Anniversary by the sea
Plus what I'm writing, reading, making, and needing
Why hello there!
You didn’t hear from me on Friday because I was busy packing up the van for the Oregon Coast. This weekend, Steve and I celebrated 10 years together. He asked me out to waffles at our favorite coffee shop when we were just wee college kids. We went to the public library afterwards to study, a very responsible excuse for wanting to spend more time together. We’ve been two beans in a pod ever since.
In Seaside, I found a cottage on Airbnb only a block from the ocean. On Saturday morning, we waited for the rain to subside, which it did around 11, by reading in the king-size bed (a treat!) and drinking coffee from gold-rimmed teacups (so elegant!). Then we made the short trek to the shore where I looked for seashells while Steve kept Kona from chomping on crab husks. There were lots of people out there in big coats, taking advantage of the window of blue sky like us. A man with his old dog looked friendly enough but ended up complaining to us about his wife, so we kept walking. We were in no mood to complain about spouses!
As we walked north, Steve and I reflected on each year together, from 2015 to 2025, recalling old times and memories, both the challenging and the beautiful. Long distance. Climbing trips. A car crash. A surgery. Big fights. Our wedding. Living in the van. Getting Kona. Grad school. Boulder, then Flagstaff, then Portland. It felt remarkable to acknowledge all of the moments that brought us up to now. We both feel so much wiser than we were as 22 year olds first falling in love and yet we have so much left to experience, so much more life to live, lessons to learn, and love to give. I’m happy to be by Steve’s side through it all.
We wandered into town for lunch and some antiquing (my idea). At the spay and neuter thrift store that allowed dogs inside, we found the most loot. Two books, a handmade ceramic bowl, a quarter yard of fleece fabric that I want to turn into a hat, and a tiny mug with a sea star graphic. Then at the antique mall, I found the day’s best score. I’d been looking for a fish-shaped dish to use as a spoon rest, and there, on a cluttered table, I found not one but two that stack. A thrift win! I regret not buying a sheet metal mirror with a horse for $22 though. I can only hope that it will still be there among the junk when we return.
On the walk back to the Airbnb, Steve and I talked about how we’d like to have our own sea cottage someday. We could celebrate every anniversary there, and escape there for writing retreats. We admired the cedar shingles of houses we walked past. I took a picture of one with sea stars in the window. In front of one of the bungalows, an elderly man bundled in a knit cap and puffy vest was calling to a young boy who must’ve been his grandson. The man smiled at us as we walked past, and we smiled back. I hope we grow old too and still visit the beach.
Lots of love,
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I’m leading a new column at Yoga Journal called Yoga Diaries. I’m looking for yoga (or breath work or mediation) teachers or students to keep a diary for a week that we will publish anonymously. Respond to this email to let me know if you’re interested or know of someone and I can send you more info!
Monthly Shareables
Reading: I’m borrowing the novel The God of the Woods by Liz Moore from a friend right now, and I’m days away from returning it. It’s about a girl who goes missing at a summer camp and it’s finally getting really spooky!
Could seeding farm fields with crushed rock slow climate change? These women unlocked the mysteries of the deep sea. Canada’s most beloved outdoor ice rinks are melting away. 5 art gallery and museum shows to see in Portland this spring.
Listening: This sad girl sh*t playlist not because I’m sad but because it matches the mood of February
Making: I’m sewing up a Merchant & Mills Carrier Bag in a thrifted lace tablecloth
Eating: Meal kits from The Minnow, a seasonal eatery and mini grocer on 23rd Street in Portland! Order the tuna melt. You won’t be sorry.
Needing: Our vacuum pooped out and we’re in need of a new one that can handle dog hair. Does anyone have a stick vacuum that they love?
February Mood
I love your writing. I feel like a went on a little adventure with you. I would love to be a student for your yoga journal