Falling Into Place.

This past weekend I spent an entire day with very close friends of mine. We enjoyed each others company as we always do and during that time we discussed our past. I think often where my life has taken me. The people I've met, whether it was briefly or a relationship was made..  those that have hurt me and especially those that I have hurt.

I think everyone can agree with me (or I would like to think each one of you does) that we have all had some pretty low times. I can't count the amounts of times I've been through one of those. When I say 'low' it does not at all mean I was destructive, just that decisions I made which effected others and myself I was not proud of. I've made choices of certain people to be around that may not have brought out the greatest parts of me, I've been attracted to people that I hurt because the time was just not right in my eyes, those that were really close to me I didn't treat with the amount of respect and love that I now know I was capable of showing, and the list goes on. 

All and all, through those low times I've learned. I can sit here writing about my past, upset about all of those not so great times and be so proud of the person I am today. I may not have a lot to give. We're not rich by any means and time can be taken up by so many little things. But I do have a lot of love here and I know how to forgive.

I look around at some people I know that haven't reached that point. I see people hurting other people and hurting themselves at the same time. They can't move on from their past or do not wish to acknowledge it. The only thing we can do, really, is bite our tongue and hope they find the path that makes them happy in life. The path that makes them sleep better at night and hold onto great relationships. When that day comes, this world will be a better place. ♥

Exciting & Happy News!

Tomorrow will begin the first of many posts called Love at First Bite. One of my best friends from childhood who is one phenomenal cook will be sharing on Wednesdays with us some of his favorite recipes. So get ready to be awed and hungry!

Also, my venture in my Photography Business is growing. This past weekend I had more sessions and you can find some of them on my Facebook Photography page. A website is in the works, so stay tuned! Visit here!

Sharing a Love Story ♥

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I was 16 when I was in my very first relationship. It was a good relationship. It lasted nearly four years and we lived together for a year and a half. But you know what? I never had the urge to marry this guy. It never crossed my mind, ever. We were more like friends than a couple. After years of living with this {to me, the relationship was more like a safety net / baby blanket than anything}, I ended things. A few months later, at the age of 20, I met S. I honestly have no idea what I seen in S. We had nothing in common. I think it was because I was just... plain lonely. I've always had someone by my side, so I basically took whoever came across my path. BIG MISTAKE. S and I should have never been together. Our relationship was dysfunctional. He cheated on me numerous of times and I resented him for that. But I stayed... I stayed because I was so dependent on him {yes, and stupid}. 

It was December 2009. I was burying myself in my school work {I was finishing up my last semester of my undergrad degree}. Whenever I wasn't studying or in class, I was volunteering. Then, I was out with my friends. I was basically doing anything BUT hanging out with S. I was pretty much at the breaking point and was really considering breaking up with him. So one day, December 5th-- I think-- I was sitting in my last political science class of the semester. We were just finishing up with a few presentations. I was talking to my friend Teja, who sat in front of me, when our prof announced the very last presentation. I noticed this "tall hot/quiet guy"  get up out of his seat and make his way to the front of the class. I continued to chat to my friend. The prof then made one last announcement, "Ken here is going to give a presentation about the Omar Khadr case." My head perked up. I hushed my friend. My eyes were GLUED to this tall hot/quiet guy. 

You see, for months and months, I was advocating for this particular case. I was very sensitive to this issue and even coordinated university events to help raise awareness. So there Mr. Tall hot/quiet is...standing in front of my class, about to give a presentation ON THIS CASE. My God, I thought... Why didn't I befriend this guy earlier? We could have chatted about this issue together! I could have helped him coordinate my event last month {lol}!

After his class, I was still in awe. The dorky side of me then took over and I ran up to him. "Um, so... I'm super interested and involved in the Omar Khadr case...I coordinated an event last month about it. I was wondering if you could send me your paper sometime, I would love to read it and maybe you can get involved in similar causes!" I then slipped him a note with my email on it. Honestly, I wasn't hitting on him. I really wanted to read his paper, that was it. He smiled and agreed.

