Romantic Hearts

While lounging about this morning I was fortunate enough to read in the Washington Post  Michael Dirda's excellently written review of the book My Mistress's Sparrow is Dead edited by Jeffrey Eugenides.  The book is a compilation of love stories written by a Who's Who list of famous authors.  Dirda's description of the book makes me want to rush out and buy it, which I'm sure I'll do as soon as I can drag myself off the couch. 

I've written a many messages about the power of love and following your heart, usually with regard to more serious or weighty matters than romantic love.  But, when you're in midst of love's iron grip on your heart, whether the thrill and excitement of falling in love or the pain and anguish of a break-up, is there anything more serious or weighty??

Almost a dozen years ago while far away from home I woke up and found myself in the midst of a loveless marriage.  I remember a conscious and even spoken desire to learn about love and experience true love in my life.  I'm talking the romantic kind of love here...not the new testament concept of charity or the love you feel for your children.  (All very important and instructional in their own ways.)

Since that day I feel as though I've been on a journey of discovery about love and myself.  At times it has been indescribably beautiful, and my heart has swelled with joy to the point of bursting.  At times it has been extremely painful, and my heart has swelled with pain to the point of bursting.  And looking back, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

My heart feels stronger, wiser, and I feel much more alive and creative than I ever was before.  That's what love can do for you.  Apparently, most of the stories in My Mistress's Sparrow is Dead focus on the pain and anguish aspect of love.  All I know is love is magical and a mystery.  You can only discover it by  accepting the risk and taking a leap, jumping into an oblivion that may result in a painful crash landing, but will always include a wonderful, wild ride.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm sure it won't be as instructional as the real thing but, I have a book to read.