Between Brett and me, there is no contest for who would win “Most Talkative.” Let’s just say that opposites attract because a man of few words married someone who suffers from that horrible condition where whenever there’s an awkward silence, sentences–and usually the most awkward random ones that don’t even structurally make sense–pour out of my mouth without any control. Sidenote: I once bumped into a guy crush in the hospital stairwell where I worked at the time and went to say “Hi Shawn, how are you?” but, swear to God, it came out, “Are Shawn, you how hi?” Needless to say, the So Many Words award would go to me, not that it’s something to be proud of.
So surprisingly it was Brett who, a month ago at the end of our date at a local Italian restaurant, insisted on waiting to leave until the couple sitting next to us had finished their conversation so he could ask the woman how she liked her scallops. Brett had given them a 5-star recommendation earlier in the evening when she noticed we had ordered them and asked if they were good.
“What did you think of the scallops?” Brett finally asked. Five minutes later, we were deep in conversation–one that lasted another half hour and ended with an exchange of phone numbers. I had assumed the couple was married but discovered they were brother and sister, snowbirds who live most of the year in New Jersey but flee the cold this time of year to the same city where they each have a home and meet up throughout the week because–as Isabel, the sister, explained–“We’re very close.”
He’s a writer, a fisherman and has a son Brett’s exact age named–you guessed it–Brett.
She’s a spiritual guide, a belly dancing teacher (she celebrated her 85th birthday belly dancing with her granddaughters), a voracious reader and a mother who lost both her husband and a daughter the same year eight years ago.
We had dinner with them again last night, and when talking about that year, Isabel’s brother looked over at her and said, “Isabel’s my hero. The way she dealt with that year and her life since–”
Isabel smiled and very calmly answered, “Gratitude. I can’t change what happened, but I can focus on my gratitude. I’m so grateful I had them in my life. And I’m thankful for everything I have in my life now.”
We told stories all night last night. They asked how we met, where Brett likes to fish, what I think of the publishing industry today and the most insightful questions about our children, safety in schools, books, business and poetry. They told stories that made us listen to every word, and I filed inspiration into so many categories of my brain.
“We call each other every morning to read a poem,” Isabel said.
“It could be anything,” her brother explained, “Keats, Langston Hughes, Hemingway–did you know Hemingway wrote lots of poems?”
“Every morning?” I asked.
“Oh yes,” Isabel answered. “We take turns. But we always start our day with a phone call and a poem.”
Isabel called me “Sweetie” and touched my hand lovingly whenever she leaned over to ask me a question. I am bewitched by her wisdom, vibrancy and love of life.
“You know everyone always plans for the first two thirds of life, but not many people talk about what they want to be doing with their lives in the last third,” Isabel said, “And I’m not talking about financial things because you hear about that. I’m talking about how you really want to be spending your life.”
I want to spend it like Isabel. Reading poetry, teaching spiritual classes, meeting up with new friends for dinner, celebrating life with belly-dancing parties and gratitude…for all of it.
Isabel looked across the table at Brett at one point and smiled. “There’s one thing I want to ask. I know what Kelle thought of you when you first met because she told me how loving you were with your boys, and of course devilishly handsome. But tell me what you thought of her on that first encounter.”
And now comes the best part of this whole story. My man of few words pondered the question seriously as I waited for his thoughtful answer. Isabel and her brother, their eyes twinkling, waited for his thoughtful answer with me.
Brett gathered his thoughts, smiled and said….wait for it…
“I thought she was nice.”
You heard it right: She. Was. Nice. Stay tuned for our line of cross-stitched pillows, framed prints and t-shirts with those poignant words to come.
And that, my friends, is a perfect example of how opposites attract.
Happy Friday!
Also, if you’d like some newsletter love in your box every now and then, I finally started one. You’ll get a little love letter, some things I don’t share on the blog, an organized round-up of favorite posts and extra things like illustrated printables, my new favorite thing to create.
For a printable guide to The Shakedown, the 30-minute mad dash cleaning spree before company arrives, download “Company’s Coming.”
And for some spring inspiration, download the Spring Bucket List. Tape it to your refrigerator and check off favorites with me (might I suggest starting this weekend with that cocktail with the Peep garnish).
