekend ended with this monstrosity — a skillet breakfast called “The Bacon Sink.” Yes, that is bacon gravy that you see.
The Flannel Files 
Awwwwwwww … and, yum.
Like you said, we butches bleed marshmallow. Guess I’m just a big ol’ romantic at heart.
And, yes. Bacon.
It also requires that you both love each other’s flaws and that you laugh about them together. Like vanity and gluttony.
Well, there certainly was a lot of gluttony over the weekend. But you’re right. We’re all flawed human beings. It’s best to accept that from the beginning and find the charm and humor in that.
Bravo! Too many people see love as a possession to be obtained and not the living entity that needs to be nurtured. It’s heartwarming to know there are those who do find themselves falling in love all over again! Happy birthday!!
That’s the thing … love is a living entity. You have to feed it and nurture it.
sounds like a nice way to spend time together.
It certainly was. Thanks for reading!
Thanks for making me smile with your wonderful post and the wonderful quote. I’ve come to a place in my life when I’m beginning to accept the fact that not everyone finds, and/or is able to maintain this true love of which you’ve spoken so sweetly. But for those who do it is a blessing to be sure and one i can be happy for other people having even if it is not something that I have. So cheers to you and W!! And happy birthday to you!!
Thanks, turtle. It took me 40 some years to find lasting love, so don’t give up. I think that’s why I appreciate it so much.
Loved this post. Ive been married for 14 years and the ‘secret’ for us is exactly that, falling in love over and over again. Sometimes we fall slightly out of step and then we wait for one another and reconnect and its just like falling in love with her but its deeper and stronger because I know and love her faults as well as her many good points. You have to be able to take the time to find one another in the midst of the everyday goings on of life – that can be hard but also fun – your weekend away inspires me to do the very same for my wife sometime soon.
Personally I think butches invented romance!
Love your notion that butches invented romance. I think you’re right on that account. Hope you can find time to get away soon.
We fall out of step, too, from time to time. That’s why love needs to be patient.
Sometimes all it takes is a moment away from reality to see how wonderful a relationship is! Truly beautiful.
Thanks for reading and for your kind comment. Back to reality now but trying to remember the magic of the weekend.
I love Mamma Mia! That’s what my love and I went to see when we were in the city for Valentine’s Day! Sounds like you had an amazing getaway. You definitely deserve it!
Super Troopers unite! It was the perfect romantic weekend.