my music man

Ryan turns 25 today, he is now a quarter of a century old. I remember 25 feeling a little weird, like the end of youthfulness or some drama. I hope he doesn't feel like that. My hope for this birthday weekend is that Ryan will play guitar, we'll listen to lots of good music, and eat good food, and drink some of the best beer we can afford. I know today is kind of hard on him as we haven't met many people in Philadelphia yet, and we're far from home, but we have some grand slam plans for this evening and we'll make it special anyway.

Even though there are no pedals, cords, microphones, or instruments to open I want him to know he is loved beyond measure. Something really special occurred this week, and I feel like it deserves mention. For the first time in a long time we spent an evening creating side by side, he on his guitar, and me on canvas. It felt liberating, and special. Though we didn't speak there was no denying a connection between our processes. We're both so protective of our individual creations that this small step towards sharing in the process was a pretty big deal. That evening was a gift, one I see us revisiting more frequently in this year. 

For Ryan's 25 year I see a lot of new experiences, and discovery. His creative spirit cannot be denied. He is my music man, and I love him. Happy birthday handsome. big kiss, bekuh

Ryan's 24 Birthday! Story Time

My loving husband's 24th birthday is today! 

It's hard to believe a year ago we were still just dating, and just beginning to contemplate a future life together. I shared 10 reasons why I love him last year and though I could easily come up with a 100+ more reasons why I love Ryan I've decided to spare you the ooey gooey details. Instead today I want to share a memory with you.

I first met Ryan when he was 19 years old and still living in Florida for college; he was home for winter break and we shared a meal with friends. After he left we occasionally chatted using Facebook chat (does that even still exist?) but rarely talked on the phone. I knew through a mutual friend that he had a bad case of insomnia and one summer night I decided to call him.

I was working as a waitress close to my Mom's house that summer, and most nights after long shifts I would head an hour into Roanoke to hang out with friends. Feeling the need to take a night off from everybody I decided to camp out by the lake in my parent's RV. With no power, and the sun having set hours before I had a lot of time to think. After an hour or two I felt restless and needed someone to talk to so I picked up the phone and dialed the first person that came to mind, Ryan.

As we talked I made my way to the dock and sat cross-legged at the edge looking out over the water and up towards the stars. Ryan and I talked for hours. We talked about history, and future plans, we talked about our childhoods, and we talked about the great outdoors. We shared a lot about things we loved that night and before we got off the phone we said our first "I love you." The love we expressed was not one of romance or lust, but simply friends sharing their deep appreciation for one another and the care we both felt in our hearts for the person on the other end of the line. We have said I love you every time we've left each other since that night; even when we've left a little hurt or angry. 

 It would be almost three years before our love matured into what it is today. Loving Ryan has been, and continues to be, the most natural thing in the world to me. I am grateful for those early days of friendship before butterflies, and flirtation, and first dates. And I am grateful that he is still the first person that comes to mind when I just need to talk and look up at the stars. I love you Ryan more than any words or memories. Happy birthday handsome. big kiss, bekuh

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Today is my gorgeous sister Sarah's BIRTHDAY!!!! She has always been a guiding force in my life and I would not be the person I am today without her love, support, and adolescent torturing (just kidding).  I can not be with her today in person but I most certainly am in spirit. I love you big sis! You are fabulous.

Because I couldn't be with her to celebrate her birthday with balloons, a crown, and confetti, I sent her a party in a box so she could celebrate anyway. I tucked in some pretty floral coasters, two cloth garlands, a crown, and our favorite chocolate muffin mix so she can make it and share it with friends. She will look just gaw-geous I'm sure (that was in a southern accent if you didn't pick up on that).

Leave my sister a sweet comment on my blog so even far away she can feel all the love. She's worth it I promise ;) big kiss,bekuh

Ryan Turns 23

The love of my life, Ryan, turns 23 today. I am overwhelmed with joy whenever I mention him and on this important day I wanted to share a couple of reasons why I love him.

1. His sense of humor and love of making things awkward; this is one of the most important things we have in common. He makes peeling an orange inappropriate in the best kind of way.

2.Our mutual love of condiments and how he just knows I'll need barbeque sauce "with that."

3. His ability to love people and his need to make people feel wanted regardless of circumstance and personal cost to him.

4. How he calls everyone "hey man" in greeting, even his Dad. It's a sincere term of endearment.

5. His affinity to hug everyone.

6. He texts me at least twice a day to tell me he loves me. This never gets old.

7. His musical ability blows me away and even though I know nothing about the equipment he shows me I find myself enthralled with whatever he shares because he's just so darn passionate about it.

8. His uncompromising love for his family.

9. His uncompromising love for me.



10. The number one thing I love about Ryan is that he has never given up on his dreams and pursues them evryday. When others would have given up the hunt Ryan held out until the right job came along and it did. I am so proud of him for not selling out and this inspires me more than I can ever say.

Thank you Ryan for being born today and for helping me recognize that good things come to those who wait. You are my best friend and I love you. big kiss, bekuh