I'm in Print!

I am very happy to say, after years and years of toil, tears and sweat, two of my novels are now available on Barnes and Noble! 

click on image for link 

click on image for link

Thus the reason for my absence on this little blog. I have moved on to this new writing journey, in hopes that I can make a go of it. I just dropped on here to inform you all on my new chapter in life, and let you know that if you'd like to support me and read my book, you can find the links for the 'Songs of the Children' series here!

Strength in Measure #1 published 2021

Echoes of Mercy #2 published 2022

Sing Thy Grace #3 WIP: date unknown

Aaaand I must rush off again! As you can see, I just don't have the time for blogging anymore. Thank you all for your support! I love my followers <3 

Always in a tearing hurry,

 

LaKaysha E: Author

Unknown Tag// Miss Me Yet?

Well well well. 

LaKaysha has done a blog post! Call out the Newsies! Extry, extry read all about. "Girl ain't dead!"

Ahem. No, in all seriousness, I didn't think I'd ever be on here again. Blogging isn't a priority for me anymore, and no one seems to care about me, my life, or my thoughts these days. But I sort of missed it, so "Here I be! Ain't I pretty, it's my city..." Sorry, that gif got me going. I recently watched Newsies and rediscovered my love for musicals. Honestly, it may even top the 90's Annie. 

Anywho, to be perfectly honest, this tag has been in my drafts for so long, I don't even know who tagged me or what the tag is called! So if you'll allow me some liberties, on the grounds of...of..

Yeah, I did it again

Whoever tagged me, wherever you are, I hope you get what is due you, because I cannot thank you when I cannot remember you. 

r  u  l  e  s

thank the person who tagged you

answer the questions

nominate 5+ bloggers

1. Why did you start blogging and why have you kept blogging?

I truly don't know. A lot of my friends were blogging, back when blogging was new and cool, so I decided to give it a try. I found I loved the written language, and that helped me find a way to express myself through words; ah, I am thankful I discovered my passion. 

As for the second part do the question, I don't think I am qualified to answer considering how long a break I took. Lol  

2. What is your favorite type of blog posts to write?

Hmm... I don't really know. It's usually an assortment of things, like deep thoughts, humor, and entertainment. 

I generally enjoy all kinds, since it helps me practice on different writing styles. 

I enjoy reviewing movies or books. I think I would do those more often if people liked it. 

3. What are your top three favorite blog posts?

 

Top Ten Louis L'Amour Couples 

Top Ten Book Couples 

My favorite Singers: Parts 1,2, and 3 

4. What are your three favorite things?

Um, I have a lot, so let's just throw some things out there. 

1. Music 
2. Books
3. Mountains 

5. What are your favorite blogging moments?

Hmm... photo dumps are always wonderful to look back one. 

I love reminiscing or writing about the past. I think in a way it helps me to cope with my grief, so any moments like that are my favorite.  And example:

Goodbye

6. Describe your personality in three words:

Um... Awkward, deep, quiet 

7. What are your top three pet peeves?

1. Sending me pics of every single meal you eat, even crackers and cheese. I.don't.care
2. This new fad of disregarding punctuation, capitalization and generally every single rule in the grammar book. It doesn't look cool; it looks like you can't spell. 
3. Wrinkled sheets 

8. What is something that your followers don't know about you?

Well, there's a lot that my followers don't know about me, because they only see the side I allow them to see. Hmm.

I can be extremely goofy, or extremely quiet and calm. There is literally no in-between for me. 

I also am not tech savvy and have very little patience for cell phones and computers because I literally can't understand them. I also stink at math. 

And there you have it! My first blog post in... I don't even know how long. 

Please excuse the rushed air of this entry; it has been a long time and may take me a while to get back into this groove. 

I have no one to tag, but feel free to do this anyways! If you can figure out the name of this tag. lol 

We shall see when I come back! Until then, may the wind be at your back and bacon on your plate, and luster in your hair. 

LaKaysha, what are you talking about? 

                                                                             

The Blood on the His Hands

The Blood On His Hands

I have a heart inside my chest, made of bits of broken glass

The One Who put it back together again was sure to make it last. 

Through the long, hard tests of time, bits of my heart fell away 

Because of things someone did, or what someone forgot to say 

In vain I tried to piece it myself, to fix what had been shattered

But I only made it worse than before, and all the pieces were scattered. 

Then my Jesus came with open arms and told me not to fear 

That He would heal my hurting wounds and wipe away each tear 

With love shining in His eyes, He assured me all was well 

And He pulled my soul from great distress, and plucked me from where I fell 

Despite the sharp bits of my broken heart that

cut into his palm, 

He endured the pain to take away my own, and to my storm brought calm. 

