On Anniversaries and Other Life Adventures

Posted on by Claremary P. Sweeney
Married Couple apped - 16 years!
Married Couple 16 years! apped

Today, August 20th, Charley and I are celebrating our  Wedding Anniversary. He’s gone grocery shopping because he’s planning to make me my favorite meal; the first one he ever cooked for me when we were first dating – blue cheese asparagus chicken with rice and an angel food cake with chocolate frosting for dessert. Tonight we’ll have a quiet dinner and toast our sixteen years as a married couple. “For better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health”. No truer words were ever written. We’ve experienced it all and it has made us even closer. Thus proving that Charley was right when I told him sixteen years ago, “I don’t really want to get married” and he declared, “Being married will be great!”

Who’da thunk it?

We spent the past two days on Cape Cod with our good friends Jack and Jean.  Cape Cod, Massachusetts  is a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s comprised of fifteen  main towns encompassing many quaint New England villages and well-worth a visit if you’re ever on the northeast coast of the United States.

I snapped some photos to share and decided to explain how I sometimes get the special effects some of you have asked me about. I use my iPad to take the photos and then run them through an APP called Brushstroke. Here are some originals and the apped pictures from our mini-vacation sailing on Vineyard Sound with our best buddies.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Composition is important when you’re choosing photos to app, although you can crop and darken or lighten as needed even after the fact. In addition to scenic photography, people can be interesting subjects, too.

Charley
Charley apped
Jean & Jack
Jean & Jack apped
Happy Couple
Happy Couple apped

There are many settings choices but I tend to favor Oil 1, Simple 5 or 6 and Gloss 2. Now, you can get a lot more creative with this app by choosing different settings.

Queen Anne’s Lace
Queen Anne’s Lace apped
Beach Plums
Beach Plums apped
Beach Plums apped

I’m not very artistic, but I use Brushstroke to do illustrations and create some really interesting pieces. I was showing this to two young girls on the boat and they couldn’t wait to try it out. It’s easy and there are many other Apps available, too. I actually picked this one up for free, used  it and liked it. I hope this answers some of your questions, even though it probably has dispelled the myth of my incredible creativity you all had in your minds! Marriage can do that, too.

So, sixteen years ago today, we started out to our wedding and a few minutes from our house we found ourselves stuck in the middle of a major traffic jam. It was Tractor-Pull Sunday at the Washington County Fair. Obviously everybody in South County, except us, was heading there. I told Charley it might be a sign we shouldn’t get married. He wasn’t buying it, so we soldiered on . When we arrived in our shiny, new, red convertible (two hours late), Charley’s friend Mike commented, “Mid-life crisis, Charley?” (referring to  the car and Charley’s age) My future husband  retorted, “No, Mike, Clare’s my mid-life crisis!”

I’ve been called worse!

The Red Convertible – not a midlife crisis
Charley and His Mid-life Crisis
Wedding Day, 2000

 

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123 thoughts on “On Anniversaries and Other Life Adventures”

  1. Congratulations, dear Clare! You are a very happy couple 💑 who look wonderful today and years ago as well. You suit well. Wish you many-many more happy years together, enjoy every minute and take care of each other. Hugs!🎉

    Liked by 4 people

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  6. Many, many congratulations and many more to come. We will raise a glass to you both this evening up here (just a teeny bit North of Cape Cod, as you know) …. You have had quite a story to here and I wish you both nothing but the happiest memories from here to eternity. Long live love 💖💖💖🍾🍾🍾💖💖💖

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    1. I’ve never done anything the “Usual Way”, so this was not a surprise to anyone around here. If you ever meet Charley, you’d realize he’s one in a million and I would have been a fool not to want to spend the rest of my life with him. My mama didn’t raise no fools! Thanks so much for your wishes. Clare

      Liked by 3 people

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  10. I haven’t caught up with the use of ipads and apps, etc, so I’m fascinated by the effects you’re able to get. The “apped” pictures look so great! I wish you and Charley a happy 16th anniversary. Congratulations!

