Lackin' the Passion?
Bring Passion back to date night
Paul and I have been married for nearly 8 years, together for over 10. With the obligatory work-school-child-household game, getting time alone is tricky. Then, when we do, the question is, "What now?"
Here's how we reconnect.
Take a Hike
This one was all Paul. Recently, he's gotten into backpack hiking. He's been on several overnight trips so far and he's really loving it. Me? Take me for the day, but I want a bed. To be honest, this has become one of my favorite getaways with him.
We'll head to Rouses, get some bread and pre-made chicken salad (Mrs. Rouses is the best), some drinks, a couple snacks, and ice for a small ice chest. We head out to the trail and hike a few miles. There is nothing that brings us together like a sweaty hike with a cold natural pond at the end. Once done, we head back to the car, find a sceneic spot and grab lunch.
The best part: NO CELL SERVICE! You are utterly alone and it's absolutely marvelous!
Fork Mountain, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Be a Kid!
I never realized how competitive we are until we played Putt Putt Golf together. We laughed, "argued", and play faught till finally... he won. Losing sucks. Ah well, we finished the night with ice cream at the local parlor. Sit outside for a pretty night view.
The best part: Very low key vibe, gets you moving, and who doesn't love ice cream under the stars?
Visit the New Place
The photograph at the very top was us at whiskey bar in Texas. From the outside, it looked like a barn, and while I love me some whiskey, we aren't exactly Western wearin' folks. But! We were meeting a few members of a bridal party so we went in. The inside of this space was gorgeous! All dark woods, leather arm chairs, and intimate warm lighting. A whiskey wall at least 30 feet tall took up the middle of the room.
Around the corner to this, however, was my favorite room... it looked like a room from Peaky Blinders. Two green felt and polished pool tables stood in the middle with inset washer games to the right. Books upon books on the wall and a large tv for games. I never wanted to leave! ha.
The Best Part: We had a blast! Met some really nice people and enjoyed a night cap before returning to an empty hotel room... ;)
The Barn Whiskey Bar, Mont Belvieu, Texas
Pirate Putt Putt Golf, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Gleason Gras, New Orleans, La
Tips I Use for Helping Clients
Determine the immutables
This could be place, budget, attribute.
Recently, I photographed a proposal. The client told me "I want a city view, don't want to rent a room, and has to be open late." Add that to the basics of "proposing" (a little privacy and make it a surprise), and we had our guidelines.
Make it fun
Typically, I find fun is when one or both parties is doing something new or light-hearted competitive. Find a game to play, a place to visit, an activity to try, or even a hobby for an evening. Pull one or both of you slightly out of your comfort zones.
Take a camera
Hire me! lol. Or, cell phones are great for snapshots, but only if you remember to take them WITH YOU IN IT! haha. This is my down fall. So many of them and so few of us.
Capture the moments. Remember the energy. Later, you'll be glad you did. Biggest tip: Don't share online. Keep it personal. Makes it more special. Just the two of you.
Relax!
If you're a planner, do that the day(s) beforehand. When you get wherever you're going, relax! Breath. Put the phone on Do Not Disturb (you can still use your camera) and focus on each other and the activity at hand. Breath in the silence or fully embrace the chaos. The whole point of the date is to connect with your partner. Do this a few times and you'll be surprised the pleasure you'll find in the little things.
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