The story opens with Genia Stevens, host of SistersTalkRadio, posting a call to lesbians in Wisconsin to join in and listen to her gay and lesbian talk radio show/podcast...

Among the many responses she received, came one from Andrea Kleinheksel. While telling herself that this is strictly business Genia simultaneously had the tingling thought, "Oooh, she's kinda cute!" Both women had been single for a number of years so they tentatively began their conversations with video conferencing. "To see each other without being in each other's space helped make our first date not so awkward," states Genia. When recalling that first month, Andrea says, "It was worth waiting for." At the time, neither Genia nor Andrea was looking for a relationship, so naturally, that is when it happened!

Although their relationship was new, Valentine's Day was approaching. Regarding this holiday, Andrea says, "After years of being single you just don't see the significance." According to Genia, Andrea just did not like Valentine's Day - "too commercialized, and on and on." Genia states to Andrea, "After this one you are going to love it!" Shortly after, Andrea received flowers at work and a tiny box of candy hearts. She still has the box!

While many women in the lesbian community will rush into a relationship with someone they hardly know, Genia and Andrea took the more mature approach. As the days and weeks passed, they took the time and made the effort to get to know each other. "It's like building a house - a process," says Andrea. "We're not children, we're adults. How we make decisions and move through the relationship is guided by that - no drama," states Genia. Andrea adds, "We don't take on what we can't handle and we don't rush into things." She continues that they are better equipped to make mature decisions partly because "we had a full life as individuals before our relationship began."

This was a particularly salient approach that the couple utilized with Genia's two teenage sons. Andrea is a teacher yet had never been in a relationship with a partner that had children. After the three-month "meet-the-children waiting period" had passed, Genia introduced Andrea. The waiting period allowed them time to develop their adult relationship. Meeting the children was the next step toward developing relationships that would bond them as a family. "She was getting me and two children and all the drama that comes with two teenagers," states Genia. While Andrea understandably felt a bit nervous, she states, "I have always felt comfortable around Genia's kids. I'm not mom. I'm mom's partner."

More opportunities for growth as a couple and as a family are just over the horizon as Genia, Andrea and the two boys plan on relocating to the Atlanta area. Part of this decision was based on the desire to have a home together. The couple had a short conversation about Andrea moving in with Genia and the boys. On this topic Genia comments that it would not be a good idea because "it's my house, my rules - I am the queen! We need a place together as our house where I am not the queen anymore!" The couple is planning on spending this Valentine's Day in Atlanta doing a bit of house hunting, visiting friends, having a special dinner, and spending quality time at a nice hotel in a hot tub. The latter being one of the favorite romantic pastimes they enjoy together (even if it is at a hotel five minutes from home!) along with travel, music, and dancing.

At present Genia and Andrea combine their talents on the SistersTalk podcast titled She Said, She Said. Listen to Sisterstalk RadioNominate SistersTalk Radio to win a Lezzy Award in the Best Lesbian Podcast category. Click here: http://bit.ly/b3RA4Y (the url is SistersTalkRadio.net)

These broadcasts are filled with the upbeat energy and humorous discussions the two women have on all manner of topics at hand. Listeners get the very real sense of this couple experiencing life together in a comedic, thoughtful, and insightful way with an engaging dose of editorial snark! When discussing the topic of moving to the South as a mixed race couple, Genia states, "My family has met Andrea; it's not a big deal. I showed up once with a white man - they're used to me being odd!"

Reflecting on this past year, Andrea states, "I know that my life is going in the direction it is supposed to go." Before posting on MySpace, Genia was ready to move to another state. Now she says, "I met Andrea and understood why I had to stick around in Wisconsin a little longer. The universe rearranges itself so that you can find that person you are supposed to find." Both agree that a "balance between remaining true to your individuality and sharing yourself with another person" is the definition of a healthy same gender relationship. According to Genia, "Love is wearing a blindfold and letting your partner walk you across a busy Atlanta freeway. You trust that she will not let go..."

For Genia and Andrea there will be safe travel on whatever busy freeway of life they encounter!

By Angela Minor

Angela has had the good fortune to participate in several professional careers over the course of her lifetime. She has applied her skills to teaching English, and writing; small business ownership, and writing; sales and marketing, and writing; university graduate level research, and writing. As is evident, writing has been her companion throughout! She is the word nerd who actually takes notes at symposiums and events! And not just on the presented topics. She finds people, settings, interactions and conversations fascinating. The entire visual, auditory, kinesthetic experience is worth noticing and noting.

Angela has traveled the globe soaking in the scenery, culture and customs near and far. She has lived in the bush of Alaska to the Atlantic seaside of Savannah and various places in between. She is currently a full time freelance writer with pieces in various venues on the web and many local and regional publications. When she is not writing, Angela can be found at the latest Broadway show or communing with Mother Earth in The Great Smoky Mountains.