one hundred forty-five

So, we are putting together a t-shirt campaign for the Love Letters project.

A handful of people have submitted their favorite one-liners from Book 1 for review. We'd like to get your opinion. Which lines do you like the best? Let us know in the comments section.

We'd like to have some standard options...but then also have some shirts ready for Valentine's Day. 
Let us know what you think!

We've got a list of Top Picks - ideas that were picked by more than one person. Then we've got a list of random ideas (a bunch of them).

Can you help us narrow them down?!
What would you wear?

Please feel free to share the link to this post - we’d love to have tons of input! 



Current Top Picks:

someone else's joy is powerful enough to be my strength

I teeter on the edge of madness

Can you overdose on someone?

The experience is absolutely intoxicating.

I love you for not loving me

My hope is ever-renewed

I will fight to burn; you don’t feed this flame in vain


Other Ideas:

1. I am thankful to you forever
2. Move beyond the typical
3. I want to be the light of your eyes
4. I appreciate the direction of your heart
5. in this moment love is shared
6. I treasure the memories that define our past
7. I appreciate what we are
8. every time we were close
9. I would love to remember, not alone, but with you
10. I think of you
11. The music we made still haunts me
12. Every single time I taste that taste or smell that smell, I am transported to a time when we were all one team
13. Tonight, I choose to remember it and tell you that I love you
14. Thank you for never breaking my heart.
15. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
16. Who needs dessert after all that yummy-goodness?
Sweet potatoes: Who needs dessert after all that yummy-goodness?
17. I've only just met me
18. I love to look at you
19. You are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen
20. You are welcome to look at me like that anytime
21. Feel free to continue to ignore my existence
22. Our story will only be remembered by us
23. Just say it: I love you!
24. Thank you for your box o' goodies
25. You always want more
26. Keep at it. You're doing great!
27. I want you.
28. Let's dance and drink and hug again.
29. Your influence has been something like lighter fluid added to the flame.
30. I am always looking forward to how we will skirt and flirt with the burn in the future.
31. I prefer mine juicy, if you must know
32. Love = Choice
33. Don’t be a chicken-shit. Write your Love Letter today.
34. My heart believes in more, in You.
35. Your grin does incomprehensible things to my heartbeat
36. I love being me with you
37. Because of you, I am changed for the better
38. Grab the bull by the horns: wrestle it down, slaughter it, slice it up and grill it
39. Shimmer your love on me
40. All I’m left with is amused adoration
41. The air inside is sweeter, deeper, more alive
42. The colors almost did me in
43. Wildflower

------

All of the content above is copyrighted within the first Love Letters book:
Love Letters, Volume 1: Moving On, Growing Up

If you haven’t read it yet, you should!
For more information: jab’s Love Letters, the Books

one hundred forty-four

I love you with all my heart, with all my soul...love you with every breath I take, every heart beat, every minute of the day and night ..you are with me...

The mention of your name can bring tears to my eyes......I miss you, miss being your woman, missing hearing your voice, missing our morning, lunch, and dinner talks and the texts in between.

If I was granted one wish before I die...it would be you...to be in your arms, holding hands under the stars for one night....

I am proud of you, I am proud of everything you do, your thoughts, your writing, what you stand for, your strength, your self confidence, your parenting style, your life in general...I look up to you and you inspire me.

There's no combination of words
I could put on the back of a postcard,
No song that I could sing
But I can try for your heart,
Our dreams, and they are made out of real things,
Like a shoebox of photographs,
With sepia-tone loving,
Love is the answer
At least for most of the questions in my heart
Like why are we here? And where do we go?
And how come it's so hard?
It's not always easy,
And sometimes life can be deceiving,
I'll tell you one thing, its always better when we're together

it's always better when we're together
Yeah, we'll look at the stars when we're together
Well, it's always better when we're together
Yeah, it's always better when we're together

And all of these moments
Just might find their way into my dreams tonight
But I know that they'll be gone,
When the morning light sings
And brings new things,
But tomorrow night you see
That they'll be gone too,
Too many things I have to do,
But if all of these dreams might find their way
Into my day to day scene
I'll be under the impression,
I was somewhere in-between
With only two,
Just me and you
Not so many things we got to do,
Or places we got to be
We'll sit beneath the mango tree now

Yeah, it's always better when we're together We're somewhere in-between together
Well, it's always better when we're together
Yeah, it's always better when we're together

I believe in memories
They look so, so pretty when I sleep
Hey now, and when, I wake up,
You look so pretty sleeping next to me
But there is not enough time,
And there is no, no song I could sing
And there is no combination of words I could say
But I will still tell you one thing,
We're better together

The question is...Why are we not together?? Miles should not be a reason.
----------


Many thanks to Z for posting this letter to our Blog
Write your letter and submit it to jabsloveletters.com

one hundred forty-three

The holidays are upon us, and no matter which holiday we celebrate, we all share an important ingredient in common: LOVE. It brings us together to give and receive gifts; it leads us in the path of honored traditions; and it supports us as we show affection for the special people in our lives. Its power in making this time of year unforgettable cannot be overstated.