He took the broken pieces that I had scattered throughout all the lands 

And pieced them back together again, with the crimson blood from His Hands 

LaKaysha Stenersen

February 2020

Ever since I heard the song "Broken Things" by Juliet Turner, which is a really pretty tune about a broken heart, I had this image in my mind. Despite it being about a man and a woman, it seemed to depict a picture of Christ as well.

For months I had this picture of Christ putting my broken heart back together again, but I just couldn't seem to find the words to put that image for others to see.

The final line rang through my thoughts for a long time, and I was finally able to sit down and finish the rhyme. What do you ya'll think?

It probably could be better, but I write what comes to me. I only wish I could do the beautiful revelation justice... it was a lovely image in my heart. <3

I couldn't find a very good video of Juliet Turner singing it, so you'll have to hear it by this woman instead. This is the song that inspired the poem. <3 

I hope you all enjoyed that! Have a wonderful day, and God bless. <33

                                                                                           LaKaysha

Top Ten Couples: Louis L'Amour

As I started to write up the ton ten couples list, I realized I had way too many couples from Louis L'Amour westerns... So I decided to do a complete separate list! Sorry if that makes you cringe, all you Louis L'Amour haters. *just kidding, I'm not sorry* 

 Some of the characters were very difficult to find photos that seemed to fit, so that is why some are just of scenery, ect. 

(Also, if these photos are off of Pinterest, so if there is a picture from a movie or show, it doesn't necessarily mean I've watched it)

10. Shalako and Irina (Shalako)

This is one of my favorite Louis L'Amour novels. I used to bring it along on road trips so I could read all about the desert and canyons and buttes as we drove through Eastern Oregon. Whenever we drove through rugged country, the story became even more real for me. <33

Shakalo is a mysterious drifter with a knowledge of the desert and the Indians who roam them, and is a hard man who has little patience for stupidity and greenhorns. Despite this, we see Carlin, or "Shalako" (given the name by Indians) as a smart man who has a gentleness hidden inside and a rather educated mind beneath his rugged appearance. He's really the cutest thing. <3 

 Lady Irina comes across as a little foolish and spoiled at first, but she soon realizes her mistake and is actually very helpful to Shalako later on. They don't say much about their feelings, but it's obvious they like each other. <33  

Quote: 

"Actually, there was a strangely gentle quality in the man...it was nothing he had said, rather than his handling of his horse, and aside from his brusque way of speaking, his manner toward her."

9. Bendigo and Ninon (Bendigo Shafter)

This couple's story is more unique compared to most of his books. Bendigo rescues Ninon during a blizzard, while she is still a young girl. At first he kind treats her as a little sister, but as she grows it begins to blossom into something more. 

 I do wish we could see more of their relationship. Ninon leaves for the city later on in the book,  but not before vowing that she'll marry him someday. They are later reunited, but the book ends before we get to see a wedding. *sighs*

Quote: 

"Ninon came to the door with me. "I shall miss you." she said, her eyes very large. 

"By the time I come back you'll have forgotten all about me." 

"Never!" She looked up at me. "I love you, Bendigo. Someday I shall marry you."

8. Dorian and Echo (Ride the River)

Awww,  my very first Louis L'Amour and still a favorite. 

 Echo is a cute little mountain girl from Tennessee who can shoot as well as any man (but is warned by her uncle to never let them know that!) and rides just as well. I love seeing her being first exposed to a big city and fancy clothes, and how excited she is to dress up and go to town. Despite being raised in the backwoods and sometimes slipping-up on her grammar, Echo carries herself life a true lady.

 Dorian is a well-bred, slightly spoiled young man who quickly shows that he can hold his own during times of trouble, and is also a true gentleman when it comes down to it. Their relationship starts out a little rocky (although Echo likes him from the start) but they end up growing close and... oh, they're just so cuuuuute.  *suppressed squeals*

Quote: 

"Mordecai glanced at Dorian, then at me. "You sparkin' him?" 

I glanced at Dorian, but he just blushed. "You might say that." I said. "You just might say that." 

"I hope she is." Dorian said. "I'd hate to go back to Uncle Finian and tell him I lost out."

7. Borden and Bess (Borden Chantry)

At the risk of sounding like a broken record... I love this book! This is a great western mystery.

 Maybe we don't see much of the married couple's relationship, but what we do see warms our hearts. Bess is tender, serving, and is always ready to stand by her husband when he needs her. Borden in return, is willing to do almost anything for her, and the few exchanges they have throughout the book seem real and genuine, without any sugar-coating or romanticized mumbo-jumbo. 

 We also get to see some of them in Son of a Wanted Man. 

Quote: 

"Bess came out; Tom and Billy with her. 

"You boys take care of, Ma, d'you hear?" 

