It took me fifty one years to really get Jane Austen.
The girl could write the snow off the top of Mt Kilimanjaro with the kind of fiery passion that a thousand year love affair couldn’t match. Her demurely driven portrayal of female equanimity belied the wicked apple martini that a sensuous purr can serve up, after which booty calls become wedding vows. Jane knew that a momentary lapse of reason was all it took.
And I finally get her because she knew the secret to which any successful dealer in addictions must abide: Don’t get high on your own supply. See, Jane painted great big pictures of love and romance from the catbird seat of a single woman’s vantage point. Marriage was the kind of thing to write on, if not invest in. So she never did, like ever.
Now, I happen to be a single fella who admires the verve to that kind of swerve. And even though I did tie the knot once upon a time- back in that glorious age otherwise known as the Clintonian Era- I have now been divorced for a longer time than I was married. It’s not something I celebrate, mind you. I’m jaded as fuck, but I’m not a dick.
Nah, I simply discovered my simpatico with the iconic author was something I could book passage on for the sake of this post on love and marriage. Because I have also come to believe that pretty words do not a lifetime make. And you know what? That’s okay.
I have no beef with matrimony. In fact, I love the idea, in the same way I love Europe and Vegas and the West Coast. I might never visit again, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have great memories.
And so it was that I went to dinner last night at my soon to be fellow in-laws house. They’re good people, and their daughter is the very best thing that ever happened to my son. The wedding is in July and so we went over the plans and discussed the logistics. Me, the in-laws, my son and his fiancee. And oh yeah . . my ex-wife.
It was a really good night, filled with lots of laughing and wisecracks, good food and even better company. I showed off my pet whisperer skills over the course of the evening- first by convincing the finicky and rather aptly named “Gray Kitty” to cuddle with me for a spell. Later, I hypnotized their chocolate lab-Drake- into giving me his favorite rubber ball without a single growl.
I was having such a good time that it took me a solid hour to pick up on a pattern that was busy stitching its way through the conversations. I first noticed it when my son stopped me almost dead in my tracks when I had gone off topic on what I felt was a pretty innocuous story about our old house. And then later on, I noticed it again when his fiancee clipped her father’s wings before he could ask a question she didn’t want him asking. These were subtle incidences, made plain by the fact that I picked up on the avoidance strategy the kids were utilizing.
I’m not being cryptic, it’s just that, my kids share a tenuous relationship with their mother. There are reasons for this, to be certain. And just so that we can all be clear on one thing, she is a good person. She simply made the fatal error of getting remarried, moving away and having another child. Mind you, I had absolutely no problem with this. In fact, I celebrated that first event, raucously.
But I’m not my kids. And while it’s not fair that they feel the way they do, it’s understandable. They get to feel the way they want to feel. I never provoked a single ill gotten sentiment, never placed a single mean spirited verb. I was too busy playing peacemaker and dad.
Still, it was a great evening as far as I was concerned. I laughed a lot, told some funny stories and made a few more four legged friends for life. And the conversations with the ex weren’t bad either. And in spite of all the differences, in spite of all the shit that went down inside our previous lives, there is no animus between us; only two amazing kids. So I’m calling our time together a win.
I drove the kids back to Target after we left because his fiancee had left her car there earlier while shopping with my ex wife. I asked them if they wanted to stop off for some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolates and they whined about how it was past nine o’clock and thus, too late for that. I swear, they’re a couple of old people dressed in twenty something clothing.
They kept me company when I decided to grab a few things for the breakfast I was going to make them this morning. And then the conversation opened up, and all the things that had been left unsaid? Got said. Some of it was enlightening, but most of it was just old news. And then I told my son the whats what.
The gist of it was that his Mom and Dad are different but the same. And no matter what didn’t work, two things did. Spectacularly so. And Mom doesn’t love them less because she is living somewhere else, and Dad doesn’t love them more because he never re-married. That’s not how this works.
The advice was simple, really. Never wish for that which isn’t, just be thankful for that which is. Because let’s face it, if Jane Austen had fallen in love and gotten married, she might’ve given up her writing gig for all we know. And if Mom and me had never gotten married, we would have missed out on our two favorite people in the whole world.
All I know is that these two crazy kids finish each other’s sentences, make each other laugh, like . . all the time, and make a fine art of their respective quirks and oddities.
