Happy Valentine’s day, folks! I hope you’re all enjoying some quality time with a special someone.

I took my wife, the fabulous Mrs. H. out to a nice dinner yesterday. We thought we were being smart going out to dinner a day early and beating the Valentine’s Day crowd. We even went out for an early dinner, just in case. Early or not, it was still quite packed. It was still a smart move, though. Our waitress explained to us that Valentine’s Day is their busiest day of the year, right up there with Mother’s Day. Packed as it was, the wait to be seated was a whole lot longer for those poor folks who were just arriving when we left. Kind, courteous, and attentive, our waitress did a great job given the stress load she was under, and earned herself a good tip from yours truly.

On this day last year, Mrs. H. bought matching lingerie for her and I. It was the first Valentine’s Day we enjoyed together after coming out to her, and probably the coolest related present I’ve ever gotten from her. Sorry, folks. No photos of us in our lingerie together.

Valentine’s Day is the biggest holiday for flower vendors and candy makers – it is their Christmas, but I am a little puzzled by something. On Christmas, the biggest holiday for buying tech-related gifts for people, the price of big screen TV’s, cameras, laptops, and the latest gadgetry usually drops. Why is it that on Valentine’s Day, and leading up to it, that the price of flowers doubles and even triples depending on the source? I’m not really puzzled, by the way. In economics, it’s called supply and demand, but it seems like the “day of love” is just another good excuse for suppliers to get grrrrrrreedy (yes, I said that like a pirate). Perhaps because of their love of the “green” (or whatever color your currency is depending on location).

For those who are single today, I’m sorry… or congratulations – whichever you feel is most applicable. It can be a lonely holiday for single folks, but it is also a LOT less expensive. ;) If you’re lonely – just keep your mind on that silver lining. I’m not lonely… but my pocketbook feels a lot lighter right now. Then again, all the money in the world would not bring an ounce of happiness in my life without my lovely wife to share it with.

How did/will you spend Valentine’s Day this year? What was the coolest gift you either gave and/or received from your spouse?

Advancing technology opens up doors to new possibilities all the time. When it works, technology offers some powerful tools for productivity and artistic expression. Unfortunately, sometimes the very technology that is supposed to enable almost limitless potential, can instead stand in the way of accomplishment.

On Saturday I recorded what was supposed to be vlog entry #4. When it came time to edit the video into a more polished presentation, some serious road blocks got in the way. What should have required only a handful of hours to complete, quickly turned into a loosing battle against my glitchy video editing software. Attempting to salvage something usable from the failed project, I ended up with some new creative ideas – things that might not have come to mind had my stubborn video editing software cooperated with me.

One of my biggest pet peeves is anything that wastes my time. Free time is an elusive beast in my life these days. Mine might have been better utilized had I focused on something a little more straight forward. Instead, I spun my wheels while trying to get my video app. to do what it was supposed to be able to do, but refused to.

When it comes to video blogging, most people take a simple approach: record oneself talking to the camera and then publish the video with little or no editing. It’s basic, easy, effective and doesn’t require much of a time investment. Of course, I am not like most people. I usually prefer to dress up my videos, if only a little. Video production is somewhat of a creative outlet for me and I enjoy stretching my creative muscles. Whether or not I’m any good at it, creative expression is an essential part of my life.

All dressed up with no place to go, I shot some video to share that moment in time with others. There was no important message to deliver in the video, it was a simple chat session and supposed to be fun.

Even if no presentable video results from my efforts this past weekend, at least I ended up with a handful of decent images, including the photo used in this article. It is a still frame from the raw footage that has been transformed into a simple artistic expression of a failed video presentation.

Sometimes less is more. In this case, the single image is more effective than the thousands that would have made up the final video.

There isn’t anything really outstanding about the photo used in this post. I just liked how I looked in that moment and it seemed to provide a fitting expression in light of my uncooperative video tools. The “cut-out” look against video-static was a quick solution to an othetherwise plain, blah-background, and fitting to the theme.

