Tuesday, February 9, 2010

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

Please listen to the music because

...on Valentine's Day thirty years ago, you took my breath away





and colored my world.



Two months later, you asked me to marry you



and the adventure of a lifetime began.



You taught me how to work hard



and to take the time to laugh.



Through your example, you showed me how to reach BEYOND myself



while being myself.



And you taught me to never give up.



"Love is the only gold." - Lord Tennyson

I am a very rich woman, indeed.

And to all of you dear friends, I send you this Carte d'amitié

love's crown
Myspace Glitter Graphics



For a Bonne Saint Valentin!

81 comments:

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh Anita how very beautiful...Thank You...Happy Happy Valentines Day to you and your Love...Dzintra♥x

Queen "B" said...

Aloha Anita,
Just lovely, how fun to celebrate Valentines in such a perfect way.

savvycityfarmer said...

... and the love of your life is a very blessed man ...


watch for the mailman ... I can almost hear the squeals of delight

Stephanie said...

What a touching tribute. I love your photos.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Beautiful Anita....Very touching..
Valentine wishes to you both.
Blessings, Penny

Charlene said...

What a beautiful post about you & your sweetie! Loved the Blingee! Nothing better than a crown that sparkles. Would you mind if I used it on my post that I am thinking of doing (I got a new crown & wanted to share it)a post on Friday. Hope you are having a grand week. Charlene

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

What a wonderful anniversary to celebrate! You are the sweetest, dearest person, and I wish you every happiness and joy in your next thirty years together!

Best,
Stephanie

Christel said...

Dear Anita, a queen indeed, and he, your king! It is obvious to me that you are blessed, and realize, and appreciate every day. Happy Valentines Day to you, and your husband, My husband and I are working on 31 years! XOXO Christel

koralee said...

Oh this is so so lovely...your photos are beautiful..your sweetheart must be amazing. I very much love the image of you dancing...wow...you are stunning my sweet friend. Enjoy your sweet Valentine's day together.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Anita sweetie...
I so absolutely adore this post. Your DH is just precious and you two look so wonderful together. Isn't it lovely how the right one brings out all the good in us? (DH and I have been married now 35 years. I really don't know where the time went.)

You did a beautiful job posting the pics of you two and I love your crown. I am clapping for you sweetie, can you hear me? Take a curtsey. I love the pic of your dancing. Prima Dona for sure. Wear your crown with pride. I love it.

Country hugs sweetie. You are so precious, and I truly adore you. Love to you girl...Sherry

claudie said...

OMGOSH Anita, you are Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz...how cute is that!
You are magical my friend. You are beautiful, just beautiful.
Isn't it nice to have our wonderful husbands next to us for so many treasured years?
Happy Happy Valentines to both of you. Randy and I are going to L'Oree du bois. A fine French restaurant in the Gatineau Hills in Quebec. Yummy in my tummy. Next round for the root canal/crown will wait till next week. I have to eat lol
Love You
Love Claudie
xoxoxo

Simplement ... said...

Ma belle Anita, tes images pleines d'amour et de joie sont un vrai rayon de soleil !
Pousser la porte de ton univers c'est grapiller de jolis instants de bonheur.
Merci de tout mon coeur.
Je t'embrasse très fort.
Marie-Ange

Marie said...

Ruben is a very lucky man, indeed.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post Anita! Happy Valentine's Day!!!


Julie

desde my ventana said...

Anita, post merveilleux plein d'amour et de joie par la vie. Je te félicite et te désire un grand jour de S. Valentin.

Muchos besos,
Cecilia

Mélanie A. said...

Happy valentine's day.Beautiful to to Love and your hsuband

anouk said...

How gorgeous pictures, and how beautiful couple!
Happy Valentines Day to you both.
Kss.

LiLi M. said...

Bonjour Anita! What a delightful post from the beginning to the end. How romantic and I love that! 30 years...there was a time when I thought someone who was 30 was a kind of dinosaur, but now I know that 30 years with the one you love is just like a blink of the eye, and I guess so do you! You are such a lovely couple, I love all your photos, from the wedding photo to the Wizzard of Ozz. I love the part that you both stimulated one and other to grow even more. Well done. What a great tribute to the love of your life, I enjoyed this post tremendously. Merci! Bonne Saint Valentin à tous là! Bisous, LiLi

Presépio no Canal said...

