a love letter. part 1.

My darling city,

We first met when I was 15 years old and vacationing in Northern California with my family.  If it helps jog your memory, I had a painfully short haircut that looked almost mullet-esque if I didn't blow dry it properly. Truly cringe worthy.  If I can find a photo to show you...well...no promises....

Since that summer I have secretly plotted and planned for ways to somehow get back to you.  It took me a few years, but finally I made it.  And now that I'm here I just wanted you to know I couldn't be any happier.  I just wanted you to know how much I really love you.

I love your food.  Seriously, if it weren't for your hills and my desire to walk everywhere because I think you're so pretty I would be a thousand pounds.  To my favorite sushi, Peruvian, seafood, Italian, taco, pizza, tavern, vegetarian, vegan, cupcake, cream puff (yep, a store of just cream puffs) and Indian joints...I'm sending you so much love and good thoughts for years of continued amazeballs cooking.  My dun-laps disease and I thank you. Times a million.

Speaking of food, I love walking out of the grocery store in my neighborhood and immediately seeing dozens of beautiful sailboats resting in one of your marinas.  That sight will never get old.  And if it ever does...I know it will be time to move.

I love that I was recently walking to a friends house wearing headphones and apparently was unknowingly singing out loud...very loudly...and instead of getting odd stares I had a group of people shout "when does your album come out?!" and high five me while I, super embarrassed, awkwardly giggled.

I love the way my feet don't touch the floor of the bus if I sit in one of the very front seats; how it makes me feel like a little kid playing "grown up" on the way to work.

I love how the rain calms you.  How folks don't rush around in a panic, afraid to get wet...they simply go about their business with a calmer and quieter disposition.  How 2 little girls joined me in puddle splashing outside our building yesterday because really, what's the sense in owning fabulous new Hunter boots if you can't use them for a bit of rain splashing every now and again? And then when the sun comes out how you come alive with runners, bikers, strollers, roller skaters/bladers, dogs, fast and slow walkers.  How people eat up every moment of your sunshine, cherishing being outside.

I loved driving over the Golden Gate Bridge that one night, windows down so the cold, crisp breeze and smell of salt water swirled inside my little car, heat blasting on our feet and Ryan Adams' cover of Wonderwall setting the most perfect and beautiful mood.

I loved when that baby sea lion hopped up on shore only a few feet in front of us.  He was the size of a small dog and it took all my strength not to pounce on and Lenny him against his will.  It was so unexpected and amazing to see such a little creature playing in the sand and exploring the shore line for what seemed like the first time.

I love your Ferry Building Farmer's Market.  Am obsessed with it, actually.  The fresh, local, sustainable products it serves...the samples...the views...the hustle bustle of shoppers.  I could spend hours there selecting the best fruits, veggies and meats only to want to come back the next day and do it all over again.

I love that in one year you have given me some of the best friends I've ever had.  That you and the Universe have been holding these little gems in your back pocket all along, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to play their cards and brighten my life right when I needed it most.  I've especially loved dancing with them down your streets at night, tipsy on cocktails, laughing like fools, not caring who sees us.  And dancing with them in our apartments.  And in restaurants.  And bars.  And shops. And on the beach. And in parks. I love that they will dance with me pretty much anywhere if it feels right (and it always seems to feel right).

I'm doing my best to cherish you daily...hopefully you can sense that.  I have big plans for me and you, San Francisco.  Every day I love you a little bit more and based on how well you've treated me these past 16 months, I'm thinking you might be crushing on me as well....


In Gratitude,

Trish

---