It’s interesting how things turn out sometimes. I prefer things to go according to plan, but life often forces us in other directions. A failed project gives birth to new creative ideas that might not have been realized had things worked out as expected. It is a part of the creative process for many artistic types.

Instead of writing about and posting my latest video blog, I am reflecting on how there is usually some kind of silver lining in situations that don’t work out as hoped. From simple creative projects gone wrong, to more profound and meaningful things – one can almost always turn the remnants of failure into some kind of success.

Perhaps you have set out to accomplish something that didn’t go as planned, but still resulted in a positive outcome – maybe even better than was initially envisioned. How have you made the most of things that turned out differently than expected? Please take a moment to share a silver-lining experience or two of your own.

Update: Feb. 5, 2010
I ended up re-doing the simulated TV static background with a manipulated authentic one. The original image can be seen here, though only the background is different.

Update: April 16, 2010
I ended up publishing a shortened version of this video. It can be seen here.

Something lighthearted and fun for this Friday:  It’s snow season around here and I recently enjoyed some fun in it.  The snowman started out normal enough, but ended up turning out distorted – kind of like Frosty’s demented radio-active cousin.  It’s been a few years since making my last snowman, so I was a bit out of practice.  Since he was already pretty odd looking, I threw on some horns and “gonna grab you” arms and hands to complete the look.  The little snow puppy turned out pretty well considering I’ve never made one before.

After snapping a photo, I was reminded of those crazy Calvin and Hobbes snowman-based cartoons.  I can’t hold a candle to the comedic genius expressed in those comics, but still wanted to share my little construction-in-the-cold.  My wife doesn’t care for the “horned snowman of doom”, but I got a kick out of it and hope it brings a smile to your face, too.

For those of you who live in a winter wonderland this time of year, what kind of snow-creations have you (or your kids) made recently or in winters past?  Tell me about it.  Post a link to a photo or two in your comment, if you’ve got any to share.

Happy New Year 2010! I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and festive evening full of fun and laughter, among good friends and family.

The Mrs. and I were pretty low-key last night. It was just the two of us with no real plans for the evening. We enjoyed some TV together (a bit of Dexter season 3 on DVD) and took it easy. The fabulous Mrs. H. wasn’t feeling so fabulous (due to a visit from her monthly friend) and fell asleep well before midnight. I woke her with a gentle kiss and wished her a happy new year just before calling it a night and joining her.

Following the long standing tradition, many people will make new year’s resolutions with good intent, only to give up after a short period of trying. There are some very important resolutions I made this year. I pray that I have the strength to follow through with them.

The New Year’s cliche
One of the more popular new year’s resolutions is to go on a diet, loose weight, exercise more, etc. – call it the standard “get-fit-and-trim resolution”. It often doesn’t last as people quickly discover how time consuming and unpleasant getting in shape really is, not to mention the level of self-discipline required to maintain a healthy diet AND stick with the exercise regimen.

Staying fit and trim is a life-long commitment and there’s nothing fun or enjoyable about the process itself. The outcome is, of course, looking more attractive, feeling better and living healthier. I’ve always been able to stick with it, whereas so many others fail after what seems like only a halfhearted attempt. The main excuse is always the same: “I don’t have enough time.” Whether it be working long hours, raising kids, spending too much time watching TV, social networking and grazing on junk food while sitting on one’s ass, it always comes down to “lack of time”.

Never enough time
Even though I don’t buy that excuse from many people who toss it out there ever so quickly, I do fully understand the difficulties of living within tough-to-manage time constraints. That’s the story of my life – always so much to do, and never enough time. Even so, I always take the time to maintain physical fitness, often at the cost of letting other things slide.