And yet, we often choke up when trying to express our love and appreciation for others. Sure, it’s easy to buy a gift or to write a quick sentiment in a card; but what about a sincere heartfelt expression of love? We don’t often take the time. And, it’s a shame. There are people who add immeasurable amounts of value to our lives; and as all of our mothers have taught us, we should – at least – say thank you.

There’s a newly launched website encouraging the community to do just that: to share love and appreciation by writing a love letter. Just think how much it would touch your heart to receive one. And now, consider sharing that feeling with others by writing one. If you’re not often swept away by your feelings of love and appreciation, the Holidays can be your perfect excuse. It’s a time to get swept away, to let Love and Appreciation swell within your heart.

We need to stop saying we’ll get to it; it’s time to mark it off our list. Write your letter. Send it. Consider sharing it with a wider community at jabsloveletters.com, thereby spreading your love and appreciation to others, warming hearts around the world.

That’s what this time of year is all about – no matter what Holiday you celebrate.

one hundred forty-two

I worked with a woman who became a very good friend. We accomplished an amazing feat: building a flawless rapport that transferred seamlessly back and forth from our professional and personal lives. One Christmas she gave me this ornament. It was thoughtful gift, because I love Diet Coke. I drink it all the time.

We don't get to see each other very often now, but I think of her every year when I decorate my Christmas tree. I am thankful for all the wonderful memories we made together.

Write your Christmas memories and love letters at jabsloveletters.com

one hundred forty-one

My mom and I recently took a trip to Atlanta, GA for a quick mix of business and pleasure. I saw this pillow in a shop and thought that it was a perfect statement. Mom has been managing miracles for a long time. I can only hope to fill her shoes now that I am a mom.

one hundred forty

You give my life harmony. 

My song is better when you sing along.

one hundred thirty-nine

When you called me girlfriend...

my heart fluttered scattering smiles around to shed light on my hope to love again

When you told me you were sure that you’d care as much as I may come to...

my heart was chained by the reality of my past

 

Written by J. B. in November 2011

one hundred thirty-eight

You guttural groan
Like fire - it burns the mass,
My deep hidden thoughts.

Written by J. A. on April 30, 2002

Write about your passion at jabsloveletters.com

one hundred thirty-seven

You are the best friend I ever had
And Love me in spite of myself.
You let me spread my wings
And go on new adventures
Even when You know the result
Will be pain.
When I make mistakes,
You embrace me,
Reminding me that I can learn
From it all and be better for it.
You always tell me the truth,
The whole truth,
And nothing but the truth.
You know the value of love and friendship.
When I leave You to find myself,
You never stop loving me.
You know I will return to You.
You are the epitome of all I have ever wanted
And never fail to amaze me
With Your love, compassion, understanding, and
honesty.
I’m so glad You love me
Better than I can love myself.
I’m so glad You love me
Better than anyone else.


Written by C. M. on July 23, 2009
Comments: Thank you.
This one came to me and wouldn’t go away until I put it to paper. Glad I did.

one hundred thirty-six

Write it down: everything you feel. Stop being worried about what others are going to think. Express your love without fear.

Think about how good it makes you feel to know that you are loved and appreciated. Now think about how great someone else will feel when they hear that you love and appreciate them.

Need a jump start?
Check out the Welcome post!

one hundred thirty-five

jab's Love Letters is a brain child of J. A. Busfield. In a world where fear runs rampant, she challenges every single person to face their fear and to face their love. Consider it a dare.

But a dare meant to push everyone towards being honest with themselves and their feelings. A dare meant to raise awareness for sharing more love and appreciation in the world, for the participants of the world. Thanks to Love Me, If You Dare for this great, great image!

If you are willing to take up the challenge, submit your love letter to jabsloveletters.com

one hundred thirty-four

When I think about you - I write it down. The “goodbye” hurt more than I can say - and the flashbacks are hard to deal with too; but there are so many memories, and I want to remember every single bit of our time together.

