Love is More Than a 4-Letter Word

I've always known, somewhere in the depths of my soul, that love was more than just really liking something...but I didn't truly understand it until now. Love is more than words; to me, it's the sum of every moment, every word, every action. I feel this every day, but today I was compelled to spell it out. So, sit back and enjoy a little confession of love.

Captain of our dinner cruise -- Captain of my heart

I just got home from 2 weeks on a dream vacation with my sister, and as incredible as it was, nothing compares to Josh. I could only communicate via wifi every few days or so, but without fail, I always turned my phone on to find sweet messages, heartfelt texts, and pictures of the cats (a measure of true love, as far as I'm concerned).

Me: Give him kisses and tell him I love him!
Josh: I tell him every day ❤😻

These gestures alone would be enough to make a girl swoon, but Josh never settles for just enough. I was met at the gates of the airport with a bouquet of flower and the biggest smile I've ever seen! Maybe it was jetlag or weariness from all the travel, but I think the bustle of the airport stopped for a second and there was a collective sigh of admiration for this genuine display of love. 

"There's still something so pure
and heartfelt and emotional
and genuine about a bouquet of flowers." 
Vanessa Diffenbough

But wait, there's more! After walking in the door (and snuggling the cats to our heart's content), I looked around at our spotlessly clean home. Everything sparkled - from the empty sink, to fresh sheets, clean bathrooms, and vacuum lines across the carpet. I must be dreaming, because no one can possibly be this wonderful. And yet, I woke up this morning to the sun barely rising through the window, and there he was on the pillow next to mine.

Please don't  kill me for posting this...
it was too cute not to!

What a wonderful life this is. It's so good to be home.

Talking to Strangers

Spoiler Alert: I like talking to people.

There's something to be said about having friendly conversation over the Starbucks counter while the barista makes my Grande Americano in a Venti cup, extra ice, 2%, splenda (in case anyone would like to buy me coffee). Or chatting it up with the bartenders at my local watering hole while sipping on my pint (in case anyone would like to buy my drink).

Barrelhouse 101, 2017

Anyway, all this to say, I meet a lot of new people every week. I learn about them, they learn about me. Sometimes I make up extravagant stories, sometimes I tell the truth (also filled with extravagance). I assume they do the same.

Did I ever tell you about the time I faced a Clone Trooper?

These past couple weeks, I decided to throw my hat...um, heart?...no, HAT back into the ring. (Maybe less of a throw and more of a soft toss.) What I got back was a lot of laughter, a lot of hope, a few free drinks...and repeatedly asked, "How are you still single?"

It made me think.

I know, I know. How could anyone with this amazing shirt be single??

I've been pondering this for days...and came up with nothing. I feel like there are books out there meant to guide me in an answer (suggestions welcome!). For now, I think it means a little more meditative thought, some personal reflection, and maybe a filter on which strangers I converse with.