to us, in gratitude

"falling for you never felt like falling. it felt like rising, to find my place at your side"

[allthingsshabbyandbeautiful-dea]

[henricavyll]

Ye belong wi’ me. We’re mated for life, Sassenach.

[ourstride]

“Barefeet against the cool hardwood floor. A stomach filled with Kahlua dressed up in all different ways- a milkshake, hot cocoa, coffee. Clean breath and a soft white cotton robe. The light reflected warm off his skin, a deep gold shade forming the shadows of his face. But for the distant rumble of an ancient freighter train, the cabin was finally still. Laughter and rich smells settled into the wood for a deep night’s slumber. His slow breathing emanating quietly from beneath soft sheets, and a hearty comforter. 

In sleep, even the bravest of warriors show a glimpse of childhood. Of total surrender. How can I describe the sigh of relief brought about by your nighttime embrace? Shivering and naked, I am engulfed in warm silk and warmer skin. I greet your subconscious, sleepy and exposed. Hello, my sweet, says your arm around my waist. You tuck me into your shoulder, welcome back. When you fit somewhere perfectly, there’s no need for extra space. This king size luxury, this mountain of a bed in your quiet cabin, it fuels my love and craving for your affection no more than our tiny college quarters. On tall thin mattresses love is still made, still fallen into. Wrapped tight in the moment and each other, I care not whether we lie on heaven or beneath it.”

-a journey entry from when we were falling in love. 2010.

[jemscorner]

When the day shall come that we do part, if my last words are not ‘I love you’ - ye’ll ken it was because I didna have time.

~ The Fiery Cross, Diana Gabaldon

Happy World Outlander Day - June 1, 2019

[ourstride]

I found someone who

listens to me cry about feeling isolated and sad and tired from working so hard and failing at balancing life and friends...

...and responds by comforting me, holding me tight, putting on a show and then carrying me upstairs to bed when I've fallen asleep...

...and then reaches out to all of our friends the next day, trying to get everyone together around my birthday.

Just another day of you casually being my hero.

[ourstride]

Happiness Unplugged

The other day, after weeks of talking about how we don't like how much we use our phones, we decidedly put them down and started calling each other out every time one of us picked one up again. It was surprising (but also not super surprising) how often we'd absent-mindedly decide to check something, or how we'd want to pick them up as soon as our attention was no longer held by whatever it was just held by. It was harder than we thought it'd be. But we did it. And...well, the results speak for themselves. We had a fantastic, full day together - which was no small feat, as this was after work and class. We went to the gym, then to D&D (and had a blast as we always do), then came home and talked for hours. Laughed for hours. Forgot our devices. But the best best part was right before we fell asleep. As we snuggled down in bed, all limbs intertwined, we realized that neither of us wanted to actually go to sleep because we were still having such a good time. It almost reminded me of playing with friends as a child - how it would be time to go, but then you'd have an impromptu sleepover because no one was ready for the fun to end. Six and a half years in, we fought sleep in each other's arms, neither of us ready for the fun to end. And I loved every second of it. (Note: We still use our devices, although we're still trying to use them less. It's most difficult for him when a new video game comes out, and for me when I discover new art programs. Then we cuddle on the couch while playing in our respective worlds, but giving into the machines nonetheless!)

[ourstride]

I'm not very good at multi-tasking. If I'm working on a compressor and you ask me a question, I'm either going to shock myself or insult your mother.

-things John says

[ourstride]

Ivanka doesn't speak out against sexual assault and misogyny because she's had to normalize sexual misconduct her entire life - how else do you deal with your father wanting to sleep with you?

-things John says

[ourstride]

Christmas

Since making this tumblr, I've alternated between forgetting about it and wanting to delete it (so much cheese, amiright?). But tonight, after you fell asleep with your head on my lap in front of the tv and our Christmas tree, I remembered it. And I thought, thank goodness, because I need to remember this. All of it, with you. The cozy cuddle puddles that are always topped with a kitten, the no-flys, how I can play with your beard without waking you up. And how after I put you to bed, in our tiny house with all of its sparkling lights, I told you I would be joining you in a minute, and you mumbled sleepily, with eyes closed, "okay, but don't go opening your presents." How you make my heart melt and soar at the same time. I'm glad I didn't delete it. Anything to help me keep these memories near.

[walkinginawinterwonderlandofsnow]

[kristenmeriewieder-deactivated2]

[ourstride]

That time we got all excited making an autumn candle forest.

[ourstride]

When everything else is falling apart

You stay grounded. When everyone else is pushed away, You lean in, unmoving. When everyone else panics, Your eyes narrow, focused. When my day has been shit, And I come home empty, or angry, When I take it out on you, All of it, out on you, You get quiet. You leave, And come back, With coffee. With hugs. With understanding. When after six years of sharing a life with you, I can’t talk about you anymore, Without bragging, When no one else can ever really “get it,” I make us a tumblr. Look, love, I made us a tumblr.

<3