Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Win a HOT hot-off-the-presses novel!


I was talking to a friend a few days ago who was very impressed with a couple we know because they were still together and still working on their marriage after TEN years. I think I audibly scoffed. In fact, I said something like, “They're still on their honeymoon. Come talk to me in another couple decades, cuz hubby and I have been working on our marriage for…”


As I was saying the words I realized hubby and I had both missed our thirty wedding anniversary. I mean, we knew we had one coming, and we had plans to celebrate later in the month, but we had literally missed the actual day. How sad is that?

Truth is, we really do try to make each other happy, but it’s not like those early days. Remember those first few years? I was just a littttttle bit more romantic back then. And a lotttt more demonstrative. I remember a time on a plane when…well…never mind. And a time on a train when… Huh, that one’s not good for retelling either. But there was one incident I can relay. Shortly after our first baby was born, I planned a weekend away, found a babysitter, packed our bags and dragged him off on a surprise mini holiday. There was another instance when I had to attend an evening church function without him. Just to make sure he was still paying attention I wore a negligee under my outer clothing, then when I got home I stripped off my street clothes in the garage and sashayed into the kitchen as if I had gone to church that way. I’ll never forget the look on his face. There were also times when I would prepare and freeze meals ahead of time when I had to leave home for a few days. Sometimes I’d even have a neighbor drop by and pop them into the oven so he’d have a hot meal when he got done with work. I gotta tell you…those days are long gone. If he gets a hot meal when I’m HOME it’s party time.

Anyway, it occurred to me that marriage is a bit like writing novels. And here’s how: you see, my latest book has just been released, but it’s long past the honeymoon stage. It’s not my first or my third or even my thirteenth book. It’s my twenty-eighth, and instead of the fanfare and parties and hoopla that used to accompany such an auspicious occasion, I’m afraid it barely warrants a hot meal. Even though it does have an awesome cover and a pretty good story if I do say so myself.

So, in an effort to make my 28th feel special I’m giving away a copy of An Accidental Seduction to one commenter who has some sort of advice on how to keep relationships alive and happy. Or even a story about how their own relationships have changed over the years.

And thanks to everyone who has given me the opportunity to celebration 28 happy books.

21 comments:

Susan Mallery said...

Congratulations on your 28th release, Lois! Why not celebrate by taking your husband on an impromptu weekend away? You don't even have to find a babysitter this time!

krisgils33 said...

congrats on the release. I'm not much of a romantic in practice and neither is my husband, but a weekend getaway does sound fab.

Virginia C said...

Hi, Lois! Congratulations on your 28th release! Why not take a private moment and think of 28 great memories you share with your husband. Think of 28 things you like about him. Think of 28 little romantic surprises. In this day and age, anyone who is married to a loving and supportive partner is blessed beyond belief! In life you can have that one great heart-pounding love, or you may have the warm-fuzzy everyday commitment kind of love. If you are really, really lucky, you'll end up with something that is a combination of the two! One persistent trait of human beings is that we lose our appreciation for what we have, and yearn for what we think we are missing. We should always remember that what we take for granted in our love relationship may be what someone else wishes they had in their own life. Look at your lifemate with new eyes...a lover's eyes ; )

gcwhiskas at aol dot com

Cindy Gerard said...

Hey Lois! Mega congrats on the new release and on # 28! What a milestone.

Something romantic? hum. buy him a power drill. Guys get all drooly over power tools right? LOL
Seriously - buy him flowers. MY DH loves flowers and every once in a while I buy him some and he just seems to get the biggest kick out of it. Of course, i get to enjoy them too.:o)

CrystalGB said...

Congratulations on your new release. Love the cover. I think it takes a lot of open communication and showing the man you love that you appreciate him to keep the relationship alive and growing. Just doing little things to say I love you and I am glad you are my man goes a long way.

Margay Leah Justice said...

Congrats on number 28!

I think the most important thing in a relationship - any relationship - is to keep communications open and always respect the other person's feelings, even when your own are hurt. As long as you can talk things through, you will be fine.

