Monday, January 28, 2019

Slappy New Year




Have never been a person that makes New Year's resolutions.  Before ttwd, I would have been embarrassed at reneging on my pledge by the end of January.  After ttwd I knew that if I really wanted to change something about myself, all I had to do was ask for Sam's help.  He would be there for me whether it was May, September, or December.  And even if I decided to throw my goal out the window, Sam would be around to gently or not so gently remind me of our agreement.




The months leading up to January, 2019, had been both busy and full of angst.  We had the flood disaster the night before we left for London and France, and the mess and repairs took a full 4 months.  No ceilings and no floors in over half the house.  But the trip overseas was probably the best ever vacation for the two of us.  I was feeling healthy, and we did and saw everything we had missed for 2 years running.  Very special memories.


Artist rendition of glider landing at Pegasus Bridge


When we returned, we dealt with the water damage in the house and prepared for Sam's big surgery.  I wrote about that recently.  There was so much for us to discuss, so much more that just the diagnosis and the surgery.  The surgery carried with it some heavy emotional repercussions, and more than once, both of us cried and clung to each other.  Again, I will never know how to properly thank the blog friends who opened up to us about their journey with this diagnosis and surgery.  What amazing people.




The holidays were different this year.  Sam insisted that we were cutting back and taking a minimalist approach.  Not allowing me to stress myself out. 



While ttwd never disappeared, it never got the attention we usually pay to keeping it strong and positive.  There just wasn't time with all that happened.  Once we were past all the demands, Sam and I breathed a big sigh and felt like we finally could spend time just on each other.  When we began to talk about where we were a bit stale.  Not on our game, as they say.  We talked about it often.  We touched and smiled and laughed.




Finally Sam sat on the bed and pulled me across his knee.  He would spank for a while, but it was not about something I did or did not do.  It was not a "just because I love you" spanking either.  It wasn't funny and we were not laughing.  It was meant to reconnect and renew us as we faced the new year.




Sam would pause, and we would talk - about who we are now - how we've both changed.  How we are the same.  What should we remember about our respective roles?


It was a wonderful way to start the year.  The bond felt strong again.  In fact, I hope we do this every January.


                     So Slappy New Year, friends and readers.  
       Hope 2019 gives you all the love and spankings you deserve.



29 comments:

  1. Oh wow Ella. I'm sorry last year ended so rough. I cannot fathom all the emotions that were pent-up just waiting to be released. What a perfect way to bring in the new year. Sounds like a tradition-in-the-making to me. Hugs -- shell

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    1. It was a hard year for both Sam and me, but 2019 is looking much better! The reconnection feels so right.

      Hugs From Ella

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  2. Well, I'm so glad things are settling for you both, Miss Ella!
    Glad your New Year has started out much easier.
    --Baker

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    1. Thanks, Baker,
      It is a fresh start, and we got great news from Sam's doctors. Even with it being winter, it feels like the sun is shining on us right now.

      Hugs From Ella

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  3. Happy Slappy New Year! Last year was really rough and I understand how priorities change with life's ups and downs. Blogland is so full of support, I kind of forgot that but I am glad that you had your friends during this time. Hope this is a new start and that 2019 is a peaceful year.

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    1. Good to have you visit today, Blondie. I think one of the nicest things about blogland are the people you meet. I love the comments and sending one back, too. It is like sending a smile to someone.

      Hugs From Ella

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  4. Ella,
    In times of illness or stress, the need to turn in toward one another is so real. It sounds like that is just what you and Sam did. Glad that things are back to sweet, heavenly normal. Right?
    Meredith

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    1. Yep! It feels wonderful to have the time and energy to devote to each other. I take that for granted sometimes. You find out how much you miss it when life interferes.

      Hugs From Ella

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  5. Ella, Sounds like you and Sam have really been through the ringer! I know what that phrase means because I got my finger stuck in one on my grandma's washing machine ringer. I don't remember if she came to my rescue and hit the reverse button or what. Life should would be easier sometimes if we could just hit the reverse button sometimes, wouldn't it? But, you and Sam stuck together and rode it all out. I'm thankful for your good news and here's to a smoother, happier, and more spanky 2019. Hugs, Windy

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    1. What a lovely comment, Windy! A reverse button would be nice, but sometimes a pause button would be enough.