"Borden, do you have to go?" 

"I do." 

"Then come back. I'll keep Blossom here with me. We'll be company for each other." 

He kissed her lightly, then turned the Appaloosa into the trail."

6. Dal and Kate (The Shadow Riders)

*heart eyes* 

Dal and Kate... ah, they're so sweet. Although the book is through older brother Mac's eyes, we still get to see the genuine affection the young couple has for each other. I love how Kate is quietly and steadfastly waiting for rescue, believing that maybe, just maybe, the Travens will help (even though Dal Traven has been presumed dead from the war). When she does find out that he's alive, it's so sweet the way she tells herself "Dal is coming", even though she holds her own and uses her sharp senses to help herself during the tough situation.   

 When all hope seems lost and she says aloud, "Dal, where are you?", you can just feel her loneliness and agony. 

Quote: 

"Kate held her gun steady, never taking her eyes from them. 

"It's all right now, Kate." The voice was Dal's. "Just mount up and we'll get out of here." 

For a moment her relief was so great, she thought her would faint right away..."

5. Riley and Marie (Dark Canyon)

The writing style of this novel... spotless. I just love it. <3 

 Gaylord Riley (called Lord by some, Riley by most) is a smart, quick-thinking young man who has a sweet, sensitive side. I love his boyish excitement when he begins to build a home of his own on his beloved mountain, and how he instantly falls in love with the beautiful Marie. 

 Marie falls for him almost just as quickly, but circumstances and pride keeps them from admitting their feelings until later. 

 I love the scene where Riley goes to the party and they share a dance and talk on the porch. 

Quote: 

"She snuggled deeper under the blankets, for the night was chill. She went to sleep remembering how Gaylord Riley moved and talked, and the way he looked at her. There was something strange about him, strange and exciting."

4. Tell and Ange (Sackett)

I'm already crying...Spoiler warning: In the book "Sackett Brand" this beautiful romance comes to a tragic end. *sobs* 

William Tell Sackett is a gentle man with the ladies, although he has known very few and is shy with most of them. He is tall, gangly and rugged, and he thinks himself an ugly man with no chance of ever finding a girl who would love him. When he meets sweet, delicate Ange, he falls head over heels. But how could she ever fall for a guy like him? 

 Ange is from the East, genteel in her ways and a little naive when it comes to the rough West, but strong when need be. I always wanted to look like her, all tiny and ladylike with a soft voice and thick, red hair. And she ends up with Tell, so there is that, too. 

The ending scene is absolutely adorable, and WHHYYY DID LOUIS L'AMOUR HAVE TO DESTROY SUCH A BEAUTIFUL UNION?

Quote: 

"The doctor's here." Cap protested. "You'd better see him." 

"Bring him along. There's a lady waiting dinner." 

When I came in the door of the cabin, Ange stood with her back to it. I could see her shoulders hunch a mite as if she expected to be hit, and I said, "This fool ain't married." 

She turned around and looked at me. "He will be." She said, and dropped her spoon on the floor and came across the room and right into my arms. 

 So I taken her in my arms and for the first time in my life I had something that was really mine. Seems like even a long, tall man who ain't much for looks can find him a woman, too." 

3. Johannes and Meghan (The Lonesome Gods)

Johannes is a handsome young man, who's been raised in a hard land and exposed to a hard life at a very early age. Yet he works hard to overcome the grief of his childhood and strives to make something of himself in a wild, untamed desert. His tenderness towards Meghan.... *sighs* 

 Meghan is one of the typical western heroines. Strong, yet feminine, encouraging and able to stand beside her man whenever he needs her. 

 It's hard for me to explain just why I love these two so much... I highly suggest you read the book for yourself! Don't be afraid of the title. There are no 'gods' or anything like in it. He is referring to the desert. 

Quotes: 

"Meghan...please! Don't argue. If trouble begins, walk your horse a short distance so they will not hear you, and then go!"

"Johannes, I love you!" 

"And I love you, but let's live to enjoy it. Please! If I am worried about protecting you, I cannot protect myself nearly so well."

2. Tyrel and Dru (The Daybreakers)

*happy grins* 

My favorite Sackett of all time would have to be Tyrel. He's gentle, wise and hard-working, and although he's the tenderest, most sensitive cowboy to have walked, he's got a fighting streak that earns him the right to be called 'the mean' one of the brothers. 

 The way he talks about how much he enjoys Dru's presence, even though he can't understand why, we see a shy, boyish man with a very kind heart. 

 He works hard to be a man worthy of the Spanish girl's hand, even though she would take him as the young cowpuncher that he started as. Dru is a gentle lady, strong in the face of defeat, filled with elegance and grace, and I wish I could be more like her.

 The fact that he walks into a tree after she kisses him is way.too.cute. 

