Writing is like being able to put life into a snow globe. It takes the things that are too big and scary and reduces them into a form that I can put away when I want and look at from a distance. It also takes all that’s good in life and captures it into something I can take out when I want and look at close up and keep forever. It makes the bad things into something I can hold…and the good things into something I can hold onto. Both help so much that I need that little souvenir of life.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

And She Loved to the Very Bottom of her Heart



Though he hid it well, my husband was a very jealous man.

And here I was, unable to quit thinking about my first love, a childhood romance. But I had put away childish things for a more practical life, and I was happy.

Except I wasn’t.

So I met my love when my husband wasn’t home—briefly at first, and then more and more until I felt as if we could never truly be apart again. I looked forward to our trysts with an unparalleled giddiness and left feeling flushed and spent and whole.

“You're back,” an old college friend remarked over the phone. Had I been gone? “Yes, for a long time,” she said.

And then, after a phone call, I made the announcement. “I am guest columnist at a newspaper.” I still remember the way his face went red, then white with anger.

I never looked back.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all who love words as I do.


It’s Valentine’s Day. It’s not the day you run away from love. It’s the day you chase it down. ~Cameron in “Modern Family”

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11 comments:

  1. Beth M. WoodFebruary 14, 2013 at 8:39 AM

    Love this! And happy valentine's day to you, my friend!

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  2. BECKYFebruary 14, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    I will always remember when you shared this with me. How wonderful that you were reunited with your love of writing ...and never looked back. I'm happy for you.

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  3. Oregon Gifts of Comfort and JoyFebruary 14, 2013 at 11:10 AM

    Wow. I remember when I left ... all I wanted was a decent car and when I found one on my own it was the final straw. One last round of verbal abuse. I remember thinking, why am I even here, he doesn't want what is best for me. I walked out the door and never looked back.

    Good for you for following your heart. Happy Valentine's Day, Tammy!

    Kathy M.

    Kathy M.

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  4. Lisa Ricard ClaroFebruary 14, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    So happy that you followed your heart. He obviously didn't deserve you.

    Happy Valentine's Day Tammy!

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  5. Sioux RoslawskiFebruary 14, 2013 at 4:16 PM

    Tammy--What a wonderful story. I hope today is a good one for you.

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  6. TammyFebruary 14, 2013 at 5:51 PM

    Thanks, Beth, you too!

    Thanks, Becky. I tell everyone because I kept quiet too long out of embarrassment, and that's like handing over a "Get Out of Jail Free" card. Never again.

    Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Kathy, and good for you for being such a strong woman.

    You too, Lisa! Thanks! :)

    Thanks, Sioux. It has been. Happy Valentine's Day to you, too!

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  7. Linda O'ConnellFebruary 15, 2013 at 6:26 AM

    You are the most deserving writer, ever. I am so glad you allowed your voice to be heard. A love affair with words really does make one happily ever after.

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  8. TammyFebruary 15, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    Thanks, Linda! Hope you had a good V.D. too!

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  9. Pat WahlerFebruary 15, 2013 at 6:29 PM

    Wonderful post and very wise words.

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  10. Donna VolkenanntFebruary 16, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    Thanks, Tammy, for the inspiring post.

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  11. TammyFebruary 21, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    Thanks so much, Pat!

    Thank you, Donna. Glad you stopped by!

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