Personal failures
Exercising daily is not something I enjoy by any means, but I keep at it. So many others do not, offering excuses to justify their failures. Fact is, there are many areas in which I fail miserably while others seem to have little problem, and that is where I find myself offering excuses. Of course, my excuses aren’t just excuses. They’re very real obstacles… aren’t they? That’s certainly how it feels. Perhaps this is how it feels to those who attempt dieting and getting in shape only to throw in the towel so quickly. A lot of people are, simply put: just plain lazy. I also think there are many who try very hard, only to run into what seems like serious and unbeatable obstacles in their lives.

A growing problem in my life
It is a little known fact that I am a foul-mouthed, quick-tempered hot-head in person. More accurately, my man-side, Gabe, is. As Gabrielle, I’m somehow more balanced and not as moody. Most of my time is spent in guy-mode however, and I have some serious anger management issues that have built up considerably in recent months. My out-of-control temper is mostly the result of misplaced anger. The real problem is stress caused by numerous factors in my life, and, dare I say – my lack of time and resources to deal with them.

My resolutions

• Manage my limited time more effectively. There’s never enough time to do it all, but with better time management and self-discipline, it will be possible to accomplish more in the time I do have and reduce the number of stressors that fuel my anger.
• Be mindful of angry feelings and hold my tongue before a stream of senseless profanities come out of my mouth at high decibels. It feels good to let it all out like that, but it has been causing serious trouble in my marriage and professional life and needs to stop.
• Focus and fully apply myself to the task at hand, rather than dwell on the problems I am powerless to change (at that particular moment). Deal with one task/problem at a time. Take things one day at a time.

What are your resolutions, if any?
Cliche or not, what are your new year’s resolutions? Have you chosen to make some changes and personal improvements? Have you abandon the whole “new year’s resolution” thing like many others? Please take a few minutes to share what you’ve got going on… and wish me luck on taming my own demons.

If you don’t have any resolutions to share, I’d still like to hear how you spent your new year’s eve, if you don’t mind sharing.

It’s Christmas day, 2009. May your day be filled with family, friends, love and happiness. I hope Santa was good to you.

In my childhood, the anticipation of opening up presents on Christmas morning made if difficult to sleep the night before. My brother and I would always be awake very early on Christmas morning. Tactfully waking up our parents so that we could have at the cornucopia of presents that lie under the Christmas tree was a yearly ritual.

After several years of being woken up around 5:00 AM by kids who could not contain their excitement, our parents started the tradition of opening up presents on Christmas eve – just after returning home from the Christmas eve mass that we attended as a family. It worked out great for everyone – my brother and I got to open our gifts without that last grueling wait of anticipation for one more (sleepless) night, and Mom and Dad got to sleep in the next morning.

Those were magical times – the joy of opening up gifts in my youth and then playing with new toys for the first time. Having Christmas break off from school to enjoy new toys, sledding, and playing in the snow was always a joyous experience. My memories of playing with Star Wars toys and Atari video games are probably the strongest from those days.

I miss the magic that Christmas once held for a much younger me, but there are still good times to be had and plenty to be thankful for and celebrate.

With a few family gatherings out of the way already, there will be more family coming over throughout the day today. In-laws, nieces, and nephews will be joining us for their Christmas presents that await under our tree, and what will surely be an amazing pork dinner prepared by my wife, the fabulous Mrs. H. She started preparing the meat two days ago and the delicious aroma has already filled the air as it slowly cooks.

What are your favorite Christmas memories from childhood? What are your plans for today? Was Santa good to you? Please take a moment and share a bit of your Christmas joy with me in a comment. :)

DISCLAIMER: I have no control over the suggested videos offered after mine finishes. I do NOT endorse any of them.

Related content: My YouTube Channel

It’s Christmas eve, 2009, and I wanted to share a couple of short greeting videos. I hope you’ll enjoy with a smile. :)

I’ve been terribly busy lately (and dealing with life) so this is the first new content I’ve been able to publish in a few weeks. Sometimes I think my website should be renamed to: MyCrazyBusyLife.com. lol I’ll share more about what’s been going on in my life in upcoming posts. For now, let’s concentrate on the most wonderful time of the year.

