Happy Valentine's Day

It's the stupid stuff I love

he charmed me over the phone
smooth salesman, and I still buy
the patter

ears stick out a bit
boyish cowlick
wicked grin

his email replies
funny or innuendo

his spattered stovetop
sizzling dinner creations

sports aficionado
corvette enthusiast
game for anything

he listens (with an eye roll)
when I say, "I was thinking …"

joins me in crazy adventures
(balloon convention sounds fun)
(and it was)

supports me, my writing
and wields a worthy red pen

our oppositeness on paper
defies forces of nature

and that's what I love about Ray



Happy Valentine's Day!

Cupid's LIning Up His Arrow

I'm a sucker for M&M candies. Pick the seasonal color and I've got the holiday bowl to hold 'em. Pink and white - yep, it must be February and Valentine's week. Well, I've been munching on them for a few weeks now. No, they don't fit into the diet plan set on New Year's Day, but I have avoided Girl Scout cookies. M&M's truly don't melt in the hand, so they are perfect as a treat while reading or writing.

Enjoyed a Wall Street Journal article (2/9/10 p. D1) on Happy Couples Kiss and Tell. How do former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn maintain their perfect union? "Separate projects, and, well, don't ever write a book with your husband," she said. Point taken - sorry Ray.

In general, the advice for making a marriage last comes down to common sense: 1. Find the middle ground - compromises. 2. Be funny - humor and laughs together. 3. Keep (some) secrets. One woman said she has her own bank account. 4. Never, ever give up. Oh there's some days ... when ... but you've got to keep talking and work it out. 5. Stay alive. They asked a couple who'd been married 70 years what's the secret. The wife said, "Eh, neither of us died."