What a true romantic love story! ;-)

So lovely! Congrats to you both!

That all the hapiness bless your lifes always!

Bisous, cherie and Happy Valentines Day!

desde my ventana said...

Quelques photos sont scannées des revues que je conserve depuis long temps, je trouve les autres dans Google
Bisous,
Cecilia

The Victorian Parlor said...

Anita,

What a beautiful post! How wonderful to be celebrating 30 years of marriage and lovely memories of Valentine's Day!

Blessings,

Kim

Tristan Robin said...

what a perfect Valentine - he's a lucky fella!

thanks for sharing your memories with us

(you make a lovely Dorothy! LOL)

Woolytales Miniatures said...

You too give me a real sense of love and partnership and I know that is because Christ is centered in your lives. Happy Valentines day , my friends!Love~

In the Light of the Moon said...

Your making me cry here at the computer.Such a lovely tale of love,life and happiness.Blessings to you Sweet Anita.Cat

Bonnie said...

Hi Anita, Happy Valentine's Day! Here's wishing you and Ruben all the love your hearts can hold and then some!

Love, Bonnie

Debbie said...

Awwwwwww, Anita! Beautiful!

Janean said...

how beautiful!!!

KeKe said...

Isn't true love grand? I feel exactly the same way about my hubby!!!

Unknown said...

Oh what fun to peek at the past, how it all began. Of course, I love you and Ruben in all the pictures but the Wiz of Oz one is my favorite. If I beg and I plead with you can you possibly make a copy and send it to me. I just love it and I just simply love you. May God bless your marriage to the ends of this earth...and beyond.

desde my ventana said...

L'Espagne te recevra avec les bras ouverts, comme tu te mérites. N'oublie pas de me visiter il serait génial te connaître. Peu à peu je présenterai dans le blog mes lieux favoris de ce beau pays.
Bss,
Cecilia

deb famularo said...

Oh Anita,
This almost brought a tear to my eye! What beautiful photos! No wonder you're a gifted writer, look at the beautiful you portray your story.
I wish you so much success in your new field that you are truly Blessed in.
Happy HAPPY Aniversary mon amie!love you, deb

The Dutchess said...

What a lovely couple....handsome man, beautiful bride...sweet Dorothy...funny scarecrow...You sparkle and shine..Happy day dear friends...A Bientot.

bunny, The Paris House Designs said...

This is such a lovely post and so inspiring to all of us that happily ever after can come true! you are a gorgeous couple...I love the crown!

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Blessed ones, you are light. I am so happy for you and know that I love love a happy beginning, middle and ending. You are beautiful beings! Blessings

Luthien Thye said...

beautiful post as always and the most mesmerizing images :) is that you in dance? happy valentines!

Deborah aka Miss Bee said...

Glorious! What a lovely testament to your love for your honey. Happy Valentines Day!

Deborah in NC

synnøve said...

Wow.. the two of you are just so lovely together! And what a lovely post this is.. it brings tears to my eyes too....

SharDon Exclusives said...

Very beautiful tribute to your love! Have a wonderfully delicious weekend of love...
Sharon

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Anita.....What a beautiful couple you made on your wedding day! Even though it was 30 years ago you still look very much the same! I hope you both have a wonderful anniversary and Valentines's Day!~xoxo Patti

Rattus Scribus said...

My dear wife,

This Valentine blog post brings to my mind so many priceless memories, adventures, challenges and love of our life together. I wouldn't trade any of it for another life with anyone else. After all these years, I still want to spend the rest of my life with you, and though my body falls apart,

love is immortal,

Ruben

Bunnym said...

Nice! I love knowing couples who have been married for a long time...we're working on it...lol

congrats to you and ruben
bunny

ps. my hubby wouldn't dress in costume for all the tea in china.

Fete et Fleur said...

Happy Valentine's Day to you two. I remember day you were married. God has blessed you both greatly!

