I think that all true love stories begin with……once upon a time.
My once upon a time began long ago.
Long before we jumped.
Long before anyone ever tried to cook pancakes.
Long before a brass button suit and Lee Press-On-Nails.
Back when there was just a dreamer…..
……and the girl who loved him.
I knew by the end of the first date……that he was the one.
I knew that I knew that I knew.
But I was young and he was young and I was at a college two hours away which seemed like an eternity and this was just our first date which really wasn’t even a first date except it involved Christmas lights and a lot of kissing.
A hopeless situation.
It was going to be over before it had even begun.
And then through the haze of anguish of disappointment and despair…..just as I turned to leave…..I heard him mention something about the group Rush and a concert and tickets and…..did I want to go?
Rush?
A band? A group? Rock? Country? Classical?
I had absolutely positively no idea who they were.
Never heard of them.
But this was my chance…..my chance to see him again.
So in that moment…..in a split second…..without a second thought…..I blurted out “I love Rush!”
“Really?” he said in disbelief. “You like Rush?”
“Of course,” I nodded enthusiastically. “They are my favorite band in the whole world.”
I was so happy.
Rush….in concert.
The perfect beginning to my once upon a time.
A month later…..he drove two hours to pick me up.
I counted every minute and I was waiting and ready to go in the perfect go-to-the-concert-with-a-guy-that-I-had-only-been-on-one-almost-date-with-who-was-a-really-good-kisser outfit.
I planned it so carefully.
I wore a prairie skirt with a sweater vest trimmed in ribbons and high-heeled shoes with ruffled socks and a bow with my name on it.
Yep.
Classic rock ‘n roll.
And he swept me off my feet and drove me two hours back to the concert arena in his souped up car with duck-taped seats and a jam box. And I talked and talked and exclaimed how much I loved duct-taped seats and that a jam box was so much better than a radio in your car because the music was portable……and that I couldn’t wait to see Rush.
And then we arrived.
And walked into the smoky haze of the concert hall with people in leather and chaps with fringe and boots with bandanas and sunglasses….looking like they all just rode in from an episode of Knight Rider.
And my bow with my name on it wilted a little.
This?
This was Rush?
I couldn’t understand what they were singing and the music was so loud and the drummers were drumming and the leather booted-people were chanting and swaying and lifting lighters in the hazy darkness.
{gulp}
One song.
That’s all it took for me to turn to my future husband and nervously whisper, “This group…..umm…..this isn’t the Rush group I was thinking about. I thought they would sing songs like Achey Breaky heart. I was thinking about another Rush group.”
To his credit he said nothing.
He just smiled and took my hand and guided me and my prairie skirt through the haze and the lighters and the leather.
And kissed me all the way home. 🙂
PS The duct-tape seats and jam boxes and prairie skirts and lettered bows are long gone…..but sometimes…..on a quiet night under the stars…..he pulls out his guitar and strums a Rush song just for me. 🙂
PPS If you want to make your own “spooning” project….I posted directions for the project here.
To see my other stamped spoon projects….click here.
That is such a fun story KariAnne! I got taken to a Rush concert once. :-( Same reaction but my date didn't fair as well and no spoons were made ;-). I love your spoon art . So clever and classic too! I am going to have to catch up with your blog posts. We are on vacation at Disney do the mouse has got me running all over the place. Be back soon!
Nothing like true love :) He was definitely a keeper. Hugs, Laura
Such a cute story, glad to see you are still together and happy. In this day and age finding a couple that still loves each other after a couple of years is becoming scarce in the world of divorce. My husband and I have a funny story of how we met, it involves and exboyfriend inviting me to his birthday party and falling for the other guy who was celebrating his too.
ARE YOU SERIOUS? Rush? The three man band out of Toronto? THAT Rush? Geddy Lee? Take off for the Great White North? *sigh* But it is a cute story.
Ahhhh, My heart is melthing. Congrats to the both of you.
You just have to love love. And, I do. Sigh! So sweet. And, I am also "loving" those paint sticks.♥
Love the love story -- and love the table! :) me
Oh Karianne! This made me chuckle! I live in the town that Neil Peart, the drummer from Rush is from. He was even a patient in an office I worked back around 1989!! You probably heard Lakeside Park in Geddy Lee's squealy voice at that concernt that night. We visit Lakeside Park all summer long!! And every single time they come on the radio I cringe and turn the station! I am so suprised to hear they had an American following. I just think of them as a horrible local band!! Congratulations on a wonderful and lasting marriage.....you guys rock!!