Three hours later, I received an email from him. Not with his paper though. Apparently, "it wasn't finished." Instead, he gave me his MSN email address and said that he would love to chat sometime... about the case or just whatever. Hmmm... INTERESTING. But whatevs, I decided to add him to MSN anyway and we began to talk....for hours upon hours!

He was SO intelligent! So hilarious! I loved it! 

Within the next few days, we began to study together for our final {just as friends}. Then, we shared a few drinks at the university bar together one night. It hit me right then: I was really starting to like this guy! I was SMILING. I was having fun...something I never really did with S {and yes, at this time, I was still with him}. I finally realized one night that I wanted to give it a shot with Mr. Tall Hot/Quiet {and now, very interesting/intelligent} guy. So I called S and broke it off with him. He went a little psycho... you know, he wouldn't stop calling me, then texting me, then creeping my friends on facebook to try to get information etc. -- But I didn't care. I was having fun with this new guy, Ken. 

This was in December 2009 and Ken and I are still together...but the BEST part is, I am so incredibly happy! This is the FIRST time in my life that I really fell head over heels with someone. We've been through so much together. His father died of cancer when we were only dating for six months. When he took sick, I flew to a different province {where Ken's parents lived} to be with Ken and his parents. His father passed away the night I arrived. However, I will always cherrish the few hours I got to spend time with him. Shortly after his fathers death, Ken and I decided to move to a different province {mainly because I was accepted to graduate school}. We ended up moving in together. Within a few weeks, we bought a boxer puppy together. That Christmas {which was last year}, I didn't fly home to be with my family; instead, I spent it with his. This summer past, I decided to leave Ken and our dog behind and travel to Russia for two months {for school}. It was rough on our relationship, but it made it SO much stronger. It worked because we are really dedicated to this relationship. 

I love this man with all of my heart and soul. Once upon a time, I was an unhappy girlfriend who resented her boyfriend. I never wore a smile and butterflies never danced in my stomach. Now, I am the complete opposite! I am so blessed! 

And oh, just last week, Ken fell to his knee and asked me to marry him! I squealed out "YEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!" as we embraced eachother. I felt SO incredibly alive! So happy! ...And of course, a little lucky... Who would ever thought an in-class presentation would bring two people together? ;)

I hope you enjoyed it!!!

XO,
Leanne

 

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Surviving a Blackout.

Hello all! I'm back, alive and safe. It's been a rough week, especially not being able to blog. I can live without power but the internet, it's been brutal! 

So I know the title of this post may seem a bit scary but a blackout during one of the coldest weeks so far this year is not all sunshine and rainbows. The wonderful men & women of CL&P got our power up and running last night 6:00 pm (11/3, Thursday) after it went out 4:00 pm last Saturday (10/29). There are still over 200,000 people without power but that's down from the original tally of over 900,000. Would you believe they had to cancel Halloween for most of CT? A lot of towns rescheduled for this upcoming Saturday; however, it makes sense why they asked people not to trick-or-treat. There could have been serious injuries.

I'm really in awe over how amazing towns worked together, neighbors helping neighbors... Also, you learn a lot from people. One thing which I giggle about is when the traffic lights go out. People do not realize the are supposed to treat the intersections  as 4-way stops. Everyone started catching on after a while. It's all good now! :)

Through it all there was very minimal serious injuries and sadly a few deaths. I wanted to put together a list of how we survived this past week without power. Perhaps, it will help others when it comes time to thinking about what you need when the lights go out ♥ I have to give all the kudos to Charlie (the greatest man in my life) for making this week livable for us. 

KT & Charlie's Survival Guide

[make sure when the power goes out to turn off all electricity]

*[top left photo] Make sure you have some propane tanks on hand. The cost around $20. The first main use is for a grill. If you lose power and can't cook inside, resort to cooking outdoors! Also, if you purchase a space heater (thankfully, Charlie's sister had one for us to borrow for the week), some run off propane. You just need to be extremely careful that you know how to use them and there is enough oxygen, etc because you don't want anyone to get CO poisoning. 

*[top right photo] You need to remember your little fur balls can also freeze just like you. If you end of going someplace to keep warm, don't forget about those little rug rats. 

