The Universe and Alchemy:

With trepidation, Maiden nears, unsure whom she will greet,
The Fool with hope, his heart now fears, her expectations meet.
They meet, reserved, a soft hello, a hug so shy and sweet,
In gentle glow, with tea in hand, a samovar a miss, their conversation neat.

The sun ascends, its warmth bestowed, a sense of peace and ease,
Birds, dogs, and lizards gather 'round, to watch beneath the trees.
Too soon, the end is near, they part their ways, their meeting – not yet finished
The Maiden, pure and modest, seeks a heart and soul aligned.

The Fool, with curious delight, sees sparkle in her eye,
It tells a tale of truth and love, a bond they can't deny.
A hug goodbye, her smile bestowed, his heart begins to race,
Her memory, so sweet and bright, forever he'll embrace.

"Will I see you again?" he asks, as if on bended knee,
With grace, the heavens grant his wish, perhaps a love to be.
The Alchemist, within his Café, works magic, pure, divine,
The Fool's life changed forevermore by touch of Maiden fine.

Her quest for light, a heart so pure, has found someone to hold,
A bond is formed, a blessed path, their story yet untold.
A bond to test, a bond to trust, in love they'll find their way,
Together through the trials of life, they’ll greet each coming day. 

Introduction:

Our first meeting was at a quaint coffee shop called the Alchemist Cafe. Like any initial encounter, there was a sense of apprehension, but the positive signs were unmistakable. Seeing Alexandra for the first time was mesmerizing, and we eagerly planned to meet again.

From that moment, it felt as if the Universe conspired to bring us together. Our experiences and abilities harmonized perfectly, guiding us to support one another through our challenges.

Our journey is about turning stuff into something else - not turning lead into gold, but about the journey and what we will learn along the way. We, or least I, had to learn and accept our own divine value and how we can work together. It also calls for learning our strengths, as well as our weaknesses.

The orginal Cafe where we first met.

A few weeks before sending this box to Alexandra, a new Alchemist Cafe opened in my neighborhood. Unlike a ubiquitous Starbucks, this local gem felt like a hopeful sign of a new beginning.

Sadly - as I was taking this picture today, I learned that the new location may be closing. Well - I gave myself a 1% chance of success. The new place was to be a new beginning - looks like the signs are saying I didn't beat the odds.