The good memories make me smile - they are fun stories to reread.

The bad memories remind me that there are lessons to learn in life that will make me a better person.

“What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger,” is how the quote goes. So, I choose to remember and to make sure that I will be better, smarter in the future.

one hundred thirty-three

You make it hard for me to breathe when you’re close. I think about you and my heart races…

which can make it hard to breathe too. You’re amazing; and I love you!

one hundred thirty-two

I am proud of you; and I am proud of me. And though our paths are headed in different directions, I know that we still stop to make time for each other along the way. I also know that it wouldn’t have been possible, this moment of living out our dreams, without each other.

one hundred thirty-one

I think that this statement can be applied to love as well...

Most of the time, it doesn't work out like it does in the movies -- 

we are in charge of making the best of what we've got: 

two imperfect humans doing their absolute best 

to be selfless for the sake of their companion ♥

one hundred thirty

Especially after we’ve spent the entire day together. It kills me that you won’t ask me to stay; that you don’t want me enough to kiss my face and wish me sweet dreams. I hate the fact that you pretend that you don’t care; I hate even more the possibility that that’s really the case: that you don’t care.

I want you - all the time, but especially in the night time. Your warm body close to mine, to make my heart race and my blood boil; to make my icy cold feet return to regular body temperature.
----

Write your Love Letter at jabsloveletters.com

one hundred twenty-nine

It's very easy to hurt someone and then say, "I'm sorry."
But it's very difficult to get hurt and say, "I am fine."

---

We're not perfect.
Love shared between people isn't perfect.

But, we can make it perfect in the midst of imperfection by being selfless and by offering sincere apologies when we've made mistakes.

If you're not able to apologize, your pride is bigger than your love.

one hundred twenty-eight

I wish I could show you, but you’ll have to see it for yourself to truly understand how brilliant you are. I will continue to love you no matter what - whether you choose to live blind or in sight; but I hope with all my heart that you will choose sight!
—-

Write your Love Letter at jabsloveletters.com

one hundred twenty-seven

We were perfect together. In our brilliant moment of connection, there was nothing else to be done, but to love more than we ever had. It was a stupid love - a brave love. Everyone wanted our love; it was admired and envied. And, it was nice to have that with someone.


We are over now. Our time has come and gone. We've both moved on, but don't think that for a moment that I've forgotten you; or the heat and passion that fueled our partnership. Remembering you still makes my cheeks blush. Remembering the way you touched me; remembering how you looked at me. You'll be in my heart forever.

Remember what you said?
Someone worth having is going to come with some hard work. You were worth every bit of the hard work. I promise.

---
Write your Love Letter at jabsloveletters.com

one hundred twenty-six

I love being family with you.
We fuss. We fight.
We washing dishes, change diapers, do laundry.
We clean a dirty chin and enforce bath time.
We snuggle and grin; laugh and cry; kiss and hug. 

We are a team. We make sure that this little human we've created together is raised well; and we do that together too. Have I ever told you that I would never want to do this with anyone but you? This tiny person was created by our love for each other; and it will thrive because we will continue to love each other. And our love will grow, because it expands with the addition of the new heart we've created to join our family.
---

Write about your family at jabsloveletters.com

one hundred twenty-five

"Why do people (in general) and myself (specifically) have such a hard time expressing their feeling of love to others? It's such a positive emotion, regardless of what it entails. It conveys attraction, adoration, trust, admiration, companionship (be it platonic, romantic, or familial)."

Read more at self Sagax: selfsagax.blogspot.com

"Sometimes, a thing fits...."

The author of self Sagax goes on to outline his thoughts on that sentence...but I have my own as well. Sometimes...a thing does fit; even though it shouldn't. That's the intrigue of love, I think.

I've looked at this partnership, this companionship, and have already noted the differences. I've outlined how it will dissolve over time, being eaten away by the stress of too-different philosophies of life. I prepare for a moment of dawning..."this isn't working for me anymore;" but it doesn't come. Instead, the pull of togetherness becomes stronger and stronger. The peace of a mate engaged and involved floods everything that I do.

I'm stumped completely. I didn't expect this at all.

