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There’s an Artistry to 385, to a Life Full of Passion & Wonder And I have a secret…it’s not all that difficult to master
Hello, Darlings! I’m Cynthia Hall and I’d like to invite you to join me on a fantastic ride – Life! Your life, to be exact, but one filled with joy, peace, and pleasure, and shared with like-minded people who support you and sincerely care.
I’m both delighted and excited that you’ve made it this far! You actually clicked on “About 385”! This means something intrigued you, something sparked your interest.
While I’m truly flattered, I’m mostly thrilled you found your way here and I’m looking forward to a lasting friendship with a Kindred Spirit. But first, time to get to know me a spell…
I’m a hope-ful romantic through and through. I see beauty everywhere, find pleasure in the smallest things, and despite life’s trials and tribulations — from which I’ve not been spared — I know I am blessed because I am rich in love, for myself most especially.
I am undefinable, predictably unpredictable — I surprise even myself — and I’m a walking dichotomy of adorations…
And, My Darling, when it comes to the Portrait of Your Life, you’re the only one holding the paintbrush.
You can either leave your canvas blank, paint it bleak, or paint if Full of Passion & Wonder.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
The 385 Life began a long time ago when I met my husband in October 1993. It was a damp, overcast Saturday afternoon. An otherwise ordinary day that proved momentous because I met my husband, Tom.
Without rhyme or reason, we embarked on a whirlwind romance the likes of which still takes my breath away.
Two months into our budding relationship, Tom and I realized we’d seen each other every day, and if we ate together, we hadn’t visited the same restaurant twice.
Naturally, we made a pact. There was a handshake and everything. We had a flair for drama.
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The agreement was simple…
See each other every day,
Dine somewhere new every day.
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385 LIFE IS NEW EXPERIENCES
Such reverlry in those days.
Those early days were packed with fun-filled road-trips up and down Long Island. Our conversations would last days. We sang a lot, duets were an obvious favorite. We were falling in love.
The weekends allowed us to venture further. We’d head toward Manhattan, north toward the Catskills, or out east toward Montauk Point. The destination never mattered.
Come to think of it, there was never a destination in mind. We were just happy to be together.
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385 LIFE IS ADVENTURE
I consider myself an armchair socio-anthropological explorer (yes, I made that up). People – their customs and cultures – have always intrigued me. Throw in a handful of wanderlust, and you can see how those nightly sojourns transformed into a cornucopia of adventures.
Our pact came with a welcome side effect — complete immersion into the New York Melting Pot. And the Big Apple offered it all.
Italian, Greek, Indian, British, Irish (with his family), German, New England, Chinese, Japanese, Jamaican, Puerto Rican (my comfort food), Mexican, Argentinean, French, Spanish, Moroccan; you name it, New York had it, and we tried it.
Our escapades brought us closer to the people, the flavors, the very fabric of our city. Appreciating those nuances together brought us closer to one other, and ourselves. Plus, damn, we had fun!
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We soon asked ourselves, “How much longer can we keep this up?”
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385 LIFE IS THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
In hindsight, the endeavor was tricky to configure; particularly when you’re high on life, but low on budget.
At times we scrambled for a quick slice of pizza three towns over. Or we’d remember that place, “You know, that one in Lindenhurst!”
There were a few indulgences. Our first Valentine’s Day was at the Bavarian Inn (oo-la-la) in Ronkonkoma. Though, sadly it’s no longer there.
Soon 100 days had passed, then 200. Without knowing it, Tom and I started the modern-day STREAK. Go us!
Our kids should be honored to have such trailblazers as parents. Am I right?
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However, all good things must come to an end, as did our streak on — you guessed it — the 385th day.
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385 LIFE PAUSES FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT
We were disappointed, of course. Paranoia set in as we considered a diabolical plot set in motion to separate us.
Haters and Saboteurs!
Once we calmed down from the crucible of accusations, we were pretty amazed. We couldn’t believe our little pact lasted as long as it did.
That we didn’t get sick of each other was nothing short of a miracle.
Twenty-six years later, and nothing’s changed!
#TheHoneymoonisNeverOver
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385 LIFE IS A PHILOSOPHY
Our unassuming love story evolved into a way of life.
Stemming from those early days, 385 Life is a reminder to live life to the fullest. To love honestly and generously.
385 Life is a lesson in perspective. To step outside of yourself for a clearer picture and to reach for the stars, be they ever so humble (or not).
Remember, your life begins when you decide it will begin.
So, go back to school, buy the shoes, dye your hair pink — or live a quiet, simple life, if that’s your pleasure.
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385 Life wants you to, “Strive for tomorrow, but Live for Today.”
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Never Stop Living. Never Stop Loving. Never Stop Growing.
385 Life wants you to love yourself, as you are, regardless of what you look like, or what dress size you happen to be.
385 Life begs you to recognize the splendid colors in the kaleidoscope of life as a reflection of your divine beauty.
385 Life professes You Are Enough…Right Here, Right Now.
385 Life is shorthand to consciously love your life, explore new places, embark on new experiences, and allow yourself to grow in spirit.
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Remember Darlings…there is an Artistry to Life. When you’re ready to color your story, make sure you use every crayon in the box!
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