Wedded Bliss

Posted on November 4, 2012 by MaryALivingston

I just stared at the wall. Painting upon painting. His wall was covered with art.

Some of the art on Tim’s wall 31 years ago. Check out his blog if you would like to see what he is up to today. Tim Livingston – The Forester Artist

I didn’t know this about him, that he was an artist. Apparently, I was the only one who didn’t know. Unlike me while in college, his artistic works were in the open, out there on display for friends and family to see.

About ten months earlier, we met on a blind date. (Don’t ask.) We had mutual friends and at some point, after this botched introduction and continually running into each other, we started dating.

I was already in danger of loosing my heart. The moment I saw he was an artist tipped me over the top.

Six months ago, over 31 years after seeing his wall of art, I picked up brushes and started to learn watercolor. No one was happier for me than Tim that I was learning to paint. Being married to my best friend is one of the greatest blessings in life. The fact that we also share many of the same passions is life’s icing.

You may wonder why it took me so long to pick up brushes. Oh, I toyed with it a few times, but I knew inevitably, people would compare us.

Our relationship is not about comparing.

Sitting in a blind one morning. Our version of dressing up for a date.

Well, we are comparing our WordPress blog world maps. Oh, then the time we took martial arts together and competed for trophies. And he did get the first buck this season. Mine was bigger. I found the biggest nugget on our claim. Although he holds the record for the biggest agate. However, my geode is near the size of a basketball. We both found nice septarian nodules…nonetheless, you get my point.

Asking a spouse or loved one to critique your work is risky. Tim says that asking him to critique my work is like asking him if my butt looks big or if my clothes make me look fat. There is no right answer.

So I joined an online illustrating course, Make Your Splashes – Make Your Marks!, where I am able to learn, hone my skills and participate in critiques.

As for Tim, here are his most expert responses to my most ridiculous question:

Us with a few of our golden retrievers on vacation at Roaring Camp. It’s a great place to learn about gold mining.

Her: Does this make me look fat?
Him: I don’t think it does your body justice.
or
Him: I don’t think you would like the way it looks.

Yep, wedded bliss.

Happy Birthday Tim –
Love,
Mary

40 thoughts on “Wedded Bliss”

foresterartist on November 4, 2012 at 12:06 am said:

Thank you honey! I love you so much.

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 4, 2012 at 12:06 am said:
  
  Right answer. 🙂
  
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  - lindamartinandersen on November 10, 2012 at 8:01 am said:
    
    Hi Backdoor Artist,
    
    Thanks for following my blog. I’m not sure how you found me, but I’m appreciative. I’m looking forward to being one of your followers too. You have a fun blog and a great relationship with your hubby. Aughhhh….
    
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    - The Backdoor Artist on November 10, 2012 at 8:49 am said:
      
      PiBoIdMo
      
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Divs on November 4, 2012 at 3:24 am said:

Hi, Just learning how to use WordPress… And great to meet you two… Very inspiring, beautiful couple…I love how you two are best friends for so many years…And what lovely watercolor work!!…. 🙂

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 4, 2012 at 3:26 am said:
  
  Thank you for stopping by. I found your other blog as well, nice art. Looking forward to reading more.
  
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oawritingspoemspaintings on November 4, 2012 at 10:31 am said:

Lovely painting and very nice post! Thanks

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soumyav on November 5, 2012 at 5:00 am said:

lovely post dear..came here thru Tim’s blog..

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 5, 2012 at 5:07 am said:
  
  Don’t you just love his hair of old…lol.
  He has my heart and it couldn’t be in better hands.
  Thank you for stopping by.
  
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  - soumyav on November 5, 2012 at 6:59 am said:
    
    welcome dear!
    
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violetski on November 5, 2012 at 7:33 am said:

Beautiful paintings and lovely post , Marry❤

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 5, 2012 at 7:37 am said:
  
  Tim really has a gift. These were just some of what he had on his wall all those years ago. I have enjoyed watching him paint over the years, he inspires me. 🙂
  
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Felicia Lilley on November 5, 2012 at 9:37 am said:

This is a well written article. I also love the hunting picture. 🙂

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 5, 2012 at 9:42 am said:
  
  Thanks. Me with makeup 😕 …and it was sooooo cold that morning.
  
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Marian641 on November 5, 2012 at 11:54 am said:

Hi Mary, I just stopped by to see your blog, it’s wornderful. I am already familiar with Tim’s blog. So much talent all in one family. It sounds like you two have a lot of fun together!

