20 Fun Facts About Romance

I don't know about you, but I'm up to here with all of the heavy election stuff.
It's time for something a little lighter!

Since one of the main themes of Madily in Love is adding some zest to your marriage, I thought it would be fun to find some facts about this little thing we call romance. 

So here you go...20 fun facts about romance. My favorite? #20! What's yours?

1. 40% of people who are rejected in romantic love slip into clinical depression. 
2. It's possible to die from a broken heart; it's called Stress Cardiomyopathy. 
3. Close to 110 million roses (mostly red) will be purchased and delivered around Valentine's Day in the U.S. 
4. Approximately 141 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged worldwide every year. 
5. The average person in their lifetime will spend an estimated 20,160 minutes kissing! 
6. People are more likely to tilt their heads to the right when kissing instead of the left (65 percent of people go to the right!) 
7. Historically, sweat has been an active ingredient in perfume and love potions. 
8. Couples' personalities converge over time to make partners more and more similar. 
9. Men who kiss their wives in the morning live five years longer than those who don't. 
10. 'X' became symbolic for a kiss because in the middle ages when alot of people were illiterate and they used to sign documents with an X and then kiss it for sincerity. 
11. In medieval Italy, if a man was caught kissing a woman in public, he had to marry her whether he liked it or not. 
12. 8 out of 10 people think that the first kiss indicates how the rest of the relationship will be. 
13. Two out of five marry their first love. 
14. A team of medical experts in Virginia contends that you're more likely to catch the common cold virus by shaking hands than by kissing. 
15. The most popular month to get engaged is December, with 19% of engagements taking place. The least popular month is January, with only 4%. 
16. One in 5 men proposes on one knee. 
17. Romance Novels are more popular than ever. 53% of all mass market paperback books sold in this country are Romances. Romance novels earn more money in the USA yearly than baseball! So, what's the national pastime? 
18. The longest kiss listed in the Guinness Book of World Records lasted an incredible 417 hours! 
19. Fifty-eight percent of men would rather their partner surprise them with a gift than ask what they would like.
20. A fairly passionate kiss burns an average of 9 calories. 

Have any fun romance facts to add?

The Vow...Valentine's Day romance at its best

Well, it's the weekend before Valentine's Day. Any plans?? My husband and I don't really celebrate-celebrate anymore, but we try to go to dinner or something. And I get a "love" present for the kids, which is fun. Now that they're older, their present pretty much consists of gift cards and candy, although my daughter is getting a magazine subscription this year.

With all the writing and working I've been doing lately, I'm taking the afternoon off to see a movie with a friend. We're going to The Vow, starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum, which opens today. If you haven't heard of it, The Vow is inspired by the true story of Krickitt and Kim Carpenter, who were in a severe car accident 10 weeks after their wedding. The accident left Krickitt in a coma for one month. When she woke up, she couldn't remember the last 18 months of her life, including meeting, falling in love, and marrying Kim. Her husband begins the process of courting Krickitt again to win her back. It's a wonderful story of romance, true love, and commitment - the perfect Valentine's Day movie.

So what is your favorite romantic movie? Or book?

 (Because so many movies are based on books these days)

Here's the trailer for The Vow. If you see it, I'd love to know your thoughts.

Shining a Light this Christmas

I hope you don't mind, but I'm reposting (sort of) an entry from last Christmas. I found it in my archives, and it moved me. Probably because so far, the holidays this year have been crazy and I've spent more time thinking about everything I have to do than reflecting on others.

Last year I mentioned a few people in my life who were experiencing especially difficult times. Here's a brief update:

My cousin found out a month or so ago that she has Stage 4 ovarian cancer. She has a husband who adores her and a 10-year old son. She's currently undergoing chemo. Praise God she is healed and doing great!

After being extremely fatigued over the summer and being extremely sick and dehydrated for the past few weeks, my uncle (my cousin's father-in-law) discovered he has lung cancer, which has already matastasized to his bone. My uncle died a few months later, followed by my aunt (his wife), who died from heart trouble.

One of my very best friends got divorced this past year from a very emotionally abusive man. She lost her job last month and is quickly running out of money.  I am thrilled to report my friend now has a great job and God is blessing her side photography and writing business, which is her passion!

Yesterday, my Bible Study group prepared a gift basket for a woman with chronic pain and health problems, whose husband virtually abandoned her to move several states away, leaving her to raise two children on barely any income and no support. This woman is now reconciled with her husband, who accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. The family now attends church together. God is good!!

This year, I know a few people who are struggling. My cousins and their kids (the children and grandchildren of the aunt and uncle who died), are still heavily grieving. One of my dear friends just lost her father and is heading out of state for his funeral today. Three other friends have a parent currently in Hospice care.  Other friends are experiencing major financial challenges.

Maybe you know someone in a similar circumstance. Maybe you're the circumstance.

