Painting With Shadows

The blog of photographer Kim Ayres

19 Years

12:52
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19 years ago today, Maggie and I started going out with each other, became an item, began our relationship, or whatever other phrase you care to mention. Somehow I can't bring myself to say we started "dating" as it's an expression we just don't use on this side of the Atlantic, no matter how many US films and TV shows are imported.

Whenever I ponder how my life might have gone if I hadn't met Maggie, I can so easily imagine being swamped by depression and a lack of direction in life. And with each passing year if feels more impossible I would have survived without her.

Maggie is my love, my heart, my soul.
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40 comments

ADRIAN said...

Congratulations. Not all bliss I'm sure but it's a long time.

1:30 pm, November 17, 2009
savannah said...

congratulations, sugarpies! i wish you many, many more years together! xoxoxox

1:31 pm, November 17, 2009
Dan said...

Many congratulations to the both of you. Sounds like you were both meant for each other.

1:33 pm, November 17, 2009
Anna van Schurman said...

Dating is an expression we just don't use on this side of the Atlantic either, no matter how many films and TV shows try to influence us.

Congratulations!

1:35 pm, November 17, 2009
mapstew said...

Congrats you two.

(I was thinking only yesterday how sad my life would be without Annette and my girls! I think would have given up long ago.)

:¬)

2:01 pm, November 17, 2009
Brave Astronaut said...

Congratulations to you and Maggie. It's a nice feeling to have when you know in your soul that you are in the right place, isn't it?

Incidentally, it seems that Anna and I always seem to come and see you at the same time (as our comments are usually right behind one another). Same time zone perhaps, but I've noticed it.

2:01 pm, November 17, 2009
Alan Richardson said...

I'm sure Maggie is blessed having you at her side too.

And Kim, thanks for being brave enough to let the rest of the world know how you feel, you're a lucky man indeed.

Alan

2:13 pm, November 17, 2009
Pat said...

Congrats to you two.. =)

3:02 pm, November 17, 2009
Cannwin said...

That was beautiful and put a smile on my face. Congratulations.

3:06 pm, November 17, 2009
Falak said...

Congratulations!!!! Wishing you many more such '19 years' together:)

3:29 pm, November 17, 2009
Pat said...

I want to know more! When did you first kiss her? When did you tell her you love her. Did she love you straight away?
OK so I'm a nosy cow but you knew that didn't you?
I just know yours is one of the happy stories. Congrats!
Word verification: patized:)

3:34 pm, November 17, 2009
Susan Carpenter Sims said...

Even though I live on the other side of the Atlantic, the word "dating" makes me gag. I have never dated and never will. Ugh.

It warms and inspires me to know that what you and Maggie have can and does exist in the world. It's much much better to hear it from a real person than see it in movies.

I also am not fond of the world "congratulations," so I will offer you felicitations instead.

3:47 pm, November 17, 2009
Jayne Martin said...

What a lovely sentiment. Sounds like you were both fortunate to find each other.

5:07 pm, November 17, 2009
The Brokendown Barman said...

gan oan my son!!! very happy for you.......

5:07 pm, November 17, 2009
St Jude said...

May you have many more years to enjoy each others company.

It will be thirty two years ago tommorow that his Lordship and I got engaged... at a rugby league match of all places. :0) I know what you are feeling, I hate to think where I would have been without his love and support.

5:49 pm, November 17, 2009
Unknown said...

Congrats Kim!!!!! Cheers to U and Maggie!!! Ur post made me feel good.

6:17 pm, November 17, 2009
Midnitefyrfly said...

I can only begin to imagine what you have shared in 19 years. How absolutely wonderful that her presence in your life has given you so much.

6:24 pm, November 17, 2009
Katie Roberts said...

Wonderful to hear of such a strong love you share together. Thank you for sharing it around the world a little. It is good to hear stories of love, its a powerful and brave force in this world.

Many joyful and warm wishes for you and Maggie Kim. ~:0) Enjoy!

(word verification - Swoomp! Perhaps a good description of falling in love?)

6:29 pm, November 17, 2009
Sam said...

congratulations! big one next year then! I'm pretty sure an epic gift is called for, start saving!x

9:49 pm, November 17, 2009
gayle said...

Oh wow that is so sweet!! You are both very lucky to have each other!!

10:39 pm, November 17, 2009
erika said...

Congratulations! And here's to another 20 years together! At least :)

11:25 pm, November 17, 2009
hope said...

