Be Mine?

We had a perfect Valentines Day! Michael still had class in the morning, but it was great because it gave me time to get all the surprises together :). Jacob and I cleaned the apartment and made valentines for Michael and "heart attacked" his desk (where he is most of the time he is home...unfortunately - but its worth it!). Jacob and I talked about all the things we love about Michael and I wrote down all Jacob's comments verbatim for Michael - they were sweet, hilarious and most of all, from the heart. I couldn't get it all in one pic - but you get the idea ;)

I just liked this picture. Jacob was sick and the week was so crazy, I did not really get anything decorated, baked or celebrated - this was my effort this year...better luck next year! We took Jacob to Grandma's house and set off to celebrate! We woke up that morning to a wonderful snow/heavy frost. It was amazing! We had to stop and take some pictures. We took several to play with in Photo Shop... Michael shares my love of creativity and exploration, I will just say it was quite romantic! Michael took me to one of my favorite restaurants, Thai Basil, for lunch...their food is quite simply amazing!I just have to say that I married my perfect man. Sure, neither one of us are perfect, and we are not even perfect together - but we know that we can be someday, and its the goal of achieving that with each other that strengthens us. After great conversation, hand holding, dream sharing and sweet glances (yes, we are cheesy like that, and proud if it) it was off for hot chocolate and ART! We had a whole list of galleries to visit, and the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center. We started off at the FAC and there was so much to see, we were there for over 2 hours...needless to say, it was the only spot we got to :) and it was well worth it!

They had a special exhibition of Mikel Glass, an artist from NY. I was touched by several of his artists statements in the exhibit - as an artist, father, husband, human being. I was surprised at how much I related to him personally. It was hard to find images online, but this painting was featured, and I loved it in person - this image does not do it justice...art lovers - dig in and analyze! I would love any comments or ideas about this piece. He works a lot with "the discarded"....

Not all of his paintings have rubber gloves :), and I was impressed at the range of expression and subject matter in his works. He has also mastered realism with sculpture - well worth looking into. I love having the time to take it all in and let it swirl around in my mind, and I am blessed to have a best friend who feels the same way. There was one painting in particular called "Sacrifice of Subject" that really got to me. I am deeply grateful for wonderful art and those courageous enough to explore it and create it. I hope to join the ranks soon.

There were several pieces there that I loved by other artists. One of my favorite artists, Dale Chihuly, has works in their permanent collection...when you walk in to the FAC you are greeted by this, sheer happiness! 

You really have to see it in person - glass is an incredible medium I hope to work with myself one day. His paintings are interesting, but to be honest - the glass is my fave.

After the museum we looked at easels for me, which was a big surprise (yep - I am shopping for one finally!! My honey really spoils me, its true.) And then we picked up Jacob and some take out Italian food. When we got home we gave Jacob his valentine from us. I should have taken pictures, but I was enjoying it all so much, I just didn't want to hop up to get the camera and make everyone pose...I just wanted those moments of us :). We gave him a robot valentine bag with some chocolates and a card from us that plays music when you open it. It plays "Let the Good Times Roll" and we all danced around for a while and laughed. He still carries it with him. 

It was a day of love, connection, joy and companionship with my own little family...just lovely.

Valentines Day was never really a big deal to me...until the one I spent with Michael when we were "just friends" (yep, haha!) I made him dinner complete with rose petals and beautiful settings...candles...oh yeah, we were just friends for sure (Those of you hearing Adam Sandler saying "What, friends listen to 'Endless Love' in the dark" are right there with me! haha) It was that Valentines Day that I realized how wonderful love and romance could be. Michael showed me that it was worth risking it for. That night was the first time we actually acknowledged that there was something special to our relationship, something neither one of us wanted to let go of. For nostalgia's sake, this was our engagement photo (taken 2 years, 1 mission and 1 BA degree later).