There are people (maybe you) who won't be having the perfect magical Christmas that the television commercials portray. There are people in pain, and those who will spend their holidays in a hospital or alone. I wonder how God feels when I get so caught up in my own little life and the craziness of the holidays that I miss opportunities to be a light to those who are hurting. While I complain about the crowds at the mall or all the baking and wrapping I have to do, there are some who would give anything just to have enough money to buy their child a gift or have someone to bake for.

Shame on me.

Have you ever sat in the dark staring at your Christmas tree lights? Isn't it beautiful? Imagine that the Christmas tree is your world and you're one of those lights. You can add to the beauty of your world. You can shine to those around you.

Oh, my holidays will probably always be filled with shopping, wrapping, baking, planning...craziness...but I will be more aware of those around me. I will be spending more time praying, being a friend, and simply shining a light to those who are hurting. Want to join me? Consider the following ideas:

*Invite a hurting friend for coffee.

*Head to the nursing home and spend time talking to the residents - ask the nurses which ones don't get many visitors and focus on them. Maybe bring a small gift to pass around or bring the kids to sing Christmas carols (if you're kids aren't little anymore, borrow your nieces and nephews).

*Hang lights or decorate the home of a single mother or someone in chronic pain. Offer to take down those lights after the holidays.

*Offer to babysit for a frazzled stay-at-home mom.

*Shovel (or snowblow) the driveway of an elderly neighbor.

*Bake several mini loaves of banana bread and pass them out to the homeless (or your neighbors!)

*Adopt a family for Christmas.

*Hire an out-of-work husband and father to do odd jobs around your house.

*Pay for the car behind you in the drive-thru line. A friend of mine was in the McDonald's drive-thru the other day and when she got up to the window to pay, the cashier told her that someone two cars ahead of her handed her a fifty dollar bill and said to keep paying for drive-thru customers until the money ran out. Is that cool, or what!

*Pray, pray, pray for those you come into contact with every day. You may not know their needs, but God does!

Below is one of my favorite Christmas songs. It's a perfect compliment to this post. I hope you'll take a minute to check it out.

What about you?

How do you keep things in perspective and look outside of yourself during the holidays?

Lighting up the dark this Christmas

I'm taking a break today from posting about writing. If you'll indulge me, I feel led to do some reflecting.

My cousin found out a month or so ago that she has Stage 4 ovarian cancer. She has a husband who adores her and a 10-year old son. She's currently undergoing chemo.


After being extremely fatigued over the summer and being extremely sick and dehydrated for the past few weeks, my uncle (my cousin's father-in-law) discovered he has lung cancer, which has already matastasized to his bone.


One of my very best friends got divorced this past year from a very emotionally abusive man. She lost her job last month and is quickly running out of money.


Yesterday, my Bible Study group prepared a gift basket for a woman with chronic pain and health problems, whose husband virtually abandoned her to move several states away, leaving her to raise two children on barely any income and no support.

Maybe you know someone in a similar circumstance. Maybe you're the circumstance.

There are people (maybe you) who won't be having the perfect magical Christmas that the television commercials portray. There are people in pain and grieving and who will spend their holidays in a hospital or alone. I wonder how God feels when I get so caught up in my own little life and the crazyness of the holidays that I miss opportunities to be a light to those who are hurting. While I complain about the crowds at the mall or all the baking and wrapping I have to do, there are some who would give anything just to have enough money to buy their child a gift or have someone to bake for.

Shame on me.

Have you ever sat in the dark staring at your Christmas tree lights? Isn't it beautiful? Imagine that the Christmas tree is your world and you're one of those lights. You can add to the beauty of your world. You can shine to those around you.

Oh, my holidays will probably always be filled with shopping, wrapping, baking, planning...but I will be more aware of those around me. I will be spending more time praying, being a friend, and simply shining a light to those who are hurting. Want to join me? Consider the following ideas:


*Pay for the car behind you in the drive-thru line.

*Invite a hurting friend for coffee.

*Head to the nursing home and spend time talking to the residents - ask the nurses which ones don't get many visitors and focus on them. Maybe bring a small gift to pass around or bring the kids to sing Christmas carols (if you're kids aren't little anymore, borrow your nieces and nephews).

*Hang lights or decorate the home of a single mother or someone in chronic pain. Offer to take down those lights after the holidays.

*Offer to babysit for a frazzled stay-at-home mom.

*Shovel (or snowblow) the driveway of an elderly neighbor.

*Bake several mini loaves of banana bread and pass them out to the homeless (or your neighbors!)

*Adopt a family for Christmas.

*Hire an out-of-work husband and father to do odd jobs around your house.

*Pray, pray, pray for those you come into contact with every day. You may not know their needs, but God does!

Below is one of my favorite Christmas songs. It's a perfect compliment to this post. I hope you'll take a minute to check it out.

What about you?

How do you keep things in perspective and look outside of yourself during the holidays?