Guys, if you're ever going to try a Louis L'Amour, please, oh, please read this one! <333333 *so many heart eyes*

Quotes: 

"Tyrel, be careful!" 

That made me grin. "Why, ma'am," I said, grinning at her. "I'm the most careful man you know. Getting myself killed is the last idea in my mind...I want to come back to you." 

She just looked at me. 

"You know, Dru. We've waited long enough. When I've caught these men I'm going to resign and we are going to be married...and I'm not taking no for an answer." 

Her eyes laughed at me. "Who said no?" 

Honorable Mentions: 

Nolan and Penny (Mustang Man)

Jubal and Itchakomi (Jubal)

Mike and Drusilla (Son of a Wanted Man)

Chancy and Kit (Chancy)

Rafe and Ann (Crossfire Trail) 

And Number one is....

1. Rye and Liza (To Tame a Land)

I love everything about this book. The story. The writing. The way every chapter seems to end with something dramatic and you have to move on to the next chapter. Louis L'Amour did great with this one. <333

 Ryan Tyler grows from a young boy to a strong man throughout this story. He watches his father be killed, right before his very eyes, is forced to kill a man at when he's just fifteen (which causes him to leave the home he'd found with two very kind people), and sets out on his own. 

 Rye is just seventeen years old, with plenty of experience under his belt, when he first meets the young and pretty Liza Hetrick. I like how the first thing he notices about her is that she has a nice smile. <3 

 He stays on at her father's place for some time (a year or two), breaking horses and getting to know the sweet girl that "looked at him so big-eyed sometimes that he was embarrassed." 

 When he leaves for a while, and he hears her crying in her bedroom, he confesses feeling like crying himself. Awwwww. 

 While away, Rye can't stop thinking about Liza and the way she smiles...And when he returns and Liza meets him at the gate, and climbs up into the stirrup... gah. So cute. 

 Without giving too much of the story away, while Rye is away (again) he gets word that Liza's father is dead, and hurries home to find her. Only to discover that she has vanished. 

 The sickened way he feels when he finds her gone, the desperation of trying to find her... It shows how much he has grown to love Liza.

 This book has quite the plot twist! Give it a try. <3

Quote: 

"It was harder living alone now, than it had been in the mountains before I met the Hetricks. They were good people, and I'd liked staying there with them, and I thought a lot about Liza. It was Liza I kept remembering. The way she laughed, how she smiled, and the warm way her eyes looked sometimes."

There now. That wasn't so bad, was it? I think Louis L'Amour does a good job with saying what a young man in love is thinking. And he tends to keep the romance clean and cute, which is always a plus for me. I have a hard time reading romance novels that talk about a guy looking at her legs or something... I mean, really? We, the readers, really don't need to know that, okay?

Did you enjoy that? Which one was your favorite? 

                                                                                           LaKaysha

Top Ten Couples: Books

We all have those books that make us want to jump right into the pages, right? 

 Even as a little girl, there were those couples from fiction that just captured me imagination and made me feel all 'swoony' inside. Of course, since I was, what, ten years old, the couples may be a little cheesy now. 

 Mandie and Joe may be cute, but those books are waaaayyy too childish for me now. And Mandie always annoyed me... So yeah, I admit it. It was Joe I liked. 

 The same probably goes for Nancy Drew and Ned. 

But there are some book couples that still bring a smile to my face!

10. Henri and Louise (The Meeting Place: Song of Acadia) 
By Janette Oke

Ah, it's been a while since I've read this one. But I used to love the 'Song of Acadia' series, and my favorite couple would have to be from the the very first book. Henri and Louisa. <333

 I haven't read these books in a long, long time (maybe eight or nine years) so it's hard for me to elaborate too much on their relationship. 

 But whenever I think of those books, I remember how much I liked the young French couple, and it brings back warm memories. 

9. Rosemarie and Derrick (An Uncertain Choice)
By Jody Hedlund

I read this after I lost interest in most romance novels (besides Janette Oke and Louis L'Amour) and though this was a sweet book, and Derrick the most dashing knight. 

 I haven't found many medieval romances that I liked, but this couple was cute!

I was so glad Rosemarie didn't turn out to be some I-can-do-whatever-a-man-can-do feminist that every author likes to turn the maids of old time into, and I was pleasantly surprised to find her sweet, charming and gentle. Derrick, in turn, is strong, chivalrous and kind, making them an adorable couple. Yeah, maybe so parts in this book are cheesy, but I am willing to overlook it it it means getting to read about a sweet, and romantic couple like this. 

 It's about a Knight and a Lady, ya'll. What's not to love?

