Love Makes a Day?

I don't know if it is knowing that February is around the corner bringing with it Cupid, hearts and flowers and all things red and pink or something else fluttering around but love continues to be on my mind. Interesting comments were posted and I received some really thought provoking emails on the subject as well. I love the thought that love and relationships are all about the comfort and warmth with a bit of the razzle dazzle, and that we can't keep expecting love to be the thing that stands our hair on end for years at a time, certainly without working at it. You know what I think? I think it is about both what we WANT and what we SETTLE for. We want fireworks and passion, but the practical side of us knows full well that this level of intensity requires a heckuva lot of work.... maybe more than we have the energy for. And let's face it, when you are just flat out puredee pooped, passion and romance are fairly low on the list! There is one thing I know for sure---- what you put in comes back. Try to make a favorite dish for dinner and deliver something unexpected with a smile and see what returns to you. Sometimes I think you can even bring in a cup of coffee with a giant smile that has not bee asked for and see the reflected smile and pleasure from your sig-other. By the same token if you are busy, rushed or pressured and don't put in the extra effort, you're likely to be without any of the love perks.

Maybe we need to accept that love is what we make it. So what are you making today?

I spent the majority of married life (past life I add) being the quintessential wife. I cooked, I cleaned, I raised kids, and I did it all pretty much solo for 2/3 of the month. I was Mom, I was Dad and I smiled about it. I was quite good at it. When I was called upon to be wife, I dropped everything else, and I mean everything. I still believe that in a relationship SOMEBODY has to be the one that keeps the home fires burning. I realize that this is a very Donna Reed or June Cleaver concept, but I hold it to be the very core of truth. One of two people need to be the one running the vacuum, keeping the house neat and tidy, the refrigerator stocked and meals prepared. Laundry? Done! Ironing? Taken care of. Bits and pieces of domesticity need to be done, and be done well and consistently. It really doesn't matter who does them, and roles can change if need be as long as the final product is a place where creativity can flourish, and life can be all things cozy. I know in my own life that when the laundry is piled up, the fridge is bare and the lawn needs to be mowed, there is no space in my life to find comfort, happiness, or be creative. Now? I still believe that when the house isn't clean, there is minimal functionality (at least for me) and I do try to make time for relationship, to create the happy. It does seem that past the initial flush and quiver of love that you do reap what you sow.

Do you think that is an antiquated notion? Is your best functionality and happiness when you are enjoying domestic bliss----- not the love as much as the comfort? Something of course that you can do for yourself, depending not on someone else at all.

On the subject of happiness ==== Thank you SO much Jenny Girl for the very sweet comment on the blog. I've seen the "Make My Day Award" around the blogosphere lately and it was enormously kind of you to extend it to me! Your'e right, it did make my day! It is another one of those things we as human beings, and creative people need--- we need to feel appreciated and as if the work of our hands matters to other kindred spirits.

There are apparently some rules to adhere to. If nothing else lambchop, I am a Rules Girl! “Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times.”

10 blogs that bring me happiness???? That is very hard to do! As most creative sorts, time is a treasured and yet limited quantity so the blogs I read are usually those that are thought provoking, bring pleasure, are creative, and make my day more enjoyable. After a bit of consideration I'd have to say that I'd award a "Make My Day Award" (in no particular order at all) to:

Jenni's blog is warm and sunny atAlum Creek
Dana at New Leaf Design makes me smile with her creativity and love of all things artistic
Sharon at Red Geranium Cottage is funny, warm, generous and did I say funny?
The Runcible Bin is a slice of joyful domestic bliss, thanks Mrs. Lear!
Berroco Design Studio--Norah Gaughan, what can you say? Sheer inspiration!
Sheri at the Loopy Ewe, shopping therapy, real life warmth and more always make me smile!
Bari J.--- as advertised, a journal of creative inspiration! And the handbags...... ahhhhhhh.....
Pam Kitty Morning is the quilter I'd love to spend time with over coffee
Cream Puffs in Venice--- wow talk about domestic bliss! Beautiful, gorgeous FOOD!
Lolly Knitting Around, how can you not just adore the wonderful Lolly?
Holly Holderman and Lakehouse Fabric holds court at the Holly Blog, love it!

Now----- create a slice of love today!