Maria says
Hey…your guy Brett…nailed it!!! xo
Susan says
I think Brett may be my husband’s long lost brother. I swear, if I asked that, I’m pretty sure he may say something similar.
Kira says
That is a beautiful poem, but having read a great deal of Hemingway, I noticed it did not fit his usual style of writing. I did a little research, and discover that the poem was actually written by a woman named Erin Hanson. She is definitely a talented poet, and I will have to read more of her work!
Kelle says
Ugghhhhh! Misquoting poets is definitely something I don’t want to do! Thank you! Fixing. :O)
Karen says
Oh how that story build up left me laughing! Gotta love quiet men. ha ha ha… but Kelle, you ARE nice!
Diane says
LOL!!! What was Isabel and her brothers response to Brett?
Reem says
I actually LOLed at Brett response! Love the graphic! The brother sister duo sound amazing!
Shauna says
Why I love you… you make me tear up and laugh out loud twice in the few minutes it took me to read this. Some of our closest friends are as old as our parents. There’s something so special about the wisdom, stories and insight they have. Also, I have a Brett at home, too???? Except mine doesn’t buy cool things on Amazon.
Maeghan says
Oh, I am dying right now! That’s my husband. “I don’t know, she was nice.” or if he is feeling extra smart a@@ like he’ll say “She had good legs.” Thanks buddy, thanks…
Donna Tyson says
This made me think of my husband (he passed in June of last year) and his ability to be quiet and yet have such deep thoughts.
I was telling my counselor that we knew death was impending (pancreatic) but he told me he just couldn’t put his thoughts for me into words because it was just too tough and we were too close. She asked me why did I wish he had? Why would you desire something from your husband that did not come natural. He was a kind, gentle, loving man who never needed words to love me.
A man of few words. ❤️
Kelle says
Oh sister, I hear you. And I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re right…it’s part of who they are. We learn to let our children be who they are–shy, noisy, quirky… We do the same for our spouses. xoxo
Heather says
I love this! So very true!
Oda Karoline says
Reading about you and Brett, always makes me think of my spouse and me. I’m also a woman of lots of words, living with a man of few words. If we ride in a car together and I don’t talk, he always assumes something is wrong because it happens so seldom. But I love him, and he loves me. And even though he doesn’t say it that often, I never doubt him <3
I've said it before, you are my spirit animal, and when I "grow up" I want to be like you, because you are my biggest inspiration.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs from Norway
Adeline says
Cryyyyying. Laughing, too.
Amy says
Sooo funny! Sounds exactly like my husband *eye roll emoji*
Sarah says
Hi Kelle, I would love to sign up for your love letter….but when I click on your link it sends me to the spring bucket list…..is this the same place? I like the spring bucket list but I would LOVE a love letter! just let me know if I’m signing up for the right thing.
Sarah From Canada!
Kelle says
If you sign up there, you’ll be on the list!
Lisa says
The overwhelming thing that stood out to me when I first met and started dating my husband was how nice he was. When people asked me about him I always felt lame saying “he is a so nice”. But I think it is the highest of compliments. My husband is a million things…really smart, a voracious reader, handsome, a great lawyer, intuitive…..but over 20 years later he is still is such a nice person and that is what I truly love about him. True kindness and being nice reflects a person with a good soul. Brett is a smart man.
Rosanna says
What a lovely story about meeting Isabel and her brother. And Brett’s wonderful summing up of why he fell in love with you is hilarious! Happy weekend!
Audrey Johnson says
Sometimes it only takes a few words. My husband is the same way. He doesn’t say much. So every now and then some awesome words will come out and I feel like I should buy a billboard. I enjoy what I can get, when I get it.
Tricia says
This really touched me; you were lucky to find them. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how older people aren’t valued enough and that they are vats of wisdom and humor at having experienced so much.
And yes, I laughed at the end. Ha! Men.
