Thank you to the wonderful person who plays the trumpet from their North Street apartment. I truly enjoy sitting out on my deck listening to you play about.
—Deck Lover

For years—long before I met you, long before I came here—I had the strong vibes of wanting to be free but I had mistaken it for wanting to run. Or maybe I wanted both.

You and I often spoke about how I felt held back by others where I was from and how they would do anything to see me stuck living in the misery that was left when my adoptive parents passed. In all honesty, I had forgotten what it felt like to be told that I can break free and start my entire life over.

But most importantly, that I can do anything I wanted with my life and what I wanted most was to be able to live my life again. And so, you pulled at my heartstrings and unintentionally brought up memories. Yet you never once laid a finger on me. You let me scream out and cry. But you were not going to take the blame for someone else and you were right in not doing so. You remained supportive and encouraging long enough so that you could cut me loose and you disappeared after you helped me get my life back. Now, several months later for the first time in years, I feel alive again and I feel free. Thank you.
—T

Flying home from Toronto on Wednesday night. You were a friendly Caper with a warm smile and I was a little more afraid of flying than I thought. Our conversation on travel and books was just what I needed. Thanks for being a friendly distraction. If you see this, you know my first name and I bet you could find me with enough Facebook creeping. I, however, was not successful in finding you.
—Lazy Weekend Hipster

There are flowers around when I dream of you, and the butterflies in my stomach are there for the show. Let's go on a walk and smell some roses together sometime.
—Bee mine

I thought this month of forced separation was a good idea, but all I think about is you. I’m trying to be a good sport and put on some semblance of a smile, but I miss yours too much. I’m glad you’re having a wonderful time and for these past few weeks I’ll try and be proud instead of miserable. I can’t wait to see you. Maybe we can go dancing like we did during ECMAs?
—Your loving Seashell

It seems a bit foolish that I miss you so much. I’ve concluded you’ve given me emotional whiplash, and because of it I don’t know what to believe anymore. Logically I know you miss me. Emotionally it’s harder. Nevertheless, I can’t wait to come meet you across the pond for your birthday. Because I believe in love, and I believe in you. —Happy Birthday My Love

You: Super handsome person in a purple windbreaker, rushing off the bus.
Me: Denim on denim cutie with red lipstick, rushing on the bus. 

It was nice to share a smile with you, and I'm sorry I maybe stumbled when we made eye contact—my knees got a ’lil weak. I hope you read The Coast and this makes you feel good. —Flustered and Flirty

You and I know very well how we got here. It's easy. It's simple. There’s no pretending now. I’m not one to do that well. Nothing has changed. There is no reason for any change.  I’m patient, I’m catching my breath, I’m holding down forts, I’m forgetting, I’m forced, I’m veteran-ing, I’m picking up scraps, I’m unsentimental, I’m unnecessary. Mostly, I’m exhausted. I am breathing, aren’t I? Positing the impossible?  Being out of sight. Trying. Living. Understanding. What must I keep pleading for? What kind of revelation apart from the ones that already sting? What is new? It’s taken time, but I can hear myself breathe once again. Maybe the same goes for you. I can only imagine.

I know, I feel everything right down to my bones. Lately, you make me feel as though I should do otherwise. I have a heart, and in that heart, I know this would have evolved into a thing so unbelievably lovely and rewarding had you truly arrived with yourself.  But never in a thousand years would there be a place in my heart for the things you have done and continue to do.

I can only say to you that I’m sorry too. I’m sorry you will never truly know.  I’m sorry for loss. Perhaps you are protected from that.  Perhaps you have been hardened in the best ways humans can be hardened. Perhaps there are no more revelations.  If all that I see before me is true, I will have to close my eyes, pack up, take risks and imagine elsewhere once more. —Wanderer By Trade

To all the bikers riding through the rain and single digit temperatures last Tuesday, well done. You're inspiring. —Bikers In The Red Shoes

To all the nurses and doctors who work at a local children's hospital the weekend my daughter was admitted for her asthma attack. (May long weekend) You all were so kind, we end up there almost every year due to a flu bug that causes her asthma to act up. You treat her like she was your own. Thank you for making a stressful time less stressful. —A Grateful Mom