Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

Share and celebrate your anniversaries in a Gaian party

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

Hello loves,

Anna, our dear Hummingbird, invited me today to this sweet pod I had not known about before. Her invite is very timely and thoughtful as today is my 20th wedding anniversary with my beloved life partner, Keith Carlson.

We are cozying it up in a much needed retreat from the hard work of making dreams a reality. Feel free to take a peek at this ECO B & B in the Berkshires mountains in Western Massachusetts, just an hour from where we live! http://topiainn.com/

There is a nice discussion on partnership going on in my blog, (which I know Anna won't mind me inviting you to). Feel free to join us, and if we arent friends yet, let us become so. :)

I'll share here that 20 years ago in our wedding ceremony, we were pronounced “husband and wife, best friends for life”. Best friends we have been, through thick and thin,in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, all the extemes, you name 'em, we've endured and grown through a good many of them. Many couples don't make it through soem of the extemes we've endured, but thankfully, we have, and there is still much joy and life to enjoy togehter ahead, si Dios quierre.

And now, after many years of dream fulfillment~the raising of a family, living in community, getting credentials, doing good works in the world, many, many life celebrations, and a series of burials too, we are taking our dreams to new levels.
You can see what we are up to, if you like. My hope is that it will inspire you in your quest for living life to the fullest. Simply put, we are leaving the rat race as know it, selling our home, and will be “full timers”, liviing in an ECO, green RV, traveling extensively and for at least a year all around the USA and Canada, bringing Laughter Yoga and Health and Wellness coaching throughout the land. Part of our quest along with sprinkling joy through laughter is to make and visit friends as we seek out intentional community with like-minded folks. Eventually, we intend to settle into a warm climate, but there is so much exploring to do until–and if–that time arrives!

As we all know, this dream and partnership work is not easy! There is a good article by Deeprak Chopra on the aforementioned blog which really sums up the challenges and rewards of being in relationship. But for me, it is so worth it and continues to propel me ever forward in my growth. What does it for you?

Much love and gratitude,

Merry Mary

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

Dear Mary

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! 20th ANNIVERSARY!!!!

I feel a sense of awe when I read '20' and reading your post confirms my feelings. In these times not many experience what you have. I'd love you to share more with us about your experience - nothing speaks louder than experience!

If you were to give any general advice to couples hitting a rough patch - by rough patch I don't mean anything 'beyond acceptable', what would you say.

I'd love you to share a high light of your marriage with us - some event or moment which shines out for you

love

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

:D CONGRATULATIONS!!! i am so happy for you!!! :D i hope you two do something extra special today!! have fun..lots of fun! don't let anything get you down! today is for you and your hubby!

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

Oh, Mary. Congratulations, again and again. You're such an inspiration–thank you so much for being such a beacon, and an example, and tell your sweetie Keith he's done an amazing job. :)

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

A poem for Merry Mary and KC

In this moment
you walked into my life
and brought laughter to my soul
and long held tears
whose release was long overdue

In this moment
we jumped into the abyss
surrendering ourselves to loves sweet embrace
your song enchanting us
notes that comfort
dancing soothing melodies
into our busy world

In this moment
I bow at the alter of love
for you have rewarded us beyond all expectations
The greatest treasure is love
the supreme gift to enjoy
with this precious, human life

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

Dear Mary, wishing you a very happy anniversary, and may you have many more
happy years together.

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

Dear Mary and Keith,

I have been enjoying your blog discussion very much and now here is another place to celebrate your joy with you. May your love continue to overflow in joy each day.

Much love,

Nicole

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

I feel so privileged to have met you guys! Congratulations from a great place in my heart. I love how you will share your truths with the rest of us and, although far from 'perfect', yet it is PERFECT!

I wish you many more years of shared happiness and only enhanced joy going forward.

Loving you both, Sherri

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

Wow, I am honored to be honored here. I will gladly share about how we've gotten through rough patches, and honestly, we are in one right now. Keith is in a lot of physical pain (please, no advice for him on that) and I go through my own cycles, emotions, and ways of being with it. I know we will cycle to a better place and this moment is an opportunity to be unconditionally loving, compassionate, supportive, helpful, and accepting. We return home tomorrow from our little time away and have a sweet day and evening planned today. We are truly blessed and I am deeply grateful.

love,

mary

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

love to both of you, without advice :), as you accompany each other in this place where you are,

hugs,

nicole

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

Dear Mary and Keith, wishing you a joyful year as you continue in this blessed state of grihasthashrama.

In the words of Swami Chidananda:
“May this world be blessed by such ideal married couples, and such sacred houses of ideal Grihasthashrama! I wish you joy and peace. May your life be radiant like the shining sun and bring light into the lives of many others! Hari Om Tat Sat!”

Lots of joy in your adventures together!

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

Thanks for the love, Nicole, and for the sweet blessing, Meenakshi. I know you celebrated  a special wedding anniversary recently too and it was nice to be a little part of it on Gaia. And mon Sherri amor, merci!

Thanks for the empathy, Anna. As a fellow wise woman, you know that in addition to all the blissful aspects of marriage, its what we learn and how we grow from the rough patches that make any journey so rich. The foundation of love holds it all, the waxing and waning of the lighter and dark sides of being in partnership, the tests of time and our commitment to each other, the relationship and ultimately to ourselves.

I am learning more deeply lately (again) how I am responsible for my own emotions, state of mind, my behavior and life fulfillment. This journey to be whole is lifelong, is it not? Yet, we are already whole. Were we always at peace, we would no longer need to be here, and intimate partnerships is one fine way to up the ante in terms of growth, if that is what we so choose.

When not so philisophical a place, i will return to respond to Anna's request for sharing a memory. Maybe you can start by sharing one of yours?

NIght night, and good morning, sweethearts!

Love,
amry

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

This Marriage

May these vows and this marriage be blessed.
May it be sweet milk,
this marriage, like wine and halvah.
May this marriage offer fruit and shade
like the date palm.
May this marriage be full of laughter,
our every day a day in paradise.
May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
a seal of happiness here and hereafter.
May this marriage have a fair face and a good name,
an omen as welcomes the moon in a clear blue sky.
I am out of words to describe
how spirit mingles in this marriage.

Rumi

Re: Wedding, 'living together' and other anniversaries

oh Mary, the tales are being told! here