2.14.2013

real.love

So, it's February 14th.
The day everyone hates/loves for all it's mushy sentimentality, cupids, hearts, chocolates, flowers. Ugh.

On this highly sappy occasion, please allow me a moment to share my love (again) for this guy.  I still think I'm the one who lucked out to snag a man like my Ben.

You know what always has attracted me to him?
His sincerity.

See, I have a thing about phonies, about 'slick' fellas, salesmen and schmoozers... they make my skin crawl.  I've always held people to a high-bar when it comes to integrity.
Ben is one of the few people on this earth that hasn't disappointed me in this regard.
What you see is what you get with him.
He's real.
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Now about rabbits.
Ben proposed to me with a darling story he wrote about two bunnies.  Someday I'll share it here at length.. it's a treasure.
Anyway... that next Christmas I bought him a random rabbit figurine (yes, it was weird - that's why it was funny).. coincidentally he bought me the children's book The Velveteen Rabbit (see we are meant to be!).  You need to read this simple book, about a dirty, discarded old toy rabbit that fears his owner (a young boy) will forsake him for new shiny toys.

But mostly, you need to read the book for this quote:
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“What is REAL?" asked the Velveteen Rabbit one day... "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When [someone] loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept.

"Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand... once you are Real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always.”
  
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I'm still learning this whole real.love thing.
Learning what it means to truly surrender my heart.
Realising that strength isn't strong if it can't be weak.. can't be vulnerable.

All I know is, there's no one else I'd rather learn this love thing with.. than my Ben.

Thanks for loving me 'real' babe.

mush n' stuff,
Mel ;o)

**P.S... my husband writes a blog post about twice a year.. so when he does, it's pure gold!
Guess who wrote me a valentine today here!!**

15 comments:

  1. Cristina (icoulddothatdesign)14 February 2013 at 07:57

    Awww! You guys make a great couple (and a great family!). I know what you mean about being the lucky/blessed one. And I'm going to have to put The Velveteen Rabbit on my list to buy- sounds like a good one. Happy Valentine's Day Mel! (and Ben!)

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  2. one of my favorite posts. "real love" is something gibb and i always pride ourselves on. it's not something people get to have everyday, and we are incredibly lucky to have it :) ps, CANNOT wait to hear this proposal story! nothing gets me like love stories! xoxo

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  3. D'awwww! Adorable! Happy Valentines Day you two!

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  4. Lovely! I adore the Velveteen Rabbit. What a great story. I'm looking forward to hearing Ben's bunny tale. I also am so turned off by 'slick' fellas. I'm so happy you found your true love Mel! Happy Valentine's Day you two! ♥

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  5. Oh my goodness you two are getting me teary eyed!!! I'm in love with a. his adorable story about you two on his blog. and b. you making me remember the velveteen rabbit. That was one of my favorite stories as a kid. And sadly, I don't have any of my childhood toys. But I do have things in my life that are "real". Sheesh Mel, way to pull at my heartstrings!!!!
    Trish


    www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com

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  6. The Velveteen Rabbit is my most favourite story ever! My eyes haven't fallen out yet but I am very loose in the joints and very very shabby - but my man still loves me after 35 years together!

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  7. This is SO great Annie.. LOVE the legacy you guys are leaving for your kids.. parents who are still together/loving each other day by day. I'm not surprised you have a thing for 'bunnies' by the way... ;o) xx

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  8. Aww... hope you aren't blowing snot bubbles yet!? lol.... glad you're part of the nest, and share the joys of our quirky marriage/love here! xx

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  9. Thanks lovely!! Somebunny likes you lots too.. and you're a sweet crew! Hope you're getting loads of chocolate today ;o) xx

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  10. heehe, thanks! Right back at'cha! xx

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  11. awwwwwwwwwww shucks.. I'm tickled you loved it - and of course we share the 'real love' factor! lol I guess I assumed ben would share the proposal story.. eep, my bad! Just know it was adorable! Which one can tell from the way he writes on his blog post linked above! ;o) xx

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  12. Yes do, it's a sweet story. You guys are awesome sauce too.. why we should all live in a commune together.. lol!! xx

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  14. Again, our brains might be linked...I just picked up a used copy of the Velveteen rabbit last Sunday...love that one! I'm also a fan of proposals that include adorable animals and stories :) You two are the cutest !

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  15. woah... dun dun dunnnnn... maybe we are linked (how scary for YOU!) lol. The fact that you share my affinity for Batman it seems has me more convinced too! Thanks Gilli.. p.s.. your gift has been delivered to the folks house!! xx

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