The other evening, Mark and I ventured out for a
picnic. Beforehand, I took a few
minutes to stock our careworn basket with a favorite tablecloth, a couple of
stoneware plates, cloth napkins and silverware, while Mark packed the cooler
with the foods and drinks. Our
meal was simple, but luscious:
hummus, pita chips, assorted raw veggies, cheese, sparkling water (for
me), soft drinks (for him), and large, sweet strawberries to top it all
off.
When it came to selecting a site, I asked Mark to do the honors. Rather than opting for a nearby park, he did the unexpected; choosing the charming university campus, only a few miles from where we live (the same one where I enjoyed a recent artist’s date). Being it was the weekend, it was the perfect spot as it was pretty much deserted. We had the lovely brick patio (complete with café tables) overlooking a pretty pink rose garden all to ourselves (Yum!).
When it came to selecting a site, I asked Mark to do the honors. Rather than opting for a nearby park, he did the unexpected; choosing the charming university campus, only a few miles from where we live (the same one where I enjoyed a recent artist’s date). Being it was the weekend, it was the perfect spot as it was pretty much deserted. We had the lovely brick patio (complete with café tables) overlooking a pretty pink rose garden all to ourselves (Yum!).
Once unpacked, Mark asked me what type of music I would
enjoy. I eagerly responded, “Frank
Sinatra!” He made the selection on
his iPhone, and a delicious stream of Rat Pack era tunes softly played as we
ate and talked.
On the way back home, we decided to stop for ice cream. It was an exquisite experience—our delightful
evening getaway.
What I am learning is that it doesn’t take much…time, money
or even innovative thinking to make the ordinary extraordinary. Yes, we could have dined on our
own brick patio overlooking our own flower garden. That is always special as well, but we do this often in the
summertime. Instead, by doing a
few things a bit differently, a uniquely beautiful memory was created that will
stay with both of us for quite some time.
I am striving to create more of these carefully-crafted experiences—not
just for us as a couple—but for me, personally, as well. The solo artist’s dates I savor, lunch
break smoothies enjoyed from an outdoor café table, and writing my journal from
the backyard in the evening with a cup of tea at hand and a favorite lantern lit
with a pillar candle… All are
examples of this.
Sometimes, it’s easy to convince myself that I am far too
busy to make my day special. But, the
truth of the matter is that I always can--if I only choose to do so. Often, it merely takes me making a few
tweaks to whatever it is I was going to do in the first place. And, what I know (but sometimes
forget), is that the effort taken is always
worth it.
