October 1 2023
An interesting conversation with a few friends, brought up some curious insights into life, love and possibilities.
The discussion surrounded the new TV series The Golden Bachelor.
I’ll start off by saying, after being single for fourteen years, dating clearly hasn't been on my radar. I married the man of my dreams, and he passed away too soon.
It took seven years to think about dating again. But in 2006 I met someone who was everything I wasn't. Oddly enough, the differences were intriguing. His pursuit was flattering and he was relentless in his conviction we were meant to be together.
Reflecting back….I realize it was a safe situation for my heart because he was such a hot mess, although very lovable, he didn't threaten the deepest part of my heart that was still reserved for my late husband.
That relationship lasted six and a half years and ultimately the different lifestyles were too obvious to ignore.
I reached a point in my life where it was time to embrace who I really was and stop being what everybody else needed me to be.
I sat down at the computer and googled ‘best places to retire’ and the Gem State came up in the top three. I found my home on the internet, flew up to see it, and then flew right back to put my home on the market. I didn't know a soul in Idaho…no friends…no family. It was a swan dive off the high board into the unknown. It was one of the bravest things I’ve ever done and I have zero regrets.
My new happy place has four seasons, lots of wildlife, the air smells like pine, and the trees are full of breathtaking colors. My heart instantly resonated with its new surroundings and pieces started to fit together. It’s been an incredible journey.
North Idaho isn't the dating capitol of the world and that’s fine. Nobody moves to Idaho to find a date :) I was happy to carry the memory of my late husband with me, honor his love, and live a quiet life of one…..with moose and deer of course..:)
Then The Golden Bachelor aired, and I initially watched it to see what people my age are doing in the rest of the world.
The bachelor himself is adorable, handsome, self deprecating, and also carries with him the memory of his late spouse. The sweetest part of the show, is watching the younger generation of Bachelor fans rally around him and support him on his journey.
I love that…..:)
I thought it was so brave of him to get back out there and try to find love again. Personally, I know my heart couldn't survive another break so he has my respect. But in watching these dating shows…inevitably by the time episode five rolls around, drinks are flying in peoples faces, women are crying, their eyelashes are falling off and someone runs off camera screaming... ‘I cant do this anymore’. (And thats when I thank God for moose..lol) The wildlife add nothing but unconditional love to my life, and it’s a much safer place for my heart.
The women on the show are all beautiful, well spoken, and accomplished. Some….in my humble opinion…seemed a bit desperate because you should not have to rip off your beaded gown to display your birthday suit before you even have a first date…but that’s just me.
The takeaway from watching the show was inspiring. Maybe the prospect of love doesn't stop after 60. Maybe the men in my life wont always have 4 hairy legs and a set of antlers. While I appreciate the platform of arranged dating to hopefully find that special someone…..I am a firm believer in fate.
Live your life doing what you love and if you are meant to have a special someone along side you….they will find you.
I’ve traveled the world and I’m happiest at home.
My last bucket list item is to get this house built on that property I bought, and watch it materialize from a piece of paper to a structure that started off as a dream. It might be nice if there was someone standing beside me, sharing the journey. Maybe.
My life is simple, and it took a long time to embrace the unique path I have chosen... and not apologize for it.
I play with moose and visit deer in the forest, I love to pour a glass of wine and putter in the kitchen, and I drive a Jeep not a Mercedes. I admit to wearing a Walmart onesie in the middle of winter because it's seventeen degrees outside and it makes perfect sense. They are super cozy, have a cute little fur lined hood and because its a one piece…no drafts of cold air run up your backside!
The first time I ever wore one, was my first winter in Idaho, and now I’ll never go through a winter without one ...or ten. I’ve even been known to put a parka on over the onesie, slip into a pair of boots with snow cleats and go out to shovel the snow off my driveway.
Years ago I’d just shake my head if I saw someone doing that…..and now.... that shameless fashionista is me. :)
When I broke my arm…..the onesie came through for me yet again. A slight alteration with one arm pinned over your shoulder and you're good to go!
it's a genius creation of comfort and practicality..
I cant pretend to be something I’m not, and I’m not one to sit in a room with 20 other women vying for the attention of one man, while dodging flying champagne glasses in the process. I know in my heart if my last chapter brings me a special someone …he will be heaven sent and already stamped with approval.
I’m still going to watch this Golden Bachelor guy, and if he gets through all the tears and has a single rose to give that special someone at the end of it all….it could prove to be inspiring.
Relationships really aren't that complicated….let each other be who they are….always remember what attracted you to them in the first place, and tell them every day you love them.
And if they turn their nose up at a onesie….throw a garter belt on underneath..
But that's just my opinion...:)