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    1. It’s so very easy! I hate using technology and the iPad and App have made life easier for me as an author/illustrator. Anything that makes life easier for me is at the top of my “To Do List”. Thanks, Yvette,
      Clare

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  12. Congratulations! You’re a few years behind me and mine. I had also not wanted to get married (for most of my life) but after a few years living with this one, it felt right. I’m glad yours has lasted, too. Hope you enjoyed/enjoy your meal

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  15. Pingback: On Anniversaries and Other Life Adventures | purpleslobinrecovery

    1. Hey, Lucy! He never cooked before he married me, so he had to learn or starve! And I hate to tell you this, but he cleans up and does the dishes! I’m not lying!
      I really can’t believe it’s been 16 years. I wish things would just slow down a bit! Take care. Your Buddy, Ethel

      Liked by 3 people

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    1. Thanks. That’s exactly what motivated me to search out some Apps and I stumbled on this one. I’ve tried a few others, and i’m sure there are better ones, but Brushstroke serves me well. Have fun, Gilly!

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    1. He loves cooking with me as the sous chef. His first wife didn’t let him near the kitchen, so when we married, we both had to learn. We’ve made lots of mistakes along the way. But we haven’t starved. I hope the app works for you. Clare

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      2. We definitely agree with you on that! But we’re stronger today than we were 16 years ago because we’ve through so much together. I’d love to talk to younger people who give up on their marriages when the first real challenge comes along. If they only understood how much those challenges can bring them together instead of tearing them apart. We’ve gone through enormous financial burden due to terrible illness, family cruelties and other storms but weathered them and can look back while we’re holding each other’s hands and feel an enormous relief that we’re still together. My life certainly would have been a quieter one had I stayed single, but I made the right decision all those years back and realize today, we are a good match. Who knew? Thanks and I’ll be by to visit you today. Clare

        Liked by 2 people

  21. I’m a day late in wishing you a Happy Anniversary, Clare, though I can see from the comments that you did indeed have one. You both seem quite blessed in having each other to walk through life’s undulations together. What took you both so long to find each other?! 🙂

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    1. Hello, Hariod. We actually knew each other when we were in our 20’s and taught together. I’ve pondered so many times how we didn’t recognize then that we were perfect for each other. Charley’s answer to that is always, “Clare, I was married and you were crazy!” As usual, he’s right about that. It wasn’t until we met again 25 years later and he was divorced that we dated and figured it all out. Although, I’m still crazy. I wanted to tell you I’ve read your latest post a few times and I almost commented. But I need to read it a few more times before I add my comment to the many others who’ve followed you regularly throughout the years. I’ve definitely noticed a difference in your writing style from your first posts to the latter ones and am most appreciative, even though it is still a bit difficult for me. Have a lovely week and thank you for your thoughtful wish. Clare
      (Oh, I noticed some of your followers are still teasing you about the “Hairdo” gaff. Now, when I type your name it stays as is. I taught that spell-checker a thing or two!)

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Ah, a slight touch of the ‘ships passing in the night’ as far as your early romantic potential with Charley’s concerned then; although his ship charting a different course mid-voyage back then may have been . . . wait, I think this metaphor’s wearing a bit thin. o_O Mind you, from my own personal experience it seems we can sometimes be out of sync with potential friends-turned-partners, and then in later years it all feels more natural, so your timing was likely perfect, and I do hope you’re staying crazy – it’s the only way to be. 🙂

        Thankyou for your interest in my latest post, which is as much an oblique reflection on the state of Neoliberalism as anything. I used an anecdote from my own life to try and add a little interest, and wanted to avoid referencing politics in the piece itself, but I do feel quite damning as regards what’s come to be known as Neoliberalism, or unconstrained, rampant Free Market Capitalism. There was an interesting piece in The Guardian today about that, actually. It’s quite possibly not within your sphere of interest, but here’s the link:

        https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/21/death-of-neoliberalism-crisis-in-western-politics

