Barefoot Hippie Girl: Trading Up

Switch-a-Roo

Before I was a Barefoot Hippie Girl, I was a BLT. I loved those initials. Unique (for a person), memorable, and fun.

Saturday marks 11 years since I traded my "T" for a "V". BLV doesn't have quite the same ring to it, but I still got a great ring to mark the switch. And I'm more than okay with that.

Mr. Hippie and I "courted". Some people will be familiar with this term. It is rather old fashioned. What it meant in our case was that Mr. Hippie asked my dad for permission to even start a relationship with me-beyond casual friendship.

We didn't do traditional dating. Mr. Hippie came up to my parents' house every Wednesday for prayer meeting. I then fed him (I'm telling you, there is much truth to the saying, "the way to a man is through his stomach."), and we talked and played Scrabble and drank coffee until midnight and beyond.

I think we had a total of like 3 "dates" (by ourselves) before we got married. We did a double date to GH to watch the Musical Fountain. We went miniature golfing. We went out to dinner and a bookstore the evening he proposed. (that is another story for another day)

Everything else was a family activity (his or mine), group activities, or hanging out at my house.

I will have to say that I was completely blown away when my dad told me that BV may be calling, and asking to come up.

I mean, ever since that fateful Christmas banquet over three years before, he had been on my radar as the godly, nice guy, with the amazing blue eyes.

But, I never figured he would ever go for me. I think that is why Unforgettable is our song...

"that's why darling, it's incredible, that someone so unforgettable, thinks that I am unforgettable too."

But, let me back up just a wee bit. In early 1999, Mr. Hippie had left for Australia to work at a ministry for 5 months. By the time he got back, I had left for camp, for 11 weeks.

Between our first meeting, and this time period, we had struck up a casual friendship. We'd talk at youth group. His family came up to the monthly hymn sings at our church. Like I said, I thought he was pretty great. You could say I had a closet crush on him. Okay-I had a closet crush on him. But, I never dreamed it would be reciprocal.

Anyway-he left, I left. We reconnected in September of 1999. At youth group. And as he tells it-the light came on.

I don't know what exactly prompted that. I had lost a ton of weight. (not literally-figuratively) I had gotten a taste of independence, and had gained confidence and life purpose. But, I caught his eye. He was hooked.

And, the funny thing was-I wasn't even interested. I had come to the place where I was totally okay with being single forever. I was going to be a camp cook. Or run a B&B. But, I didn't need to be married.

Our paths crossed many times over the next couple months. Way more than normal. What with fall activities and such, we were seeing each other almost every week.

And that cemented me in his heart. I had wormed my way in without even knowing it.

Almost another 5 months passed after that re-meeting, before BV was miserable enough (meaning-figuring he couldn't live without me) to work up the courage to ask my dad if he could court me. (my dad is rather formidable)

I love how my guy describes that meeting. He came straight from work on his lunch break to meet with my dad. He says he asked my dad, and my dad kind of flared his nostrils, and replied, "I've never heard anything bad about the V_ boys." That still makes me laugh.

So, on this Thankful Thursday, inching up to our 11th anniversary, I am so thankful.

I am thankful for my godly, handsome guy.

I am thankful that he worked up the nerve to approach my formidable father.

I am thankful that God provided this amazing alternative to my single sentiment.

Advice Needed

So, Mr. Hippie and I have a hot date planned for our anniversary on Saturday. Actually, we are driving back to Chicago for a wedding.

Here's the dilemma...what to wear? (of course. Bet you didn't see that one coming)

The choice is between my new June Cleaver dress, and a classic black sheath. The black is more dressy. Definitely. Both are shorter than knee length. Both are sleeveless. Both are great dresses.