Daddy's Christmas Angel

Monday, June 17, 2013

Do You Have a Love Story That Inspires?

"Swan" - ©Mary Montague Sikes
We live in a troubled world in very disturbing and dysfunctional times. That's why romance in movies and books provides often needed escape from reality. Sporting events offer escapes as well. I grow tired of the murder and mayhem television shows. We have only to watch the 11 o'clock news to discover murder and mayhem in real life or to hear the story of a young child who drowned in a public swimming pool because no one was watching.

Last night, I viewed the 2004 movie, The Notebook, based on the 1996 novel by Nicholas Sparks. The movie is beautifully done with the fantasy background of swan lake scenery at one point. The book is based on the real-life love story of the grandparents of Sparks' wife who had been married for more than 60 years at the time he first met them.

Nicholas Sparks spoke at a Writer's Conference I attended soon after his book was published. At the time, I was filled with envy for this man who had written for a very short time yet had already received a large book advance and was destined for fame. His book was released a year after the Bridges of Madison County created a stir because it was a love story.

I love this movie and that it is based on a true love story. It made me wonder how many true romance stories like this are out there. Do you know anyone with a special love story? Do you yourself have a romance that has flourished over the years? We all hear about the sad and unhappy relationships that appear to thrive in our unsettled times. I'd like to know about true love stories that inspire.

10 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'm still very much in love with my wife and have been for over twenty-five years.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thank you, Alex! That's a love story to inspire!

Unknown said...

That movie made me cry so hard that I vowed never to watch it again.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

I understand, Cairn. I cried, too!

Sharon Himsl said...

Still married to my high school sweetheart, and now we have six grandchildren! When we first met it was like "Maria and Tony" in West Side Story. Remember the dance scene where the world freezes except for Maria and Tony? Yup, that's exactly how it happened to us! :-)

cic said...

I first saw my husband when we were fourteen years old. He entered a classroom I was in at school and I KNEW he was mine! I just KNEW. Can't explain how or why, it was quite simply something I knew! We married six years later, are still married and still very much in love. We started 'dating' fifty years ago this month and have been married for forty-six years in September. We have five children and ten grandchildren.
Sometimes I feel greedy because I have had so much happiness, so many blessings. They far outweigh the sad and bad times of a difficult childhood, illness and loss.
Christine
cicampbellblog.wordpress.com

Chuck said...

I can only tell you my love story is still growing every day. My wife and I just celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary (we have been together off and on for 21 years) and we really enjoyed the weekend together.

Thank you again for the wonderful turtle painting!


Chuck at Apocalypse Now

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Sharon, that's a beautiful love story. Thank you for sharing it.

Christine, your story is a lot like mine because I first "saw" my husband and fell in love with him when I was 13. Thank you for sharing!

Chuck, it's wonderful that you have an ongoing and ever growing love story. Thank you for sharing that. You are welcome!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I don't have a love story, but I do love your art. I'm here thanks to Chuck.

Be well, Mary.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thank you, Robyn, for following me. I'm happy you like my art and that you came to visit because of Chuck!