Salty Tagines Make for Salty Tears

"I love you this much"

he says as he stretches his arms wide from side to side. I could see by the smirk on his lips that he was planning to close the distance between us and kiss me. I couldn't help but appreciate the spontaneity, the sweet naivety about him. "How much do you love me?" he asked. "I love you One Thousand" I responded, both of us exploding in giggles with the absurdity of it all.

Of course love can't be quantifiable. I'm not quite sure of the difference between "one thousand loves" and "ten thousand loves", but I've promised him both. I've promised him patience, and I've given him kindness, I've promised him moments and I've given him care.

Now although you may say, "I don't want to read about your sickeningly successful relationship", I urge you to keep reading. Rick and I were not perfect. We gave and compromised and argued and loved. We also gave each other the permission to let go.

Now I've dated a Tom, Rick and Harry (lol), I've tasted many wonderful and exhilarating things, each man bringing me closer to understanding what I need. Rick gave me the opportunity to see the beauty in myself and to trust that I deserved his full attention. The love he gave me assured me that who I am and what I accomplish is enough. Our commitment showed how wonderful it feels to be dedicated to another, and after my time with him, I cannot fathom how some of my friends stoop for a person who cannot fully love them (something I've managed to do in the past). Dear friends, stand up for yourselves. No matter how much you admire your partner, guide them to love you in the way that you wish to be loved. If they still do not love you in that way, ditch them. It hurts, but it allows you the freedom to take a chance on something better. It allows them to grow and perhaps become the person who is able to love you. The complexities of love are all projections of your brain. The love I seek is simple: an idea-driven conversant and a natural companion. Rick and I were nearly there. We harbored an honesty that I've rarely seen in other relationships. If you're reading, Rick, thank you. 

Listen to Your Gut

I hate being the irrational person in the room, the one who can't quite express how I feel, or have the evidence to back up my claims. Many times I'd see Rick and my gut would tell me something, something I could not rationalise. He treated me so well, loved me so dearly, accepted me so fully. How could my gut be telling me otherwise? Silly gut! Get out of here! You're not wanted!

Well, my gut was the one that finally won out. I've attained a clarity. I've launched myself back into the unknown alone and may find it dank here. Dank, but not hopeless. I know now that the shadows of love are not forever. I know now that my life grows in vibrancy as long as I allow myself to discover it. I also know I'm going to be an emotional wreck, so proceed with caution (and if you're reading, Dave, I will accept your pithy texts).

The Actual Fun Bit

Rick and I had a wonderful time in Marrakesh. Being surrounded by a completely different culture made for an eye-opening experience. The neighborhood kids would be outdoors playing at all times of the day, greeting us "Bonjour" or "Bonsoire", only retreating when it was time to go to bed. Although afraid for our safety in the new environment, it was noted that Marrakesh lacks crime. People would leave cycles and motorbikes and possessions along the street, cats and dogs would roam freely alongside pack mules and fruit carts. Riders would suddenly stop in the street for a friend to hop on the back, else they would be yelling their greetings as they drove on past. These were a very simple and beautiful people, knowing only the details of their trades but loving and committing to them deeply. 

On my return, I researched Islam. It's absolutely incredible that we separate Islam ideals so starkly from Christianity, although both have a respect and adherence to the teachings of Abraham, Noah, Moses, and Jesus. Both factions believe in one God, and adopt the creed that one must live his/her life according to what God teaches. So I guess being submerged in their culture has made me highly weary of the increased Islamophobia and anti-immigration tactics in the USA. It's excessively assumptive and illogical. As the good ol' Mark Twain states: 

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” and the cuisine is undeniably amazing (add-on by yours truly).

So... anybody out there want to holiday in Iceland from January 11? I'm asking for a friend (to accompany me on a holiday in Iceland from January 11).

K. Thnx. Bye.

Tagline from household home in the middle of absolutely nowhere. Check!

The Next Step from the Bare Necessities: Dessert!

Now that's what I call a pack lunch!

BYE