And have fun! Do fun things together and separately. Life doesn't revolve around one person.

Margay

Michele Hauf said...

Hmm, something romantic...


I got nothin'

Sigh...

But congrats on the book! Whooo! You need to celebrate that (and bring the hubby along) by at least going out for a nice meal and then maybe a nice long walk afterwards.

Helen Brenna said...

Congrats, Lois, on the new - yay #28 - release and the anniversary!

It is a beautiful cover and I'm sure a wonderful story and you should celebrate because you deserve it.

If nothing else, I'm buying you lunch! So there.

Hellie Sinclair said...

I got nothing that isn't said repeatedly--

Mutual respect, laughter, and old fashioned flirting seems to go a long ways to keeping relationships alive. (I mean, sex is definitely some good times, but if you can't quite do that, some heavy flirting to show you'd like to does help.) And laughter is always important (though maybe not during the sex, well, depends.)

Laney4 said...

Congrats on your 28th and 30th! (How many people can say that, LOL?)

Our thirtieth wedding anniversary is in 2011. I doubt we do anything "special" other than perhaps have supper out by ourselves. We celebrate our love almost daily with little love taps going by in the kitchen or just by giving "the look". No words are necessary, but they are expressed occasionally.

Last year I turned 50 and hubby turned 60, so this year we finally were able to have a big potluck celebration in our yard (that ended up in our garage and carport during the thunderstorm). Because so many people had such a great time, we'll probably have a party every year now. That means that 2011's "excuse" will probably be our 30th. It matters not, as we say that their potluck item is their gift; no cards/no presents otherwise and casual dress. We believe in the KISS principle, and it works well for us.

I'm sure whatever you choose to do will be just right for you too. Enjoy!

Unknown said...

Wow, Virginia C., that was so articulate and wise. I will try to take your advice. Thank you.

PoCoKat said...

Congrats on the release!

Every couple just needs to spend time together doing things that they both like to do.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

Kirsten said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Maureen said...

Congratulations on your 28th book and thirty years together with your husband! Sometimes we celebrate on our actual anniversary and sometimes we don't. It just depends on what is going on at the time. The important thing is that we plan something that we want to do even if it's something small.

Unknown said...

I love the idea of a potluck anniversary, Laney. Thanks.

catslady said...

I've been married 41 years so you'd think I'd have some tips but not really. Obviously you are doing something right or you wouldn't have made it this far. I think a quiet dinner for two or a grand party or a potluck party all sound like good ideas. As long as it's something you both agree on then it's special :) and really it's the day to day little things that make a lasting marrage.

Congrats on your book - it looks scrumptious!

Keri Ford said...

congrats doll!


marriage tip--hm. Laugh often. Better if laughing together.

Sheree said...

Congrats on your release!

Laughing together, snuggling (or some comforting physical contact), together time, and separate interests (so that you will have something to talk about when you're together).

ironss[at]gmail.com

Stephenia said...

How to keep the love alive....I like the unexpected little things - a note in my lunch bag telling me to have a good day, a note by the coffee pot "Sumatra", because it's our favorite and the beans are harder to find, so we celebrate the bag when we open it. Staying overnight in the honeymoon suite with the two person whirlpool. "Have a great day" texts. Holding hands at the fair. Holiday cards - we like picking out funny ones for each other. Checking our lotto numbers in the Sunday morning paper. Making each other laugh. Appreciating when he changes my flat tires (we live on a country road, so it happens more frequently), he snatches up the barn cats so I can pet them.I don't cook as often but still cook his favorites (lasange,stuffed cabbage), he makes me pancakes.

Your book cover is one of my favorites of the year - love the cover guy! quilter892ataoldotcom

Stephenia said...

oh, and it's been 22 years for us

Unknown said...

Congratulations, Lois! Twenty-eight! Wow I feel like a major slacker! You have so much energy and creativity-- I'm so proud of all you've done and of the work you do. Lovely,luscious stories with wit and wisdom and warmth--

When you get to 30, we must celebrate with a champagne party!!