That’s called blue skies, baby.
Dude. This was fantabulous… The GIRL could write? How ’bout the BOY can write…
“The girl could write the snow off the top of Mt Kilimanjaro with the kind of fiery passion that a thousand year love affair couldn’t match. Her demurely driven portrayal of female equanimity belied the wicked apple martini that a sensuous purr can serve up, after which booty calls become wedding vows. Jane knew that a momentary lapse of reason was all it took.”
Wish I could do that.
And kudos to you. Marriage is a tough job. Doesn’t always work out. How we choose to go forth after it is broken is really up to us, isn’t it? Some never get past the bitterness and pay dearly for it.
Congrats on gaining a new daughter. That is wonderful and worth celebrating!
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QT in da hooouuussseee!!!
Girl, you EVER sleep?
Stop it! I told you already Quebec that you can write for days!
Yeah, I have no regrets on the B side. I used to think I was very particular about what and who I was looking for after marriage, but that’s not it. I just don’t want to get married to get divorced a second time. Hell, I didn’t get married to get divorced a first time!
My soon to be daughter in law has the kind of quick, biting wit I love. When those two are together, it’s non stop laughter, tell ya what.
You are da bomb diggity, but you knew that already . . .
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Speak for yourself! Do YOU ever sleep?
Yeah, yeah, sure, sure… but did you read that first paragraph? Wowser…
Good, life’s way too short for regrets. I did the marriage thing twice. First time was a short-lived 17 months. Ahem. Second time, well, you know the ending to that one.
As far as I’m concerned, laughter is number one to make a relationship work!
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Welp, I had this great discussion on food with a top chef from Canada way. After which I watched “There Will be Blood” on TMC and then chased THAT with “Network”, , ,
Nah, I got a solid three hours sleep! lol
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Ha ha! I got to bed after cleaning up my kitchen and was woken at 6:30. Beat ya by a whopping half-hour
Hangouts?
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Imma head over . . getting ready in a few to put the finishing touches on my breakfast with the kids . .
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She’s a cat napper.
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Hahahaha!
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That soup from Tuscany way would really hit the spot tody, it’s so rainy and eeccchhh here. . .
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Working on that post as we “speak” so you can look at it and pretend…
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Oh, ya mean drool? lol
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Hee hee
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Cheeky monkey . . .
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🙄
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He’s an early riser and a night owl.
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More of the former at this stage. As a man of a certain age, when I combine the two . . . no bueno. I get really goofy. Or goofier than usual . .
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FYI: As I’ve gotten older, the nights get shorter.
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I learned this thing of which you speak . . ugh . . have I ever!
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I can only take so much. Sleeping in for me is 7:30.
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Yes . . . yes!
If had three wishes, my first one would be to be able to sleep till noon. My second wish would be to wake up with no aches or pains. And my final wish would be to have pancakes and bacon waiting for me . .
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LOL … what??? … no Vera Farmiga?
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Nah . . . Vera would be MY wish, not hers. And the thought of having to chain her up in the basement is soooo not romantic.
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Oh my my … .and I won’t go there.
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Neither will I. I’m much too old to be doing time. Getting inked and being able to partake of contraband cigarettes because it wouldn’t matter? That would be sublime. The rest of the deal . . not so much.
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Oh Lordy… You guys are hilarious!
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We’re the modern day Martin and Lewis. He’s Martin, cool as the other side of the pillow. I’m the goofball . . .
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I have to agree… can’t see Frank as a goofball – he is, after all, a ballroom dancer…
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Yes, there is no way, no how Mr Ballroom Dancer is ever gonna be confused with a goofball.
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Relationships can be a sticky wicket for sure. Between parents, children, friends, pets…well you get the picture…it ain’t easy. And surely the times we live in now add to make it complicated. Throw in a couple opposite and passionate personalities, societal expectations and a sense of having to choose something ‘over’ something (or someone) else, well, now you’ve got a hot mess. But when you have a solid foundation based on respect, admiration and acceptance, you can survive those rocky peaks and valleys. Congrats to your son and his about to be new wife. Sounds like they can look to you for inspiration on how to navigate the muddy waters. Now maybe catch 40 winks to be at your very best. Just thinking out loud. 😉
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Tails,
I am currently in a “Me” period of my life. Sounds self serving, and it’s meant to be. This isn’t a result of being selfish, quite the opposite. For the first time in a long time, I am flying solo for the sake of me. To learn, to understand. To gain a peace of mind I hadn’t been able to grasp before now.