8. Missie and Willie (Love Comes Softly series)
By Janette Oke 

I don't even feel like I need to explain... I mean, everyone knows Missie and Willie, right? <3

 Their childhood of 'disliking' each other, that blossoms into love; so cute. I had such a crush on Willie as a little girl, and wanted to be Missie so I could marry him. 

 His boyish charm and Missie's youthful spunk make them such a happy pair. 

7. Coral and Jace (Heart of India series)
By Linda Chaikin

I'm currently reading this series as the moment. It's one of the few romance series that I will go back to, over and over. (Years ago I mentioned it in a book post)

 No matter how many times I read it, I am enchanted by the mysterious beauty of India and the romance between a sea-faring adventurer and a silk heiress. 

 Jace is strong and kind, a little skeptical, and secretly sensitive, while Coral is unwavering, sympathetic and giving. They seem to even each other out quite nicely.

 If you haven't read these, I highly suggest you do!

6. Justin and Brook (The Lost Heiress)
By Rosanna M. White

Aw, these two are so sweet. <3

 I love their comfortable relationship, and how they treat each other as best friends (as all couples should!). Which makes sense since they grew up together and for a while, Brook thinks of Justin as a brother...or at least she pretends she does. 

 The way they are always there for each other is heartwarming. When Justin's father suddenly passes away, and Brook goes flying to him, knowing he needs her...It reflects on just how much they truly love each other. 

 And the fact that Brook as a special name for him is so cute. <3

5. Ariana and Laramie (A Gown of Spanish Lace)
By Janette Oke

One of my very first romance novels, and one of my favorites for years. 

 I have always loved cowboys and the Old West, so this couple was right up my alley. 

Laramie's gentle nature is swoonworthy to any girl between the ages of six and fifty, and the fact that he rescues her definitely helps draw us. Ariana's quiet air is sweet, and breathtaking. 

 Maybe I don't read this as often anymore, since it's aimed at younger girls, but they will always have a special place in my heart. The fact that his name is 'Laramie' is cool in itself, so... there is that.

4. Anne and Gilbert (Anne of Green Gables series)
By L.M. Montgomery

Our favorite redhead marries the dashing, charming young man from Avonlea! 

 What can I say to describe these two? Gilbert is so adorable and patient, waiting for his 'Carrots' to finally come to her senses and realize she loves him. 

 Anne, when she finally gets that through her thick head, gives us the sweetest line in the entire series: 

"I don't want sunbursts or marble halls. I just want you."

*wipes away a tear, because WHERE IS MY GILBERT*

3. Laura and Almanzo (Little House on the Prairie series)
By Laura Ingalls Wilder

Forever the sweetest couple to ever have existed! Yes, they don't really count since they aren't fictional, but who cares? Laura tweaked some things here and there for entertainment's sake anyway.

 I just love how Laura can't figure out why that 'old man' keeps calling on her, walking her home, and smiling at her so charmingly. He's Pa's friend, after all. 

 Ah, then she finally falls for him, and they settle down on their own land and build a home together, and have a little girl. <33

 When Laura accidentally burns the house down, and Almanzo hurries to find her, I always imagined how sweet he was in that moment, even if the author didn't elaborate on it. <3

 They're the couple you can just see falling more and more in love as they get older, and they will always remain as one of my most respected couples, fictional and real. 

2. Josh and Mary (Season's of the Heart series)

If you haven't read this series, you have been missing out. 

 We watch Josh grow from a cute little boy to a *ahem* cute man, with dreams and ambitions that make us love him all the more. 

 Too bad it takes him so long to realize the girl of his dreams has been under his nose the whole time!

Mary's quiet, encouraging nature makes her the best role model for girls, and she just waits so patiently for the man she loves to notice her. 

 She is there for him through thick and thin, being his rock when he needs comfort, and he returns the gesture in her times of need. 

 They stand beside each other, even during the toughest times, and young girls would do well to learn from them and not from couples like Lizzie and Mr. Darcy. (Not that I dislike them. Mr. Darcy is adorable)

Honorable Mentions: 

Ellie and Lane (Love's Unending Legacy)
By Janette Oke

Trace and Cassidy (Cassidy)
By Lori Wick (Not a huge Lori Wick fan, but they are sweet, so...)

Amy and Laurie (Little Women)
By Louisa May Alcott

Meg and John (Little Women)
By Louisa May Alcott

Heidi and Peter (Heidi books)
By Johanna Spyri

Clark and Marty (Love Comes Softly series)
By Janette Oke



And Number one....

1. Pollyanna and Jimmy (Pollyanna series)
By Eleanore H. Porter (and Harriet Lummis Smith)

Yup, they are my number one! 

 I read the book Pollyanna and watched the old Disney movie my entire life, and I always wanted Jimmy Bean to marry Pollyanna. 