This second video is a playful and humorous take on unwrapping presents:

The music in both videos is “O Christmas Tree” as performed by Doro Pesch. I’ve said it before – I’m kind of a metal head.

I wanted to spread a little Christmas cheer on the night before Christmas and let you know that I’m alive and well… just been busier than Santa’s elves in December!

Please check back again tomorrow (Christmas day). I’ll (hopefully) have another short Christmas video and smile to share with you. :)

In the meantime, have a beautiful day. Please take a moment to let me know what’s going on in your life this Christmas eve. I’d love to hear about your plans.

DISCLAIMER: I have no control over the suggested videos offered after mine finishes. I do NOT endorse any of them.

Related content: My YouTube Channel

The purpose of our meeting was to discuss some business venture ideas, but most of the time was spent chatting about personal interests. Being the first time we met up since I came out to him, there was a good deal of curiosity about this aspect of my life, which I was more than happy to discuss.

During our conversation, he made an interesting comment to me. He’s known a total of three crossdressers and pointed out, “…but you’re the only normal one.” He shared with me that the other crossdressers both exhibited negative, degrading feminine behavior in girl-mode – the kind of behavior that most women would (and trans folk should) find insulting. I certainly did.

The way he described their behavior was basically a poorly done, exaggerated impression of a woman acted out by someone who does not think very highly of the female gender. Imagine a silly, no-class comedic high-pitched female vocal impression repeatedly explaining how dumb she is because she’s just a dumb little girl and as such, not very bright. Imagine this kind of behavior playing out during a gathering – a constant display of exaggerated female behavior in the form of a dumb little girl. If I were to find myself in the company of such a person, I would probably share a few choice words with them and remove myself from their company.

Sometimes it’s very clear why often we get such a bad rap. Many people get the wrong impression of us on the whole because of contact with some very troubled people who also happen to be transgendered and/or hearing stories about such people from friends.

Every “group” has its bad examples. I’m all for people being themselves and living their life to the fullest in whatever makes them happy (barring that which is harmful to others). At the same time, I do not agree with such a poor display just because it comes from another crossdresser. If anything, I’m that much more insulted by it. An idiot is still an idiot regardless of gender expression.

I’m glad my friend finally got to meet a positive example of a crossdresser. Even more powerful is the fact that we’ve known each other for many years and he now associates my many positive attributes with my femme-side as well. Should the topic of crossdressing be brought up in future conversations between him and others, he will probably talk about the multi-talented, down to earth, “normal” one: me. I hope he remembers to bring up the fact that us “normal” ones are also plentiful, as I explained to him. Somehow the poor examples always seem to stand out more, but that is true in all facets of human nature and not limited to the transgender spectrum. Perhaps in time, more people will understand that.

As usual, I use the word “normal” with quotes around it because there really is no such thing as normal. There is only that which popular opinion perceives and acknowledges as common (and usually desirable) traits.

If you found yourself in the company of an idiot or jerk who also happened to be a crossdresser, what would you do? Would you put up with their poor behavior simply because they have but a single thing in common with you? Would you explain to them that perhaps they might benefit from behavior modifications?

Please take a moment to share your thoughts.

Halloween is often regarded as the “crossdresser’s holiday”. On this single day of the year, it is generally socially acceptable to venture out into public en femme without being ridiculed, harassed, or facing harm (from haters). Because a man dressing up as a woman is regarded as a simple “costume” rather than a social deviation, the rules are changed, if only for a short time.

In years past, I remember some of my male friends dressing up as women on Halloween. Their costumes consisted of ridiculous looking dresses, mismatched jewelry, a bad wig, over sized breasts, and absurd makeup (applied almost clown-like). I observed similar displays at various costume parties. In addition, the men behaved very much like men with only occasional feminine behaviors displayed, and usually highly exaggerated for comical purposes.

