Some of life's greatest lessons are counter intuitive. Growing up I always believed the
 ultimate in an interpersonal relationship was love. Now those exact words didn't exist, but the
 thought process was the same.
Some men select a bride because she has pretty eyes, some because she has pretty hair. A man once
 married his bride because she could sing. On the morning after their marriage, when he saw her
 without any paint or powder on, and saw a part of her hair on the dresser, he looked at her and
 said," Sing, for hell sakes, sing!"
Eric Fromm, renowned social psychologist explained that sexual desire is in the minds of most people
 and is associated with love. As such, they are easily mislead into confusing love with physical
 desire.
In a previous blog (Abigail the Monster) I explained that love is not the end goal, it is the
 beginning of the process. If love isn't the starting point, your ending point will most
 assuredly be anything but happiness and joy.
Couples often fall in lust thinking they are falling in love. Being physically attracted to
 each other is very important, but sexual combustibility is a short fuse and a spark.
The 5-year itch is a direct result of falling in lust. Falling in love requires action of a
 different nature than sexual prowess. Lust is temporary satisfaction, love can be eternal.
Love requires effort and patience and can be the epitome of passion. Lust is passion run amok. It
 is the elimination of boundaries and leads to broken hearts, broken marriages and pain.
 
		

		
Brad Buckles & Lance Armstrong - Livestrong 100 miles! 
Sunday 6/21 Fathers Day  LIVESTRONG Challenge Seattle 100 Miles around and thru Seattle Washington
LET'S GO, Brad Buckles-Seattle!
I need your help, support & any fundraising possible.  Even if it is a dollar.  I don't care.
If I can spend Fathers day riding 100 miles, you can help me with a few dollars. 
It is for cancer, it is in the name of my Mom.  She has, is enduring breast cancer. 
I have cancer in my direct family.  I have experienced, second hand, this disease.    
Please help any way that you can :)
Brad Buckles
Riding a GT Carbon frame (for those that ask)
I am looking forward to this race/fight on Sunday!!! 
Here is a LIVESTRONG posting from thier blog.
Show us your spirit! SEATTLE ROCKS!
The LIVESTRONG "Show Us Your Spirit" Rally is underway! 
The 'prize' is a City message and 'tweet' from Lance Armstrong, but most importantly: 
bragging rights over the other LIVESTRONG Challenge cities in terms of who has the best spirit!
What do we need to do? For the next two weeks, up to May 7, 2009, 
we need to raise as much money as possible, and bring on as many new participants as we can!
I KNOW that as the newest – and first – 2009 event city of the LIVESTRONG Challenge Series, 
that we can also be the first in registration and fundraising!
Let's compare the other Challenge Cities (this is where we throw down the gauntlet)
What does Austin have? Longhorns? "Hook 'Em"? What the heck does that mean?
What does Philly have? A cracked bell and humidity? Rocky? Cream cheese?
What does San Jose have? High tech? Heat and earthquakes?
... but ...
What does Seattle have? Clean air, snow-capped mountains, the ocean, lakes, hills, forests, 
a huge cycling and running community, and an amazing group of LIVESTRONG people with big 
hearts and relentless fundraising energy!
(Call me biased.)
The excitement is definitely building on all sides! The course route is set, 
the weather is getting warmer – but we need you to put Seattle on the LIVESTRONG map!
We welcome all Seattleites and out-of-towners to this great event, 
and LIVESTRONG Challenge participants will enjoy an unforgettable event! 
The course will take advantage of all aspects of Seattle – from starting under the Space Needle, 
to riding through downtown, to closing off a floating bridge for the riders, 
to taking in the beautiful lakes, hills, mountains and forests that form our topography. 
This truly will be a unique, fun and challenging ride.
So, go ahead, Seattle! Let's pick a fight with cancer!
Let's show Austin, Philly and San Jose who really is number one!
Let's put ourselves on the map! Sign up for the Challenge in Seattle, 
and FUNDRAISE, FUNDRAISE, FUNDRAISE!
Gooooo, Seattle & Goooo, Brad Buckles!
 
		

		
This week I have had the opportunity to attend and help organize one of the greatest gatherings in the wedding industry. 
60 Bridal show producers, representing hundreds of bridal shows, from all over the world have come to gether to discuss the wedding industry.
Everything is on the agenda from bridal trends, fashion, marketing and of course the economy.  
The best minds of the industry have indicated that although there are drastic changes in the industry this year, 
brides are getting married and they are "JUST" booking later in the year than in times past.
www.bspishows.com www.andyebon.com
More to come,
Brad Buckles
 
		