 It wasn't until I was much older that I discovered there was an entire series, in which Pollyanna does marry the orphan boy! Imagine my excitement!

 I read Pollyanna Grows Up and I have been an even bigger fan ever since. There is one book I have not read, in which is the actual wedding, but this series is old and rare so it's difficult to find. 

 I think they're just so cute! Pollyanna plays her ever-loving 'Glad Game' even during motherhood, which can be trying at times, and Jimmy is such a kind husband. 

 They do have their struggles, and one huge argument in 'Pollyann's Jewels' but that just endears them all the more! <3333 

And that's all folks! What did you think of my picks?

What? No Louis L'Amour couples listed? 

 Sorry, but I have an entire post set aside just for them! So stay tuned!

                                                                                 LaKaysha

Top Ten Couples: TV

Yes, yes, absent again. Honestly, in all the hustle and bustle of everyday living, who really has time to sit down on the desktop and blog? *ignores the fact that I was on this very desktop for over an hour, writing...my book is important, too!*
 Anywho, we are nearing the new month and because of February being the month of chocolates and paper hearts; (also known as Valentine's Day), I decided to share my favorite fictional couples just for fun.
 Because when you're single and bored, what else do you blog about? *winks*

Let's being with part One:

10: Ben and Cindy (The Waltons)

Awwww, aren't they cute? <3 

 I grew up watching The Waltons and I have to say that Ben is probably my favorite of the Walton kids. He's a little hot-headed and outgoing, but he's a generally sweet guy, and he's the only son to stay on the mountain. 

 He's also the first son to take a wife, even though he's third in line, and they are just sweetest couple. *smiles* 

They have quite a bumpy start to marriage (after all, it was a spur of the moment wedding!) but they are honestly my favorite couple from this show. 

 You can believe that genuinely love each other, even during moments of being angry at each other. And with Ben's temper, that happens a lot! But they always make up and work out it together. 

 When Ben is put into a Japanese POW camp... Argh, it was awful. But Cindy stays strong for him, and when he comes home, it's a beautiful reunion. <333

9. Charles and Caroline (Little House on the Prairie)

Technically Charles and Caroline Ingalls aren't a fictional couple, considering that they really existed (and were positively adorable, I must say) but I'm going to talk about the couple from the show Little House on the Prairie. After all, the real the couple and this couple are quite different. 

 I just think they're such a sweet, happy couple! I've always loved Michael Landon (I grew up watching him on LHOTP and Bonanza) and he is such a warm, joyful person on screen. 

 Caroline is calmer, gentler, but laughs at his antics and his corny jokes, and loves him through thick and thin. They are always there for each other, no matter what life throws at them. 

 (I have to say, I'm not a huge fan of them in the later seasons...Ma's character seems different for some reason.) 

 But I can kind of see my own parents in them, although I can't exactly explain why; especially in the photo below! So maybe that's why I love them so much. 

8. Jess and Lottie (Laramie: Episode "Trigger Point")

You may think me strange to include a couple that doesn't even end up together. It's a western after all, and for some reason there's an unwritten rule that the men don't marry in these shows. When a girl shows up, it's a cinch she going to do one of three things: turn out to be evil and conniving, die a sad and tragic death (usually by a stray bullet) or leave the adorable hero behind. 

 Lottie doesn't do any of those things, actually... but even though in the end of the episode she says she's decided to give Laramie a try, we never see her again. Ugh. Why? 

At first I was kinda put-off by Lottie in the beginning of the episode, as she flirted with Jess the moment he helps her off the stagecoach. But further on into the story, you find that she's actually a very kind and strong woman, who is insecure and afraid of being alone. 

 When Jess, Lottie and others are stranded in desert, she doesn't complain and tries her best to be a help to Jess. 

 Jess in return, is kind and gentle towards her, ready to defend her and the others with tooth and nail, and you can tell instantly there's a connection between them. The moment when Lottie confesses how she doesn't really mind dying, if only someone would care when she's gone, and then Jess says "Somebody does care. I care a lot."... *swoons*

 Ahem. Yeah, I could go and on. I really liked, too, that they never even kissed, yet they're just so sweet and believable.... *sighs* 

 Jess seems genuinely serious about being with Lottie, unlike some times where the hero just seems to like having the girl around until it's time to ride away (easy come, easy go I guess).  I like to imagine that he married Lottie, even though the show lasted four seasons, and this episode is from season two and we never see her again...It's still fun to imagine.

7. Chris and Evy 
(Wagon Train: Episode "The Kate Parker Story")

Yeah, so the guy who played Jess (Robert Fuller) also portrayed the character of Chris in a guest-starring role of Wagon Train... You're probably thinking I'm odd for including a two different characters played by the same man. Can I help if if he's a good actor?

