~LOVIN' THE ROMANCE...Letters of Love~

~MY OLD LOVE LETTERS~

George Bernard Shaw maybe said it best...

"The perfect love affair is one which is conducted entirely by post."

I've shared with you before that my hubby and I spent over fifteen months doing little more than writing love letters to one another during our dating years.  We got to know each other so well through our written words and believe them to be at least one of the reasons we've had a long, happy marriage.  By the time we said our vows in 1978 it felt like we'd already experienced a lifetime of talking and sharing.

ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

 

I will treasure those love letters of our for all my life.  When I reread the words written by such a young hand I realize the feelings in my heart for my young college-student boyfriend are no different than those I hold today for my now aging beau... 

Now...I love celebrating love!  I love reading about love, poetry about love and talking about love.  And, I love the back-story of lovers that have gone on before me.

~LOVE IN ANY LANGUAGE~

Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning were both established poets when their courtship through correspondence eventually led to their marriage in 1846.  I suppose it's only fitting that a romance between two great poets started on paper...

~ROBERT BROWNING~

In 1845, Robert Browning wrote a letter of admiration and thanks to Miss Elizabeth for her mention of him in a poem.  Her response to him began a long exchange of letters and visits from Mr. Browning.

How romantic is that?

Miss Elizabeth, who was practically an invalid due to a serious fall, was living with her very possessive father who forbade her to marry.  The two finally eloped and moved to Italy, where Miss Elizabeth and the talented Mr. Browning continued to write.  Her father never forgave her and never spoke to her again (how very sad!).

~SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE~

(This is on my Christmas List)

To raise the spirits of her husband after his mother died, Miss Elizabeth presented him with a collection of her poems called "Sonnets from the Portuguese".  They were given in reference to the way he lovingly called her "my little Portuguese" because of her dark complexion.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning died in her husband's arms :...( in 1861, after a long illness.  They had been married only 15 years.  Following her death Mr. Browning moved back to England with their son, where he finally achieved success and respect equal to his wife's.  He passed away in 1889 still adoring and missing his beautiful Elizabeth.

~WORDS OF TRUTH~

Below is my favorite poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.  It is often read at weddings and celebrations of love.  It was penned while being courted by Mr. Browning around 1845 and it's one of her most beloved poems today.

HOW DO I LOVE THEE?

(Sonnet 43)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

 ~~*~~

Some words by Mr. Browning...

"What's the earth

With all it's art, verse, music worth~

Compared with love,

found, gained, and kept?

~Robert Browning 

Blessings today as you celebrate life and loving...

Just because.

Love to you... 

AN OPEN LETTER TO My Beloved...MY VALENTINE

MY BELOVED AND I

(Yes! That is us in 1977)

In a world where the nightly news is full of grim predictions on both marriage and parenting, I'm thankful that in at least one category I've been very fortunate to not fall through the statistical cracks... Now, this can in no way, shape or form be attributed to anything I have done...on the contrary! I just happened to find an amazing man...

It is with great pride I share publicly an edited version of the Valentine letter I mailed today to the man of my dreams...

"Dearest Steven..

I suppose in many ways, this little note to you is way overdue. I should have made time to pen these thoughts to you many, many moons ago. Regrettably, I’ve allowed years and years of busy days and hectic nights to pass by without reassuring you of my constant love, ever growing respect and admiration. It is you I love…only you…forever you! Always and forever you will be my Valentine.

I believe you are a true “Giver”. I’ve never known anyone who can match your generosity in time spent or in money given or love shared. It is important to me for you to understand that even if no one else ever notices how big your heart is, I do.

I suspect we both will be long gone before either of our children will fully understand the depths of your love for them. I’ve never known a person to work so incredibly hard and yet require so little in return from those who claim to love them. You have set the mark of selflessness beyond the reach of all of us. I feel ashamed that my restless heart will never equal yours. In over thirty years of marriage I have often failed at being all of what you deserved and I can only pray that if blessed with another thirty I’ll be afforded the chance to repay you for all the kindnesses you have bestowed upon me.

I want you to know that I believe you to be the best father and husband in the world. Your work ethic and your commitment to the success of your children remains unequaled. Your faith in me has been nothing less than inspiring. Your love and devotion to the three of us, even when it meant giving up on your own dreams, convinces me that you alone are worthy of everything good…everything lovely.

I pray God’s grace and an added portion of strength be showered upon you today. I pray for you clear thoughts and tireless shoulders as you work with purpose and joy. Mostly, I’ll be praying that you will be blessed with the knowledge that you are deeply loved by this pink rose lovin, can't find her cell phone, 'um, honey...I ran out of gas again', 'Can you fix another chair for me?', high-maintenance gal...


Looking forward to more “us days” and sharing my heart with you…"

Blessings to you as you celebrate with those you love this Valentine's Day...

Rebecca