Jill says
I love, love, love this story of how you and Brett double dated with this couple! PLEASE tell me you’re going to see them again, and hear more wonderful stories and words of wisdom. And please bring Poppa & Gary next time too. Somehow I can see them loving this brother/sister couple just as much as you and Brett! This might be one of my most favorite posts! xoxoxo
Annie says
I love this whole post so much, but am still left wondering, what DID Isabel think of the scallops? 🙂
Kelle says
Laughing. They were delicious. 🙂
Shannon says
My quiet other half, asked the same question, basically said “she was low-maintenance.” So I feel ya.
Kimberly says
Oh my goodness…I laughed so hard at what Brett said and that picture of you at the end. I needed that! ????????
Maria says
Kelle, I am so grateful for you. Thanks for sharing your gift, you inspire me ❤️
Mona P says
My husband once told me my eyes were “so big and beautiful”…that was his attempt at romance i think. Also am married to a man of few words
cherie says
OMG, LOL, he sounds exactly like my husband who would have said the same thing, although maybe “she was very nice.” And he would also be a man of few words, like in “Are you breathing?” Gotta love them…. Maybe they could start a club, a very silent club.
Katherine says
When people don’t give much away what they do give when they give it is HUGE! U are nice, and so is he and I have an inkling the googly eyes he has for your kids has you all wrapped up in it!!
Jennifer Reil says
I thought I talked a lot until I met my sweet husband. He is a man of many words, sometimes too many words- ha ha! I love him dearly, but sometimes my brain hurts because he talks, and talks, and talks ;). Luckily, my oldest son likes to talk a lot too, so they can engage in great conversations together and I can let my brain have a little breather.
Cindy Anderson says
A beautiful post!
lauren says
what an awesome and sweet story!
Lori says
You are very, very, very nice. And I imagine so is Brett.
Sue says
I feel ya, I too am married to a man of few words. Going on a road trip with him is painful. ????
Nicola says
That absolutely cracked me up 😀 Mainly because I have a man exactly like Brett and I bet he would say the same thing – ha ha!! 🙂
Becky says
You are my favorite, Kelle. I can’t wait to read your posts! Sometimes, when I see there are 2 to read, I let out a little holler of joy. : )
This brother and sister duo is the best. How sweet is that poem thing? I love it. Love it. Love it. LOVE IT! I also love that they are from New Jersey. New Jersey people are so nice.
I am glad he thought you were nice. I think you are super nice. I love the pictures of the fair. I love your thoughts about the babies growing up. My babies are graduating this year. We are having such a hard time. Well, not really Kaish and I. Just Bria.
I am not a good mom to a teenage girl. Or maybe a teenage boy. Maybe not a good mom at all come to think of it. Gary gets stressed about Bria being here. I want her to graduate so badly. I don’t know if she will. I try to be nice and kind and encouraging but she just gets mad all the time. ALL THE TIME.
Thanks for listening all the way in Florida.
Amy says
Oh my goodness, I laughed so hard at this one! I love all the stuff you share about Brett because I relate to him so much, I am a female Brett and my husband is a male version of you, more expressive and talkative and emotional. We drive each other crazy sometimes but in the end opposites attract for a reason. 😉 Really enjoy your posts, so glad you and Brett connected with such fun new friends.
Stacy says
That is awesome! What a great way to start the day. Thanks Kelle!
Kryste B says
I have so many words after reading this.
Isabel,oh my heart, I love the very sound of this dynamic lady. I was widowed 6 years ago, at 32 and when I meet older widows I just love to grab hold of their hands and feel that bond. This woman is WOW, it made me laugh and cry to read about her.
My late husband Frank had ALL THE WORDS. And I have ALL THE WORDS. To my surprise, a year after his sudden loss, I was introduced to a NICE, QUIET man of few words Army doctor and our complete opposite selves love each other and it’s hilarious and wonderful and it was so unexpected. “She was nice” is something he would probably say and I would gush because anytime a Quiet Man lends a compliment… it is to be believed and cherished, AMIRIGHT?!
Thank you for this post today, my heart needed it.
Jennifer says
That is exactly what I thought about my husband on our first date – thirty years ago. And after a horrible, gut wrenching divorce, I needed nice!
Karen Combs says
I have to laugh– your Brett is just like my Robert– but oh he impressed me when our girls got married with his little speech– what is it…still waters run deep?