*[mid right photo] Hats! Scarves! Socks! Warm clothes! Be sure to have thick clothes if you want to stay at home during a blackout because the nights will get super cold, also during the day. If it's warmer outside than inside throughout the day, open windows to let some fresh air in and it gives the cold air an opportunity to escape!

*[bottom right photo] Cell phones, lap tops, chargers I'm always thinking how crazy it is that we depend so much on cell phones. Well, when land lines go, power lines are blocking you from leaving your home believe me.. you want a cell phone. Be sure to have a car charger so you can run out and charge that bad boy up. You'll need it!

*[top left photo] Charlie was smart to put blankets over the windows to trap heat in. So, blankets are so important. Probably, the most important. You want something to wrap around you at night. Sleeping bags are good too. Mmhmm!

*[top right photo] We purchased those methanol gels and tin foil pans to boil water in to make coffee and hot coa coa. I do not drink coffee but I sure loved my cups of hot chocolate! Also, it helped us to warm up leftovers that his mother (who had power) made for us. What a clever idea, Charlie gets another pat on the back for that one too!

*[bottom left photo] Always have a lot of clean towels on hand. Since you won't have power to keep rewashing towels just always stock up. Also, if you have as wonderful friends like we do that let us shower at their home you'll want to bring towels over so you don't keep using theirs (which I did, oops. I love them).

*[bottom right photo] Flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, lighters, little radios (less than $10 for the one in the picture). All necessities, I feel. You want to be able to see your way around the house, using the bathroom (yes, I said it!), walking outside and just being able to know what is going on in the outside world. 

*[top left photo] It's going to be difficult to keep beverages such as milk from going bad. I recommend putting a cooler together outside with ice or snow (if you had as much as we did) and packing it up with some beverages. I personally love my Crystal Light packs that can be mixed in those bottles of water.

*[top right photo] Is it possible for me to write a post and leave wine out? No way, Jose. That also keeps you warm. :)

*[bottom left photo] If you get a thermos you can buy coffee like my father did and pour the cups in there. It stays warm all day.

*[bottom right photo] Those are the methanal gel containers that Charlie bought. They're small and easy to use. They're safe to, believe me!

There you have it. It worked for us. ♥

 I'm so happy to be back. I've missed everyone! ♥

Who turned off the lights?

First, I apologize truly for the lack of posts. These past few days have been quite a new experience for us here in CT. Today marks Charlie and I, 2 year Anniversary living in our home. With that said we were just hit with a blizzard Saturday that has left us without power. The rumor is almost 90% of the state of CT is without power. You would think we would be complaining and miserable? We're not! I'll tell you why!

1. We are not alone. What I mean by that is so many other people are in the same position as us. When the power goes out, for most that means no heat. That's us too. We are very fortunate to have been able to borrow a space heater that runs off a propane tank which we took from our lovely grill outdoors! So, needless to say we have heat!

2. Saturday night we huddled at one of my besties house up the road. She too was effected by all of this but has a fireplace. We had such a great night. Drank wine, played board games, talked, laughed and enjoyed this new experience of living in the dark. It was beautiful.

3. Fall is not even over and there is a ton of snow (slowly melting) on the trees. The leaves haven't even finished changing colours yet. Crazy! I know! Believe me. It is quite a new site for me. You'll see in the photos the bright leaves along with a black & white background. No photo touch ups here, this is pure nature!

 

4. There is a 'hellalotta' damage all around us. Trees fell, took down power lines. The upside to it all is no one was hurt (that I've heard about). Like someone said on the radio yesterday... "trees grow back, plant a new one. be happy that you are all safe." I keep thinking about that the more I look around and see how destructive this event has been.

There are so many more pictures, but sadly I am working off of minimal internet right now. 

I hope where ever you are tonight, you are safe and warm. We're so thankful for the minimal damage we have in our yard. Our home is still in one piece and we're doing fine with the fabulous space heater. One of my besties is staying with us. Our other besties up the road have power and have let us take hot showers, watch movies and cook food. They are so amazing. We owe them big time for their genuine hospitality. ♥

Hello Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

Today you can also find me over at the oh so lovely Eisy Morgan's Blog! She started this wonderful feature called Blogging 101. It shares with you a variety of bloggers and their thoughts, tips, advice on Blogging. Today Love is Everywhere has been featured. Check it out along with all the other past and future totally amazing Bloggers!