Yea, sometimes a thing fits; and I call it love.

one hundred twenty-four

I can’t even begin to imagine when we met. I know you’ve been a part of my life for a long time, farther back than I care to remember. I know we haven’t known each other our whole lives, but it feels like that. You’ve always had an open spot in your heart, you’ve never hesitated to let me settle in and unpack my mind, whether it’s full of grievances or victories. You’ve been my cheerleader when I struggled, and my friend if I failed. You have made me realize my potential in so many ways I could never have thought, you’ve given me more help than I ever even asked for, and you’ve never asked for a single bit in return. Most importantly, when my mind was at its worst, and I had lost almost all hope, you showed me what it is to be a friend.

The best part is this: I don’t think you’ll ever know how much you mean to me, because these are not things you just do, this is who you are as a human.

I love you, and I can never thank you enough for who you are. But it doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying.


Written by R. A. on December 1, 2011
Comments: I thank you

Write your own THANK YOU letter; express your love!

Submit it to jabsloveletters.com/submit

one hundred twenty-three

There are many ways in which you have been a dad to me, and the one I appreciate the most is the time that you spend with us. You are never too busy to give us your time on the phone or in person. You are so generous with giving your time to others.

I can’t ever thank you enough for giving J-- and me the time that you have. We don’t thank you and Mom enough for loving us like you do. When I think about the best storyteller I have ever listened to, I think of you. When I think about the best listener, I think of you. Your impact on my life has been immeasurable. It has influenced my ideas and beliefs, and the way that I treat other people. You have been a fantastic gift from God.

Love,

Your ”adopted” kid

Written by L. B. on December 3, 2011

Comments: Redefining family

Write a Love Letter to someone in your family! 

Submit it to jabsloveletters.com/submit

one hundred twenty-two

It made me grin that the USPS had such lovely stamps - it's always good to send some love to someone...I suppose even on a bill. Someone's got to open that letter -- it'd be nice for them to see a heart :D

Share the pictures of love that make you grin at jabsloveletters.com/submit

We'd love to see what puts a smile on your face!

one hundred twenty-one

Who would have thought that I would get a second chance? Me, the woman with 2 children. It took me awhile to come around, but when we met I knew that night that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.

We have so much in common it is crazy. I love how we finish each other’s thoughts. And most of the time we know what the other one is thinking.

I am so lucky to have met a man so amazing, strong, & confident. Who loves me as much as I love you, who takes me for who I am, and who every time you are gone for even the smallest amount of time I miss you.

I love you with all my heart & I can’t wait until the day I can call you my husband.


Written by A. W. on December 6, 2011

Write and share your Love Letter at jabsloveletters.com/submit

one hundred twenty

sometimes, love reminds us of what it’s like to trust as a child does
with no strings attached, with complete faith, with a full heart

Send your pictures and drawings of love to jab’s Love Letters!

You can send real-honest-to-goodness snail mail to:
PO Box 904; Graham, NC 27253

one hundred nineteen

Take the time to be naked in a Love Letter! 

Send your thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams to jab's Love Letters-

jabsloveletters.com

one hundred eighteen

“I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.”

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

—-

You’ve got to pull up his blog - Paulo Coehlo is at it again!

Make sure that you take the reins on this one…don’t let your life pass without telling the people you love how you feel. I cover this in the preface of Love Letters, Volume 1: Moving On, Growing Up
(now available on Kindle and iBookstore).

Write your Love Letter at jabsloveletters.com

It's not hard and it is a perfect way to get your feelings out there!

one hundred seventeen

Sometimes the things you want the most don’t happen and what you least expect happens. 

I don’t know - you meet thousands of people and none of them really touch you.

And then you meet one person and your life is changed…forever! 

Send your Love Letters to jabsloveletters.com

one hundred sixteen

I miss you.
I think about you and my heart radiates all the goodness of the happy memories that we’ve piled up through our time shared with each other.

I can't wait for you to come home. In fact, I'm antsy and happy dancing in the kitchen as I think about it...about you coming into the house that we share together.

I have sweet kisses to give you.

Thank you to lovechangeseverythang.tumblr.com

Send your love letter to: jabsloveletters.com/submit

one hundred fifteen

Always and forever, I will love you. You weren’t a fling for me; you changed my life. You’re engagement rocked my world, and I will never be the same.

I remember sitting in the living room with my parents. We told them together: "No, we aren't kidding. We aren't dating for fun. We are serious. This will last."

And even though it hasn't lasted as we thought it would, it will definitely last through the ages. We have declared it so by making a new life together.

Our love will be infinite because of him.
I will always love you - it is a commitment that will never die.

