Meet my friend Mark...

I met this guy Mark at a friends home one night. We certainly had a connection from the moment we met. He was by far one of the most handsome men I had met: attractive salt sprinkled brown hair and piercing blue eyes. In the short time we talked, he seemed to “get” my quirky sense of humor. Exchanging numbers at the end of the night was easy with Mark! My first thought, however, was to start with “8…6…7…5…3…0…9.” But, decided that might not be such a good idea. I’m not Jenny…plus, I really would like for him to call. So, I gave the real number.

Our date night was scheduled for a Saturday. Some of his friends had invited him to a private wine tasting with a local writer on wines and all would be making dinner while sampling different flights and topped off with dessert. Well, I tend to think my love of wine is kind of like my love of golf…which may equate to sex to some ways: I may not know a lot about it, nor have a lot of experience, execution of it all might be challenging at times, but confess to enjoying it! I stopped by my local, friendly wine shop to grab a new favorite dessert wine and awaited Mark’s arrival. Unlike all the other dates, I allowed Mark to pick me up at my house. My children were away for the weekend and for an unknown reason, perhaps it was shear comfort experienced from the first moment we met and on our many phone calls, a protective barrier was lowered, and I agreed to let Mark pick me up at my home. I was letting him in to see me, where I lived and learn more about me…the real me.

Yes, I admit I was somewhat apprehensive in meeting his friends at their home.I wasn’t sure what to wear. All afternoon I was in and out of my closet. It was going to be a warm night, home on the pond but I didn’t know them. Dining with a real editor for real wines? Back and forth to the closet with “nothing to wear” I was in a dilemma, when a quick text arrived: dress for tonight is casual. How did he know I was literally standing in my closet trying to figure it out at that very moment? His timing is unbelievable! As we exchanged quick texts on dress ideas, I settled on a pair of kaki shorts and a nice, white top that the kids and I had taken our family beach photos in the summer before. All girls have their own body image issues and I have a self consciousness about my legs, but for some reason I felt as if I could be me, wear shorts and it would be okay. I know men like skirts, but back to that whole leg thing, I wasn’t ready to do that just yet. Yeah, what’s the difference between a skirt and shorts, you might ask? Not sure, except access and femininity, but for me shorts seemed fitting for the evening.

Mark arrived on time. I invited him in, showed him around quickly downstairs and offered him a cocktail. We talked a little small talk, laughed a little and enjoyed getting to know each other more. There really is something different about him. I can’t put my finger on it, but was beginning to be drawn in to him. The way he explained his job was right on a level for my understanding: not above or below me, but right to where I could understand engineering terms and electrical/ technical/ software system issues that may have been boring before somehow seemed “wow” like and really interesting! And, he seemed equally interested in my job. For once, I didn’t want to talk about me but learn all I could about him and really listen. After our cocktails and quick exchanging comfortable talk, we made our exit and headed towards the evening out.

Once at the friends home, they greeted me with friendly smiles, warm hello’s and even a hug! I felt so welcomed!! The nervousness I had experienced anticipating the evening quickly dissipated! All were introduced, small chatter began and Mark stayed close by, but not hovering over. He and the host disappeared to chat with the editor while the hostess and I worked in the kitchen. The wife of our local wine editor joined in the kitchen fun as the three of us laughed and began to get to know one other. I had such a comfortable introduction to the friends and was thoroughly enjoying the evening! This is GREAT!! Mark took me outside to the pond to see the ducks and we engaged in more, small get to know you talks. Again, I was feeling really relaxed and at ease. He was making this so easy! And, that’s how it should be: life is complicated enough! Friends should compliment your life, not complicate it! Somehow he gets it!

As the wine tasting began with the appetizers prepared and dinner was beginning to be served, we all sat to the large table to enjoy. There was a passing of this, passing of that, here you share this, you share that…try this…try that! Some rhyme and reason, but all in all, it was a true sharing! So much my style! One flight of wine after another and all sharing thoughts of the clothed and hidden bottles, it was a night of pure fun! As I sat next to Mark at the table, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by his charm, understanding and knowledge of the wines, his courteousness and concern for me and my comfort. I was impressed. He made sure I understood some of the technique to proper tasting and did so in a non-condescending way, even describing different glasses and shapes to allow wines to breathe properly. I was learning so much about him, his style and demeanor as well as his consideration. He was interested in teaching me but more importantly sharing with me. It was great to see him with his friends and how he interacted, listening and sometimes adding. Without a doubt, I was having a great date for sure!

After dinner and the wine bottles exposed, we each laughed and acknowledged sometimes the most expensive bottle isn’t the one best enjoyed. Our new editor friend shared a few tips on wines that possibly could be nice and a good price, we were all enjoying the evening immensely. The bonus was seeing Mark and learning more about him in front of his friends; a cherry on the ice cream topped with lots of chocolate and plenty of whipped cream! Shortly after dinner and dessert, the wine couple left for the evening while Mark and I stayed to share in the bottle of wine I had brought over with the host and hostess. It was a delicious chocolate red wine blend from Holland served over ice. Truly scrumptious- not just delicious! That ol’ “truly scrumptious” song playing in my head from a childhood classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ”…when your with me, it’s so delicious...” We continued great conversation by the unlit fire in the great room with host and hostess. I listened intently to Mark and the host share their knowledge and enthusiasm for cycling and learned of the hostess and her career. The minutes and hours of the night seemed to have passed so quickly. Before I knew it, it was nearing midnight and we were saying our good bye’s and thanks to the hostess and host, complete with a light hug as we left.

Mark drove me to my home and politely walked me to the door. A quick offer to come in was accepted and we sat to talk a little more on the sofa in the main room. Not much of a night owl, I was beginning to fall victim to the wine and relaxed mood. Sensing my quick fading and not wanting to overstay his welcome, Mark bid farewell as he exited the front door. A good night kiss was granted and a true thanks for a great date experienced expressed! Wow! This was a wonderful evening and so much on my level of comfort and enjoyment. Yes, I would gladly accept another outing if asked! Much to be thankful for in remembering this one.

Note to all: Enjoy your thanksgiving weekend, where you are at at this moment and where you have been that lead you here today. Deep thought in closing out this post: "One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.” Dale Carnegie