Awkward:

- My new job calls for all black clothing attire. I didn't realize how much black I lacked in my wardrobe so I had to go out and buy a few little thangs. I'm so excited at how quickly I picked things out and I was off. My first day on the job I wore one of the outfits I bought.. just to come home and realize there was a hole in the butt. Yep, that really did happen.

- Not having a costume and I'm attending a Halloween Party in 2 days. Sending out a SOS...Ideas? Help! Pretty please :)

- Taking pictures on my deck... in the rain... with Charlie's sweet ESPN umbrella.. and having trouble closing it. I'm pretty sure it's bad luck to have an umbrella open in the house. Does it make matters worse if it's black?

- I was so excited when Charlie pulled two bags of Goldfish Crackers out of the cabinet and stood with them smiling. My eyes grew big as those are my favorite and I asked where did those come from? He then replied "you bought them, remember?"... They were out dated... and no good to eat at that point. In the garbage they went. [insert sad face]

Awesome:

- This weekend one of my besties is having a Halloween party. I haven't been to one in years. I'm psyched to dance, sing and enjoy a fun night with some people dressed up in craziness. (Still haven't found a costume.. oops)

- Trying to grow my own Photography business here in Connecticut on the side and I feel it's going in a great direction. 

- Going on a date with my little brother who I haven't seen in what feels like forever. He recently got his driver's license so he's picking me up!

- I got my new camera this past weekend and I'm in love with it. It's a Canon 60D and I'll definitely put together a future post and share the photos, quality and all that good stuff. Oh, am I in love. 

- Yesterday I went and bought this fabulous couch cover that is meant for pets, which a family member recommended. It's waterproof and actually looks pretty on our sofa. No more Peanut dribble, drool or anything on our couch again! Take that little, messy, cute dog.

Sharing a Love Story ♥

Blog/In 6 Years - Blog/An Embryonic Heroine - Twitter - Tumblr

C and I went to the same learning institution. I was on my 4th Grade and he was on his 1st year in High School which makes him three years older than me. It was when I knew that he exists.

Under no circumstances that we had bumped into each other. We didn't have common friends, so we were never mutually introduced. Our age gap was most likely the main reason: older students don't befriend younger students. His name became familiar because of his combed down hairstyle and most of my friends got a crush on him, while he knew me as an honor student who excelled in almost anything and everything. In short, we coexisted without caring about the being of the other person.

It was in 2002 (or 2003) when C's family migrated to Illinois. There, he met the girl he married and had a child with. Unfortunately, they had to divorce due to some irreconcilable differences. He also worked there as a Phlebotomist.

On the other side of the world, I finished high school and was able to get to my 1st year in college. However, I met a guy whom I also had a child with. We separated because of the guy's infidelity and my family's disapproval on their relationship. 

We became Facebook friends during the summer months of 2010. We normally comment on each other's status in Facebook, and I used to call him 'kuya' , a term used to address older guys, to show a bit of respect. But, it was around the end of October 2010 when we finally gotten ourselves into a conversation. I posted an expressive status in which he commented with some comforting words. With that, I sent him a private message of gratitude.

We easily established a connection, and started talking to each other nonstop. On the 4th of November 2010, he started calling me from the United States two to five hours a day everyday. We both get out of our way to spend time chatting and talking on the phone because of our thirteen-hours time zone difference. In less than a week's time, we finally decided to try a relationship. Then on the 8th of November 2010, without courting or any formal inquisition, we were officially boyfriend-and-girlfriend. It all happened over the phone. 

Even if we lived miles away, we made sure we get in touch whenever it's possible. We barely even sleep.

He was the first one who declared his affection. I was at first in denial. But as time passed, I suddenly felt the feeling I thought I'd never bear again... LOVE.

