So last night I saw this open pad of rainbow gradient stationery and I haven’t written in it in years. I bought it at a dollar store many years ago, probably while I was still in high school. I knew I had to write in it and I was thinking all day about how I want to become more romantic, which I will detail about further below. It felt really good to write longhand and in script. And it’s from one of my favorite pens with such strong, bold ink. I need to do that more often.
In case you can’t read my handwriting, here’s the list, dated 12:17 AM, Monday, November 3, 2014.
To become more romantic:
- Take long strolls
- Shoot during the golden hours
- Make mix tapes
- Write in longhand script
- Shoot in film
- Develop photos in a dark room
- Read print books
- Shop at thrift stores
- Write poetry
- Drink chai
- Write/collage in a diary
- Listen to music with headphones on
- Do a tarot reading
- Make a zine
- People watch
- Write letters
- Do mail art
- Go to the library
- Attend readings
- Perform/go to an open mic
- Purchase pretty stationery
- Eat fruit
- Cook your own meal
- Talk to strangers
- Go to the movies
- Watch black and white films
- Sketch outdoors
- Read outdoors
- Lay in a hammock
- Swing on a swing set
- Touch more
- Feel more
- Shoot in black & white
- Record your dreams
- Wear sweaters
- See a play
- Stargaze
- Eat chocolate
- Write down your thoughts when they arrive
- Write a story
- Go to the flea market
- Have a pen pal
- Travel
- Go for a train ride
- Visit bookstores
- Have a picnic
- Visit a cemetery
- Make lists
- Wear perfume
- Take a bubble bath
- Start a collection
- Highlight favorite passages
- Do marginalia
- Write down perfect sentences from reading
- Read the newspaper
- Give presents on no special occasion
- Talk on the phone
- Write in gorgeous ink
- Make a collage
- Collect ephemera
- Savor
- Sew something
- Crochet
- Make a snow angel
- Eat candy
- Dress up
- Paint
- Put on make-up
- Write a fan letter
- Sing
- Create something
- Light a candle
- Garden
- Jump in a pile of leaves
- Kiss gently
- On the forehead
- Pay a compliment
- Hold hands
- See shapes in the clouds
- Wear your loved ones’ photos in a locket
- Or carry them in a wallet
- Wear jewelry
- Memorize poetry
- Play an instrument
- Make wishes
- Bake
- Smile at a stranger
- Cuddle
- Carry a small notebook
- Give things away
- Go to art shows
- And museums
- Visit gardens
- Look through windows
- Go to book clubs
- Attend workshops
- And writing groups
- Eat ice cream
- Fly a kite
- Go for a drive
- Dance
- Play
- Go inside a tree house
- Swim
- Get a manicure
- Eat
- Visit abandoned places
- Decorate
- Make art
- Make guerilla art
- Daydream
- Smile at yourself
- Laugh more
- Carry your cherished
- Move
- Listen to the radio
- Forgive
- Say a prayer
- Hug
- Record yourself
- Let go
- Cry
- Float
- Read to someone
- Love
Wow I just checked and there’s a total of 125 tasks. Nice. I really like that number. I wish I could two column this list but alas, I can’t. Anyway, here’s my essay of sorts on why I want to become more romantic. I just hope it makes sense.
Romance is not just the ongoing sweet actions between two people deep in affection or even love. Being romantic can mean enjoying the ephemeral, what won’t last. Which can be anything and everything all at once. But we lose sight of that, believing tomorrow is guaranteed and forever is now. So I want to become more romantic and just savor all I have left and what is to come. I don’t enjoy the moment and to be honest I get mired in the past or worry too much about the future. I want to break free from those horrible habits and be in the now. I don’t want to pass these days in a muddled blur. Each day can be a memorable, wonderful occurrence. You just need to push forward and become captain. You may not be able to control the wind but you can adjust the sails. (I hope that makes sense haha) We’re in a constant state of intervital (between two stages) and it’s easy to lose sight of your potential, while being caught up in your mistakes. You have to learn how to let go and being romantic is realizing how fleeting and imperfect life can be. You know it won’t last, none of it, but you love it just the same. It’s the recognition of what could never be repeated. You hold people closer to yourself. Allow yourself to be more open and even happy. Your vision is tainted by the knowledge that it will all leave soon but that makes you love that much harder. Things become more cherished, more sacred. You make the best out of everything or at least try to. What you have on your tongue could be your last swallow. Those flutters and nerves in your stomach could be your last set of butterflies. Your smile at a stranger could be your last connection. Your hand hold, that slow grind, that subtle brush against a stranger, any could be your last human touch. You’re conscious of the impending end and you try to extend and make last every moment of significance. Your smiles are brighter, your words more endearing, the food you taste more flavorful, the love you make more incredible, and the tears you shed heavier than ever. But your sadness comes second to the people you care about. You won’t let that emotion weigh you down because dammit you have a life to live and to enjoy. Choose to stay in the light. Choose romance over being safe. Let the present time give you all the security you need. Seek the beauty within the ugly. Remain Romantic. 3:21 AM
I think I want to continue this practice. Post up my handwritten musings on my blog. That way I’ll never lose my writing which is one of the top things I hate most. It’s a terrible feeling. I don’t recommend it.
Hmm I don’t have much to say except that I hope I take this to heart and remember to savor it all. I should write in my diary again. It’s a great place to contemplate and unpack your day.
So three things I need to do: read more, write more, and love more.
Hope I never forget.
eileen