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I haven’t written a Love List in ages, on a Friday or otherwise.

I woke up this morning (late, very late) feeling a great deal of love in my heart for a great many things, so it seemed like the right time to pour it onto the digital page.

I think you should write a love list, too. In the comments here, at your blog, on your Facebook page… wherever.

Not because you have to, but just because you CAN.

(And yes, the Boston post is still coming. You know I make those into giant productions. I can’t help myself!)

Without further ado…

THINGS I LOVE

Autumn leaves (Funny story. I kept thinking there was a song where the chorus was, “Autumn leaaaaaves make me feel fine…” when in fact, the line is “Summer Breeze makes me feel fine…” I am a doofus.) But I really do love the incredible range of colours, and the way the leaves curl into themselves when they float to the ground. I’m surrounded by tiny pieces of art everywhere I look.

Strong, hot, black coffee, first thing in the morning

Standing at the front of ferry boats, getting the hair blown off my head by the wind

My parents, for being so supportive of my “long distance thing” and for being so kind to, and accepting of Gradon and E. I couldn’t ask for better parents (unless they were made of coffee and donuts… but then I might eat them, and lack support)

GLEE (Both the general emotion, and the TV show. I am a choir nerd from WAY back, and while I’m not generally a lover of musicals, this hits all the right notes for me. And with that line, I just became a complete TV critic cheeseball)

Arm’s length photos (I’m really good at them, even though my arms are T-Rex arms)

Spending a half-hour stretching in bed before I wake up (free but luxurious!)

Windex (I LOVE CLEAN GLASS)

Big rings (cheap and cheerful! I never pay more than $8 or $10)

Carrot cake cupcakes

Dark red manicures (a luxury, but I got one for $10 in Boston, and figured that was okay)

Windy days (now that I no longer have short hair that turns into an awkward mess, I can embrace them)

Waffles

Bacon

Orange juice (sensing a theme?)

The following smells: almond, lemon, pre-snow air (which I experienced on my last trip to Boston — a LITTLE TOO EARLY), chimney smoke, cinnamon, caramel, Tide with Downy Detergent (I know I should go fragrance-free but I CAN’T LET IT GO), new leather shoes, pies baking, French onion soup simmering, and fresh-cut apple

Boston, for welcoming me so warmly

Classical music with just one instrument (cello and guitar especially, right now)

Bangs (I’m liking them more this time around than ever before)

Furniture window-shopping

Tasting menus (though it’s always much more than a taste, and you still end up with a “food baby” in your belly)

Gradon, for being himself and working hard and making me feel like a princess

And you?

I was in Boston from the 3rd to the 19th.

This WAS AWESOME.

I am completely in love, a year and a half after the boy and I met.

I met a LOT more people. And I love them, but am not IN love with them. There’s a difference.

I have photos.

I have stories.

I had one horrible flight and one good one.

I had SEVERAL great dinners, some of which I cooked.

More to follow.

Honestly? For all the challenges I face, I have many, many more blessings to count.

My brother came into the world as a first baby to very young parents (20 and 24.)

He was tidy, which babies never are.

He was quiet, which babies rarely are.

He was beautiful, which all babies are… but he was extra beautiful, and I’m not just saying that. Everyone thought so.

When his baby sister came along three and a half years later — every messy, noisy, weird-looking inch of her — he became my brother.

And today he turns 39, on a date most remember now for something horrible… inescapably so.

Including me. Including him.

But.

I will always have a reason to be thankful for today in some respect, because today is the day he arrived on the scene.

And he’s awesome.

He is the smartest person you know. I’d say “that I know”, but I figure he tops most lists, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt on your behalf, too.

He is the funniest person you know. No one sounds as happy or as ridiculous when they laugh.

He loves movies and music and every other form of creative stimuli more than anyone else you know. His face lights up like a little kid when he sees something amazing on the screen.

He is the most devoted friend you know. Even if you aren’t his friend yet, I can guarantee if you become his friend, he’ll bring the thunder.

And he is the best brother I will ever have.

He has been my biggest fan… and the biggest pain in my ass.

I believe with all my heart that it shouldn’t be any other way.

Happy 39th Birthday, Sean.

Love you for another 39 years, at least.