Alright... Enough of the Third Person Story. :)

It was at first difficult for me to be in a long distance relationship. I was crying almost everytime we get on Skype because all I can do was look at him, watch him move, and hear him whisper sweet things through the computer speaker. It's like it's almost unreal. He never failed to make me feel loved though.

He never get tired of sending me sweet messages, and calling me everytime he can. He did his best to conquer the time difference by waiting for me to go home after work and get on the computer. He also got auto-updates of my Facebook on his cellphone. He even called in sick at work just to be online with me on my 21st birthday, as his birthday gift, a dozen of red and white roses, came two days after.

The waiting was over when he came back to the Philippines on the wee hours of the13th of December 2010. It was my first time to go to the airport on my own. I was so afraid he won't see me due to the number of people waiting for the arrival of the other passengers. But, he did. He saw me. T'was one of the happiest days of my life.

We spent his first week in the country together day and night. We tried to accomplish everything we wanted to do when he was still abroad; play in the rain, walk in the beach, eat street foods, etc. Our families were happy to see us in each others' arms. We can't be any happier. 

He started taking up Physical Therapy last June - the primary reason why he came back to the Philippines. 

I know it looks like we just started a fairy tale relationship, but "real life" has already  settled in. Things didn't remain as perfect as it was eleven months ago. We've got struggles and issues we face day by day. We argue. We fight. But, the best part is, we don't let go. We hold tight to our promises that we won't let go and we will remain honest to each other.  

We're a few weeks away from celebrating our 1st year anniversary! Please wish us more years together... and if possible, a lifetime beside each other.

There's still a long road ahead of us. Too early to say we'd end up together. But, it's one hell of a memory. Something I would wanna keep forever. 

This is our love story. The story of two people who met again after eight years... to fall in love, to trust their hearts for the 2nd time, and to prove that a broken heart fades away.

All stories will be archived here. We would love to read your story so if you would like to share please visit for details ♥:

Wordless Wednesday.

We Like To Embarrass Our Kids.

Last year was Peanut's first Halloween. I was so excited to get a costume and dress him up. He absolutely hated loved it. Can't you tell? It was the perfect costume for his personality. So, you could imagine my happiness yesterday when I put this on him and it still fits. Guess what Peanut will be dressed as for the second Halloween in a row?

Halloween 2010

Halloween 2011

Sponsor Love & A Winner!

I would like to send a big Congratulations to very lovely Andi from Striving to Be a More Godly Woman for winning the most recent Giveaway from Love is Photography. 

*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      * 

 I'm also excited to announce a huge offer for Sponsoring that will expire 10/31. The current prices and details you can find under Sponsor. The fabulous deal is listed below! ♥

If you would like to be a Sponsor at Love is Everywhere and partake in this offer, please send me an e-mail at LoveWithKatie@gmail.com. 

Love you all and thank you for the continued support!

Throw Some Leaves and Watch Them Fall.

Sunday, Funday, Brotherly Love.

Nevan (the handsome orange kitty) was minding his own business in our bay window. Along came Peanut (the cute & mischievous pup) who wanted to hang out. This is the play by the play of a typical encounter with these two brothers. 

Let's Put Our Shoes On.

With the two men I absolutely love..

 

 

Things to be Happy about.

Throughout the week there's always little things that make me smile. Really, they are always the littlest things that may not have an exact value but they have meaning.. a purpose. There's so much that makes us happy, that we overlook. Taking the time to think about a few.. or a lot I put a list together to share with you. What are some things that make you happy? ♥

Driving by the house you grew up in.

Confetti cupcakes.

Hotel soaps, shampoos & conditioners.

Sitting on the deck at night with a sweatshirt.

An empty parking space very close to the door.

Reflections from stained glass.

Receiving a beautiful thank you card out of the blue.

Finding something you thought was lost.

Secondhand compliments.

Sweatpants with drawstrings.

Not doing everything at once.

Clean, freshly polished hardwood floors.

The feeling of towel dried hair.

Flavored honey sticks.

Making a perfect tray of ice cubes.

Cute quotes from Dove Chocolates.

Great conversation with someone you bump into.

The perfect temperature in the shower.