These kids of mine are special. They make each other laugh, and yes, you’re right . . . it’s about respecting the other person. True thing.
40 winks huh? I was going to go for a run to wake me up, 🙂
Peace
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Solo is a great state to be in when it’s one’s own choice. There is no rule in concrete that says we must be coupled and I applaud those who realize it.
Ok, a run and then a nap. Both maintain brain health. 😊
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I love love, I won’t lie. But I’m not a person who feels that another person is going to complete me. Do I have a certain person I wish that might/could work with? Hells yes! I’m human. But we need to separate from situations sometimes, especially when we feel a disturbance in the connection we share with another individual. Stepping back is preferable to staying in something that cannot move forward with any degree of success. I’m rambling . . maybe you’re right about the run and a nap!
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It sounds like you’re human and in touch with your needs. There’s nothing wrong with going through life solo. I feel like marriage anymore it strictly for procreation. Once you have your kids there’s no need to recouple. That doesn’t mean you have to be a hermit. I find I’m happiest alone. Sure the companionship is wonderful (who doesn’t want to share life’s great adventures) but I don’t ‘need’ it in order to be complete.
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That’s exactly it! I dig that other half to keep me upright and catch me when I need to be caught. But to be with someone JUST to be with someone? I have been there and done that . . .
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Been there, done that, earned the divorce. Oops…out loud voice again, sorry. 😇 #filterMonikafilter
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Too . . . umm . . . late? 🙂
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More frequently than not. It’s no wonder I’m a singleton! 🤣
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Ain’t a dang thing wrong with it. The weather is just fine in this neck of the woods.
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Very positive post! I think that’s such a wonderful and apt message to take from Austen. And congrats on your son’s engagement 😀
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Can ya tell I watched Sense and Sensibility? lol . . .
Yeah, I think I relate to the perspective she was able to gain over the course of her life. She wasn’t just a brilliant writer, she was the kind of person I could just sit with and talk to for days on end. She got it, yanno? At least, that’s the way I see it . . . 🙂
Thank you again OG!
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hahaha that makes a lot of sense 😉 I absolutely agree with you! 😀
You’re welcome! 🙂
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Good advice: “The advice was simple, really. Never wish for that which isn’t, just be thankful for that which is”. Love the ending with Sinatra. Wait till the warm-up … BTW: You left a few straggled thoughts at the end. Happy Sunday! Enjoy your breakfast.
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Did I?
I’ll have to go clean that up! Thank you for the heads up! I knew I should have waited till the morning to check it over!
Thank you Karen!
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It’s Karen from Chitown with the save!
Hahaha! That was a look inside, and I guess maybe I would have kept it there if I was more of an artist . . yanno, sort of like the uncut blog post? lol . . .
Preternatural was a word I used in a conversation yesterday and it got stuck in my head . . I HAD to use it somewhere . . .
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Happy to help. I would expect you to do the same:) Maybe I’ll collect the “stragglers” and make a post under a title of straggled endings. Brought together, preternatural and all, will surely make sense. Are you up the for the challenge? One week of stragglers – dumped into a random composition?
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Damn that sounds like a great idea! I love it!
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Cool. Name the window start and end. I deleted my stragglers, so today is out.
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Oh man . . I will have to catch and keep! I don’t have anything currently, I don’t think? But I will check my drafts and start tinkering . . . Imma shoot for an end of the week post?
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Game on!
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And go Blackhawks! 🙂
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“I have now been divorced for a longer time than I was married.” Me, too! Jinx! You owe me a Coke. My marriage began and ended during the W administration. I did count his presidency as a factor in the latter.
🙂
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Coke it is!
W? I miss him. Now . . .
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I’m in touch with that emotion.
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Hahaha!
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Great post and running commentary. Enjoyed it all. Have a great Sunday!
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Welcome to mi case Lori!
And thank you so much for the chime!
Have a great Sunday yourself.
