Dear Alisha,
Sending you greetings! I hope you don't mind me sending you another message before you had an opportunity to reply to my previous one. If there is any shred of anxiety or sense of obligation to reply to my correspondence in what could pass for a timely manner... Well, I want you to dash that idle, invasive, unwelcome thought out of your mind right this instant!
Particularly when it comes to messages like these, it's fitting that we only write when the moment and the mood come upon us. For me, it happens more frequently during idle times. Maybe it does for you as well. Should one of us not have the time or energy to spare then, well there's no need to feel rushed or indebted. Personally I find that this time of year affords me much in the way of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. It's my hope that these messages impart, in at least some small way, a measure of that same rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation unto you by your sampling of it. Not to say that I can presume that it certainly possesses such power to do so, but... Oh, well I hope you understand my intent. I don't wish you to feel any such obligation to reply promptly and-or with any such length. There's no timetable I see, and I know of no minimum word count.
With that said, though I felt it important to mention, should you not mind of course, that I'd like to move on to the substantive -- and hopefully more pleasurable - content of this message. It has to do with all that rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation I'd mentioned earlier.
The summer seems to be in full swing at the moment, doesn't it? At least where I am, there are pleasant temperatures that enable me to roast potatoes simply by setting them out in the full sun on the stones of the patio for a few moments. Maybe you enjoy this sort of weather, as well.
I spend a great deal of time swimming during this time of year. The pool is on the larger side, and has a gently-sloping shallow end that gradually gives way to a deeper third, so I can also take full advantage of the diving board. It's a wonderful time of year and I enjoy the sport. It adds a little spice and variety to my days: still slow-paced and leisurely.
All this talk of leisure and good times reminds me of the story Mason told me of the most recent time he had a chance to visit you in person. Before settling in and watching some videos with silly little cars racing down a silly little track or something, you two had a chance to enjoy a dinner out on the back porch.
He highly-complimented your apple crisp, and marveled about how you made it seem so easy to prepare such a delicious dish. You busied yourself with the apples and other parts of the recipe, while he dealt with the stir-fried vegetables. The sun was on full descent, and amber light filled the sky, dwindling, but still rich.
I wonder how things would have gone for you, had I been there instead of Mason?
Now is the point where I shall let my imagination take the reins, and I would suggest (if I may be so presumptuous) that you pause here until such a time as you can find a private moment.
Imagine you are in the kitchen, standing near the sink, prepping the apple crisp. I've just finished with the stir-fry, and am setting them off the hot burner. I make a gentle note that the main course is done, and slide near you to observe your work. I ask if it's all right to place a hand on your shoulder as you do the work, and you warmly agree.
You've busied yourself with mixing some oats, sugar, and spices in a bowl, and then notice one warm hand on your shoulder has turned to two. I gently knead your muscles, and tension melts away. You release an audible sigh, which only serves as encouragement for me to continue. My fingers run themselves confidently along your neck, and in response you slowly tilt your head from one side to the next.