Thank you to http://createyourmind.tumblr.com

Send your love letter to: jabsloveletters.com/submit

one hundred fourteen

It's Thursday! Visit jabsloveletters.com and check out the new posts to the website! 

Consider sending in your own love letter, so that we can post it next week!

one hundred thirteen

***Love Letters Contest***

Book 3 will be entitled “Steady As She Goes”

We are looking for image submissions…we need a “look” for that title theme.

What does “Steady As She Goes” mean to you? 

Send us a picture.

The one picked by the author, J. A. Busfield, will be used at the theme to create the book cover; and you will be recognized and given credit in the book!

(Share this CONTEST news with all your friends…we will take submissions from artists, graphic designers and photographers of all kinds ♥ — You can post your ideas directly to our page Facebook Page. You can also email info@jabsloveletters.com with your submission and contact information!)

one hundred twelve

Need a pick-me-up? 

Are you active on Tumblr?

I've found an account that rocks my heart on a daily basis and 

wanted to make sure that I share the love with you: lovequotesrus.tumblr.com/

Check it out. Soak in the love! 

And pass it along to someone that you love!

 

one hundred eleven

The first book is available for purchase on the eBook platform. 

You can buy it for your Kindle on Amazon. 

You can also buy it for your Apple product from the iBookstore.

I can't begin to tell you how exciting this journey has been; and I think that I am only getting a glimpse now of how wonderful this path will be in the future. This book has definitely been a labor of love - there have been so many close friends who have contributed their time and effort, their talents and skills to make this book and the entire Love Letters project what it is...

something that is simply awesome! 

I've got a section in the beginning of the book called "Saying Thanks" 

and I go into detail regarding the extent of my feelings of gratitude.

The first book in the series is available for only $.99 on the eBook platform. 

A print version of the book is in the works and we will post an update soon.

one hundred ten

Because love is a choice, you can decide whether you’re in or out…and when. This thought really spoke to me because of my own experience; not to mention I had just finished watching Crazy, Stupid, Love and was thinking about my marriage and its untimely end.

---

On the surface, I agree wholeheartedly with this statement: "I won't give up."
But, as was in my case, after I've worked through the mess time and time again, if I don't see any effort on your side (if I don't feel like your willing to work through the mess with me), I'm out.

And, yea; you can call it giving up. I sometimes feel like it was....giving up on you; on us. But then, I am reminded that you gave up first, and I am slightly mollified. But don't think that makes me feel any better. I chose you and meant it to last for the rest of our lives. So, I am still sad that it didn't.

But I am not sad that I drew a line with you. You gave up first...on me; on us. And you chose not to get back into the mess to clean things up. And I couldn't change your mind. So, the path as it unfolded was a choice that inspired many other choices.

---

Ultimately, love is a choice. And both people need to be "in it" for it to last through the ages.

Thanks to lovequotesrus for posting this thought. 

Photo Courtesy: herzmitte

one hundred nine

It's Thursday, which means that there are new posts to view on the website! 

We've got a few new letters and a few new pictures added. Take a look! 

And then, consider sending in one of your 

love letters and/or snapshots of love for next week's posts. 

We love to share the love!

jabsloveletters.com/letters

one hundred eight

I don't want just a hug. I want one of your hugs. The kind that lift me up high above the mess of my life and take me to the top of a mountain. The cool, fresh air blows in my face and I grin at you because we are together high above life's cares. We hold hands. I feel like I can do anything, because you are supporting me with your embrace. I can shoot for the moon and make it every time, because you believe in me.

one hundred seven

Calling all Writers...Calling all Lovers:

The website is up and running: http://jabsloveletters.com/

The first weekly post is scheduled for this Thursday...

and we will be posting new content every Thursday thereafter. 

If you take a look at the calendar...next Thursday is the US Thanksgiving holiday.

We'd love to have tons of Love Letters in the "I thank you" category to post.

 What are the requirements, you ask?

1. Have someone you love in mind

2. Write them a heartfelt thank you letter

3. Submit it to the site

It's THAT easy!

If you have a Love Letter that you would like to share,
we'd LOVE to be your platform ♥ in honor of Thanksgiving
or to celebrate any day moving forward.

one hundred six

visit : brotips.com

Even the toughest guy can show love to his friend...

Let's choose affirmation in our friendships. 

