post valentines love.

sitting here this afternoon with a cup of tea and counting my blessings. last night i went to listen to some extremely talented musician friends play down the street in a little coffee shop, and i was completely lifted listening to their incredible music. the music was folky and fun at times, and i just kept picturing them in a bathtub, wearing rags, going down a river, waving and smiling like they knew something we didn't know....those are probably my issues....and i like them...nevertheless, my friends put on an amazing performance. i was captivated. what i found most rewarding though was the number of people who came to listen and support these guys. it's so empowering to see such love and care coming from your community. i'm so blessed to have found wonderful friends in this town. i really cannot speak more highly of them (you know who you are). i also started thinking about my friends in my life that i love, but aren't in new york. even though i cannot be physically close to them, they are part of me each and every day (cliche' and mushy, i'm well aware). so, with the passing of the valentines season, know that i love you all deeply and sincerely.

i imagine you stirring up a debate in your hometown just because you love getting people riled up. you probably didn't even agree with yourself, but you found it entertaining to charm your way through the situation, because you know everyone adores you. i love you.


i imagine you putting aside all your other 'to-dos' to have lunch with a friend who needs to talk. you are probably stressed to get to your work, but you have the most amazing grace and compassion for others that your worries fly away so that you can be present for a friend. i love you.

i imagine that you and your sweet husband are driving to brunch after church, but you missed a turn, because you were talking on the phone. you throw your hand up in a dramatic way, but then realize....it's going to be okay. you are so strong. i love you.

i imagine you reading in your favorite coffee shop at the foot of those beautiful blue mountains, perhaps enjoying some carrot cake. you just talked to five random people, because you love learning from others and people are automatically drawn to you and your incredible laugh. i love you.

i imagine you waking up and going through your exact routine today. you make a call to a friend who is stressed, and sit and listened with all your heart while giving the best advice...always. the hour long call was not on your list, but when it comes to us, it doesn't matter. i love you.

i imagine you taking your sunday by storm. you are full of energy and nothing gets you down, even a windy city. you are meeting with a big group of friends you have made, even in a new city, to play some crazy game, or go to a concert. you are living life fully and are admired by everyone who gets lucky enough to meet you. i love you.

i imagine you dancing. you are taking the garbage out from a fun night, and you are dancing. you are making a sandwich (not a 'hot pocket'), and you are dancing. you are in line at the movies, and you are dancing. you are always dancing to life. i love you.

i imagine you getting out of your yoga class today. you are smiling while listening to the newest music that you cannot wait to share with your friends back east, because making others happy, makes you happy. you swing by the tiny post office to ship out a care package...just because you love to love. i love you.

i imagine you working on a sunday. you are stressed, because you are working. on . a. sunday. you wouldn't have it any other way. you are determined, and you smile knowing that outside those office walls is a world you come home to and love. i love you.


i imagine you walking the dirt paths in your faraway land that you call a second home. you are with a visitor who desires an adventure, and you ever so graciously take on the host role. you are kind and patient as they stumble through a foreign language, not so foreign to you anymore. your humility is calming. and as you walk past a small stretch of stores and people, you snapped photographs in your mind. you know the different types of smiles and the names of those who possess them. you are telling your visitor about the spices you smell and remembering the edges on the rocks you just passed. you love detail and find beauty in everything. i love you.

i imagine you leaving the big group after you are done talking. you never have been one to sit still, or 'play the game' because everyone else is playing. you walk with your coffee, following your own heart, and come to a tree. you always have to read by a tree, don't you? you inspire me with your words, faith, and longing for a peaceful world. i love you.