Bright Things #11: 20 Dates for 2020

One of the themes of The Memory Collectors is our relationship to physical objects — the memories, emotions, and power they hold for us. Every week leading up to the book’s release, I’ll share the story of an object that’s special to me.

So, this is probably the most bittersweet gift I’ve ever received. My husband presented me with this book at the end of 2019. Every page is hand painted with a watercolour illustration on the left side, and an envelope on the right side. Inside each envelope is a gift card or a description of an activity that we can do together. The idea was to get us out more in 2020 :/

We did go on one or two lovely dates before, you know. But I keep the book on my desk where I can see it. First of all, because it’s romantic and thoughtful. And second, because it reminds me that we’re going to have 20 fantastic dates in 2022.

(PS I would also like to brag that in all this time I have not peeked inside any of the envelopes. A true accomplishment.)