The Roses
Some adventures should be kept close to the heart, like a bundle of roses from the one that you love.
How much do we share with others?
What should we keep for ourselves?
I know, as I dress to go out, that this day’s adventure is one I will keep (mostly) for me. My apologies dear friend. Some adventures shouldn’t be shared.
ADVENTURE ART CLUB | DAY 7 | 9.7
DINNER & ROSES
MISSOULA, MT
Tonight, I choose to wear a soft white lace dress I have not worn in ages. This piece feels delicate and flirtatious, lending me a feeling of buoyant cheer for the evening. It feels like Summer.
There’s something about getting ready for an evening out that builds anticipation, like the journey that makes the view from the top of the hike worth the challenge. I love to dress for dinner and loathe arriving at a nice restaurant only to see patrons wearing ratty T-shirts and flip-flops. Sometimes adventure demands preparation. Sometimes it’s okay to put in a little effort. What we wear can impact how we carry ourselves. Choices matter.
Tonight, I choose knee-high leather boots with a heel that clacks along the pavement in the evenings - an auditory component that tickles the ears with each step. I’m listening to music as I get ready as well, building cheer in more ways than one.
Since it’s been cold and raining lately, I also settle a sharp wool overcoat over my shoulders. The weight of this piece feels comforting, like an embrace from a friend. It feels the way that candlelight looks - warm, soft, and inviting.
One final touch - a rich blue scarf to add a simple shot of vibrance. Now, I’m ready.
Tonight, I’m going out to a nice dinner with my husband to celebrate our seven year wedding anniversary. We’ve chosen each other as partners in life’s adventure, in some form or another, for the last seventeen years. We met at only nineteen years of age (cheers to dance classes!).
We felt we were grown then… We’ve learned so much since. And we have many unknowns ahead to meet.
I’ve had the privilege to grow and change alongside this man, which has not always been easy, for over a decade. This life has been challenging and rewarding. Light and dark. A candlelit table needs the shadows around it to create an island of respite.
Setting aside this reflection, I walk up our stairs to meet him, and am greeted with a collection of luscious red roses to hold in my arms for a minute. My favorite.
And the rest of this evening’s adventure is mine to experience.
However, so as not to leave you with nothing, here are a few stolen moments:
The rich velvet green of a houseplant.
The light on a glass white wine.
The textures of a wooden table and soft linen.
Succulent scallops.
Blue evening light.
A walk beneath trees
Warm conversation.
Laughter.
Love & Gratitude,
- Christina