Getting the bullseye on a dartboard.

Goldfish crackers.

Genuine friend who keeps your secrets.

Writing with a new pen.

Stepping in puddles with flip flips after a rainstorm.

Soft circle scarves.

November Sponsor Offer!

Hello everyone and welcome to this beautiful Fall Day! I hope you're enjoying this weather as much as I am. I'm excited to announce a huge offer for Sponsoring that will expire 10/31. All that's normally included for the Large or Small ad still remains and you can view the details under Sponsor. 

If you would like to be a Sponsor at Love is Everywhere and partake in this offer, please send me an e-mail at LoveWithKatie@gmail.com. 

Love you all and thank you for the continued support!

Sharing a Love Story ♥

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I was in my third and final year of University, having decided that I was going to make the most of the short time I had left, I joined a campus based NGO called Galela Amanzi (which means 'pour the water' in one of South Africa's many languages). Galela Amanzi had been voted the Campus project for the year, and was aimed at setting up water tanks to collect rainfall for the local townships (or poorer, rural area's). So here was the epitome of a CityGirl, shiny earrings, nail polish that matched my scarf, and my makeup perfectly done, all ready and eager to get involved in something meaningful. And there he was, all unshaven, barefoot, plaid wearing Farm like, ready to make the world a better place. Just a few photo's to help you set the scene:

One friday evening, after a long meeting about how we were going to manage to get funding for our next water tank, it was time for the committee to get ready and set up for the fundraiser we were having the next day. It just so happened that Dale and I were the only two available to make the t-shirst needed for the boerie roll (a South African take on the American hot dog) sale. I had no worries about going over to Dale's place, I did have a boyfriend at the time of nearly 5 years, and thought it would be absolutely fine to hang out with a rugged but all too intriguing (don't forget the barefoot part!) farm boy.

 Something happened that evening, something that I could not even begin to explain. Maybe it was listening to a young man open up about the huge part that God played in his life, or listening to tales of real farm life, or maybe it was just the intensity of hearing someone not afraid to speak their mind and being open about their faith that did it, I'm not sure. Having been brought up Catholic, having a Jewish Dad, not really ever being interested in going to church, and having gone through the disintegration of my parents marriage, something happened to me that evening. I realised that I was far too attracted to Dale to spend too much time with him while having a boyfriend, and I flew home that Sunday (2 days after making t-shirts) to do one of the hardest things imaginable, break up with my boyfriend. 

I flew back the following day and began a whirlwind of a romance with Dale. In the beginning nothing mattered, it was all butterlies and goosebumps. But slowly, reality hit when Dale had to fly to Botswana for a research assignment, and I was left in my small University town, all alone, to think about what the last few months had held. Had I jumped into this relationship too soon? Was I missing my ex? What did the future hold for Dale and myself? Did I need to be single to find out more about myself? Was I crazy? The only thing I never questioned, was whether I has made the right decision in ending things with my ex. Even though I missed him terribly in the beginning, our relationship had become one of friendship rather. With me feeling more like I was hanging out with my brother, than a boyfriend. I had peace about that decision, even if it was the only thing I had peace about at that stage.

A few months later I started going to Church with Dale, and my eyes and heart were opened to the wonders of a living God. A god who loves you and cherished his children no matter what. All the terrible things I had done had been forgiven, I was washed cleaned of all I had been, and I was finally excited for the future and what it held for me, and my relationship with Dale. 9 months into our relationship, and Dale and I decided to move to South Korea to teach English. What an adventure. Living in a foreign country, having to adjust to a completely different culture and way of life was made all the easier by having someone so special to share it with. The adventures in Cambodia and the Philippines, while managing to still find a good church to keep us grounded, was just a glimpse into life as a Foreigner in Korea. 

We touched back down on South African soil in March this year. Dale is working in a small town about 5 hours from my home city of Joannesburg. I am moving down there to be closer to him, so that we can focus on our future together. A future that involves milking cows and driving two hours to get to the nearest shopping centre. Will we manage? With God on our side, absolutely! 

All stories will be archived here. We would love to read your story so if you would like to share please visit for details ♥: