On Love and Renovations

Isn't this a powerful statement? 


Now, I know we've discussed love before, here and here. But I'd like to get your thoughts on this latest bit of wondering.

As little girls, we watched our Disney movies, and learned about love  from fairy tales. Princes, knights and handsome street urchins swept princesses off their feet. They fell in love with big eyes and adoring sighs.  


So we dreamed that we were princesses, and although not all of us wait for a prince, some of us are more of the rough and tumble, go out and find our own prince types, we went on a search for a crazy, all-consuming, passionate love.

Yet, the divorce rate for first marriages in the US is a staggering 41%.

 However, in India, where most marriages are arranged and falling in love is not a required component, the divorce rate in recent years has been as low as 1%. It has increased as much as 150% percent with the rise of the middle class. Western culture has crept into Indian society, provoking more love based marriages. 

Obviously, this indicates correlation and does not prove causation. But doesn't it make you stop to think?

I will be the first to say that a culture which promotes arranged marriage most definitely has its flaws. I could never allow someone to make that sort of a decision for me. 

However, when the expectation of marriage does not include the presence of a sappy feeling, but rather a commitment and an active love, and you have the freedom to choose to make that commitment with someone with whom you have fallen in love, it would seem that the marriage might stand a better chance. 

What do you think? 
(Sources for my statistics: 1, 2, 3)

On another and completely unrelated note...

We spent our weekend fixing up a house that Chris would like to sell. I think these new floors make a dramatic improvement. 

I'm impressed with how well it turned out. It definitely changes the feel of the room!

Holiday at the Cape

This weekend, I snuck away to Cape May. Chris' parents live there and welcomed us into their home with cookies and wine. Have I mentioned how spoiled I am? I might play hard to get, but oatmeal raisin cookies and wine are definitely the keys to my heart! They have me pegged!

 When I arrived, Chris was up on the scaffolding. His mom saw this type of wall on HGTV's website and fell in love with it. Chris' dad adjusted the design to fit their house and the two of them built it for her. 

I was so impressed with how it turned out! Isn't it gorgeous? They did such a fantastic job. Jane even found an awesome deal on the artwork used in the display from Ethan Allen. I love the asymmetry at the top as well. I think it fits well with the feel of the metal pieces. 

Saturday morning we went to the beach and it was breathtaking. The sun was out and the sky went on forever. 

Have I mentioned yet that I've fallen in love? 

Yes, it's true... 

I'm in love with a Golden Doodle named Lucy. 

She is the most playful, lovable, ball of fluff I've ever encountered. Vivi kitty will always be number one in my heart, but Lucy is vying for place number two! 

Chris and Lucy braved the icy water. Seeing as I didn't have my bikini with me (read: seeing as the water was frigid, it is November, there was no official polar bear plunge happening, and I didn't want to get sick) I stayed on shore. I played with the camera and tossed the ball out to them. 

Luce was a great travel companion. We snuggled up on the tailgate as Chris drove us down the beach. I love watching the sand fly by under your feet as you swing them over the edge.  

 It did my heart good to spend some time in the sun playing barefoot in the sand. 

This Thanksgiving, I'm so grateful for all of the time I've had in the sunshine and by the water. 

Back in September, I took my last gasp of summer hoping it would last me through the misery of winter. 

However, this year, I've gotten to have so many weekend adventures with perfect weather. Even the snow treated us well! I'll keep storing it up and hopefully February will be easier. 

10 Day Challenge: Day 4

Day 4. Seven wants!

Greenhouse overlooking the water - amazing. 

Source: imgfave.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

         

Hammocks are the best. If it isn't hanging above water, this would be second best.    

Source: gatherlove.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

For now, I'll take any real closet over my stand alone wardrobe!

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

         

Elegance    

Source: imgfave.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

         

Window seat aka reading nook

Source: catalanoinc.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

         

     

Hobie Cat

Source: trekearth.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Source: beeskneesbungalow.com via I am smitten with this headboard idea

Rebecca on Pinterest

Random Pretty Things

I love canopy beds, but sometimes they are so formal. I love how this bed by SPI design is so islandy (haha, is that a word?) 

Love this custom bar table and chairs that my uncle built. I think they'd look so nice in a light airy room. 

I've been thinking of switching up the ring that I wear all the time. I love the one I have but it is silver and I prefer gold. I haven't found one I love enough to wear all the time though. As pretty as this one is, it just isn't quite right. For now, I'll keep wearing my silver one with my gold jewelry. 

Sneak peak at some of the fabric I'm using in the quilt I'm making. 

I'll leave you with a beautiful song...