        Liked by 1 person

      2. More sailboats than ships – rather dependent on the prevailing winds of fate – yes, enough of that!
        I’m interested in everything, so, will follow the link to educate myself on Neoliberalism. I thank you for that and I reiterate that I’ll be returning to your post later. Hopefully, this article will help me in making any future “lucid” comments to be shared on your site.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Terry. We’re extended our Saturday celebration to “Tractor-Pull Sunday” but we’re staying at home in the gazebo with the cats and not venturing anywhere near the Washington County Fair today! It’s the 50th Anniversary of the Fair, the weather is gorgeous and it will be crowded and nuts! Just like on the Sunday we were married 16 years ago. I hope you and Gary are enjoying Florida. I’ll be by your blog today to catch up on your adventures. Clare

      Liked by 1 person

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  23. Congratulations to you and Charlie! Loved the wedding photos…and the anniversary ones. (And the app – I will check it out.) But most of all, I love how happy you look together. I know it that “in sickness” part has been hellish, but looking at you enjoying each other makes it clear that you’ve also found heaven in your (unwanted) marriage. I am glad for you my friend. Blessings for you both. Jo

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    1. Jo, Part of the reason I didn’t want to marry him was that although his toxic ex-wife had tossed him over for a professor (she explained to Charley that she didn’t want to be married for the rest of her life to someone who was “just a special ed teacher”) she made it very clear when I later came on the scene that she didn’t want anyone else to have him. In her world, husbands and children are property. So, I didn’t want to cause problems for him – which is what happened in the end and continues to this day. But we’ve weathered through it and it’s made us stronger, rather than broken us up. Thanks for the lovely and much- needed Blessings and we wish the same for you and Doug. Love, Clare

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      1. So glad Charley has you in his life to replace that horrid attitude and balance the toxicity. I am positive that your love is a key to his health and recovery. So happy for you both. Love, Jo

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I wish we could have married like you and Doug, without all the past, family baggage. But I’m happy we do have each other now and have become astute enough to keep the “Toxic One” as far out of our lives as we can. With “puppet children” (i.e. easily manipulated) involved it’s a challenge at times. Thanks, Jo. Have a lovely week. Clare

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  26. Hello & happy anniversary. It was wonderful to read about your wedding. I agree that staying together through hard times is what makes a marriage. What a treasure you are for each other!!
    Hugs, Lori

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, and I’ll be by your blog today to catch up on your comings and goings. Keep working at that book! Mine is giving me major problems right now and I may have to just lock myself up with no distractions and get it done! Clare

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      2. So, I did find you on google search and have been reading all of your lovely August posts. I still can’t get in through your links. Also, I’m having trouble getting a comment box after your post. Hmmmmmm?

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      3. Sorry you’re having such trouble arriving. So glad you found a way. Such dedication. Thank you very much.
        Did you get my reply: Try http://hwbrycewrites.com
        or
        http://hwbrycewrites.wordpress.com
        or however that url is worded
        That second one seems to work since WordPress got me signing in via WordPress instead of the simple url.
        ALSO: in the teen-tine type at the end of each blog, there is a wee “leave a comment” link.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. I am a very persistent woman! I’ll check all of these links, now, and see what works best!
        The first one works, the second one doesn’t. Now I’m off to your blog again to see about the comment link.

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      5. Thank you for your many likes. It is so heart-warming when you learn that someone has appreciated your efforts.
        I need to steal a bit more time to peruse your scribbling further too. So far, I am liking what I see.
        Lovely photo
        of you too.

        Liked by 1 person

      10. I truly wanted to leave a comment under “You’re Doing Very Well As Far As I Can Tell” and I did find the “leave a comment” but no comment block ever comes up even though I’m logged in.
        I think this poem is absolutely touching when I think of your lovely wife. It must be very difficult for you, as it is for many advocates struggling to do the best for their loved ones. I’m glad you have your writing, because it can be a solace at times. If I were there, I would hug you. Clare

        Liked by 1 person

      11. Oh bless you Claremary. That is so warming. I gladly embrace your virtual hug. And yes, my writing has saved me, and not just virtually.
        I guess I should insert the whole form for the comment thingy to work. I’ll try that.
        Thanks again for everything.