It's always nice to hear, but it's especially nice when the MAN brings up the topic. :)

You obviously found your other half and I know you're smart enough to hold onto her. Best wishes to you both!

11:26 pm, November 17, 2009
stinkypaw said...

Happy you found her and congrats to both of you!

11:44 pm, November 17, 2009
Helen said...

Hey Bearded One - there is such simple joy to be found in the one you love isn't there! Nev and I have been together for going on 18 years now and he is still my favourite person. My first thought in the morning and my last one at night. The best part is, he feels the same (poor, deluded soul!)

1:53 am, November 18, 2009
Sir Jackson Peaks said...

Awesome, Kim! It is always quite amazing to think back to that singular moment in time: the second that our life had new direction, a passenger seat, and an adventure worth the memories.

Enjoy the next 19!

Cheers from Denver, Colorado!

Jordan

3:19 am, November 18, 2009
Unknown said...

so sweet...Congratulations!

3:55 am, November 18, 2009
Pat said...

Who needs, flowers, chocolate or a card? If my husband wrote something like that to me? Swoon! That was bee-u-ti-ful!

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!

4:19 am, November 18, 2009
Jasmine said...

I'm with Anna and The Pollinatrix on that. I don't date either. I like to say how long we've "been together" for. We've never really gone on a "date." Congratulations on 19 years. I have 14 more to catch up to that! :P Wishing you two infinity more years together.

5:45 am, November 18, 2009
BB said...

Congrats, for you both.Consider yourselves lucky to have each other.
May the blessings of peace,courage,and hapiness fill your hearts and minds for many more years.

9:25 am, November 18, 2009
Mary Witzl said...

Here's to nineteen more years, Kim!

I don't do dating either. I've never had a 'date' in my life that didn't come off a tree. Umm...you know what I mean by that, right?

10:35 am, November 18, 2009
Carrie said...

Congrats on 19 years of happiness! :) I hope you two have many more blissful years to come.

5:49 pm, November 18, 2009
Barlinnie said...

God love her... 19 years is a long time to be with a man who cannae play golf or fish in his spare time.

My best to you both.

7:59 pm, November 18, 2009
Ponita in Real Life said...

Congrats to both of you, Kim. May you have many more years of togetherness that completes the both of you.

9:47 pm, November 18, 2009
Anonymous said...

I'm happy for both of you, and the life you've shared together.

12:13 am, November 19, 2009
Long dark hair, blue eyes said...

19 years is a long time. Did you imagine that you would have been together now all the way back then?

12:27 am, November 19, 2009
Unknown said...

So what do you call "Dating" or "Going Steady" in England?

My husband and I don't have a relationship like that. We both like our freedom, but I do wish we had more in common. We don't hang out.. we do our own thing... My parents have a marriage like yours though.

12:46 am, November 19, 2009
Midnitefyrfly said...

I have given you an award... please come by my blog and get it :)

6:06 am, November 19, 2009
Kim Ayres said...

Thanks to everyone for all your well wishes.

A couple of replie to specific questions:

Thrup'ny bits - what do you mean, "brave"? I'm always worried when someone uses that word - it's usually inserted instead of "foolhardy." If you said you were heading for the shops to get a pint of milk, and someone said "that's brave", you'd feel concerned rather than proud...

Pat - there's a fair amount of "how we met" stuff on the Tin Wedding Anniversary" blog post - see September 2005 in the archives :)

Mary - it means you've only ever dated monkeys, right? Wait til Mr Witzl reads that...

Jimmy - aye, she's a guid wumman.

Long Dark Hair etc - if we'd have suspected, we'd have both run a mile. At that point in our lives, neither of us was looking for long term commitment

Lorraine - "going out with each other", which now I write it down, looks odd...

Midnitefyrfly - thank you very much! I'll be across to take a look shortly :)

10:40 am, November 19, 2009
Alan Richardson said...

Probably because I would be timid about admitting my true feelings. Brave to go to the store for milk? For me that would necessitate driving a car and, as I've already admitted to being rather timid, driving is a dangerous business, so yes, it could be brave; but we don't think about possible disasters when going about our daily business.
I'm too fond of hitting the post button too soon. I'll crawl back to where I came from now.

Alan

1:19 pm, November 19, 2009
Chrissie B said...

Many congratulations to you both! Where I come from, we'd say ye wiz winchin' (courting).

4:03 pm, November 20, 2009

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