		
According to many brides and wedding professionals that I am talking with lately.
Thursday night is becomming the new Saturday night, most important wedding day in demand.
Facilities have the date open, always.
Wedding professionals are always open and willing to make it worth your while if you would like to book them.
And it get the party started before the weekend really starts.  
For brides, you can affor to take a day or two off and enjoy a little honeymoon downtime before friends have to be back to work on Monday.
It will become much more popular in the months to come.  
We feel the need to spread the information as fast as possible because we are here for you...Always.
Brad Buckles
 
		

		
Marriage Proposal Ideas for a Green Wedding
There are marriage proposal ideas and then there are ideas. 
Having a green wedding is a great statement you can make, one that shows that you are not only concerned about the environment, 
but actually want your wedding to have as minimal environmental impact as possible.
And yes, it is possible to have an eco-friendly wedding without appearing 'cheap'. 
When you've made the decision to go green, it's a good idea to let your guests know your intentions to have a green wedding.
You might want to start writing engagement announcements on 100% recycled paper.
The more your guests are aware of your intentions, 
the easier it will be to prepare them or even get their help in creating a wedding that is green focused.
Although the main purpose of having a green wedding is not cost, 
but you will be amazed at how much money you can save by using recycled, sustainable, 
and eco-friendly products, and by adopting such practices as using local suppliers.
Here are a few ideas that you can easily adopt to make your wedding day not only a beautiful, but also sustainable.
Invite and Recycle
To cut down on using paper, consider sending out email invitations or creating a 
wedding website where your guests can go to get all the information they need. 
Your website can live on and be the place where you post your wedding and honeymoon pictures, and any other updates. 
If you do send out paper invitations, use 100% recycled or handmade paper with vegetable or soy-based inks.
A Wedding a la Nature
If you are having a spring or summer wedding, consider having it outdoors at a local beach, 
park, or your favorite outdoor location. Also, think about how far it will be for your guests to travel. 
Choose a venue that is close to your home. 
You could even arrange a car pool system. To cut down on travelling you could have your wedding and reception in the same location.
Who Says you Can't Wear Your Wedding Dress Again
Why not buy a dress or suit that you will be able to reuse. 
Or you can look for a vintage wedding dress. 
To go all natural, there are many dresses and suits that are made from organic cotton.
Local Blossoms
Flowers are one of the biggest ways that you can make a green statement. 
First, know where your flowers come from, as many flowers come a long way--some from overseas!
Research florists in your area that get local organic flowers. 
Another option would be to use potted plants, branches, or local wild flowers instead of stem flowers. 
You can arrange to have your guests take them home after the reception.
Waste Not, Want Not
Food is often wasted at most receptions. Arrange to have a catering company that is known for its eco-friendly practices. 
Find out where they buy their food (local fruit and vegetables is a good sign). 
Most importantly, ask them about their recycling process. 
There are a number of ways you can have a 'green' meal at your reception:
- Use fresh, local food that is in season (which does not have to be transported from across the country or from overseas)
- Avoid the use of paper cups and napkins.
- Find out if you can have food waste composted.
- Arrange to have any leftover food donated to the nearest homeless shelter.
It's Better to Give than to Receive
Everyone loves gifts. 
However, when planning your registry think carefully about the items and only list the things you really need. 
Look into having your gifts registered at an eco-friendly gift shop. 
Or as an alternative to receiving gifts you could have send a request to your 
guest letting them know that they can donate to your favorite charity instead.
Wedding Favors that Live On
Try to make your wedding favors as sustainable as possible, so your guests don't simply end up throwing them away. 
You could have simple paper or cloth bags filled with simple items such as a small plant, organic soaps, or recycled paper gift cards. 
A popular option is to give guests little packets of flower or tree seedlings.
About the Author: Dan Maynard is the creater and publisher of a site that provides information 
for guys looking for free marriage proposal ideas to help them pop the question. 
After all, it is a moment in time that will be a treasured memory for a lifetime.
 
		

		
Bridesclub.com vendor listing - We're here to help!  Check us out!
Weddings are a ceremony!  A Celebration!  One part reality and planning.  
A HUGE part fantasizing, dreaming, hoping and orchestrating.
We here at bridesclub.com are trying to bring to you the latest and best vendors in the field of wedding planning.
Tips and trends, the newest in wedding services.
We want to inspire you with wonderfully innovative ideas to personalize your wedding celebration.
 
First things first:  What do you want?
FAMILIARIZE yourself with the options and available services.
FANTASIZE about all that can be.
PRIORITIZE which points are important to you/your significant other.
VISUALIZE what it is going to look like as it comes together.
ORGANIZE it into smaller pieces.
SYMPATHIZE - although it is your day, others should to be able to enjoy it.  It is a celebration/party.  You want others to enjoy it with you!
SYNCHRONIZE your dreams, cultures, abilities to come together.
DEPUTIZE your team!  Who can you really rely on!
   
Write down all of your thoughts on a piece of paper and start.  
You'd be surprised with what a little creativity and knowledge can bring you.
....and remember to ENJOY LIFE!