Hugs!
Nancy

Champagne Macarons said...

Oh, what a lovely celebration of your love. Your king is a lucky man indeed! Your wedding photograph is simply breathtaking ~ you are a vision!!
I wish you many more joyous years of happiness.
I do believe in fairytales and happily ever after!! You are an inspiration, dear Anita.
May you and your king have a wonderful anniversary and very happy Valentine's day!
xoxo, B

Unknown said...

A beautiful bride, and adorable Dorothy and a charming scholar. How blessed to have such a rich relationship in adventure and love.
Happy Valentine's Day.
karen

Diana Brito said...

Oh my god, this made me cry...how lovely, how very very lovely. Thank you...
Di from San Francisco

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh my dear Anita....What a special and wonderful post. Wow! Two months! Who says you need to wait ages and ages to marry.....THIRTY YEARS! So amazing.....Beautiful bride then........just as beautiful now.

Happy Anniversary to you and your beloved.... Happy Valentine's Day too!

Huggies,
Spence

Fine Bessot said...

Voila chère Anita, je vous retrouve mais ne vous avez pas vraiment perdu, car j'ai insérer votre site en lien sur le mien sans savoir qui vous étiez personnellement.
J'aime beaucoup votre blog et trouve très romantique votre déclaration pour la Saint Valentin ; cela me touche d'autant plus que je ne marche pas à toutes ces fêtes commerciales, même Noël, même la fête des mères m'exaspère dans leurs débauches de produits inutiles.
Peut-être aussi, parce que je n'ai pas d'amoureux !!!
Il y a tellement de générosité et de beauté dans votre post que j'en suis émue.
Passez un excellent moment rempli de bonheur. Je vous embrasse.

annie said...

...and they lived happily ever after.........not The End...
annie

annie said...

Anita-
Thank you for stopping by once more.
Joy and I have worked together on a former event here at Stone Meadow.
We're planning on a spring event as well and whatever else comes our way!
annie

"Create Beauty" said...

Beautiful! Happy Valentines Day Anita!!! ~ Violet

Char said...

That is perfect!! Char

Val said...

Je t'aime beaucoup dans la tenue de Dorothy du Magicien d'Oz!!
J'adore la chanson "the 1st time..." dans la version de Marcia Griffiths
Merci pour ta carte d'amitié ,tu as fait une belle trouvaille pour nous...
Val

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Such sweet words! Love the images!! I'm off to read some of your earlier posts ....

Happy Thoughts!
Saskia

Anonymous said...

How touching ! Your story of life gives me courage - as I am going to remarry in the high age of 52 :-)) and after some not-so-nice experiences with my first marriage I am so looking forward to the shared life time with my husband-to-be . Thank you for your lovely post!

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Anita
This post tugs at my heart, but I just had to stop in one more time.
Beautiful!
Blessings dear friend
Penny

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful post...it's lovely to meet you...
it's funny because you have celin playing in the background, but have you ever been told that you look like her!?

gorgeous!

i'll poke around some more..
come see me too sometime...ciao bella

Tara said...

What a nice memory for you, Anita!

BonjourRomance said...

Oh dear Anita,
What a beautiful love story. Love your wedding photo - such a gorgeous couple. Yes I do believe in living happily after after - and you and your honey are proof of it! Yes I do believe in destiny!
Thank you for sharing. Wishing you both the most wonderful Valentine's and wedding anniversary!

Anonymous said...

Familiarity...
je suis tres content!

I love all that you love....came back here to read on some more...your bread making post...delicious...I make homemade bread and pizza all the time...
there's no better way...

your "comment" aka...letter...brought such a wonderful smile to my face! you made my night - believe me!

come back anytime...again and again as time will permit you to!
and I shall do the same...

I am happy to be your new follower,, won't you be mine? does that sound like a valentine? lol

until tomorrow..
ciao...or should I say,
au revoir madamme...
"ps...I used to get top of the class in french!" ooohhh la la...c'est tres bien, non?
mais oui!

Jorgelina said...

Hi Anita!!
What a wonderful anniversary to celebrate!
I so absolutely adore this post.
Happy happy happy Valentine's Day!!!

