Have you written a love note lately? Or received one? I don’t mean one of those beautiful cards you pick up at Hallmark or Walgreens—although they are nice. I’m talking about an honest-to-goodness love note, scratched out in your own hand – a missive declaring your heartfelt affection for someone in your life.
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Kinda sweet, even with the misspellings, huh?
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Love Notes are on my mind because on July 7, I celebrated 39 years of marriage to the love of my life , and I received one. Short, but definitely a love note! It touched my heart.
Our anniversary is always an important day, but some years we celebrate bigger than others. This time we agreed to keep it to cards and dinner out. No big gifts. We’re going to the beach soon. That will be enough.
We exchanged cards at breakfast and later looked through some old pictures. Terry posted one of us from 40 years ago on Facebook, which I also shared. Over dinner that evening, we related to one of our sons and his sweetheart how we met, got serious too fast, took a break and became best friends before realizing we loved each other enough to want to spend the rest of our lives together. They were appropriately attentive and impressed. Our day was sweet.
But back to that love note. This man, who will tell you he finds conventional romantic gestures a bit uncomfortable – although he always observes them – shines brightest when it comes to more unconventional expressions of love. (Someday I’ll tell you about the love note he wrote me on the lawn.)
Here’s this year’s anniversary card in all its hand-lettered glory.
It was perfect! Or as we say in our family, “Just Right!”
Did it put a lump in your throat? It does in mine, every time I read it. Definitely deserves a mat and frame.
You might ask me, as the aspiring writer, if I composed a love sonnet or poured out my heart to him in beautiful prose.
Short answer: No.
I depended on one of those greeting cards I mentioned earlier to do it for me – mostly because I get stuck on the overall effect of the card instead of the essential message. The sentiments are very important — I spend a lot of time finding just the right one. But I want it to be completed with the perfect illustration.
And I am not an artist. Stick figures are hard for me.
I found a card this year that said exactly what was in my heart.
Here it is: 
I love it because it’s still true after all these years!
But now I’m thinking it might have been the lazy way out for this lover of well-turned phrases. Next time, I shall pen my own love message.
But why wait? Who says there has to be a special occasion to tell the important people in our lives that we love them?
Gotta go now!
I have a note to write.
How about you? Is there someone you could delight today? It doesn’t have to be limited to a sweetheart. There are many important people in our worlds.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach … Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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Published by Dorothy Johnson
I'm a lover of God, mother of three, grandmother of eight, and a collector of friends. I like nothing better than talking, listening, laughing and eating with that crowd. My husband, Terry, and I feel blessed to wake up each day to a magnificent view of the Arkansas River. An amazing variety of creatures, from bobcats and coyotes to deer, bunnies and nutria, along with all sorts of birds roam the natural area behind our house. We also share our home with three silly kitties. I often find a lesson in what I see both indoors and out on any given day and usually find myself writing about it. I hope you'll join me in exploring the ways God speaks to us through His creation.
View all posts by Dorothy Johnson
Here it is: 
Awww – So Sweet! Happy Anniversary if I haven't told you yet!
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Sweet, sweet, sweet. Thanks for sharing your heart.
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Thank you, friend!
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I so enjoyed this post. You are definitely a writer! Congratulations on your blog and congratulations to you and Terry on your happy anniversary. Simply wonderful!
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This is so adorable. Happy anniversary a bit late, but somehow I think you both celebrate all year:)
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