By 22 ILLUSTRATIONS OF A HUSBAND AND WIFE IN EVERYDAY LIFE
By Curtis Wikland
Are you coupled up and thinking that your life has become somewhat routine? Take a fresh look through the eyes of an artist.
As an artist and photographer, I share a unique way of capturing my everyday life with my partner and family. Here are 22 of my sketches that show that moments that you may think of as humdrum can become poignant and meaningful memories in years to come.
1. Put Yourselves in the Spotlight
No matter how busy you are, remember to take time to focus on the two of you together. Literally, shine the light on your relationship! Reflect on what you mean to each other, and what you share together.
2. Remember to Follow Your Bliss
Do you have a “happy place”? You know, that place where you just love taking time out. Whether it’s walking in the outdoors or balancing on a log like you did when you were a kid, keep doing it. Even if it’s in a daydream or talking about a time together, it’ll keep that feeling of being in that special place.
3. Make Your Home Your Own
Setting up your first home together? It’s not only about balancing the items you’ve bought at IKEA on the roof of your car! Choose household items and furniture that you are both going to love and utilize in your home.
4. Do Your Own Thing But Be Together
Sometimes that time when you unwind just before sleep is the best time to be together but in your own ways. That quiet time when there is no need to speak but you read, write or draw is special – enjoy it.
5. Enjoy the Everyday Stuff
Yes, even those moments when your hair is standing on end and you’re both spitting toothpaste out of your mouth can be special! There’s a lot of lighthearted fun that can be had with each other’s oddities!
6. Relax in Your Own Ways
Some of us like to relax by daydreaming and letting our minds wander while others like to immerse themselves in a good book. Either way, the times you spend together on that comfy couch you brought home on the top of your car from IKEA are moments that you will, in years to come, remember as good times.
7. De-stress from Your Busy Lives
If you’ve had a tiff in the car during the stress of your morning commute, let it go when you get home at the end of the day. Get to know each other’s stressors and how you can support each other through the hard stuff.
8. Maximize Your Individual Talents
We’ve all got hidden talents and skills that we never knew we had until we had to use them. Maximize the different skills and knowledge you bring to your lives and love those moments when you find out something new that your partner can do!
9. Celebrate What You Have
Are you stuck on what to do next? Work it out together. Two heads are always better than one and great moments of inspiration can come in those moments when you seek guidance from each other.
10. Remember Your Wedding Vows?
Chances are your wedding vows included something along the lines of “in sickness and in health” and “for better or for worse”. It’s never fun when one of you is down for whatever reason, but know that you will get through the other side.
11. Love the Tender Moments
Those tender moments together are times to treasure. The support you and your partner give each other to be in a safe and secure place and environment is vital.
12. You’ve Got to Carry Each Other
Always be prepared to lend each other a helping hand as and when needed. Taking care of each other is an important part of being in a relationship or partnership.
13. Improvise When Needed
There’s nothing to say you absolutely must be conventional! If wearing ski goggles while you’re chopping onions stops your tears from flowing – that’s ok!
14. Remember to Kiss!
Kisses are important in life – and not just as a romantic gesture. The affectionate moment of a kiss can also demonstrate to your partner that you are loving, caring, forgiving and understanding.
15. Share Bed Time Stories
Don’t forget to talk to your partner. Telling stories about the day you’ve each had and a cuddle before you go to sleep is always a good way to start off a night of sweet dreams and it also reinforces that you are living your lives together.
16. Know You Are Both Awesome
Whether you’re at the stage of becoming parents or not, marvel at how wonderful you each are. Who each of you is and what each of you is potentially capable of is magnified when you are together.
17. Enjoy Everything in Life
As you move through life with your partner, things are going to change. Take time to enjoy everything and anything you do and the adaptions and adjustments needed will be a breeze.
18. Take Time to Travel
Travel expands your mind and your horizons, there’s no doubt about that. If you can pack up with your kids and take a trip somewhere, do it. They will learn a lot from the experience.
19. Read to Your Kids
Reading to your kids at bedtime isn’t just a ploy to help them fall asleep. It brings you together as a family and reassures your kids that together you are a unit. Favorite books or family tales can be a great way to end each day.
20. Have One-on-One Time with Family Members
As your family grows, try to spend time one-on-one with each of your kids. It’ll help you understand each other as individuals, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
21. Teach Good Habits
Even if you have an extreme phobia of dentists or doctors, your kids have got to go! Get your kids into good health habits while they are young, and their need for major work when they are older will reduce.
22. Satisfy Those Cravings!
Pregnant or not, there are times when you’ve just got to have that midnight pizza or late-night snack. Once you have kids, those sneaky late-night treats after your children are all fast asleep will be even more delicious!