 He just makes you believe that his character is really, truly in love with the girl. He actually guest-starred in another episode 'The Ella Lindstrom Story" as different character, and was just as cute with his girl, but let's not get carried away. I surely can't list every couple that includes him, right? 

 Fun Fact: Robert Fuller later went on to be a regular in 'Wagon Train' after the show "Laramie" was cancelled.  

Newlyweds Chris and Evy are young and full of life when they start off on the wagon train headed to California. You can just sense their excitement at getting a fresh start, and you wish them the best. 

 When Evy has an terrible accident and is paralyzed, Chris doesn't even hesitate in assuring her that he will take care of her, no matter what happens. His agony for her pain is just so sweet. <3

 Evy cries and tells him how he'll have to care for her for the rest of her life, and how she'll never be able to work alongside him, but Chris promises her to remain with her for all of his days, and he'll love her just like he always did. 

 The scene where they are stranded in the middle of a snowstorm, left to freeze to death (the scene below) is so touching and heartbreaking as Evy convinces Chris to just let her sleep, so she'll die quietly. Chris kisses her and says "Don't go far. Wait for me." and lays down to die with her. 

 *wipes tears* 

Thankfully they don't die, and this strong couple gets a happy ending!

(there is another couple in this episode, but nobody really cares about that story line, okay?)

6. Jim and Margaret (Fathers Knows Best)

Aw, Jim and Margaret. This couple is from my favorite TV show of all time: Father Knows Best.

 As a father, Jim is a wise and patient man with a sense of humor and an undying love for his wife and his children. These two really don't get as much screen time together as I would have liked, considering the show is mainly about their kids (who I love, don't get wrong! Especially Bud) but the episodes that are centered around them are just too sweet. 

  Margaret is the ever-doting wife that will do anything to keep her husband happy, kind and gentle with that soft voice I envy. Jim is jolly, sensitive and his wife's strong rock to lean on when she needs him. 

 Who says all 'romantic' couples have to be young? I just love watching couples who have stood the test of time together, and have grown old side by side. That's the love, the real kind, that we need to see more on television today. 

5. Alec and Janet (Road to Avonlea)

And speaking of older couples, I love these two! <3 

 Road to Avonlea is packed with plenty of sweet couples throughout the show, but this couple... they just seem so believable. 

 There are plenty of times where Janet loses her temper, or Alec gets angry, and they don't always get along. Just like a real married couple. 

 But they always find their way back to each other, and it's clear how much each one cares for their spouse. 

 They go through a lot throughout the show, and there is one random episode where Janet leaves Alec for like, a day. That was weird.... 

 Anyways, despite all their trials and sorrow, Alec remains loving, supportive and strong for his wife, and in return Janet is willing to give him the world. 

 Alec, honestly is one of my favorite characters in the show, as I have said before, because he reminds me so much of my own dad. <3 (I even named one of my characters in my novel after him.) 

 These two are another picture of a couple facing life together, and staying true forever and always. 

4. Bud and Joyce (Father Knows Best)

Another couple from my favorite show! (Can you imagine? There wasn't a single photo of them together on the internet! Thanks, Google.)

 Bud has a few girls throughout Father Knows Best (which was pretty common in those days) and he is a sweet gentleman with all of them. 

 But his serious girlfriend, the one he has for an entire season, is Joyce. He even says in one episode that he intends to marry her someday. 

 Joyce puts up with a lot, I must say. Bud is constantly thinking he's falling for some other girl, while his sweet and patient girlfriend waits in the background, but he always comes to his sense and goes back to Joyce. 

 When he isn't being a fool, Bud is a sensitive and kind boyfriend to her, and it's just so cute to watch them together. Joyce is, as I said, sweet and quiet and always there for him. 

 In one episode "Two Loves Has Bud", Bud finds himself in an awful predicament when Joyce breaks up with him. Of course, being the kind of rather dumb guy that he is, Bud finds a friend in the new neighbor girl. But then, much to his pleasure, Joyce reconciles and wants to be his girl again. 

 Problems, problems, when he doesn't tell one girl about the other! Of course they eventually find out and demand that he choose between them. 

 Unable to decide, Bud manages to get out of it by telling them he's going on a hunting trip with his father, and Sandra (the other girl) storms away in a rage. 

 Joyce, however, apologizes to Bud for putting him into that position and is as sweet and gentle as always, and we see just how much her character cares for Bud, despite his stupidity at times. 

The episode ends with Joyce helping Margaret put together the gear for the men's hunting trip, and Bud realizes how much of a sweet girl she is. 

 I really think that if the show had continued on, maybe they would have had them actually get married. Alas, the show was cancelled and we never got to see that. 

