Friday, May 18, 2012

Fifty Shades





I think I am the last person I know to pick up and start reading the book Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James.  I have been feeling very left out of conversations about this pop culture phenomena.  I finally downloaded it, and read it completely.  I have to say, reading Fifty Shades of Grey, turned me fifty shades of red.

At first I felt flushed with excitement, then I became red from embarrassment, and finally I felt hot under the collar, feeling frustration and resentment.  I think I have gotten over that last part now.  I needed to remind myself that fantasy is not real, and people usually enjoy them so much because there is little or no chance of them becoming real.

The book started out just lightly erotic and I thought there was a nice build up of anticipation to the relationship of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey (both names that sound like they come from a book with Fabio on the cover).  Around chapter seven, it got into the more dark S&M side of Grey, and what he wanted from the unbelievably (really... so unbelievably) inexperienced Steele.  He needed to control her, and she slowly seemed to be enjoying this idea.  I'm sure, for some people reading the book, this is where it started to get exciting.  For me, other than a little morbid fascination, this is where I lost interest.

I wonder if maybe this is a younger woman's fantasy?  There was a day that I dreamt of a man similar to Christian Grey (minus the S&M).  He would sweep me off my feet, protect me, take care of me and provide for me.  I used to find that idea exciting.  I suppose, on that level, I can relate to the strong appeal many women are having to this book.  

Today though, at 42, I am so different.  I am much more attracted to the kind of man who treats a woman exactly as he wants to be treated.  And as for the sex... I am all vanilla.  For those of you who haven't read the book, vanilla sex is what Grey called the act of basic, mutual love making.  O.K., maybe I'm vanilla with sprinkles... but no more than that. 

Even though this book wasn't completely for me, I love it when a book blows up like this.  It gets people reading, and talking about it.  I'm happy that I read it, and I can join in the conversations.  I'm all about keeping an open mind, and hearing other people's opinions and views. 

There is one thing that I would love to know from other female readers.  If it turned out that E L James was a man, and not a woman, would you have enjoyed the book as much?  

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

20th Wedding Anniversary


Today my husband and I are celebrating our 20 year wedding anniversary. 20 years. In some ways it feels like it has been every bit that long, and in some ways it feels like there is no possible way it has been that long.  

We were just 22 years old when we married. We were 15 years old when we met, and first fell for one another. He was so different back then, and most certainly, so was I. We have grown up together. I am so grateful that we have been able to appreciate the changes we have both gone through during this growing up period. I know that not all couples that marry young are this lucky.  It's true what they say, "You can either grow together, or grow apart.". I thank God on a regular basis that we have been able to grow together.

We have so much to celebrate this year besides this milestone anniversary. Our daughter turned 18, and is graduating from high school and moving across the country to go to school at the Florida State University. Our son is turning 16 years old next month, and will be driving (yikes!). These are all very exciting, yet costly celebrations. Because of this, we wanted to do something a little more affordable, but still so special for our anniversary. My husband found the perfect way to do this.


 We had dinner at the fabulous Mulvaney's B & L in downtown Sacramento. Mike frequents this amazing restaurant for work, and we are very friendly with Dan, the hilariously entertaining bartender that works there. They went all out for us. They set up a beautiful table outside with gorgeous candelabra's glowing with tea lights, and tiny appetizers that were to die for.


 

My thoughtful husband took a picture of my wedding bouquet into a florist, and had them replicate it for a gorgeous center piece. Very romantic.


The dinner and the bottle of wine they saved for us were both exquisite. Of course dessert is always my favorite part.


After this amazing dinner, we stayed at an adorable Bed & Breakfast downtown that we could walk to from the restaurant. It is called The Amber House.


While we were at dinner, they set up our room with rose petals, and champagne.


In the morning there was fresh coffee right outside our door waiting for us when we woke up.


They then prepared us the most delicious breakfast, that we decided to have at a small table out on the porch since it was a beautiful morning.  

It was a short little, one night honeymoon, and I loved every minute of it.  I feel like the luckiest woman in the world to have found this man, and I will continue to be so lucky if he will only look at me like this forever.


Happy Anniversary, Honey.  You make it so easy to love you.












Wednesday, May 2, 2012

New Blogger Award



This is such a great idea for new bloggers!  I was recently nominated for the Liebster Award by a wonderful fellow blogger Jessah at Dreaming of Dimples.  Thank you so much Jess.



 Liebster in German means dear, beloved or favorite, and is for bloggers with under 200 followers.


The rules are as follows:
1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
2. Link back to the blogger who awarded you.
3. Copy & paste the blog award on your blog.
4. Reveal your 5 blog picks.
5. Let them know you chose them by leaving a comment on their blog.

My choices for the Liebster Blog Award are:
1. Shannon Elise at Ironing Out Life's Wrinkles
2. Margie at Am I a mess?

Sorry that I only know two new bloggers.  I'm too new myself to know any more.  :)  Please check out their blogs if you get the chance.  Have a beautiful day!