I melt into the couch, the sounds of music still ringing in my ears. I have changed clothes, out of the jeans and t-shirt and sweater that seemed so out of place in this warm climate, but it was chilly tonight. Chilly enough for socks and shoes and sweaters. Some people had jackets.

The music was great, as it always is. So many talented people come to play at this small venue in this small town. They sing and tell jokes, and there is a lot of banter back and forth with the core of the audience, who show up faithfully each week. We celebrate the music, the cool clear night, our friendships solidified over a glass of wine or a cup of coffee or a glass of tea. The lights twinkle, and the performers perform.

I missed my man tonight. He has gone with me every time I’ve gone since we met. He sent me a text, telling me to check the weather where he was. I did and it was freezing, literally, and snowing. I guess I shouldn’t complain that the temp got down to 62 tonight, here in sunny Florida, while I was listening to the music. 62 is infinitely better than freezing.

I missed my man because even though I am not one of those people who can’t be alone, I am happier with him. It’s a surprise to me, and I think to him, to want to be with someone as much as he and I are together. But particularly on open mic night. It’s something we do together. He has become part of the landscape there too, a part of the whole, part of the symbiosis that occurs between the performers and the audience. He has gotten to know people there, and he adds to the whole. Much like he adds to my life. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts when we’re together.

Synergy, and symbiosis. What causes them to manifest? The universe, creating pathways for creativity, for relationships to thrive, for positive energy to flow unimpeded? It seems more than function of humanism, for the energies to mesh like this. It’s a joyful, uplifting experience. Who can say? I only know that I’m happy that I get to experience it.

Now, day is done. The music stopped playing for tonight. In my living room, I sit with a nightgown and a blanket wrapped around me. I talked to my man on the phone, and told him all about the night and he told me of his day, and his night, and I feel, once more, his energy and mine connect across the miles. I am balanced, and content. Blessed.

Love and light to everyone.