 There are two TV reunion movies from the 70's where we find that Bud married some girl named Jean. But we don't talk about that. That never happened. Bud and Joyce got married and lived happily ever after, right? Right. 

3. Shawn and Juliet (Psych)

The only modern couple on my list! I don't watch many new shows, all right? 

 I really like this show, but I have to say, it isn't the cleanest show out there. Just wanted to warn you in case you ever decided to give it a try. It has a dope theme song, though. 

Gah, they. are. so. cute. 

 From the moment they meet, it's obvious Shawn has a thing for the new girl at the SPD, but she keeps giving off mixed signals. Does she like him or not?

 Shawn's flirting is cute as he tries hard to get her attention, but it isn't until season three that Juliet finally admits she likes him. 

 Unfortunately, at that point Shawn has a steady girlfriend named Abigail. Thankfully that doesn't last too long, since it's obvious Shawn loves Juliet even during all that... plus I can't stand Abigail. Ugh. 

 They have a rocky romance, to say the least and took WAY TOO LONG to get married. They live together for a while, which I am not okay with, but thankfully the show keeps it fairly clean in that way. 

 Shawn has trouble opening up or facing reality and spends most of his days quipping jokes, clowning around like a little boy, and running away from responsibility. Which is probably why they took so long to get married, but come on, Shawn. Really? 

 Despite this, Shawn is supportive and loving to Juliet, and really does try to be man she needs him to be. Honestly, I feel like this show is about Shawn learning to cope with grief and reality. 

 Juliet is patient to put up with his antics and waits FOREVER for him to finally grow up, but during all of it, she loves him for being himself, and even joins him in his clowning, from time to time. 

   I was so happy when they finally got married in Psych: The Movie and Shawn finally realized that he needed to man up and be there for his girl. 

 Just look at this gif below, okay? Aren't they cute?

  

2. Rob and Laura (The Dick Van Dyke Show)

This is probably my favorite comedy, although Hogan's Heroes comes close. 

 Rob and Laura Petrie are the cutest comedic couple I've ever seen. Even cuter than Lucy and Ricky in my opinion, which is weird since Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez were actually married in real life. 

 Rob is a clumsy, goofy husband who tries hard to be the best husband he can be to his beautiful and youthful wife, Laura. During the time this show was made, it was no longer common for wives to be "stay-home-wife", yet Laura seems quite content to be just that, which makes the show all the more lovable. 

 They argue quite often (Rob is always getting into scrapes) and it's cute to see them make up after a disagreement, Especially when Laura cries and Rob comforts her in a tender but cheery way. Despite the fact that Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore weren't really married, I feel like they portrayed a married couple in a very realistic way. (I'm not married, so who knows, maybe I'm crazy). 

 I love seeing them interact, joke, fight and support each other throughout the show, and I must say, when they sing and dance together, it's just positively adorable. <333 

Honorable Mentions: 

Slim and Troy (Laramie: Episode "Cactus Lady") 

The fact that he helps her do her hair (using baling wire) is way too sweet

Bud and Molly 

 (Father Know Best: Episode "Bud and the Debutante")

Again, no pictures of Bud and his girl together. Psssh

Jess and Jenny (Laramie: Episode "The Lawless Seven") 

I would have totally been okay if he'd married her... whyyyy do they 

think it's so wrong to have the hero get married?

Mary and Adam (Little House on the Prairie)

Yes, I am aware Mary never married in real life. 

But they are way too cute.

Felix and Izzy (Road to Avonlea)

WHYYY wasn't she in the Christmas movie?

And we come to number one.....

1. Felicity and Gus (Road to Avonlea)

THESE TWO. 

 As a little girl, I dreamed of having my own Gus Pike to come sailing across the sea to find me, a pipe in his mouth and a violin in his hand. 

 He's the most lovable guy in this show, and Felicity grows from a rather bossy, snobbish girl to a beautiful and gracious woman... and they're just so CUTE. *suppressed squeals* 

 From the moment Gus sees Felicity (who's having a temper tantrum and looking very young) he is transfixed by the fiery red-head. For years he kindly and patiently strives to win her heart, and sees her kind and gentle side even when no one else does. 

 When Felicity finally comes to her senses and realizes how much this young vagabond means to her, Gus isn't sure if he believes she's ready to settle down with him. When he's reported to be drowned at sea...Felicity's world comes crashing down. 

 And even though she accepts Stewart McCraig's proposal of marriage, she still loves Gus and has a hard time believing that he's dead. SPOILER ALERT! He's not dead! 

 Oh, I was so happy to see this couple finally get their happy ending. <333 

And that's it for part one! Did you know any of these couples? Did you agree with my picks? 

 Stay tuned for the next part: Book Couples! 

                                                                                         LaKaysha