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 5, 2012 at 12:09 pm said:
  
  Thanks. We do have a lot of fun together and enjoy each others’ successes. Blogging together is nice as we are able to find other blogs we like through each other. This is how I found yours. 😀
  
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Playamart - Zeebra Designs on November 9, 2012 at 5:59 am said:

duh.. i just put the two of you together! wow, you have that talented young daughter!

i just returned from two weeks of travel with friends, but look forward to reading more of your posts and admiring your art! what a treasure it is to find husband/wife bloggers who compliment each other. hmmm. maybe there’s a post about that in the future?…

lisa/z from ecuador

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 9, 2012 at 6:40 am said:
  
  Awe, thanks. We enjoy a wonderful friendship. 🙂
  So, who is the “daughter” you refer to, perhaps our granddaughter?
  
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  - Playamart - Zeebra Designs on November 9, 2012 at 10:04 am said:
    
    when i wrote that, i thought, i’d better go back and check… now i know i need to go back and check. i might have you cross threaded with another artistic family!!!
    
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  - Playamart - Zeebra Designs on November 9, 2012 at 10:28 am said:
    
    i did a quick search and cannot find the post. when i do, i will certainly share it w/you!!! z
    
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michelleatplay on November 12, 2012 at 12:46 pm said:

Being married to one’s best friend is… is… the best life one could imagine! So happy for you, for Tim and for your artistic future! Thanks for sharing. Oh, and happy birthday, Tim:)

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 13, 2012 at 5:01 pm said:
  
  Indeed.
  
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Poetry Authoress Victoria L. McColley on November 13, 2012 at 5:17 am said:

Reblogged this on Poetry Writers Book Shop and commented:
Oh The Blessings of LOVE!!! This is a Beautiful Love Happening Here!! XX & Awesome Artists!!

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 13, 2012 at 5:03 pm said:
  
  Thank you!
  
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rubensandthebard on November 13, 2012 at 4:40 pm said:

This is a beautiful story and may the happiness continue!!

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 13, 2012 at 5:04 pm said:
  
  We put our best efforts into that goal daily. 🙂
  
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thistledewmercantile on November 15, 2012 at 6:48 am said:

What a sweet, sweet post about your Hubby! Happy anniversary, Mary and Tim!

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 15, 2012 at 7:18 am said:
  
  Always good to have those wishes, in June it will be 30 years.
  
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opreach on November 21, 2012 at 5:57 pm said:

This is truly wonderful. Thank you for sharing yourself and the love of your life with such transparency.

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 21, 2012 at 6:05 pm said:
  
  Much to be thankful for. 🙂
  
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Shelley Wilson Art on November 23, 2012 at 5:10 am said:

I didn’t realize that the two blog sites are HIS and HERS. How awesome! I loved this blog. I smiled the whole time. Your relationship is very real and I’m so glad that you shared this glimpse with us.

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 23, 2012 at 6:47 am said:
  
  We play we, we fight well, and we make up even better… 😉
  
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Joan Y. Edwards on November 26, 2012 at 5:00 am said:

Dear Mary,
Congratulations on creating your blog. I am proud that you decided to try your hand at art. It’s wonderful that you and Tim inspire each other. Thanks for subscribing to my blog. You are my 100th Subscriber. I am very excited! I’ll post a blog article today with the details of the winners of free pitch and manuscript critiques. I’ll announce a special gift for you at that time, too.
Enjoy being you.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards

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- The Backdoor Artist on November 26, 2012 at 6:18 am said:
  
  Thanks for stopping by. Congratulations on your 100 mark.
  Wow, I didn’t know about the contest! How awesome is that!?
  A little bliss sneaking in on the day.
  I have just started getting to know your blog, and I like what I see so far.
  I look forward to exploring more. 🙂
  – Mary
  
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Kathy Temean on December 2, 2012 at 1:16 pm said:

What a great picture of the two of you sitting in the blind. Great makeup.

Kathy

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- The Backdoor Artist on December 2, 2012 at 1:26 pm said:
  
  You should see my bling! 😉
  
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Mark Armstrong on December 18, 2012 at 6:07 am said:

Huh. I’ve often heard that expression “Love is blind,” but I never realized it was a reference to deer hunting… : P

Great post, cool couple, and I’m definitely signing up for Tim’s Spousal Reply Diplomacy Course. A very Merry Christmas to you both! : )

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- The Backdoor Artist on December 18, 2012 at 6:20 am said:
  
  ha! Nearly spit my coffee across the room! I suppose you could call this a dear blind. lol Thank you for the morning laugh. 😀 😀 😀 😀
  
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