I am not a costume
Although many of my crossdressing sisters will be going to Halloween related events as their fem-selves, I will not be. The idea of “Gabrielle” being some kind of costume or sight gag is insulting. Wearing a women’s costume however, would be a very different story. A women’s Star Trek dress uniform was on my mind for Halloween this year. The uniform itself and presentation as a Starfleet officer would be the costume. Being en femme (Gabrielle) would not be a part of the costume, but rather my gender expression, or simply put – me, as in the one wearing the costume.

Poor planning
So why do you see a photo of Vamriress Gabrielle rather than Yeoman Gabrielle? The costume shown to the right here is only available online (or I could only find it online). Is I’ve said before, nothing I order online ever seems to fit. I’m rather tall (for a woman) and it would probably end up fitting more like a shirt, than a dress. Most Halloween costumes are not returnable, or involve penalty restocking fees. Because no specific measurements are offered for such an item (just small, medium, etc.), I didn’t bother. Mrs. H. and I checked out a couple of local costume stores, but they didn’t have anything comparable. Had I started my search sooner and put a little more effort into it, things may have turned out better. As friends suggested, I might have made my own… or have Mrs. H. make one for me (I can’t sew). It was poor planning on my part. As usual, time elapsed rather quickly and somehow summer morphed into October while my mind was preoccupied with other things. Perhaps next year. Truth be told, if I happened across a women’s Star Trek uniform (that fit right), I’d buy it any time. I’m a big Star Trek nerd and would love to have one just to geek out en femme, not to mention all the fun that could be had with Trek-style photos and imagery.

I’ll be en femme, but not because of Halloween
Saturday, I will be done up as Gabrielle… but only at home. Simply put, the opportunity to spend some time as Gabrielle will be present. After a long, busy week stuck in guy-mode, Gabrielle needs some time to relax and unwind. It has nothing to do with Halloween. As stated, I am not a costume and will not present myself as such. My wife suggested I “be Gabrielle” for Halloween (as in “Gabrielle” would be the costume), but I explained to her why I would only be Gabrielle for Halloween if Gabrielle had a costume to wear… which this year, she does not. The vamp-photo is just a manipulated image – I won’t appear like that on Halloween… only in the haunted digital world of the computer. Nothing worse than a byte from a digital vampiress. lol Sorry, geek humor.

Why pass up a rare opportunity to move about freely en femme?
I’ve explained why it’s not for me. Best wishes to my trans-sisters who will venture out en femme (as a costume). If you can enjoy yourself as such, then by all means, go for it. :) I’d rather see (tg) people go out for Halloween in an actual female costume of some kind rather than just en femme (as in just presenting as female in appearance), but to each her own and I respect the personal choices of others.

If I had a women’s costume to wear, I probably still wouldn’t be going out this year. I’m not much of a party-goer these days. The last time I went out to a Halloween themed event was 16 years ago. Back when I used to have more time on my hands, Halloween was a big deal to me and I’d invest much time and money into a convincing costume presentation.

Sexy = bad, but sexy Halloween costumes = good?
Ever notice how most adult women’s Halloween costumes are very sexy? Don’t take my word for it, check out this Google image search on “vampiress costume”. Perhaps a better example is this image search on a “nurse costume”. Some may call it “slutty”, but that’s usually just a sentiment expressed other women out of jealousy. Slutty is a behavior, not a look or appearance. Our sexually repressed society (mainly American) just loves to chastise women who happen to show just a little “too much” skin, or sex appeal in their appearance. Oh God forbid!

De-evolution of self-expression
It is interesting that on Halloween, it’s socially acceptable for women to express themselves in a very sexy appearance, so long as it is just a costume. Some may justify it as just “fantasy play”, which is considered to be ok on Halloween. My question is why is it only ok to be sexy in “fantasy” and not in reality? In the late 80′s and early 90′s it was fairly common for women to express themselves in a variety of sexy styles in public and at work. I loved every minute of it and miss those days immensely.