It does a world of good when people know that they are love and appreciated.

one hundred five

A demonstrator embraces a riot police officer during a student protest against government plans to reform higher education in Bogota, Colombia.    --   (Photo: William Fernando Martinez)

I found this image on Google+ with the caption:

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” -- Mahatma Gandhi

We toss that quote around like a spoonful of sugar. But I don't think many of use truly embrace the real-world meaning of it; or what it may require us to do. We've all got medicine to swallow, difficult-to-live-through moments on our journey, in order to truly inspire change.

I wonder how many of us are guilty of taking the sugar-spoon and dumping the medicine; of taking the easy road, instead of the narrow path. We decide in those moments that change, real change, isn't that important. There's no reason to actually suffer or deny one's self for change, is there?

And, it is a fact - real, lasting change often requires a denial of a selfish will.

Let me be clear, I am not among the innocent.
I've experienced the sugar high and skipped along the wide, easy path.

But I see moments like this, and it encourages to me review my actions. To see where indeed I could be the change I want to see in my world.


To start: I'd like to choose to love in impossible-to-love moments.

one hundred four

*happy dance*

Our website is live and we are looking forward to taking Love Letter submissions. 

Visit: jabsloveletters.com

one hundred three

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.” 

— Woodrow Wilson: November 11, 1919 


I am thankful every day for the men and woman who serve to protect my country. I have a good handful of friends and family who have served or are serving; and being within their sphere of influence keeps me abreast of the day to day issues facing military families.

I am thankful for their sacrifice.
The sacrifices they make in their lives, in their families, protect my family. And I am sincerely grateful for the way they put themselves on the line to improve my life.

The man portrayed in this picture is particularly dear to my heart. I knew him as a college boy. We had the opportunity to meet after he met and fell in love with my college roommate Freshman year. Although we’ve not maintained our connection as much as we’ve wanted to, I’ve been close enough to them to see him grow from a boy into a man.

I respect him more than I can say for protecting his country, loving his wife and kids and developing into a responsible, thoughtful individual. He adds value to his world; and to my world. This picture is an unforgettable moment of love.

one hundred two

“I can be alone without Yoko, but I just have no wish to be. There’s no reason on earth why I should be alone without Yoko. There’s nothing more important than our relationship, nothing. And we dig being together all the time. Both of us could survive apart but what for? I’m not going to sacrifice love, real love for any whore or any friend or any business, because in the end you’re alone at night and neither of us want to be. And you can’t fill a bed with groupies. It doesn’t work. I don’t want to be a swinger. I’ve been through it all and nothing works better than to have someone you love hold you.”

― John Lennon

one hundred one

“Heinelet” by Gamaliel Bradford

He asked if she ever could love him.
She answered him, no, on the spot.
He asked if she ever could love him.
She assured him again she could not.

He asked if she ever could love him.
She laughed till his blushes he hid.
He asked if she ever could love him.
By God, she admitted she did.

——-

What sheer perseverance can accomplish, even in matters of the heart, is revealed in this little poem written in Heine’s mood of mingled seriousness and gayety.

one hundred

I felt my heart was trying to find the place for you to stay
A place where I feel safe
 

Anything we have known, anything we’ve forgotten
In the rain, in the dark we’ll lay
In your arms, in your arms I’ll stay

What I love so much about this video is the fact that shooting it was its own kind of love story.
Thirty (30) people worked together to make this happen. Talk about teamwork: completely different people working together for a common goal...to bring beauty to this project.

Check out the behind the scenes video: http://youtu.be/cIH4MJAC2Tg

ninety-nine

Did I live fully? Did I love well?… Jack Kornfield

At the end of our lives it is not our material wealth that will measure our success as people here on Earth but the fullness of our being and the quality of the love we give one another….

By: Peaceweaver

 
I think it is important to ask ourselves “Did I love well?” for every situation!

ninety-eight

Please. Embrace you.

I can do it, but unless you accept you for the you-ness you bring to the world, 

you’ll never be able to fully accept my embrace of love.

Enjoy being different; enjoy and appreciate the beauty you bring to the world. 

It wouldn’t be the same without you. You bring value to the existence of those around you; 

and I love you for it!

ninety-seven

This video makes me grin. 
There’s that moment when the pressure’s on and you want it to be perfect, you want to declare your love. And, instead, you trip up a bit. 


In my opinion, there’s perfection in the imperfect moments…
don’t give up! 



——


Wasn’t really thinking, wasn’t looking, wasn’t searching for an answer…
I know that I’m feeling so much more than ever before
And so, I’m giving more to you than I thought I could do…



——

It’s amazing how the choice to love someone gives us the strength to give more and to be more selfless than we ever thought possible.

ninety-six

between romance and porn, somewhere in the real-world middle, is love

ninety-five

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."


