Chapter 5: Star People

"Star people are rare. In the beginning, stars supplied the ingredients that became us, the primordial elements. We are star stuff...And I think every once in a while someone comes along who is a little more primitive than the rest of us, a little closer to our beginnings, a little more in touch with the stuff we're made of...they do not shed tears, but light."

-Stargirl, Jerry Spinelli

Every now and again, I'll come across people who exude light. It's a kind of goodness that seems to burst from deep inside them. Sometimes it's in their eyes. Or in the way they speak. Or even how they treat the people around them. When you find a star person, hold on to them. Usually, I recognize it in their eyes. I saw it in my husband, Ryan, when I first met him. But day by day, moment by moment, I realize his light shines. It shines in every corner of my day. Whether it's the brightness of the noonday sun, the shine of each glittering star in the milky way on the darkest night, the full moon on a cold winter's night or the wispy coloured dance alongside the Northern Lights, I can feel the warmth and love of his light and goodness. I have, in actuality, found my Star Boy and I'm holding on with both hands.

Chapter 4: Twenty Seven Things I've Learned

Today is my birthday! And I'm 27! Age is such a strange thing. It's there simply as a measure of time. It doesn't measure experience, ability or even maturity. It is simply there, to write on important documents and to help us keep track of things. In my brain, I will easily think, "I'm 20..wait, 25? No, 19..." when someone asked me my age. I'm a 20-something. The details of this one don't matter to me. Except on my birthday. Remember, age keeps track. And for me, on my birthday, I boldly declare my age because...I made it. I am here. My body has sustained life for 27 years. And I am so very grateful. It's a day to celebrate being alive. And every year added onto our timeline of life is an accomplishment and a joy. 

So, here's a list. I thought about some ideas throughout the day. But for the most part, this is what comes to mind as I ponder the things I've learned this year.

1. Cut your hair. At least once. You'll find new things you like about yourself.
2. Light candles, as much as possible. Ones that smell like heaven to you. Preferably coconut. 
3. Only sign a lease to an apartment that has a garden you can plant. It works wonders for every area of life.
4. It's okay to miss something for a while. It's okay to always miss something, too. But be present. Carry on and recognize that there is more good for you to do.
5. Your thoughts don't always tell you the truth. Remember that.
6. Try the elliptical at the gym! Even if you have to ask how to turn it on. 
7. Pull over and pick the wildflowers. 
8. With time and patience, the experiences that scared you will change into the very things that shape you. 
9. Show those you love that you are thinking of them. Even when you are far away.
10. After you swim laps, take one last trip up and down the lane for a gratitude lap. With each stroke, think of something you are grateful for. 
11. Write down favorite quotes and mantras into the reminders in your phone. Schedule them for weeks or even months from now. They will come when you most need them. 
12. Make a Pooh Bear. Almond milk, a touch of honey, cinnamon, cardamom, 30 seconds in the microwave. 
13. Always carry a little change in your purse for pay parking. Actually, maybe don't. And see how a miraculous old man pulls up just on time and give you 50 cents just because. 
14. Take a vitamin every single day.
15. Buy yourself a water bottle you love to drink from.
16. Avoid comparing your life to someone else's. It will only bring heartache. Your life, your body, your personality, your goals are different. But also powerful and good. 
17. Remember your breath. It's a powerful thing. 
18. Wear lipstick. Especially to a job interview. Or when you do official things like register your car or go through the border. They take you more seriously. 
19.  Go where the locals go. 
20. Change comes and goes. Embrace change big or small and hold both hands of the ones you love through it all. 
21. If they say you can get Laser Eye Surgery, do it. Be brave. When they tell you it's time to lay on the operating chair, tell them you need a warm blanket. They will leave and you will have some extra time to get your nervous system back in check. 
22. Pray in the car on your way to work. Take three deep breaths and remind yourself how capable you are. 
23. Go to a regular yoga class. And always thank your teacher. They care about you and worry when you don't show up. 
24. Explore the place you live. And wear warm moccasins when you get home. 
25. Dance in the kitchen. 
26. Angry words said to you are very rarely actually because of you or even for you but rather a cry for help. 
26 1/2. Love whoever said those words anyway.
27. Take time to honour, appreciate and love your body. Be grateful for all the things it gives you in this wonderful life. 

Chapter 3 "Our Husband Cake"

This month, Ryan and I celebrated four years since our very first date and three years from our engagement. On our very first date, we went to a cute old home that had been converted into a cake house. It was called The Chocolate. 

As soon as we went in, I quietly noticed one of the cakes was named, "The Husband." I giggled to myself, but decided not to point out the name, since it was, after all, our very first date AND the first time we had ever met in person. Ryan pointed it out and said, "Oh! That's funny. The husband cake! Let's order that one and try it." 

Needless to say, the Husband Cake has become a bit of a legend for us. Each January, we'd go back and enjoy a piece together. We even had Husband cake at our engagement party. After our first date, I told my mother, "I want to marry a boy just like that," but I could have never actually predicted that he would, in fact, become my heaven-sent husband.

 This January, we have been quite busy getting settled into our new home. Since we moved from another country there are lots of things to get done. So, we almost forgot about our day! When we remembered, we were both dismayed. We hadn't prepared to celebrate and we were so, so many kilometers from our dear cake house and the delicious and special husband cake. I thought we could just buy any kind of fancy cake to celebrate, but Ryan insisted we have, "yellow cake with fudge chocolate icing," just like our beloved Husband cake. We searched our new town to no avail. Rather, we postponed our celebration to the weekend. I made Ryan a little Husband cake in a loaf pan and we ate it together for several days to come. 

After (and during...long story) our first date years ago, I was sick with strep throat. I was looking through our texts today from the day after our date. I wrote to Ryan, "I just finished supper-chicken broth and ice-cream for dessert. Good thing you bought me that cake yesterday to get some food in me."

His response,"That husband should take care of you for a while."

...and oh, how he has done that. 
(Forever and always).