I joined Charlie's group to photograph things that make me happy for the next 100 days. Not a problem! I knew what my first picture would be... My every morning begins with a cappuccino that Ken makes for me & he'll keep them coming as long as I ask (that's happiness in my world!), and over coffee, we chatted with our daughter, Heather & grandson, Bodhi, when they Skyped with us. I confess that, in our retirement years, life is pretty happy... But when Ken said he'd gotten up at 4 this morning to finish some projects that needed to be completed before we leave next week and he'd done the laundry, it underscored why he's the main reason I'm happy. He always attends to the details. I have a small circle of friends who unabashedly call him "Saint Ken"...perhaps it's that they know he puts up with me! When I saw how well he always treated his mother, I knew he was the man for me. He was an amazing father to our girls, taking them on ski trips and river rafting as well as taking them to buy their prom formals in High school. He's over-the-moon to have little grand sons, and I love watching him "play monster" with Ashton that has him squealing, running and laughing! He can rock Dylan to sleep when no one else can comfort him. He can't wait to see Bodhi next week, and he's the Papa they ask for before my name ever comes up...but that makes me exceedingly happy...it tickles all of us! He's thoughtful and empathetic and to this day, he's there for "his girls" before we can even ask. I've had some rocky times and he's never faltered, never left my side. He's my husband, my best friend, and God willing, the man with whom I'll grow old. He makes me happy every day and we've had about 15,900 of them together. Anniversary #45 is on the 14th... I was happy back in 1969, but I had no idea then how very fortunate and blessed I would be. ♥
Excellent portrait and what a tribute! You and I are a lot alike, as we both know by now, and I'm sure much of our similarity is due to marrying our own Mr. Wonderful in 1969!
@allie912 Isn't it wonderful that you can feel about John as I do about Ken...we're lucky girls! In the crazy 60s, weren't we both blessed to find men who were mature beyond their years with a direction in life. There really isn't more to add, is there...we understand one another ;)
Wonderful portrait Louise and a very moving tribute to your wonderful husband! You have been truely blessed. Sadly I picked a bad Apple way back when. There obviously weren't enough Kens to go round!
@pamknowler Well Pam, thanks for being generous in your kind words, and, if you'll forgive me for making light of it, you're not the first woman who asked if Ken had a brother... I really am sorry to read that you weren't given the best of the lot "back when"... Perhaps I shouldn't have "gushed" about Ken in such a public forum, but there are many here (like Allison) with whom I've swapped stories for the last 4 years, and they've come to know him as my sidekick. And besides, I can tell him this is his substitute Hallmark Anniversary card, and it didn't cost $5.98!
I just loved your tribute to Ken. I have very wonderful friends that I feel the same way about as you do Ken. We are very lucky to have such great connections with the ones we love! May you love affair continue and grow as we age into our glorious years!
@seattle I'm so pleased for you to read you have loving connections like that! Life is sweeter to have uplifting connections that brighten a day. Thanks for your best wishes; they truly touch my heart...
@Weezilou I am so pleased you"gushed" Louise! I love to hear true love stories! This is a wonderful portrait of Ken and I am pleased to meet him. I am an old romantic at heart and your story fills me with happiness for you both!
Louise, you are a lucky woman to have a man like that, and he is lucky to be married to you, and to know how much you appreciate him!! Wow, I was so touched by your description of him, and this portrait pretty much sums him up: he has confidence, and kindness in his eyes, and a twinkle, and I can see that he is your "Rock"!! Reading about how happy he makes you, made me very happy for you!!! And, you deserve it!! I was so touched by your kindness and caring throughout my ordeal with Trouble, and you barely knew me or her! Thank you for being such a dear friend, and for lightening up my load ....I am looking forward to the rest of your 100 days of happiness!
Oh, and you had me at the "cappuccino" every morning!! :-))
What an incredible and awesome tribute to Ken. That's lovely. You say you're pretty lucky. I'd say he's pretty lucky to have you too, Louise. John and I only spent part of a day or two with you in Lunenburg in 2010, but we were impressed by you both!! Oh, happy anniversary, a few days early!! Oh, a beautiful portrait of Ken too!
Wow. that`s a great tribute. I`ve show this to Ina and she said: what do you mean by this , you want a similar one? Forget it. If you don`t know/feel it after our 49 years wedding where I`ve let you know it every and each day, it have no sense to tell now. But I give it a big Fav. as I admire you frankness.
@pyrrhula I do believe you two would get along famously! He'd certainly enjoy a beer with you...do you drink it warm or cold? (Cold, here...) Our door is always open for friends...
I hope I am still as blessed as you are now in 35 years. There is no substitute for a wonderful partner to walk through this life with and it truly sounds like Ken is all that and more for you. Greg and I had our growing pains through the first 3 years of our marriage learning how to live and even fight together. I remember turning to him at one point and saying - I didn't get married to get divorced so suck it up we're in this together. Life isn't perfect but standing together for the imperfections is all part of the deal.
This is such a wonderful portrait of Ken, such a handsome guy you've capture. PS - I love you're remark about telling him this is his anniversary card and you've saved $5.95!!
Well Louise, somehow I sensed from very early on when I met the two of you here on 365 that you were a match. IAs I read your words I caught myself saying, "yes" "yes" "it's great" Life couldn't be better when you find that special someone with whom you can grow closer with each passing year. Happy Anniversary, and the joy comes through in your project.
@digitalrn Thank you so much Rick...from both of us! I like to think of myself as strong, but I'd be nothing without Ken. It's my good fortune that he says he feels the same about me...so here's to the Josie & Rick, the Allie and John's and the Ken and Louise's...may everyone fine "the one" and be as lucky as "we"...
@dgrynn I love it when a photo becomes something of a gathering spot for friends to have a conversation! Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words. I commend you and Greg for realizing this isn't "just living together awhile", but truly growing through "the good times and the bad" and emerging with a bond that is immensely stronger than the day you married your loved one! As I'm no good with numbers, I had to ask Ken how many years we'd been married...he laughs at me, engineer that he is...artist that I am, the charm & the beauty of it all surpasses the ritualistic numbers... If opposites attract, we were a match made in heaven!
so this is the ken of "louise and ken"! first off, may i greet you a happy anniversary (did you say 45? wow!) and here's wishing that you would have 45 more years of bliss and happiness. it is very rare in this day and age to find a couple who are as devoted to each other as when they started. it is indeed special and enviable as i had to kiss a few princes myself to find my present frog and he annoys me all the time but it may be that i am just as annoying myself.
second, thank you for your kind words and comments on my photo the other day. it was very nice and i really appreciated it. it made the extra work (putting on make up, etc.) all worth it.
enjoy your anniversary celebration, and again, thank you.
@summerfield What a delight you always are! Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by and thank you for the good wishes. I've surrounded myself with some real quality people on 365 and I'm delighted to count you amongst them! I look forward to a "summer-filled" with delightful photos & hysterical captions...I know I can count on it from you! Thanks again!
June 14th, 2014
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Oh, and you had me at the "cappuccino" every morning!! :-))
This is such a wonderful portrait of Ken, such a handsome guy you've capture. PS - I love you're remark about telling him this is his anniversary card and you've saved $5.95!!
second, thank you for your kind words and comments on my photo the other day. it was very nice and i really appreciated it. it made the extra work (putting on make up, etc.) all worth it.
enjoy your anniversary celebration, and again, thank you.