-- Lao Tzu 


I can't even say how much I agree with this statement, especially the last part. Real life, the kind where the rubber meets the road, doesn't ask for anything in return. So, to offer love - in any amount, never mind, deeply - is stepping out there on your own two feet and proclaiming that you will be courageous...and that your heart is strong enough not to ask for anything in return.

ninety-four

 Father and Sons Campout

Thoughts from Paul Reiser:

But I do believe that between waking up in the morning and going to sleep at night, there's a good chance something will happen that'll surprise me and ultimately hurt me. 

This phenomenon seems to be new...since becoming a father. I've noticed these daily "pings" of hurt. It hurts me when my kids are hurt, when they narrowly miss being hurt, when they're saddened, disappointment, frustrated, or frightened. I'm saddened when they discover something about life that I wish weren't so. It hurts me when I see them not trusting or believing someone - yet, ironically, seeing them actually being trusting and believing breaks me heart too. It all hurts a little. And I don't know how to not feel these things. Apparently, being a father means you get pinged a hundred times a day. 

On the other hand - and this is a huge, enormous hand - you're also going to get pings of unspeakable joy. Daily. Practically hourly. From the simplest things. Like watching my boys sleep stuns me with happiness. Seeing them wake up - same thing. Getting to watch them grow day by day, I feel such profound gratitude, I....almost can't even breathe correctly.

Excerpt from Familyhood by Paul Reiser

I would have to agree with Paul's sentiments completely.

Sometimes, life gets really busy and days pass within a routine. In the systematic flow of staying on top of my mothering duties.....

Is the child alive? CHECK! 

Is the child healthy? CHECK! 

Is the child getting a good balance of healthy food? CHECK! 

Will I get cool points for letting him eat another piece of Halloween candy? CHECK!

...I sometimes lose sight of the awesome and terrible pings of life, because they're just bouncing off me as I journey forward with my list of "awesome mom" objectives.

But there are lovely moments of pause in life, when the beauty unfolds and I look at this beautiful small human who shares a part of me and parts of our family, who is becoming all his own character and personality....and "I almost can't even breath correctly." My heart stops and swells with pride, with love (and thankfulness that I've been able to keep him alive...I didn't go to mothering training, you know). 

Those moments remind me that I need to schedule more pause times in life, so that I can tap into the beauty more often.

Just think if we all allowed ourselves just a little more time to tap into the beauty that unfolds around us all the time. It would be a different world, because people would see more than their objectives. 

ninety-three

it’s true; chocolate does make missing you bearable

(if only barely)

ninety-two

but now that I've found you...

even the nights are better, since I found you

even the days are brighter, when someone you love is beside you

ninety-one

When we are free to express our feelings and we speak truth from the heart, we are able to be free and love is easily expressed and conveyed. 

Emotional blocks are caused by lies, and masks and facades. When we are free to be ourselves, then we learn. 

None of us is perfect, but we can share and love, and be supporting of one another. 

I know from personal experiences and those of friends who have confided in me that the most pains are caused from falseness, lies, guilt, wrong doings, jealousy, anger, greed, and most of all FEAR. 

FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real 

--- Annette Katona

Found this post on a Facebook community page: Peaceweaver

ninety

I wanna make it with you...

I really think that we could make it...

I want you in my life. I want you to be my life. Let's explore together. Let's journey and adventure through each day, knowing that because we are together, we can face anything!

eighty-nine

Wow - I think this is true about love as well...
because sometimes it isn't a sweeping, powerful emotion full of happiness and roses;
sometimes, it is a choice to remain and to support and because of that choice there is joy found in commitment.

eighty-eight

I love Halloween. I love dressing up. I love that you teased me and criticized; 

I love that you noticed.

The undefined nature of our connection terrifies me all the time, but I grin and bear it like so many pumpkin jack-o-laterns turned smiley faces.  I don't know what else to do. I love your attention; and I hate it when it leaves me scalded by your more-harsh-than-teasing tone. And I wonder how much longer your kind deeds will outweigh the times you've bruised my feelings with words.

But I wouldn't want you to change; because I love you just the way you are...
Trick or treat!

Happy Halloween.

eighty-seven

me
(you know, the one that's yours)

How do you sign your Love Letters?

eighty-six

be enthusiastic about your love and how you love

Enjoy this recorded speech from one of my favorite musicians.

eighty-five

I believe in the omens...