Jorgelina said...

Anita,it visits my new entrance….
Dedicated to my vacations to Tanti-Cordoba.
Hugs

LuLu Kellogg said...

This is one of the most beautiful posts I have ever seen....I really enjoyed seeing the photos of you and your groom :)

Happy Valentine's Day to you and your Sweetheart.

Bisous,
LuLu♥

La Petite Gallery said...

Dear Anita,
How romantic, getting Married on Valentine's Day. It makes it so very special.You both are peautiful people. Congratulations and Many More annniversaries
your photo's were much enjoyed.

yvonne

à la parisienne said...

Anita,

This post is so special and sweet.
I just love your wedding picture, but my favorite is your Wizard of Oz picture. It's so wonderful that your husband has encouraged you to reach your highest potential, and that you two can still laugh together. Happy Valentine's Day, my dear friend.
Mandy

Charlene said...

I used your blingee & LOVED it. Perfect for my post. THANKS! Charlene

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Anita, this is truly one of the sweetest, most romantic Valentine tributes ever. How blessed you both are! Thanks for sharing with us. This was such a pleasure to read.

Happy Valentine's Day!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Lara Harris said...

How beautiful!:)

Joyce said...

OK, you two are just too adorable. What a beautiful bride you were. The wedding must have beed magnificent. Happy Valentines day to you both.

A Bit of the Blarney said...

There's nothing like being the caboose at the end of a wonderful train. For all I would have said has already been said, except perhaps, "God Bless you both with years and years of happiness!!!" Happy Valentine's Day! Cathy

My Casa Bella said...

Oh Anita, is that you in the wedding picture?? How beautiful and classy!!! Love your post, so sweet. Its wonderful to be blessed with someone who you not only love but that loves back, I am blessed.
Arlene

Unknown said...

Hello Ms. Anita,

That was so beautiful and moving. How perfect for this Valentine's Day. Thank you so much for the compliments on my mask. If you do make one, please let me know so I can have a peek.

Wishing you and your sweetheart a happy Valentine's Day.

xoxo
~Kitty

La Petite Gallery said...

When you lived in mass. Did you ever go to Lawrence?
Bishop's (Greek
Lamb chops to die for Pita
and greek salad amd a platter if fries I have never seen anything like) Lawtons Hot dogs by merramack river and Bea's sandwich shop, & Clams I heard They closed Bishops.

Edie Marie's Attic said...

I feel the same way about my darling Wes. It was love at first sight for both of us! What a sweet journey it has been. 31 yrs for us.

Thank you for such a sweet lovely visit ma belle!

Happy Valentines Day to you & Ruben! hugs, Sherry

Rita said...

Love your post my dearest friend. what a wonderful love story your have shared with us and your tribute to your love is marvelous.
A very happy valentine's day to you and your DH.
Bisous
rita

Presépio no Canal said...

Happy Valentine s Day Dear, Anita ;-)

Bisous, ma cherie ;-)

Eldiess' said...

How blessed you and your love are, Anita... to have a lifetime of beautiful memories.

Have a lovely Valentine's Day!

Tish Jett said...

Oh, Anita, talk about love and romance, that was a wonderful trip through your life of joy.

Your lovely picture beams out not just beauty, but happiness, a paraphrase on the Chanel quote about having the face one deserves after 40 (I know you're barely after 40, but you have the smile of a happy woman).

Happy, happy Valentine's Day and thank you for sharing.

Tishxoxox

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Anita
Wishing you and your Love a very Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy...
Thank you so much for your visit and sweet words.
Blessings,
Penny

Charlene said...

Happy Valentines Day!!!!!!!!!! I sent you an email & can't wait to see your crowns. My email is:
giftcottagehe@aol.com

Hope it doesn't go in your spam file. Hugs! Charlene

Anonymous said...

Dear Anita, This was beautiful beyond words! What a lovely tribute to your husband ♥ How special that you met on Valentine's Day! I hope this Valentine's Day was blessed and special in every way.

Ulla said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! Ruban is blessed as much as you are!
I hope you will come to California this summer!
Ulla