Surprised but not entirely surprised.

I notice things. It's my nature to try to see, and writing, drawing and playing are all disciplines requiring attention, listening, noticing. Lately I've been noticing what I think I've known for a long time about my husband. (I've known for a long, long time. We'll celebrate a quarter century of marriage this month, and I've known him even longer. Years longer.) Every now and again, but a lot lately, I'm surprised as I notice his well considered and thoughtful ways.

Yesterday I found our voting guide, with a pen on the tub ledge. He's reading the whole thing -- the pros and cons provided for every proposition. I know he thinks before he moves. I know he reads. I know it all matters to him. But seeing the dedication to the process reminded me of his deep desire to give to the democracy as it is.

The other night when we were walking up the stairs and out of the theatre, I walked ahead a little, climbing the shallow steps out of the Ahmanson and I lost him. He wasn't right behind me. Then I heard these words coming over my shoulder, "Well, take my arm, I have no where to be. We'll climb together." He was helping the woman with the cane who was struggling. Of course he was. And this night, he touched my heart with that love he so easily offered to a gal having a tough time going up.

I find him often with one of the dogs. Either on the floor or on the bed. Belly rubbing, talking softly, loving, just sharing time and giving and taking a moment of community. Both pups know he's the pop and love that closeness to him.

I think I forget that I really am in the presence of one of the most deeply caring people on earth. I love his heart. I benefit all the time from his compassionate and giving ways. I need to think about this. And, about how I can join him rather than getting ahead of him. I have things to learn here. I'm enthused to get going.

But not entirely surprised.

Surprised but not entirely surprised.

I notice things. It's my nature to try to see and writing, drawing and playing are all disciplines requiring attention, listening, noticing. Lately I've been noticing, rather frequently, what I think I've known for a long time about my husband -- who I've known my husband for a long, long time. We'll celebrate a quarter century of marriage this month, and I've known him even longer. Years longer. And every now and again, but a lot lately, I'm surprised as I notice his well considered and thoughtful ways.

Yesterday I found our voting guide, with a pen on the tub ledge. He's reading the whole thing -- the pros and cons provided for every proposition. I know he thinks before he moves. I know he reads. I know it all matters to him. But seeing the dedication to the process reminded me of his deep desire to give to the democracy as it is.

The other night when we were walking up the stairs and out of the theatre, I walked ahead a little, climbing the shallow steps out of the Ahmanson and I lost him. He wasn't right behind me. Then I heard these words coming over my shoulder, "Well, take my arm, I have no where to be. We'll climb together." He was helping the woman with the cane who was struggling. Of course he was. And this night, he touched my heart with that love he so easily offered to a gal having a tough time going up.

I find him often with one of the dogs. Either on the floor or on the bed. Belly rubbing, talking softly, loving, just sharing time and giving and taking a moment of community. Both pups know he's the pop and love that closeness to him.

I think I forget that I really am in the presence of one of the most deeply caring people on earth. I love his heart. I benefit all the time from his compassionate and giving ways. I need to think about this. And, about how I can join him rather than getting ahead of him. I have things to learn here. I'm enthused to get going.

But not entirely surprised.

A Friday Recipe ~ The Sunrise Bowl and Breakfast with My Man

Every once in a while you have to steal away for a romantic adventure with your espoused.

My dear and I ran away for breakfast this morning. He'd been at an early, early appointment and caught me home after school drops. I love the very romantic notion of the impromptu date with my dear.

As we sat at our favorite, favorite breakfast spot, The Coffee Cup, we talked about nothing of importance and enjoyed every minute. I had my favorite, soup and eggs for breakfast.
Here's a recipe for my (other) find of day: The Sunrise Bowl. It's founded in good Black Bean soup. If you'd want to try this at home, you can start with Dave Lieberman's recipe. (I'll credit the picture to his page at the Food Network, too.) For a super simple homemade version try the one below.

The Sunrise Bowl a la mi Casa

• 1 cup black bean soup (I like Trader Joe's Cuban Black beans partially blended with a little chicken stock for consistency)
• 2 poached eggs
• 1/4 avocado 
• Pico de gallo salsa
• Corn tortillas

Assemble in a deep soup bowl as follows:
Place soup in the bowl, Drop in freshly poached eggs. Top with thinly sliced avocado and pico de gallo. Serve with a warm corn tortilla or two. (or not...) High in protein, fiber and yumminess.

I Love:: Four ~ The Man in My Life.

I certainly would have liked to save the I Love My Husband idea for Valentine's Day. But I simply can't wait that long. When I think of the things I love right here on earth, he is first in line. The man at my side, the one who knows and loves me in all the various possibilities. Richer, poorer, better, worse, etc. My life's experience is bigger because he asked me to have lunch with him that particular day. I was decidedly intrigued by this handsome guy who was decidedly uncommon. We only had two overlapping artists in our album collections. (He still takes me to see James Taylor.) I remain captivated by his dedication to finding new things to add to our family's cultural horizon and rely on his loyalty and love for the old things too (me, San Francisco, Bruce Springsteen). I also love his wisdom, foresight, heart and the fact that he makes me laugh. Hard. So there. I said it, earlier than I planned. I LOVE:: My Dear Husband.