Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas wrote a book about marriage. It’s called “What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets.” In the book, they talk about their own marriage and share secrets from other couples.
Even though Marlo has been married to Phil for more than 40 years, she admits that when she was younger, she didn’t really want to get married.
In the book, Marlo Thomas talks about how she used to think marriage was like a vacuum cleaner that sucks out all your energy and ambition. She felt like living with a jailer you had to please.
But everything changed when she met Phil Donahue. They found each other after Phil’s first marriage ended, and now they have a strong bond that has lasted their whole lives.
Phil Donahue became famous with his TV show, “The Phil Donahue Show,” which later became just “Donahue.” It ran for 29 years and was the first show to let the audience join in. Marlo Thomas was a guest on his show, and meeting her changed Phil’s life.
The couple first met in Chicago in 1977. Phil Donahue already had four boys with him, and his fifth child, a daughter, lived with his ex-wife and her mother in another place.
Marlo and Phil dated for three years before getting married in 1980 in a small ceremony with 35 people.
Marlo’s friends and family were surprised by her decision to get married, given her past views on marriage. The book tells a funny story about friends at Marlo’s bridal shower putting up quotes from her that showed her previous thoughts about marriage.
According to the book, Marlo’s mom was really surprised at their wedding and kept asking Phil, “How did you get her to do this?” Even strangers, like a woman on their honeymoon plane to Greece, were shocked and disappointed that Marlo, who was known for being independent, decided to settle down.
In the book, Marlo admits that this made her doubt her choice. She wondered if she was being hypocritical since she had criticized marriage for so long. She worried that she let down fans who saw her as a symbol of independence.
Despite the challenges, Phil and Marlo make their marriage work. They talk about the ups and downs in the book, saying that those tough times helped strengthen their bond.
In the early days of their marriage, they spent time apart because Phil was taping his show in Chicago, and Marlo was traveling for her acting career. Even though they weren’t always living together, Marlo’s aunt helped her see that marriage can mean different things to different people.
Despite the distance, Marlo and Phil made their marriage successful. And one important thing to note is that Marlo not only gained a husband but also gained children when she got married.
In a 2012 interview with AARP, Marlo Thomas talked about helping to raise Phil’s children. She knew they already had a traditional mother, so she didn’t try to take on that role. Instead, she became more like a friend to Phil’s children, just like her own mother was to her.
Marlo says that her relationship with Phil’s children is even stronger now than when she first married Phil. In the book, Phil emphasizes that Marlo spent a lot of time talking to and trying to understand his sons.
Phil and Marlo think that the key to their long marriage is the trust they have in each other. Marlo says, “You build trust when you realize that this person always has your back.”
Even though they’ve been married for over 40 years, they believe there are still more memories to create together.
Phil says that for a marriage to last, both people have to really want it. Marlo agrees and says that looking back, she wouldn’t have it any other way than being married to Phil. She points out that he has supported her in every possible way.
Marriage is a wonderful connection, especially when two people fully commit to it. This couple is truly inspiring and sets a great example for all of us. We should all aim for a relationship as successful as theirs!
A woman turned a 1966 bus into a comfortable and cozy home on wheels
Over the course of three years, a dilapidated bus underwent a remarkable metamorphosis, evolving into a stylish and comfortable mobile home known as the Greyhound.
While some individuals meticulously select or inherit their dream homes, there are those like Jessie Lipskin who opt to craft their distinctive abode from scratch. This spirited American woman embarked on a journey where she purchased an old bus, equipped it with essentials for a nomadic lifestyle, and embarked on a delightful makeover.
The inspiration for the transformation of the outdated bus into a sophisticated Greyhound RV struck Jessie after watching the documentary “Trash Warrior”. Captivated by eco-architect Michael Reynolds’ creative endeavors in building homes from recyclable materials, she envisioned an environmentally friendly dwelling.
Embracing the principles of minimalism, Jessie purged unnecessary possessions, condensing her life into a single suitcase. The quest for a suitable vehicular platform marked the commencement of her mission to construct a compact yet eco-friendly home.
Not possessing expertise in construction, carpentry, or plumbing posed challenges for Jessie. Undeterred, she sought assistance from friends, acquaintances, and occasional professionals to bring her vision to life.
The interior of this unique mobile home features an exclusive use of natural materials, in line with Jessie’s love for the outdoors. To uphold environmental sustainability, energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and wood were employed for insulation, coatings, and various components.
The living space boasts a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics. A spacious living area, a well-appointed kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, and a cozy bedroom with abundant storage were meticulously designed to create Jessie’s dream home.
Utilizing only natural wood and recycled materials, the interior exudes an eco-friendly charm. Strategic design choices, such as white walls and parquet flooring, enhance the brightness and appeal of the space. Original bus windows were preserved to invite natural light, while a thoughtfully crafted LED system illuminates the space at night.
In the well-equipped kitchen, gas tanks, an oven, an energy-efficient washing machine, a refrigerator, and a wooden countertop cater to both practicality and style. Thoughtfully arranged shelves and cupboards optimize storage and movement in this compact yet functional space.
The mobile home’s rear serves as the bedroom, featuring a streamlined design, large windows adorned with heavy velvet curtains, and a delightful surprise, a small library replacing a conventional wall. A comfortable double bed with storage beneath completes the cozy retreat.
Addressing the challenge of waste disposal on the road, Jessie ingeniously implemented a self-contained sewage system. Waste and used water are directed into a large under-floor tank, allowing for convenient discharge at designated locations.
With a separate water supply tank equipped with a water heater, the mobile home offers fully functional showers, sinks, and toilets.
Jessie Lipskin’s Greyhound stands as a testament to the fusion of creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness, showcasing the possibilities of crafting a unique, eco-friendly home on wheels.
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