I love stories that start with once upon a time...and have a Happy ending and paint sticks and tables...And who doesn't love a good spoon?
Awwww....I LOVE LOVE LOVE...LOVE stories! and....I love your spoons! I'm soooo Stealing this from you! The really cool thing, I married my hubby in '89 too..and well....it was also LOVE at first date! Thanks for sharing this! ~Tammy
Ah, the ruffled socks with heels - a true 80s don't (I rocked the look myself)! Here's to making beautiful music together. Kelly
LOVE this story. Love your "spooning" plaque. Too cute!!!
Too sweet -- meant to be! xo Heidi
We should all do stories on how we met our hubbies. Mine is good. I think yours was too funny and so sweet! Love the spoon idea and would make a wonderful wedding gift.
admitting I owned a Rush album in the 80's! funny how their lyrics to a song called "limelight" could be applied to the blogosphere ("all the world's indeed a stage...."). i thought they were genius when i was 13! love a good love story!
I love it. I love the spoons but most of all the story. (Especially since I've gotten to meet both of you!)
I love a happy ending!! ;)
I relived my "young, head over heels days" with your story, Karianne! And I have to say, when you mentioned the Rush concert and then started describing the outfit you chose to wear---"a prairie skirt"---I cracked up. "She wore WHAT to a Rush concert?" You must have been the only one who missed the gazillion Rush videos MTV played in those days. Haha! I loved the story though---driving two hours just to pick you up? Honey, he knew YOU were "the one", too. :) Beautiful spoons! Beautiful memory!
I love that little piece of art - and the story ;) Thanks for sharing!
Love it! Such an absolutely adorable idea! xo, Leslie
HA! shows you how old I am! When you said "rush party" I thought you were talking about fraternity and sorority rush parties.....geesh! LOL.......when my youngest got married, I gave them a little wedding present of silver forks with Mr. and Mrs. engraved on them, not to be used until their 1st anniversary on that saved piece of cake. xoxoxo Happy weekend Karianne. r
Karianne , it is always such a delight to read your posts. I am thankful that when I read them I am not eating because you crack me up. I love your sweet story of how you and your hubby met. My husband and I married in '89. Your description of your attire brought back lots of memories as well. Sweet story and lovely table.
Christmas lights and lots of kissing...sounds like a perfect (kinda) first date to me. love your stories...and your pics...and your spoons...and your paint stirrer table... and you :)
I love this post! Rush fans are an enthusiastic crowd, they are all champions at Air Drumming! Yes, I'm a fan although I have never attended a live concert I have watched DVD's of their concerts. Maureen might even be surprised that they have a huge following in Brazil too. What a beautiful love story and I love your Spoon art! Jo
Brazil....oh my word!! Is my face red! I really thought they were just a Canadian thing!
Hi Karianne, I love your home posts, your great "look at how I am cooking" posts, and the ones where you speak of your wonderful kids. But the ones that get me every time are your "love" posts. Because in the end, that is where it all began. So thank you....for reminding me of just how great those beginnings of a love story are...
Love the story! I, too, attended a Rush concert way back when...it didn't have the same ending as yours! Too funny! I bought my metal stamping kit a few weeks back and I am going to try your project. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome talent!
So cute! We were married in 1989 wow that was a looooooooong time ago LOL!!! I remember seeing lots of Rush t-shirts when I was in highschool!They were a pretty big band! Sounds like the perfect date even if you had no idea who they were.It's the company that counts right! Love that spoon project! xx Anne
duct taped seats huh?;) that would have sealed the deal for me and the portable music boxes...i think we called them boom boxes cracks me up now we have ipod or ieverything we must have looked ridiculous... love ya girl xo
Just want you to know how much I loved this.
The table is unbelievable, the story made my heart smile! Tooo cute! Hugs, Pendra
Great story to read first thing in the morning. Made me smile.. it's going to be a good day!!
Hi KariAnne - Fly by night away from here... Change my life again.... Fly by night... I was a huge Rush fan in college :) I still have two of their songs on my iTunes. Cute story KariAnne. you always put a smile on my face. Your hubby is a keeper for sure! XO Happy weekend. My best- Diane
Ha! I used to sing Rush's "Tom Sawyer" over and over again and my mom could never understand my fascination. I can just picture your outfit at the concert. I'm sure that is what sealed the deal with him. Too funny - and sweet. In fact, if I didn't adore you so much, I might have to gag myself with one of those spoons. Totally KIDDING!!! I think it is a wonderful story and definitely "tell it to the grandchildren one day" worthy. Have a wonderful weekend ahead!
