My Valentine to Twisp:
Dear Twisp, We have been together for years, and everyday my love for you grows. The more time we spend together, the more you find a way into my heart with your muted colors. From the rusted iron of your symbols to the dusty corners of your alleys, around each corner, you always show me a new side of your soul. Your artists, your musicians, your craftsmen, your businesses, your charities – they complete me.
When apart, no other measures up. Nay, the charming Victorian coastal villages that tempt me with their intricate adornments and their weathered shingles nor the mountain mecca towns who call me to play among their friends. They are but a dream. But you, Twisp, you ground me. You never judge me, you accept me for who I am. No one surrounds me with as much beauty as you.
Once I left never to return, but you called me home. And while I may leave again, we will never be apart forever. You see, your grit gets under my fingernails, under my rugs, and under my bed. I can’t shake it. You are always with me. Your slushy streets and potholes make every day an adventure.
Each season brings us together in familiar and comforting habits from our autumn runs to our summer swims. Your winter sunrises lighten my days and your summer fires ignite a flame in my heart. Your spring winds test my love, and your cold fog dampens my soul, yet I stay.
My love for you will never end, but lately our relationship has changed. One of the reasons I fell in love with you was all your many faces and all the fun times we shared together. For nearly a year, I have seen only a few of your faces and I miss the others. You were such a tease this summer with your river floaters and Saturday markets, but lately the only faces I see are covered in ski goggles and face masks. I don’t even recognize you anymore. I miss eating in your bakeries, drinking from your watering holes, and seeing your smiles. At times I feel I am a prisoner in my home, even though I know you are there for me, sometimes it is difficult to feel all of you.
Dearest Twisp, as Valentine’s Day approaches, there is small request I make of you: chocolate. The Twisp Valley Grange is hosting its second annual chocolate sale. Mary Jane Perry has informed me that orders for the delicious morsels will be available until Feb. 11 or until supplies last. Reserve your delicious Valentine chocolates now for COVID-safe pickup on Feb. 12, 2:30-4:30 p.m. in Twisp at the Community Center parking lot; and 2:30-4:30 p.m. in Winthrop at the Winthrop Barn parking lot. Please wear a mask and observe social distancing when you pick up your gift for you loved ones. Orders can be made on this link: https://openfoodnetwork.net/twisp-valley-grange/shop.
I am forever loyal to you and will wait until the day we may see one other’s smile once again. I have learned to see your smile in your eyes and for that I am eternally yours. Until then, I will enjoy your chocolate, your take out, and your Zoom times.
Be mine forever.
Faithfully yours, S.
