We truly appreciate everyone who entered our first contest. I will admit, I didn't think about how HARD it would be to choose winners!!! We spent yesterday reading, re-reading, making notes, comments, discussing... Holy beans! I don't know what I was thinking holding a contest that I had to judge with 
Funniest: How We Met
Oh my, this was the Sweetest story. Her writing of the moment when she met him by spilling soup on him, the way she conveyed the emotion and embarrassment that led to such a sweet romantic story was just too funny and sweet. Being quite clumsy myself, I can totally see this happening. Well written, sweetly told and a great love story.
Was that Angel Gabriel??? He was tall, brown skinned, kind of buff. His face was something else. If God took 3 days to create us, i am sure he took a whole week to create him because he was soo handsome. He had hazel eyes, thick brows, pink-ish lips. He was perrfect.
I didn't know I got carried away looking at him till he snapped his fingers ,bringing me back to reality.
Most Romantic: A Story About My Spouse AND Best Friend
I think that our version of 'romance' is probably different than some simply because we've been together so long. The love that was shining through this post , in spite of the ups and downs and speaking on the realities of marriage... that was "Romantic" to me!
What I Value About Him
Daniel is so wise that he sees things in me that I can't see and he speaks the most assuring words to me. He also doesn't just tag with me when I'm doing stupid things but he would correct me. He leads me and gives me conducive and useful opinions. He would support me in things I'm afraid but determined to do. He is my best friend whom I turn to, always. He is my love and also my life partner, in rich or poor, in sickness or health. Till death do us part.
Most Unusual: Traveling Cyclist Meets Gardening Gnome at OUR Ecovillage
This story really resonated with both
Right before crossing the border I had just written,
"The past few days have felt like an end preparing for another beginning. I feel hints of entering a community of some sort, whether for a few days, a week, a month, and filling up my reserves of tribe."
As I wrote about in the first installment of my bike journey, I had gotten in touch with a man living at OUR ecovillage through the Natural Building group on Facebook …
He said, "You should come up to OUR Ecovillage, we’re doing lots of natural building here."
Such a simple statement, but when I read it, the energy in the room shifted. It literally got more ripply and slightly foggy… I thought, Woah, I’ll have to keep that place on my list!
And the Best Overall Winner: Love isn't Always Shit Free
This post was full of the realities of dealing with illness and dating... written with humor and love that is clearly apparent between the two of them. I loved reading this story and seeing the happy ending.
Love rarely goes smoothly, chuck in chronic illness and an ostomy bag and you have this story of how I met my amazeballs husband
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Thank you SO much to everyone who entered! I am following you all now and will try to visit you regularly with upvotes.
We really appreciate you all sharing your stories with us.
Please check out the other entries and give them some attention!
Honorable Mentions:
There were some CLOSE entries. It was so SO difficult to choose the winners, but I wanted to mention just a couple more!
The moment we locked eyes my heart skipped a beat, not only was she beautiful, she had such a positive and kind presence.
How We Met
"The fact that meeting someone can change your entire outlook on life as well as your behavior is pretty romantic:) I can obviosusly relate to the part about leaving a long term relationship for 'the one'."
I ended my 5 year relationship to be with her. She's like magic. That's the same way I described her to the counselor we spoke with prior to our wedding. I had numerous relationships that ended because I always had my eyes on other girls. I was a chick magnet. But with her, when we became us, it was just her and no one else.
How We Met
How We Met: A Valentine's Contest
"How We Met" Writing Contest - Trying to make sense when senses have no meaning!
How Meeting with You is Always Like the First Time
And let's not forget my favorite comment because being single isn't always a bad thing... and I love a sense of humor! "What a lovely contest. Unfortunately my story consists of just 2 words and won´t qualify for the contest. I share it with you nevertheless - here it is: "We Didn't" Yeah... sad story, but hey, at least moving, in a way..."
Also, you can read 's "How We Met" story here
's "How We Met" story here