HOLLAND = FREEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE; Castle Rock-WA

Holland is the freest relationship I've ever been in.

I've been in relationships which had open ends = my choice; the guys were fun to be with, but they were easy to let go of, too. So, I did.

I had a 44 year old relationship, married to the love of my life. I waited for him - I always knew he was mine, always. So, I waited for him to realize that. Bob was my "it" man. But with pressures on all sides (ex-wife, stepson, mother, our daughter) I never felt like I belonged (I was actually TOLD that, by stepson, mother, & daughter) - it seemed to me, that I was always on the outside of my Life, looking in. At 17, I finally landed the man who stole my heart at 10 … and I was happy to be his wife for 44 years (95% of that time very happy) but I never felt free in that loving marriage. I always felt hobbled from being ME; because being me upset too many people making claims on Bob. Bob did love me, there is no doubt of that … but I had to shrink myself for decades to keep everyone else happy. And in the end - Bob is gone, and they are all still miserable people. The only one who is enjoying a life of freedom, now, is ME.

Holland, is the freest relationship I've ever had. YES, he can be overbearing some Days - BUT 100% of the time, I KNOW I'm wanted, loved, & protected: 99% of the time, he is open-handed in generosities. YES, some Days are difficult … but, I can be a bit of a live wire, myself, some Days. Marrying Holland was not hard for me to do = by the time I said "yes", stopped running & agreed to join  my life with his - I felt like he had always been a part of my life (sounds weird, but strangely true). He made my heart feel comfortable (even when the heat is on, full force). Laughter comes easy (there is a joyful lightness in freedom). He likes it when I "doll up" in my bold, colorful outfits & sparkly makeup ("enjoy your day shopping - buy what you need & want, I'll like whatever you wear"). When possible & feasible, he goes out of his way to make my dreams & wishes come true (he never questioned my want for a life on the open road, he just hitched his wagon to mine & off we drove: 21 States in 3-1/2 years). He is protection alert; always on guard & stresses to me what I need to be on guard about, myself (and I listen, because he's been around some pretty rough & sketchy people, and understands the underbelly of society much better than I ever could). 

Holland is an experience, that's truth; and most of the time, he's a good & pleasant experience. He gave me friendship when my life felt need to make space for friends. He gave me love when I wasn't aware that my Life needed more than comfortable companionship, He gives this "I can do it myself" woman, protection against the storms of life & unseen/unknown predators: with him by my side, I don't have to do it all by myself. For the first time in my entire life, I can set the heavy loads down, breathe easy, and simply rest without explaining to anyone, why.

Holland IS the most freeing experience I've ever indulged in.

And, I find myself enjoying it. It's a pleasant feeling to know that your mere existence puts the sparkle in someone else's eye, & the smile on their face. Freedom without conditions, is freeing indeed ❤️

A TENDER SHABBAT EVE~Self-Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

Slow morning.

Slow Day.

Perfect Shabbat Eve vibes 😊✡️☝️ ✝️

Workout followed my coffee hour:

Muscles Worked

Bodyweight Side Stretch~5 ct EA side, x5

Bodyweight Standing Wring The Towel~5 CT ea side, x5

Chair-Assist Hip Flexor Stretch~5 ct. EA leg, x5

Standing Backside Leg Swing~Aim for 10 reps EA Leg, x2

Standing Side Leg Lifts~10 reps EA side x2

The Darebee Moxie Workout is part of Darebee’s broader Workouts for Seniors collection, which is designed for people in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. These programs focus on strength, bone health, balance, and joint care using bodyweight exercises, with no special equipment needed. The key principles are: Low-impact, bodyweight training to maintain muscle and bone without overloading joints. Consistency over intensity - shorter, daily sessions are safer and more effective than long, infrequent workouts. Good form and breathing are emphasized to prevent injury. Support available - having a sturdy chair or wall nearby during balance work is recommended.

For a 70-year-old (which I am, if conception date gets figured into the equation), the safety of any workout depends on current health status, mobility, and any medical conditions. Darebee’s senior programs are built to be accessible, but they are not a substitute for medical advice. Before starting, especially if you have balance issues, heart conditions, joint problems, or recent injuries, it’s important to: Consult your healthcare provider to ensure the workout is appropriate for your condition. Start with light. Modify or skip exercises that cause pain or discomfort. Use proper form … and stop if you feel dizzy, unsteady, or in pain.

Lunge Punches~Aim for 10 reps EA side, x2

ALTERNATIVE - Bodyweight Punch-Step Forward~Aim for 10 reps EA side, x2

ALTERNATIVE - Reverse Lunges~Aim for 10 reps EA side, x2

Side Punches~Aim for 10 reps EA side,  x2

Knee Cross To Elbow exercise~Aim for 10 reps EA side, x2

Squat Hold Side Bends~AIm fo 10 EA side, x2

Duration of Warm Up & Workout

Bodyweight Glute Stepup~In & Out of Betsy x6

Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise~x10

And a celebratory meal in the evening. When I asked what we were celebrating … he said, "That you agreed to marry me & never gave up. Let's let someone else cook for you, tonight - how about a Garlic Chicken Pizza?"

He really is a romantic man, who can be very tender hearted, when he wants to be 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨🍕🍷

I'm feeling a definite Shabbat Evening blessing 😊