Oh my goodness the spoon plaque! What a perfect wedding/ anniv gift!! LOVE! Your stories are so, so cute. I love hearing about you and your husband back in the day....
I love your plaque and your story! The story is hilarious and sweet... a prairie skirt and bow to Rush is killing me even though I know it was perfectly in style at the time. I can't believe we wore that stuff but it's especially funny that you wore it to a Rush concert with everyone else in their black t-shirts and leather. The best part is that he didn't care and the rest is history. :)
I love that you remember every detail, so cute!!! Young Love, isn't is wonderful! XO Kristin
Oh how sweet! And I love the pun of "Spooning since ...."!
OMG!!!...to too funny. My husbands favorite band is Rush me not a fan, he just went in November with his best buddies...is it weird that guys still go to concerts at $125.00 a pop for a seat?? anyway I love your story and btw I have duct tape on my torn seat right now until we get it fixed lol. Happy New Year! Smiles, Sheila
Your story put a smile on my face ~ well done both of you :)
That is the.cutest.story.EVER. and I mean, ever.ever. I love it! And I love those spoons and the table project too! You are so super talented! Thanks for sharing!! :-)
I'm laughing so hard my shoulders are shaking!!!! Would you believe that RUSH was one of my very first concerts too?? I was asked by a group of friends if I wanted to go see them and I, like you, didn't really know who they were. 2 hours later and slightly buzzed from the "smokey haze" around me I realized that this was a whole lot different from the concert I had been to before that...Petra. As in the Christian "rock" band Petra. Yep! Kinda sorta a little bit different from Rush. LOL!!! God bless you and your bow with your name on it! Vanessa
That could have been my story except 21 years earlier! My hubby and I were set up on our first date and on our second date he proposed! We were married 2 weeks later and will celebrate 45 years in September. When you know, you know. Love to hear stories like yours, XOXO
Thanks for making me smile.Love the table..
Oh my gosh, Kari Anne I am in LOVE with you! Well, the YOU who you are! What fun. You are such a story teller, and I love that. AND this project (spoons) is downright adorable. Thanks for your great blog. Now to go look at your latest creation with paint stirrers. I'll really, really try not to drool on my keyboard. :)
You are so adorable! Your blog makes me laugh out loud every day. I read a few different blogs daily but yours never fails to make me smile. Your love story is too cute and so are you. I know we have never met, but I feel like I know you. Your writing is a gift and thanks for making so many of us happy. Love your spoon project too.
Oh, KariAnne! That is hilarious. You should know that Rush is finally being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the class of 2013. I was a huge Rush fan back in the day. Had all their albums. Fly By Night is even being used in a car commercial right now. Always HATED the "Tom Sawyer" song, though. Anywho, your story is adorable. Love that you wore a prairie skirt and ruffled socks to the concert :) I met my husband on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend. I, too, knew by the end of the night that he was THE ONE. When it's right, you just know. Rock on!
As I sat shivering nervously waiting for him to pick me up for our first date, I said to my roommate, " I am too young to get married !! She said, "What? You just met him." I said, " I know, but he's the ONE!" Later that evening, he said, " Do you like Al Hirt?" I said yes ( I did like Al Hirt). " Well, he said, he is coming for a concert in a couple of months. If I'm still around we will go." We have been married for 47 years now. Thanks for sharing your sweet story, so I could share mine. P.S. So glad he didn't say "the Stones". I would have to have lied...uh, I mean, fudged a bit... as you did :)
KariAnne your stories are just so much fun to read! And the fact that you always have such lovely pictures sprinkled throughout the tale makes it even better! Keep em coming!
I do like your spoon art but think I have told you that before.................
I didn't know Rush Limbaugh ever had a band. Closer to the heart....YEAHHHHH closer to the hearrrrttt.... Bliss
I really LOVE this! How cute and sweet- xo Diana
you can always make me smile.
Oh....I love that story!!....This story among the many others you have would make a wonderful "journal" for your children....your stories are the future "folklore" !!...you made my day!....
Story and DIY, what a great combination! I thought I was reading a novel. Very entertaining.
This has to be the cutest thing ever! And...I just read all your older posts about 4th of July and the Navy, and Lee Press on Nails...and burnt/under-cooked blueberry pancakes...you two are so cute.
