Question of the Month: When have you lost or found love? This post is part of two blog hops in one, The Question of the Month, hosted by Michael D’Agostino of A Life Examined, and Love Lost & Found by Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out. It’s February, the month of love, or not. It’s also a month of Birthdays in my family and extended family. My first born son, Bobby, was born on the 26th. He’s my “Big Boy” who is in his senior year of college. That was a moment of love, the day he was born, discovering what true unconditional love feels like. What a gift. Also, celebrating Birthdays are my dad, my sister, the Chef’s daughter, his brother, my sis-in-law, and a couple Presidents.
For some strange reason, I can’t access my own website from my home. I brought my computer to the Coco Moon coffee shop in Brainerd, and low and behold, I’m on. So, I’m taking advantage of the connection to write this post. Which is fitting, because four years ago (and a year or so before that), I often sat in this same coffee shop, writing my play Coffee Shop Confessions. We performed it here four years ago, which was the bravest and most creative thing I’ve ever done. While that was taking place, the writing, rehearsals, planning, and performing, I met The Biker Chef. He was the guy bringing in the scones and hanging out here sometimes, too. One time, Lorie (the owner) handed him the bagel that I ordered. She had introduced us the day I came in to schedule the performances for my show. He later came to one of the performances, and we made a connection. The next thing you know, I was riding on the back of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, taking my first big road trip on the back of a bike, a tour through Yellowstone National Park, and a quick visit to The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. We’re still riding together.
People often say that to truly know yourself, you must spend time with yourself, just you. I did that for almost five years after my divorce. It was a time of healing and discovering who I am and what I wanted. It also gave me space to work on my art. Then, in living into my creative life, I found a supportive partner. I wish the same for all of you.
Check out the other participants by clicking on Michael’s or Arlee’s blogs. Have a lovely February, and…
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: When have you spent time with yourself and discovered what you are truly passionate about?
times to heal are very eye opening! motherhood…what a love that is!!
Thanks, Tammy. Mother love is the best.
I have so many loves of different degrees in my life. My children, of course, at the top of the list, but then there are those grands. A different kind of love entirely.
That’s the best, and truest, love, Teresa.
That’s cool that you met your husband then. I remember when you did that play. (Wow, we’ve been blogging a while!)
Thanks, Alex. We’re not officially married, but true partners in life.
Love is wonderful when you’re falling and horrid when it departs, but it’s a circle we all make despite our best intentions. 🙂
That’s for sure, Yolanda. It’s much nicer to be on the “spring” end of romance.
And you’ve been biking ever since. Awesome story.
People do always say that if you know yourself and wait till you love yourself, you’ll be able to find your true love. 🙂
Knowing yourself does seem to be key. But what if you know yourself and know you’d rather flee than date? lmao
Then, enjoy your independence!
Sometimes finding yourself and spending time with just you is exactly what you need to discover love. What a great story!
Thanks, Megan
Awesome love story! In my QOTM post, I talk about my late hubby. He was a chef and he had a motorcycle. The rest was history!
A winning combination. You must miss him so much.
My boys are the loves of my life, as is my hubby. So blessed to have them.
Thanks for sharing. Time alone, hasn’t happened – not since they were born. LOL
Great ending to your story!
Thanks for sharing with us!
Heather
It’s true. To get to know yourself you have to spend time with yourself…and love yourself. Thanks for your very fitting post!
Thank you Mary for sharing. Finding that one person you can share your life with is a true gift and it gets better as time passes as you have a person who is in a sense part of you. A lovely love story. You are an inspiration.
Thanks, Julie
Wow, that’s brave to jump on the Harley. Good for you. I’ve always loved spending quiet time alone, and with two young kids, it’s become even more addicting!
So the Biker Chef swept you off your feet, and onto the back of a Harley-Davidson? Now that’s a stylish hook up!
That’s a beautiful story, Mary.
I wish I’d taken more time between relationships. I’m with a great guy, but I didn’t have much time to myself before we started dating.
Such a lovely story… Time to delve into ourselves is never wasted—and, yes, love of the finest kind tends to come when we’re at peace and comfortable in our own skins. I’m so glad it worked out so well for you. Biker Man sounds wonderful 🙂
Thanks for being part of the Lost & Found hop!
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
It is nice to revisit places that bring back wonderful memories! Great story of how you met your Biker Chef 🙂
Thanks, Elizabeth
My big boy, my first born, is also a senior in college this year. The time has flown by. There is nothing in this world more impressive than my kids. (I’m not at all biased, right?)
So true, Elizabeth.
Great story. So you’ve even been to Sturgis with your fella. Impressive. I guess that makes you a bad-ass biker chick, huh? I’m more of a biker chicken. 🙂 My husband of almost 47 years got another Harley after not having one for the past 25+ years, and the jury is still out as to whether I’m ever gonna park my keister on it. Waaaaay too much traffic in our area.
I’m not so much “bad-ass” as “Sore Ass!” Maybe you could take the bike out in the country to enjoy a ride? It’s fun, and a great way to experience this vast country.