When You’re Not Around

Some songs are inspired by imagination, while others are inspired by real-life experiences—the kinds of feelings that linger long after a chapter is completed. “When You Are Not Around” is one of those songs for me.

It illustrates an experience that I am all too familiar with: the emptiness that remains when someone who was once a significant part of your life was suddenly gone. Not only physically, but in every way that counts. The echoes of their presence linger in unexpected places. A familiar melody, an old habit, the way quiet feels heavier than it did before.

I wrote this song with my own experiences in mind. I do have an ex-husband, and while life goes on, there’s something about that kind of loss that never truly goes away. The routine, the inside jokes, the arguments—they all come to an end one day. So, what’s left? Empty rooms, fading memories, and a version of oneself that no longer feels complete.

I’ve moved on from that period of my life, but that doesn’t imply the feelings were never real. And I believe that is why this song is so important to me. It’s not about wanting things back; it’s about realizing how loss affects us. Even as we heal, the ghosts of the past resurface at peaceful moments.

Perhaps this song will speak to those who have gone through something similar. Perhaps it will remind you of a moment when you felt like this. Perhaps it will simply be a song you listen to when you need to sit with your emotions for a bit.

Either way, I hope this song finds the people who need to hear it.

What’s Next?

This music will be available to listen to anytime you want on my Youtube channel. If you’ve ever been through a similar loss, I’d love to hear your comments on what helped you move ahead. Leave a comment and let’s have a conversation.

When You’re Not Around

Flickering streetlights, the night breathes slow,

Ghosts in the silence, nowhere to go.

Smokestacks whisper to the heavy sky,

City streets, echo your goodbye.

Empty rooms, shadows in the night,

Lonely hours pass without a fight.

Pictures fade, memories turn to dust,

In the silence, I unlearn my trust.

Footsteps echo down the haunted hall.

You’re the ghost I can’t outrun at all.

When you’re not around, I fall apart.

Collapsing bridges and a broken heart.

Lost in the murmur of a soundless crowd,

When you’re not around, there’s no way out.

Cigarette ashes on the windowsill,

Time moves slow, frozen at a standstill.

Rain taps softly on my windowpane,

Whispering echoes of forgotten pain.

Every corner holds a piece of you,

Fragments scattered like the morning dew.

In this labyrinth of aching dreams,

You’re the silence choking out my screams.

When you’re not around, I fall apart,

Collapsing bridges and a broken heart.

Lost in the murmur of a soundless crowd,

When you’re not around there’s no way out.

Footsteps vanish, the echoes fade,

But your shadow is here to stay …

Building a Strong Marriage: Why Your Partner Matters Most

Marriage thrives behind closed doors, built on teamwork, communication, and prioritizing your partner above all else. When life gets messy, a strong foundation carries you through. True strength isn’t in appearances but in the love, trust, and quiet commitment you share—because a thriving relationship starts where no one else can see.

The Strength of a True Partnership

In this post, I want to talk about what my website is all about. I want to share ideas, advice, and facts with my readers. So, first of all, thanks for coming to my page. Marriage is one of the most beautiful and challenging journeys you can embark on with someone. It’s not about perfection. It is not about public appearances. But about the unwavering commitment and love that form the foundation of your relationship. A foundation should be built and nurtured behind closed doors. In this post, I want to share some reflections on what makes a strong marriage and why your partner should always come first, even above the demands of work and other external pressures.

1. Your Partner Comes First

In the hustle and bustle of life, it can be easy to let work, hobbies, or even social obligations take precedence over your relationship. But at the end of the day, your job won’t hold your hand when you’re sick, comfort you during hard times, or celebrate your victories with genuine joy. Prioritizing your partner means ensuring that your love and commitment remain at the center of your life, no matter what else is going on.

When one of you is sick or struggling, the other naturally steps in to pick up the slack—whether it’s managing the household, taking care of the kids, or simply being there as emotional support. This kind of partnership is what makes a marriage strong. It’s about being a team, always ready to carry each other through life’s ups and downs.

2. The Importance of Communication

Good communication is the backbone of any healthy relationship. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in marriage is to ensure that my partner and I are always on the same page. Nothing is more embarrassing or frustrating than finding out that someone else has discussed something with your spouse that you haven’t even talked about yet. These moments can create confusion and misunderstandings that are easily avoided with open and honest communication.

Take the time to discuss plans, decisions, and even small daily updates with your partner. Make it a priority to come to agreements together, so there’s no room for miscommunication or outside interference. This not only strengthens your bond but also shows others that your marriage is built on mutual respect and understanding.

3. A Strong Marriage is Built in Private

It’s easy to project a happy image to the world, but true strength in marriage isn’t about public appearances. It’s about what happens behind closed doors. This is where you build your foundation, where love and trust grow, and where challenges are faced together without outside influence.

In a strong, healthy marriage, decisions are made as a couple, and disagreements are worked through privately. No one outside your relationship truly knows what goes on in your home, and they don’t need to. The important thing is that your foundation is solid and built on love, respect, and a shared commitment to each other.

4. Recognizing Toxic Relationships

While this post focuses on healthy relationships, it’s important to acknowledge that not all marriages are built on a solid foundation. If one partner is mean, abusive, or unwilling to work toward a strong and healthy bond, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship. No one should feel trapped in a toxic or harmful environment. If the foundation of your marriage cannot be rebuilt, seeking help or leaving may be the best path to a healthier future.

Final Thoughts

My marriage is a partnership like no other. We are there for each other, communicate openly, and we have built a life together that no one else can touch. We do not let anyone see anything that happens behind our closed doors. It’s in those private moments together that our true strength of our relationship has formed over the past 31 years.

Your partner is your best friend and the most important priority. To build a strong marriage, remember, isn’t about appearances; it’s about the love, trust, and commitment you share, no matter what life throws your way.

Forgetful as Can Be

Forgetful as Can Be written by Lisa Sanders

[Intro]
I’m forgetful, forgetful as can be.
Lost my keys, but found my soul, mmm

[Verse 1]
Left my coffee on the counter, my phone’s still in the car
But it doesn’t matter, ‘cause I remember who you are

I left my shoes out in the rain, my jacket by the door,

But darling, it’s all fine, ’cause you’re the one I’m living for.

[Chorus]
Oh, I’m forgetful, forgetful as can be,
Oh, I’m forgetful, but don’t forget about me.

I might miss a step, but I’m still who I should be,

But don’t you worry, don’t worry about little ol’ me.

[Verse 2]
Tried to make a list, but I lost my pen,

My thoughts keep drifting, then fade in again.

I left my sweater on my office chair
And I can’t remember why I even went there.

[Chorus]

Oh, I’m forgetful, forgetful as can be,
Oh, I’m forgetful, but don’t forget about me.

I might miss a step, but I’m still who I should be,

But don’t you worry, don’t worry about little ol’ me

[Verse 3]

If I leave the stove on, don’t blame me, but instead

Let me write you a story, about how to bake cornbread.

As the world gets blurrier, eyeglasses atop my head,

I hope this condition doesn’t cause me to see fiery red.

[Chorus]
Oh, I’m forgetful, forgetful as can be,
Oh, I’m forgetful, but don’t forget about me.

I might miss a step, but I’m still who I should be,

But don’t you worry, don’t worry about little ol’ me

[Outro]
Oh yeah, I’m forgetful, forgetful as can be,

I got sometimers, most of the time – you see.

Absentminded, scatterbrained, fuzzy, hazy, distracted

Spacey, mindless, ditsy, oblivious, preoccupied