I nominated you for the Blogger of the Year 2012 award! https://momtoldmetowriteabook.wordpress.com/
Just wanted to tell you that I love the way you write! I'm going to have to spend some time going back through your previous posts - they are so fun. And wonderful creations too!
Cutest.Story.Ever. :)
1989 must have been a romantic year. That was the year that Pretty Handsome Guy and I officially started dating. We went to the very romantic movie, Child's Play featuring the adorable Chuckie for our first date ;-D. Did you ever have the pleasure of seeing that?
Smoky haze~I didn't inhale! Love your love story! Love sweet love :) Debbie
I have laughed and laughed over your fun memories! And I love the spooning project :)
1989 must have been a good year. That is the year I meet my husband. I knew the very first time I laid eyes on him that I was going to marry him. Lucky me he felt the same way. Almost 22 years later and we are still in love. I love a good love story and yours is the best. Love the spoons and your stir stick table.
Just found your blog. Am a fan, already. Love your posts...and love your home. Looking forward to reading your past blogs.
We also married in 1989. Met in July 1988, engaged in Sept. & married in April 1989. I, too, knew on the first date that he was the one. Love your story. Wishing you many more happy years together.
I'm hooked! I'm waiting for the entire story now. :) Bring it on! I'll wait... You are so charming! And so amazingly creative... paint sticks?! Time to by some paint just for the wood!
So cute...the story and the table. Have a great day.
Love the table, love the stenciling behind it! And wow, I love your story...so sweet, no wonder you fell in love with him. My husband and I have been 'spooning' since '89, too! It's a second marriage for both of us, but the best one. Debbie :)
Oh, KariAnn... I love this story!!! How sweet! You story should be in a book! I love this wonderful "spooning" project. I'm going to make one for my son and his bride-to-be... they are getting married April 7th! So sweet.
That's a great love story!! I can just see you in your 1980s prairie skirt at a hard rock concert. I never liked Rush but I bet they do have a soft place in your heart. :)
KariAnne you tell the best stories. I love your house and blog. Please tell me about that fabulous winter wreath in your header.
i love your love story. spooning since 1989. love it. do i dare tell you what my hubby would insist on ours saying? forking since 1996. tacky, huh? yeah. i'll stick with spooning.
LOVE that story! So cute...I was laughing so hard at picturing you in that outfit. Especially with going to a Rush concert. Too funny! Hope you two are still kissing. Lots. :-)
What an adorable project and an even more adorable story!
Such a sweet love story Karianne and I love your spoons!
Oh Karianne! You were adorable, weren't you? :) Thanks for sharing your story! And the spoons . . . LOVE them!!
What a great story! I could see all of it in my mind....so funny!
Your spoon art is clever, but your story is priceless. ;-)
Just a spoon full of sugar....I love your sweet sentiment! What a wonderful way to celebrate your life together! Blessings, Carolynn xxx My husband and I celebrate our 27th Anniversary on January 11th. I'm so thankful for the happy years we have shared together.
What a great story. Shortly after I met my hubby (1982) he invited me to go to a Loverboy concert...I said no. Like you, I had no idea who they were. He took one of his friends, but bought me a tshirt!! LOL!!!! I love your spooning frame. Gorgeous!
I adore this!! You sound just like me! We've been together since 89 too. I was 16~aaahhh young love :)
What great memories! And the spoons are awesome. I'd like to stamp a bunch of things. I know I'd get carried away. Jo @ Lets Face the Music
Sweet story and cute spoon art!
Such a cute story ... I love it!
You're amazing. I love everything about your stories. :) Anna
This is hilarious. Mostly because I had a similar reaction -- not long after I met my future husband I told him I had to spend my first week back at college prepping for rush. You know -- Sorority Rush week. And he made some comment like, "Wouldn't it be great if the band Rush played at your rush?" And I was totally clueless. He did "educate" me in the ways of Geddy Lee and I still roll my eyes now when a song of theirs comes on shuffle mode on his ipod (which is often because he is obsessed and owns every album they've ever made). The first year we were married, just two years after my bewildered introduction, I did attend a Rush concert with him. Because I love him. And not the band. Though I will sing along to "Tom Sawyer" when it comes on the radio.
Ahhh....Love...Ain't it grande!!! What a cute and touching story...YOu and your sweetheart re an inspiration to us all. Blessings...Blessings...Blessings, Carolynn xoxoxo