Love is (not so) Patient

It's been a long time since I've posted a short story for Fiction Friday. I thought with Valentine's Day only a week away, I'd post a lighthearted story for all of those who may be waiting for love. This was one of my Challenge entries on FaithWriters.com for the topic of "Patience".

Be sure to get in on the fun by posting your own fictional piece and linking to it from Joanne Sher's blog, An Open Book.

Love is (not so) Patient

My life is over.

Okay, not really. But right now it sure feels like it.

Amber and Shawn just announced they are getting married. Should be a happy occasion, right? Apparently it is for the thirty or so single people around me who are applauding with overdramatized enthusiasm. And, of course for Amber and Shawn who are beaming as bright as the flash from that gigantic bling on Amber’s finger.

But this is not good news for me. The third engagement announcement in two months, our singles’ group is dwindling rapidly. Available guys are being stolen right from under my nose. Pretty soon, the only ones left will be Stan, Phil and Brian. They make great pals but definitely aren’t my type. Especially Brian, a momma’s boy whose hair hangs to the middle of his back, whose beard length rivals Pippi Longstocking’s braids, and has more chest hair poking out of his shirt than Rosie, my bearded collie, has on her whole body.

Since I turned eighteen, I’ve been praying for a nice, clean-cut, responsible guy who has his priorities in order.

That's twelve years I've been praying! Is it any question that my patience is wearing thin?

I sigh. So this makes three newly engaged happy couples who soon would need to leave our singles’ group for the “newly marrieds.”

Goody for them.

“Did you hear the awesome news?” Stephie squeals as she slides into the chair next to mine.

Stephie is one of those too-happy singles. She’s here for fun and fellowship and claims that if and when God wants her to meet her husband, she will. Til then, she’s just enjoying the ride. Of course, Stephie is only twenty-two – she probably still sucks her thumb at night. We’ll see if she still has this perky attitude when she’s pushing thirty.

“I heard it,” I mumble.

She socks me in the arm. “Oh, come on, Lil, be happy for them.”

“I am.” I fake smile.

Stephie gives me a blank look. Then her face brightens. “Hey, a new guy joined tonight.”

“Is he cute?”

She raises her eyebrows. “Extremely.”

I straighten my shoulders, feeling hopeful for two seconds before slouching back down in my chair. “I’m sure Christina or Robin or Alexis will snatch him up in no time. They all took dibs on the next new guy to grace those doorways.”

Stephie rolls her eyes. “Lily. You cannot take dibs on another human being. When that spark happens, it happens.” She clutches her chest like she’s auditioning for a Broadway production.

“So where is he?” I look around the room. The singles’ pastor and his wife (what’s up with that, anyway?) stand at the front, chatting with a still-beaming Amber and Shawn. I spot Christina at the snack table talking to Stan and Phil. Robin and Alexis sit in the corner, texting, probably to each other. A few other regulars mill about.

And there he is. Coming our way.

Stephie elbows me in the side and I try not to grimace.

Gorgeous New Guy pulls up a chair and looks right at me. “Hey,” he says.

The drool starts pooling. Not making a good first impression, here.

But wait. That voice. That “hey”. It’s familiar.

I squint. No way. Could it be?

“Brian?”

Stephie giggles. “Told you there was a new guy here. Looks great, doesn’t he?”

I can’t stop staring. This can’t possibly be the same person who just last week could pass for a grizzly bear.

“You like it?” He grins, running a hand through his newly cropped hair.

I observe his smooth chin and chiseled jaw line. Never...noticed that...before. My eyes go to the opening of his shirt. What do you know? No hairs poking out.

“What happened?” I ask, jaw still slack.

“Well, you could say I had a revelation. It was time for a change. I got my own place, cut my hair – even shaved my chest.”

Stephie laughs. “Is there any particular reason you went to all this trouble, Brian?” She asks with a wink.

He looks at me. “Well, I was...I am kind of wondering if you’ll go out with me.” His cheeks turn a light shade of pink.

Wow...have those great cheekbones been there all along?

Okay, so I’m thinking I may try to dig up a little more patience. And a bit more trust that maybe God does have everything under control.

And perhaps I’ll even find some enthusiasm for Amber and Shawn.

Love is in the Air...

Or it will be soon, anyway.

Looking ahead to February (which is only two days away, by the way), I will be trying to incorporate a LOVE theme into my blog (you know, because of Valentines Day and everything). Not promising every post in February will be about this 1 Corinthians topic but look for some fun and romantic blog entries.

Starting with...

This coming Monday (Feb 2), I will be featuring Christian Romance Author, Anita Higman. But not only will you get to see what her latest book, Love Finds You in Humble Texas, is all about, you could be one of the first to own it! This book releases on February 15 and you'll have a chance to WIN a copy!

But there's more! Anita is not the only romance author to be featured in February. Watch for two or more every week, with a chance to win a copy of their novel.

Do you LOVE it, or what?

Stay tuned...