Our connection is so powerful, to be genuine, I have to write to you. I've had had these thoughts rolling around in my head for a while, hoping they would magically arrange themselves into a nice neat note, but alas I am a simple man. Not being a writer, the only voice in my head is first person.

These thoughts revolve around an intoxicating woman I have had the pleasure to know for over a year; you. It has only been a short while, but a sharing of souls makes it almost feel timeless. A sharing that of course requires my willing participation; but it is, I believe, your empathy that is the catalyst.

Lauren, why would I describe you as intoxicating? I could well use beautiful, passionate, sensuous, of great intelligence, wise, youthful as well as young, and many other adjectives. To me, when you combine all of these into one person, and add one special and truly rare ingredient, intimacy, you get intoxicating.

You are both muse and chameleon. You can bring out the best in me without losing the core of yourself. You adapt, yet remain consistent. You have me find things in me that I didn't know were there.

Your beauty does not come from a jar, applied by a brush; require designer clothes, or expensive jewelry. It is from the flame; the essence of you that burns so brightly in Lauren. Not that you can't or don't wear fine clothes and jewelry, that you can't or don't use make up to achieve to any look you want. There are photographs of you that could grace the cover of any fashion magazine. Lauren you can do all that, but it is the passion within you that draws, almost forces people's eyes to you; in a designer gown or ripped up jeans. Are you beautiful in a classic sense? Yes, but to me, I almost look past your beauty, I don't focus on it, you inner personality is so powerful. And when you share even a little of it, it takes my breath away.

You are both intelligent and wise. An intelligence that is born from an incredibly wide range of interests. And not just "flight of fancy" interests; you delve deeply into subjects and issues that attract your interest. Your wisdom is gained, as with us all, from a blend of your life experiences and your intelligence. You, however, seem to get the most out of every one of life's opportunities and challenges. You approach life with such energy and a sense of adventure; a willingness to try just about anything that you truly seem to have lived many years for each chronological year of your life. While you are in you mid-twenties, you look much younger and exhibit a maturity beyond your years. Except of course when you let your inner child out.

So why intoxicating? Well how about because you can make me giddy by just being with me. In larger doses, you've become seriously addictive. When you leave I go through withdrawal, I suffer horrible hangovers that can only be cured with our next visit.

Lauren, you are complex because you are all of the above and more. You are simple because through it all is the strong core of who Lauren is.

I am very lucky to know you.