      I do remember a wringer washer,too! My grandma would only let me help on the back side when the wrung clothes came out ready to hang. :)

      Hugs From Ella

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    2. Sorry, Windy, I didn't mean it as a correction. My bad. It is probably the English teacher in me coming out. Used to tell my students that homophones were tough. If you remember that the "W" in wringer is for the "W" in washer, you will never forget. :)
      E

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  6. It’s so nice to read that things for you and Sam are moving in a positive direction, good for you both! Take care and enjoy each other. May 2019 fill all your wishes!

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    1. Thanks, Laurel,
      It feels like we are back in the groove these last few weeks. The other day I forgot my cell phone when I went out to do errands. Sam reminded me how much he wants me to have it with me with a little wooden spoon action. It does improve the memory and know he cares.

      Hugs From Ella

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  7. Hi Ella,it's so great to see you post :) wishing you and Sam a Slappy New Year.

    Gosh, you have been dealing with so much. Ttwd does tend to take a back seat during these times. I'm so glad you and Sam have now been able to reconnect.

    Hugs
    Roz

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    1. Oh, you are such a dear person, Roz. The new year feels like it will be a better one. AND we have a new book from PK! Life is good.

      Sending Hugs Down Under,
      Ella

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  8. We are so happy for you both that you got the Christmas present you had wished for, Ella ... and a Slappy New Year sounds like the perfect way to set the course for 2019 ... you deserve a break after all you've been through ... may it be a good one! ... big hugs! ... nj & Frank ... xx

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    1. NJ, you are a special lady. It was the only gift I really cared about this year. Loved the way you said "set the course" because that is exactly what we did.

      Big Hugs Back to You and Frank

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  9. January sounds like a great time for this, maybe to be revisited in June. But really it's a daily reconnection, a look, a comment, a gentle hand on the butt. It's nice to know our guys have our back.

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    1. PK, I love this comment! You are so right, my friend. Those are the little things that keep the relationship on the best path.

      Hugs From Ella

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  10. Thank you, sweet girl!

    Hugs From Ella

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  11. Love this, Ella. What a year you've had, and hoping this year you reconnect in very special ways. It sounds like such a sweet moment you two shared. Thank you for sharing it with us.
    Hugs, EsMay

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  12. EsMay,
    Lately I walk around with a smile on my face simply because we feel like that connection is strong again. What a difference it makes to my mood! Some good news this month made me cry and laugh at the same time. Looking forward. :)

    Hugs From Ella

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  13. Hi Ella, :) Slappy New Year to you and Sam too! I'm sorry that 2018 was such a bear! I hear that from a whole lot of people. Glad that it is behind you.

    You are off to a super start! I'm so happy that the beginning of 2019 brought the very best news your way. Many hugs, love and smooth sailing ahead, as well as plenty of spanky business,

    ❤️Katie xoxo

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    1. Yes, Katie,
      This year feels better already. Lots of good things to look forward to in 2019. Sam and I are back in step down the yellow brick road of TTWD. Making some travel plans together is one of my favorite things to do. Sam even built a new desk where we can sit side by side at the computer! So much fun.

      Hugs From Ella

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  14. Slappy New Year, Ella, sorry to be so late! So glad Sam got the results you were both hoping for. Last year was rotten for you but this year is shaping up well. I love that kind of reconnection too!
    Much love from across the Pond,
    Rosie xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Rosie! We are rolling along here on a high, for sure. I could feel the love you sent even from across the pond. :)

      Love and Hugs Across the Pond,
      Ella

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  15. Slappy New Year Ella and Sam. What a great way to start 2019. I'm so happy Sam's results were good. Now you can enjoy life making beautiful memories together.
    Hugs Lindy xx

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    1. That is so sweet, Lindy. We do have beautiful memories to cherish, and ttwd seems to make our life even more special. Hope you and your Bear are doing well, too.

      Sending Hugs Down Under,
      Ella

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