Monday, July 26, 2010

More bark than bite?

I missed True Blood last night.

The drive home from my Dad and (new!) stepmom's house is just over 10 hours, and no matter what time my husband and I leave BC, it's a long, windy, and often emotional drive home. Yeah, I'll throw it out there, I'm a bit of a Daddy's girl.

But this time, the 'good-bye' felt a little more poignant. After a stunning wedding, I've just gained an awesome stepmom and three new siblings - two beautiful stepsisters and a handsome - albeit accident-prone stepbrother.

Not to mention the joy of a brief visit with cousins, aunties and uncles, grandparents, old friends, and my sister, who I rarely see since we live on opposite sides of the country. I love how weddings can bring a family together, no matter their typical geographical distance.

In two weeks, my handsome hubby and I will be making that trek again, not for a wedding, but to celebrate our one year anniversary at the lake where we got married. It's not just a celebration, but also personal solace, an opportunity to give the proverbial finger to the naysayers who said we wouldn't make it. No, one year is not a lifetime, but my husband and I faced some incredible obstacles over the past twelve months and still, my love for him continues to grow.

Thankfully, we didn't have to fight those obstacles on our own. For the past two years, my stepmom has been the one person I could talk to about life, about love, about hurts and fears. She's a straight shooter, but like me, she wears her heart on her sleeve. She understands there are two sides to every story and offers unwavering support. My stepmom has taught me to be 'me' - without judgement.

I need to spend a lot more time with myself.

Which means writing again.

I'd considered making my stepmom my muse avatar this week, but despite her beauty, she isn't a fan of having her picture posted on the Internet. (Which is too bad since her dress had everyone - including my Dad - awestruck.)

So instead I give you Joe Manganiello, a new character on this season of True Blood where all the men seem to have ripped abs. He plays a werewolf on the show - as well as Sookie's protector. I figure since she's got half of Bon Temps vying for the job, she won't mind sharing Joe this week.

I'll have no time keeping him busy. In addition to the role of muse avatar, I could use a tough guy to help me fight through a bit of emotional upheaval. Here's hoping Joe's bite is just as strong as his bark.

The Book In My Bag Today: Kindred in Death, J.D. Robb

19 comments:

  1. Aww your family sounds awesome. I wish i were close to mine.

    ReplyDelete
  2. so glad you had a great time with your family!

    and it's so clear through your posts (and your handsome hubby's comments) that you two are so meant for each other!
    naysayers can go jump in that lake you were married at!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks Candy. I sometimes forget how lucky I am. xo

    Aww Mi, I adore you. I spit my coffee across the table with your last comment. Hubby will smile at your comment, too. HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  4. An unrelated comment. I've always wanted to know...in your profile pic, are you the blond or the brunette?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wendy, I'm the brunette. My beautiful stepdaughter is the blonde...though she's not blonde anymore :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh come on Dawn!! Look at the man!! He definitely has some BITE!! LOL! Heck...I wouldn't mind him kicking my butt :P

    Good luck Hon!! You'll get through anything..besides...you have me to lean on ;)xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  7. He's pretty amazing, isn't he? Thanks, Karen. I KNOW I have you, which makes everything seem so much easier. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love it!!

    How sweet is this? So glad you had a good time!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks, Donna. It was a beautiful wedding :-) <3

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's wonderful to have a person in your life who makes you feel that way! I can see why you wanted to make your step-mom your muse - but this one works too ;)

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a very yummy specimen you've chosen. How about I borrow him while you're doing your dance class? No no no. It's not a problem, really. I insist...it's the very least I can do for you while you're working so hard!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ha! I thought you'd be ok with the substitute muse, Jaydee :-D

    Vicki - just went I thought all of the decent people in the world were fading fast, YOU come along with your absolute generosity. I simply can't stomach the thought of taking advantage of you. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey Dawn! Sounds like you've been having a blast, and a big congrats on your anniversary!

    All the Best
    Val

    ReplyDelete
  14. That is fabulous that your dad has married someone who is so much family to you, too. And I love family things--my immediate family (read: mom) is somewhat difficult, but my extended family is fabulous.

    And enjoy your anniversary! I think the first year is one of the hardest (first baby being the only one that beats it) so making it is no small feat.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks Val. Loved your last post, even if I shuddered a bit :-)

    Hart, I know what you mean by an awesome extended family... Certainly makes family stuff much more fun. And thank you - we WILL enjoy our anniversary. We'll be at my favourite place in the whole world...how could we not? Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That guy is stupid hot. He had a small role on One Tree Hill over the past couple seasons. Mmm mmm mmm.

    Congratulations on the new marriage and on your upcoming anniversary. Sounds like you have much to be thankful for.

    PS - When I get rich I'm gonna get you a TiVo. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  17. Suzanne - I've seen several pictures of him and would agree, he is stupid hot. Thanks for the congrats :-) When I am rich, I will fly you here so you can suffer through dance lessons with me! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  18. that's nice about your new step mom!

    ReplyDelete