I just finished working with a couple who were inspiring to be around. They were having trouble finding time and activities to do together that worked for the both of them and instead of fighting, arguing or being resentful about it they focused only on finding a solution.
Aiden called me and said he is a gym teacher and is running around all day chasing elementary school kids and his wife works from home and is cooped up in a small office all day. When he gets home from work he wants to stay home and relax and when she is finished working she wants to head for the outdoors…
Aiden asked if I could help. The first thing we went to work on was to find out what the routine was they already had in place. He told me most of the time they would discuss how they “should” spend the rest of the afternoon and evening together but by the time they would agree on something it would usually be too late to do it. However, the one thing they would consistently do together was exercise.
I said one of my favorite things to do was to put “Romance in the Routine”. We worked out a plan that the next time they went on a walk together in the local park (something they often did as exercise) he would surprise her with a picnic. Aiden and I went to the park where they usually walked and chose a nice spot just off the main trail that was easy to get to but provided enough privacy for them to enjoy themselves without being interrupted. We then chose an Italian themed menu (she loved the trip they took to Italy a couple of years earlier) and finally picked a time for it to happen.
The menu I proposed included:
“Inside out” Panini Sandwiches
Prosciutto, thin sliced melon, heirloom tomatoes and burrata cheese wrapped around Italian country bread
Mortadella, roasted pepper and olive caponata, sliced grilled asparagus, Roma tomatoes and Boursin wrapped around foccacia bread
Grilled Peaches and Tortellini Skewers
Brushed with a Chianti and balsamic glaze
Vin Santo Soaked Fig, Fennel and Arugula Salad
With grated ricotta salata
Ricotta and Marsala Tarts
Ice Cold Prosecco
He liked it…
So the plan was that I would go ahead and set up a big blanket and a basket filled everything they needed and would hide out until the arrived. Aiden would walk along the usual path with his wife (as normal) and then would veer off guiding her to the spot he chose. He would then sit down at this blanket and basket that appeared to be in the middle of nowhere and start pulling out and setting up all the food that was inside. Most likely she would be extremely surprised (and she was) at what was going on and would want to know what was happening (and she did).
He sat her down and started to explain what was happening and that he wanted to find creative ways to do things together so that they both felt valued and cherished and that would work for the both of them given their different types of work they do. At that point I slipped away unnoticed but he later told me that they spent the next few hours coming up with different ways/things they could do that would consistently put “Romance in their Routine” and just enjoying each others company.
How cool is that?
I must say I have the best job in the world. I get to create love and intimacy for couples, soon-to-be couple or anyone who wants to experience the joys of being intimately, authentically, passionately related using food and music as my tools
I am a personal chef and musician in Los Angeles Ca, and I specialize in creating intimate, romantic settings for all types of wonderful people who are in various stages of their relationships.
Some couples I work with have been together for years and they share with me all their tips of how they have kept the magic of romance alive throughout the years and other couples are struggling to balance the “routine” with spontaneity and excitement. Those are the couples I get to share all I have learned about using food and music as tools for creating love and intimacy in their lives. I even get to work with families who didn’t get the experience of sitting around the dinner table on Sunday evenings, laughing, crying, arguing and most importantly relating.
I get to create food and atmosphere that brings it all alive! Oh yeah, and I get paid for doing it!!!!
What can be better than that?
I will be writing about my different experiences and share what I have learned about keeping love alive and my intention is that you will be able to take something away with you that you can start using in your lives today (or at least be entertained by the stories).
Music tip of the day:
“If you don’t like doin’ that same old, same old everyday
You got to use a little imagination baby.
To keep that love you got don’t let it slip away
You got to use a little imagination baby.”
Chris, beautiful story. I love the idea - food, love and therapy. Are you ever going to suggest a food... read more
on Romance in the Routine