Don’t Miss the Moment

Happy Valentine’s Day, you guys! I must admit I struggled a bit in trying to decide what to write for today’s post. I didn’t want it to be too mushy, you know? I completely understand Valentine’s Day can be really hard for some people because I used to be one of those people. It seemed like the day was all about who got the biggest bouquet of roses in the office or whose husband planned the most elaborate dinner date. Don’t get me wrong, of course, I was super excited for the people that received those gifts. After a while though, it just seemed like one big competition which was a complete turn off.

Thankfully, I’m out of my 20s now and realize love is action and not really about any of those things at all. It’s about the little things we do each day to make someone’s day brighter, extending grace even when we don’t feel like it, going the extra mile whether it’s convenient or not, accepting an apology the first time, giving each other the benefit of the doubt, encouraging each other, appreciating one another, showing up and being fully present.

I can’t even explain the weirdness that has surrounded this year already. Love is showing up at some of the most unexpected places. I used to sort of brush it off has happenstance but I’m realizing more and more it’s being placed in my path for a reason. Over the weekend, I spent an entire uninterrupted day with my baby sister. I couldn’t think of a better birthday gift than to be able to spend a whole day just hanging out with her…no kids, no husbands, no distractions…just us.

I had no idea what to expect when I showed up on Saturday. As you guys know, I’m a big planner so the thought of hanging out with a non-planner with the instructions “just be open minded,” gave me sweaty palms. She puts the FLY in “fly by the seat of her pants” and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the words “oh, yeah” or “oh man, I totally forgot” in the same sentence. Anyway, I’m in the passenger seat with sweaty palms when she hands me this baggie…

Inside were 8 tiny clues, 3 hints if needed and 3 lifelines. Honestly, I could have melted right there. Not only had she taken the time to plan an entire day, she had also taken the time to carefully type every hint out and thoughtfully consider each part of the scavenger hunt. I know that was a lot of extra work for her. I’m telling you, love is in the details.

The first clue led us to walk one of the prettiest bridges in our area. It was 52 degrees, totally overcast and super windy but we didn’t miss a beat. I swear we giggled the whole way up the bridge.

The second clue took us a local coffee bar where she drank a hot chocolate and ate a lemon poppy seed muffin. I love how blue her eyes are in this picture.

I had a chai latte and a coconut muffin that was so good, I’m on the hunt for a similar recipe. We also played a mean game of Jenga while we were there.

Clue three took us thrifting. She found a fabulous rug I hope we’re going to be able to use in her living or dining room. I was looking for ironstone but came up empty handed. We left the thrift store and headed to the movies to see Hidden Figures. It was really good. The whole theater was clapping at the end of the movie. Smart girls totally rock!

Clue six took us to the Lighthouse. I know. I had sweaty palms before we even got out of the car because I knew she was going to “strongly encourage” me to face my fear of heights. That’s probably why she took me to the girl-power movie first.

219 steps. 165 feet above sea level.

I’ve tried 3 times to climb to the top. Each time I would get half way up, have a terrible case of motion sickness and wait on the bench with a wet paper towel over my head for everyone else to get down.

I was this close to not making it, you guys, this close.

It was so windy there was a small craft advisory warning so you can imagine how windy it was at the top. By the time I heard her yell, “you’re going to miss the moment being scared so try to relax, ok?” she had already snapped this picture…

I took a deep breath and in a moment of quiet reflection, I saw an amazing view.

It was SO scary but 4^th time’s a charm, you guys! I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it. I mean, my dad and brother in law had to rescue me from the top of a water slide just last summer!

Clue seven led us to a shrimp and grits dinner at a new to me restaurant.

Clue eight led us to dessert. A coconut popsicle dipped in chocolate. I swear it tasted just like a Mounds candy bar. It was really good!

We ended the night much like we started it with hugs and love and giggles.

I was thinking about our day together as I drove home. My heart was so full. It had only been a few days earlier I had read this post where Arianna Huffington talks about how her mom used to say, “Don’t miss the moment,” and there I was with my baby sister and an entire day full of moments.

So, today, I want you to remember two things:

*love shows up, always.

AND

*the moments that seem totally ordinary are the same moments that are coming together to create the story of your life. Make sure to celebrate them even if they seem scary at the time.

Happy Valentine’s Day, you guys! I hope your day is filled with adventure and unexpected good surprises. See you back here tomorrow. I’ve had a cold I just can’t shake for the past few weeks. All that time on the couch “resting” and flipping through magazines has me thinking about how to get back on track with our house projects and goals in general. Until then, I’ll see you on Facebook, on Instagram on Pinterest.

A special thank you to my sister, LiLi for making all of these memories happen. Having the chance to be your sister has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. Every time I hear this song I think of you. I love you so much.

Many blessings,

CoCo