My personal feminine style is fairly sexy in presentation. Short skirts and dresses are my favorite. I love wearing them, and I’ve got the body to pull off the look. Please do not mistake my words for bragging – I pay my dues with hours of exercise every day. For me, miniskirts and short dresses are the ultimate show of feminine expression. Unfortunately, they’re also considered “too sexy” by much of society… except for on Halloween. That irritates the hell out of me.

Let’s not loose focus
Enough of my indulgence into some matters of a more serious nature that occupy my mind this Halloween. I appreciate your taking the time to read while I explored some interesting issues and would love to hear your thoughts on them. Halloween is supposed to be fun and it’s time to get back to that aspect of it.

A nightmare on my street
In 1993, I attended a costume contest at a sports bar. It was the last time I went out anywhere in costume for Halloween. There were some very cool contestants there, in a variety of creative forms. I received quite a bit of attention from people that dark and spooky evening. I went as the dream demon himself: Freddy Krueger. Rather than wear a simple (and fake looking) mask, I spent weeks meticulously preparing custom made latex facial appliances to simulate the disfigured, burned/melted look of Freddy’s face. It took about 3 hours just to apply it all properly, and was very hot and uncomfortable to wear. The judges thought my costume was not “original” and I won no prizes. Oh well. I collected their souls anyway. heh heh heh :P For those who are curious, I offer a photo (the background has been altered, but the rest is all me). I was a little heavier, my nails were very long and razor sharp and my hair was very, very short (heehee). My man-side as Freddy Krueger. I kid you not, that really is me under all that rubber, paint, and striped sweater. I believe I’ve mentioned before my fascination with slasher and horror movies.

What are your Halloween plans?
I want to know how many of you will be en femme this Halloween and whether or not your feminine Halloween costume is just you en femme, or does it include an actual female costume? I’m sure many of you will be in guy-mode this Halloween as well. What costume will you be wearing, regardless of gender expressed? Will you be going out, or just handing out candy to trick-or-treaters? Tell Vampiress Gabrielle all about it. :)

My favorite color is black and I love black nail polish. When it looking feminine (or trying to), I think my color choices differ from many. I generally do not wear bright, colorful clothing. I prefer dark, neutral colors. Dressing all in black is my favorite, and that of course includes black nail polish (check the photo below).

At the risk of sounding like an advertisement for the “Hot Topic” chain, I do like many of the things they carry. Some of the hardcore gothic-types make fun of the chain for various reasons, but I don’t really care. I like what I like regardless of what others have to say about it. I’m not exactly goth, but love many of the female gothic styles and plan on exploring them more in the future… in my own way, of course. Many gothic men wear black nail polish, by the way, which has nothing to do with crossdressing (as in, they’re not crossdressing by wearing it).

To me, black is a very feminine color, or more accurately, how I use black is feminine. At least it is to me. I do not follow the latest (women’s) trends or styles, but rather prefer to explore the looks and styles that I enjoy on a personal level. I really don’t care if they’re “in” or not.

The photo up top is that of the very first item I purchased en femme. I spoke about it briefly here. In addition to the fact that I love black as a color, I also love the fact that this particular nail polish came in a bottle decorated with a skull and cross bones. It almost looks like a bottle of poison. Some people may not think that is very feminine or girlie, but it is to me. More accurately put, it’s just plain cool.

It always irritates me to hear people say “Why not try a pretty color?” A pretty color? Black isn’t a “pretty” color? Come on! Black is beautiful to me. Beautiful, pretty, cool, sexy, attractive – whatever you want to call it. Black just rocks!

Truth be told, I have a thing for skulls, skeletons, the darker side, and the whole b-horror slasher movie genre. The skull and crossbones bottle is perfect to me. I’d rather have a “bottle of poison” than some “pretty” bottle of something bright. That’s my style and preference. At the same time, I have no nothing against those who prefer the lighter colors and styles. To each, her own.