Peace
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What a great real life story. And where you all end up is good too. I guess we all have our life stories, and they’ve all got a lot of ‘real’ in there. Always enjoy the way you write.
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Thank you moment. I really loved your post today. A strong and inspiring message indeed.
And yes, my life story is so far from being done. I almost can’t wait to see what happens next!
Peace
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I appreciate your words. Sometimes it’s hard to write when it’s very personal to yourself. I wonder if anyone else will get what I’m saying. But hey, that’s why I write, so I put it out there and hope for the best.
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It takes courage and conviction to write from your heart, but it’s valuable stuff. For both sides of the equation.
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Beautiful story. I need to follow your advice. 😉
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I need to follow that advice sometimes, lol.
Peace and thank you
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Indeed. Good advice is always easier to give than to follow.
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Ain’t that the truth . . .
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Great treatise on Life, Marc. You said it so well that all I can say is I like the idea of liking what you got and not wishing for what you don’t have. It is like the wing walker rule. (learned by trial and error I’m sure) Here it is, “Don’t let hold of what you got until you got hold of something else.”
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I like that!
Yes, I think people who say they “want it all” are completely underestimating the meaning of this thing called life, and they probably aren’t even aware of it!
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Makes one want to define “all,” and then ask the question. “you sure?”
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I’ve read this post a few times over the past couple of days. I’m not sure why… but I have. I think it’s a combination of jealousy and envy and a few other things I can’t quite put my finger on. There are times when I have trouble hearing other people’s love stories. Maybe that’s terribly self-centered… but I guess it’s a defense mechanism. If I avoid it, it can’t hurt me. Only that’s crap. It still hurts me.
What does any of this have to do with your post? Hell, I don’t know. But I do know that I’ve thought a lot about what my writing would be like if I had the fantasy life that I dream of… that I write about. Is it either/or? I can either write it or have it but not both? Or can I have it all? I may never know…
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Sizzle,
The older I get, the more I think this ‘dream’ you speak of is elusive to most peeps. Even the ones who have those ‘perfect lives’ and share every minute of it on social media.
Be comfortable in your own skin. That’s gotta be the most important first step. Write, because you can. Fantasy…reality.. no matter, write it.
You can write, girl.
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Every time I see the word sizzle, all I can think of is bacon. I wonder if there’s some psychological meaning behind that…
I do think people lie. Maybe I’m just cynical, but when I see people online, especially, detailing their perfect husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend, I roll my eyes and move along. I assume it’s all a cover up. I remember hearing some comedian once say something about this sort of thing. Who wants to read your little love messages to your partner all over twitter? If you feel the need to put it out there for the world to see, you must be compensating for something else. Of course, it was much funnier coming from someone else.
I think I need more sleep.
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Sizzle,
Bacon is never a bad thought.
As for these peeps on social media, I think maybe . . just maybe . . they’re trying to convince themselves as much as anything. Which is why I learned, a long time ago, to never envy another person’s life, because you really have no idea what they feel.
I love my life, now. Imperfect, flawed, oddly amusing. But real. Very, very real. For the better and worse, but still . . mine.
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My life kind of sucks right now in many, but not all, ways. And you know I’m honest because if I was lying, I’d be telling you how great everything is…
I’m not sure thinking about bacon this much is healthy. Maybe you should call me cupcake. 😛
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Haha!
Cupcake is all well and good, but it doesn’t have that essence. Cupcake, because you’re sweet . . sometimes. 🙂 But sizzle fits you better. Because sizzle is truth. It don’t lie . .
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‘Cause I’m so hot and bacon-like? 😏
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Fo shizzle!
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Definitely a lot in this story of recent events. I wasn’t sure where the twist and turns were taking me, but in the end, I smiled. Well done! …. Thought I’d say hello from the land of blog break.
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Mr Blog Break,
I miss your wit and your outstanding company. Quebec speaks so highly of you, and I always agree. You’re quite the presence in a lot of bloggers lives, and it speaks to who you are as a person.
Can you tell I miss you?
Peace
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Thank you kind sir. But I’m am steadfast in my believe that blog breaks are good — yet I seemingly at times can’t fight the urge to stay in touch.
The lady in Quebecer is a good one … personable and witty. … and I expect her to chime in at any moment.
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She’s good people, fo ‘sho.
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