The Bullet List {Marty From TravelinOma}

I have told you before that I often remember the first post I read on a blog, but in this case I remember the first story I read.  I am a sucker for a good love story.

I came across TravelinOma by way of Marta’s blog, and while I don’t remember what took me there, I remember seeing a link for her love story.  None the wiser I clicked on it and an hour later remembered that I had two kids to take care of.  I often skim through posts looking for points that interest me, but Marty has a way of telling a story that makes you want to know every detail.  It helped that I have always been intrigued by Austria, the setting of the love story, but really it made me want to fall in love with my husband all over again.  When you have a moment, grab a cup of your favorite whatever and dig in, it’s a great read.

I had a chance to meet Marty recently, and she is as genuine as her writing.  While I sat nervously in a room of strangers, knowing she would be there I searched for her.  Once I found her I felt a little more at ease, someone I knew was there, and I had never met her.   Now that is a writer.  I felt no reservation in walking up to her and giving her a hug, I knew she wouldn’t find it awkward at all – and she didn’t.

Her blog is filled with stories of her travels, the love for her family, and life lessons she has gained – wisdom she shares through the form of a story.  I find I learn best from writers who offer insight this way, it gives you something to relate to.  Again I had a hard time picking a must read post, but for the sake of mothers, this post is a great reminder, so true.

Speaking of insight, I normally try not to offer topics to authors of The Bullet List, but when Marty asked what she thought our readers might like I slipped in a gentle nudge for a list with her insight on marriage.  I was thrilled when I opened the email to find her topic.  I was surprised a little, thinking I would find a paragraph list of sorts, but instead found a simple list.  As with most people who have been married for forty plus years, she reveals her secrets are quite simple, and more can be gained from them than most books written on the subject.  I suppose it helps to start with a great story….enjoy!

Marty Halverson

“Falling in love at first sight is understandable.
It’s staying in love that’s the miracle!”

Fifteen secrets for staying in love:

• Look for reasons to laugh.
• Count your together blessings, together.
• Reminisce about why you fell in love in the first place.
• Recall the problems you used to have and how you solved them together.
• Anticipate doing something you both love to do.
• Watch your favorite movie.
• Take a long drive and listen to the music of your olden days.
• Pray for each other.
• Decide that unity is more important than being right.
• Think of love as a verb: it’s something you do, not something you expect.
• Forget about changing each other.
• Take responsibility for your own happiness.
• Speak kindly and lovingly to each other.
• Hang out. You can’t work on togetherness if you’re never together.
• Practice.

Forty years ago we fell in love at first sight. It was fun. Now we fall in love over and over, as we gain insight. That is even better!