The fabulous Mrs. H. recently painted her nails black, using my new “poison” nail polish. That’s one of many perks to having a crossdressing husband, by the way – we can swap and share things. ;) Her nails are usually painted variations of red and other bright colors. The black nail polish worked really well on her, going great with her pitch black hair. She thought they looked nice, too. For my wife however, it’s just a Halloween theme. She’ll soon return to her brighter colors, and that’s fine by me. Whatever color she wears, her nails always look beautiful.

I planned on taking a photo of her running her nails through her long, black hair and share it with you here. Unfortunately, she had a mishap on Sunday morning, broke a couple of nails, and trimmed the rest to match. In short, she’s not happy with her nails right now and refused my request for a photo. Bummer.

Although many t-girls and genetic women may be breaking out the black nail polish for the upcoming Halloween holiday, it’s a year-round thing for me. When it comes to nail polish, black is always my color… with the occasional near-black alternate color (usually at my wife’s request).

Is black not your thing? That’s cool. You won’t hear me say “Why not try a prettier color?” I’m glad everyone has their own style preferences. The point is self expression, as in be yourself, and not what someone else would have you be.

I think a lot of crossdressers go with that which is expected of them (generally by other crossdressers) and try to conform to socially accepted female styles. I’m already breaking social acceptance rules in choosing to be myself and express my feminine side. In terms of personal style, I may as well go with what I like, from black nail polish, to my beloved thick, black eyeliner. It’s not what many genetic women wear (aside from gothic women), but it’s a look that I really love, regardless of it’s lack of fashion popularity.

What’s your color of choice? Do go with your own distinct personal sense of style, or do you follow the ever changing fashions and style trends? Tell me about it.

It’s Friday… thank GOD it’s Friday! What a crazy, busy week it’s been for me. That’s often how things just work out in my life.

During the week, my wife, the fabulous Mrs. H., brightened up my days with her usual awesomeness. From her amazing, delicious Puerto Rican home cooking to the incredible way she rocks my world (and everything else in between) – she’s the greatest.

I love my wife with all my heart and thank God for her presence in my life. This afternoon I will greet her with a nice bouquet of flowers in hand. If you’re reading this, why not surprise your wife or significant other with some flowers, too. The loving smile they offer in return is worth every dime!

Every couple of weeks or so, I bring her flowers just to let her know I love her and just to enjoy the beautiful smile they put on her face. Flowers really don’t have much value to me. I mean, they’re kind of expensive for something that really doesn’t last long. Some people may see it as a waste of money, but it’s really not. Like I said, the smile it makes on her face is worth every dime. She knows I love her – I tell her frequently, and show it in many ways. She loves getting flowers though, and lights right up with joy.

Even though I don’t bring her flowers every week, she kind of knows my pattern. It’s usually on a Friday and usually a couple of times a month. In light of that, maybe the surprise element isn’t very high, but she loves when I greet her with a bouquet of flowers followed by a hug and kiss.

I call it “marriage maintenance” – the little things that aren’t necessary, but still make a big difference in the general level of happiness. Are you up to date on your marriage maintenance? Flowers aren’t just for dating and special occasions. They put a big smile on my wife’s face every time, and I bet they will for yours, too.

When’s the last time you brought your wife some flowers for no other reason than just because you love her? Why not do so today. There are often additional benefits in bringing your wife flowers, too, you know. ;) I’ll leave that to your imagination. But don’t just imagine a happy marriage. MAKE it a reality.

Have a great weekend, everyone. Bring your wife some flowers and I bet it will be that much better for the both of you.

Update: The photo up top is that of my wife admiring the flowers, moments after I came through the door this afternoon. I brought her a dozen white roses. As expected, a HUGE smile was on her face (sorry the flowers are covering it – she asked not to have her face shown completely). Mission accomplished. The previous photo was of a bouquet I bought her some time ago.