I have a notebook I am now convinced is magic. It's nothing special, just a plain college-ruled notebook from Target but several years ago I wrote down everything I was looking for in a dog, right down to the ridiculous little details, before I went to the animal shelter. (adult dog, blocky heady, floppy ears, short fur, 40-60 lbs, swimmer, snuggler, big smile, affectionate, house-trained, knows basic commands, will answer to "Annie Boots", etc) When I did go to the shelter my little girl was there! And her name was already Annie.
I used the same magic notebook to write down everything I was looking for in a partner, again, right down to the ridiculous little details. (taller/bigger than me, female born and masculine, chivalrous, tattooed, non-smoker, protective but not jealous, cowboy archetype, kinky, intelligent, dislikes children, loves dogs, pastry chef, etc.) Over time the list came to fill an entire page of the notebook. And it got left on a shelf and forgotten, until I met Oliver.
Six months after moving to Oakland I met a wonderful FTM guy. Our first date was drinks and then a walk around Lake Merritt. Our second date he made an amazing dinner. Afterwards he showed me how to make truffles...and outed himself as a pastry chef.
I was reminded of the notebook and checked it the next morning. He was ALL of the things, right down to the astrological sign.
Now Oliver and I have been together four months. I recently showed him the magic notebook and we used it to write down a detailed description of our dream home. (a dog-friendly old converted industrial loft in Oakland with enough space for him to throw epic dinner parties and for me to have a sewing workspace. Natural light, exposed brick, gas stove, etc)
So maybe the notebook isn’t *really* magic but it did show me just how powerful clarity, intention, ritual and instinct can be. And that might even be better than magic.