In this case, it isn't that the ring doesn't fit properly -- I'd like to be more positive than that; 

it's that I got a ring in the first place...and that it says LOVE.

eighty-four

Love should make us grin. 

And, it hits us where we live and with what we do. 

If you're a geek, enjoy the geeky love...

'cause, there's nothing like it!

Chingchingaaa! writes:

I found these funny illustrations in the net yesterday. The article was actually entitled, "Nerdy Dirty Illustrations for Nerds In Love." But I believe that these do not only apply to the nerds because when you are trapped in the four letters of L-O-V-E, you'd be weirder than you've ever been.

I found this post on Wave Avenue

eighty-three

Moments like these - spontaneous connections like these = Love

Found this link on Positive Atmosphere

eighty-two

You respond to every word

Spoken softly from my lips



Hard, yet smooth as silk

Beneath my fingertips



Warming the bed beside me

Whispering sweetly in my ear



Somehow you always know

Just what I want to hear



I feel so much better

Knowing you are close by



For, when I am without you,

My heart begins to cry



I'll never love another

Nearly quite so much



My one, my only

My iPod Touch

Written by J. W. on March 23, 2011

eighty-one

Love always triumphs over what we call death. That's why there's no need to grieve for our loved ones, because they continue to be loved and remain by our side.

from Aleph by Paulo Coelho

eighty

In Love, sometimes you have to let go...to give space for growth and development. It's hard.

You want this person around you all the time, because you love and admire them, but...sometimes....without change....there is no growth and development.

And, Love is dynamic.
We can't allow our selfishness to curse it into a stagnant state.

I really enjoyed this paragraph from a story written by Caroline M. Yoachim: Tending The Mori Birds


“When you’re ready,” she said. Prem reached out to her. She was his dream, and she gave him the strength to bear his sorrow. He could not leave her like this, dying, but never dead. It would be so cruel, so heartless. The bird, her bird, stared at him from its cage. It was her cage, too. She had given him the key and become his prisoner. Could he release her? He went to her, held her in his arms as he had done in his mind so many times. He ran the tips of his fingers down the side of her neck till they rested above her collarbone, and the skin was as smooth as he’d always imagined.


You can listen to the story on PodCastle - they hosted the story for Episode 155.

You can read the entire story on Fantasy Magazine.
http://www.fantasy-magazine.com/fiction/tending-the-mori-birds/

seventy-nine

Seriously, this should be the mantra for each home.

Think of the blessings we would heap upon ourselves, if we followed this kind of path as best as we could each day….wowzers!

This makes me smile - and I strive to raise my lil man in a home that holds on to these statements as instinctively as breathing.

Picture shared on G+ by http://twitter.com/#!/@al3ka_

seventy-eight

Letter #7

I love this letter:

It reminds us that sometimes other feelings exist, sometimes negative feelings, within Love...but they don't automatically overrule Love. You can be mad, and express it...and take some time and space to get over it -- but it doesn't mean you Love any less.

Aeryk, thank you for sharing this - I ♥ you

seventy-seven

romantic love often leads to sex
and, if you’re ready to share sex….
you might as well be ready to laugh

seventy-six

I love walking into an establishment and seeing this kind of notice.
It’s my favorite kind of place to be in and spend my money at!

The Roasted Coffee Depot in downtown Graham, NC

seventy-five

I love you…
In this moment, I am so confident in our love, in our connection. I can’t think of anything I love more than being together with you - I want the whole world to know how I feel. I want the whole world to know that at this moments we are together, we are each other’s.

seventy-four

I wish I was your favorite girl
I wish you thought I was the reason you are in the world
I wish my smile was your favorite kind of smile
I wish the way that I dressed was your favorite kind of style

I wish you couldn’t figure me out
But you always wanna know what I was about
I wish you’d hold my hand
When I was upset

Basically, I wish that you loved me
I wish that you needed me
I wish that you knew when I said two sugars,
Actually I meant three

— Lyrics from The Nicest Thing by Kate Nash

seventy-three

Love should include the heart and the mind working together towards the ultimate goal.

seventy-two

Letter #3

seventy-one

Love = sharing your strength with someone...no strings attached

Love = sharing your vulnerability with someone...no strings attached.

WHICH ONE DO YOU THINK IS HARDER?

seventy

Lovers Leap Wayside, Virgina

And I say, “You should leap into love. Don’t tip toe in. 

It’s one of those things - it’s better as an “all or nothing” experience.” 

(most of the time)