        Liked by 1 person

      12. Okay. I would have written more comments, but I just couldn’t get it to work.You’re welcome and we’ll get this thing to work for you. I’ll keep checking your blog posts and trying to comment.

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      13. Usually when I check my comments and then tap on the picture or site given, I go right to that blogger’s posts. But, When I do that with your photo and hwbrycewrites.com/blog it sends me to a page saying” My Blog” “Nothing Found” and suggests I search. Get rid of the /blog and maybe it will help? Now I am going to the other link you gave me in a previous comment.

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  32. Hi Claremary, — So sorry about the trouble with the comment thingy. Where did you first get to my blog hwbrycewrties.com? If somehow you got the hwbrycethewriter, then it’s no wonder we have trouble. That was my initial attempt at a web site. I thought that site was so old as to be extinct. Yes the /blog thingy was an old attempt to get to the blog not the static home page — and it has been a problem. But I don’t know how to fix it.

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  33. Happy 16th Anniversary! Cheers to many more!! I love the Cape, used to spend my summers there as a mother’s helper when I was a teen!! What amazing things that app can do, especially with that plant that looks like a painting in the third picture. Looks like you had beautiful weather, as this summer has been so sunny, dry & hot! Did you bring the cats??? 😉

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    1. Thanks, Deb. This would be a great place to be as a teenager. We visit friends in Mashie and take adventures together. I did a previous post last year under the category Adventures with friends. Although June and July were pleasant, August has been really humid and so my gardens have suffered. I’ve been using that App for a few years and really like some of the settings. Others, I don’t bother with. Roxie got to stay home and babysit ZuZu. They don’t do well in cars. I think they feel they’re going to the vets and resort to caterwauling. So, no car rides for them!

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      1. Ah I stayed in Falmouth! I’ll search out that post, love when I read about the Cape!! Oh dear poor ZuZu I wonder what paces Roxie put her through then made her promise not to tattle!! heehee.. 😉

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  35. It was a lovely read. Very positive and I love the way you always put that spin into your life. It makes me want to follow your example. Its also very amusing which is probably why you both get on so well. Humour helps so much. So thank you for an uplifting read ( BTW – was that you I saw being interviewed for BBC World News at a baseball game?) It looked like you anyway

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    1. Thank you and yes, we do love to have fun. Charley says I make him laugh all the time. I tend toward the goofy lately – old age! The BBC World News was at a baseball game! And they didn’t notify me? What were they thinking? Who explained the rules to them and what was happening out on the field? I’ve been spending all my time with this mystery edit and so have not posted or visited – but I’m going to your site, now. I’m curious about your trip and the start of your new school session.

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  36. Lovely photos… of both then and now. Happy anniversary!
    Thanks for the insight into Brushstroke Clare. I have seen this type of image on Instagram with people using an APP called Prisma. I’ve not played with any of these types of apps but they look like a lot of fun.

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    1. Gail, I love some of the Brushstroke settings, but I’m glad you mentioned Prisma. I’ve been meaning to check it out. Once you get the hang of the App, it’s lots of fun. Right now I’m taking photos of historical buildings in my town where the mystery is set and apping them for the book.
      I like the effects, but am unsure how they will come out when in print. I’ll find out, I guess? Thanks, Clare

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    2. Hi, Courtney, Well, I read your post about Blue Mountain and although I am vicariously camping with you, I think I would skip the getting lost in the dark parts. I saw that you went to the “Lover’s Bridge” in Paris. Did you see the lock Charley and I put on the fence? I hear they are taking them down because there are too many for the fencing to hold. Ah, well, I hope they send ours back to RI. ⛺️🏕

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      1. Ohmygoodness I can’t believe they are taking the locks down down!!! When I was Iin Paris I found two bridges with locks, one was a sturdy bridge that looked rather new and the other looked like it was made of steel or something, so that’s probably the one being taken down. :/ Sad day!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. It’s the original Bridge and the locks were weighing it down, so it must be replaced.I wrote about it in one of the Charley and Me posts with photos of me putting the lock on the fence and Charley throwing the key into the river. I guess we’ll just have to return to Paris and do it again. De rien!

        Like

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