Reading “THE Ohio State University” gave me flashbacks to high school when they’d announce when a student got accepted there. This was a lovely piece! As a native Ohioan I always ask transplants what drew them here—literally why here when they could pick anywhere else lol—and many have said work or it’s more affordable or the cities are smaller but still fun. Your essay was the first time I’ve seen someone say for love. <3
Thank you so much, Mary! Omg I can only imagine how hard they were saying that THE over the high school loudspeakers 😂 and wow that’s actually fascinating. It always makes me laugh when people ask why I moved here thinking anywhere else would be better, but I really love it here (and love who’s here). I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else 🥲
Alex!!! Alex Alex Alex!!! This piece is so spectacular because it marries two strong concepts together - the loved person and the loved place. The personal and the general, except that the general is also personal. And then on top of it, that sense of home.
I may be inspired to try a piece like this for Montreal (where we no longer live but where I moved to be with my husband for the first 7 years of our marriage).
Noha!!! Thank you ☺️☺️ I loved getting to talk with you this morning, and I’m so grateful you made the time to read this one. To share about ourselves is to share about our beloveds. I’d absolutely love to read your Montreal and look forward to you writing it!
Suddenly really want to go to Ohio… forever????
The bandwagon has plenty more seats
This is incredibly heartwarming. To have a man write about me in this way would knock me unconscious
Lmaoo I’m honored 💀 thank you for reading!
Oooooeeee Alex! What a stunning, gorgeous, romantic love letter you've written. Thank you for sharing this with us, my heart is ignited!
Thank you, Sadie! I'm honored you made the time 🥹🥹🥹
so glad this popped into my feed!! love writing about the midwest, specifically ohio, and this piece is so well done
Ahh a fellow Ohioan! I'm so happy you made the time for it. Where in OH are you from?
cincinnati originally, currently residing in columbus -- it seems like you're based in the 614 too! hello, neighbor :D
Wait omg! You should come to Shut Up & Write next Wednesday. We do it the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month!
More deets here: https://www.meetup.com/shutupandwritecolumbus/events/299431017
WAITTT okay thank you for this, i’ll definitely be there!!
Lfg 😤😤😤
Ohio is to you, what Birmingham is becoming for me. To be in a place where love has taken you is a beautiful thing. O
Beautifully said. We love these places because we love the ones who make them home.
As someone who went to Kent State, I completely get this and love it.
This piece has helped connect me with so many dope Ohioans. Thank you for reading, and I’m really glad you enjoyed!
What a beautiful ode. I’ve never been good with love letters but this has given me inspiration
Thank you 🥹 I’d love to read your take on the love letter because I have a feeling your voice would shine in any medium
Really makes me miss home. *Sigh*
We’re here whenever you return 🫂
Congrats on 10 years and 1,000 subs my guy!!! 👏🏽💪🏽
Thank you, bro! 🥰🥰
Wow, beautiful.
Thank you 🥹
This is so sweet and beautiful. 🥺
Thank you Nadirah 🥰🙏🏽
Some of my favorite people live in Toledo Ohio! Reading this made me feel so tender. 🥹
And those last couple sentences 😭🤧
Happy anniversary to you and Elizabeth!
Some of our favorite people live in Toledo! Lots of Elizabeth’s family lives up that way. And I appreciate you reading, thank you for the love!
Nah, there's something about your writing, Alex, that is just truly special.
Thank you for writing and including us in on some of the words you keep (and the heart you share) on the page.
Thank you, Zeru. That is very kind. I appreciate you reading!
Reading “THE Ohio State University” gave me flashbacks to high school when they’d announce when a student got accepted there. This was a lovely piece! As a native Ohioan I always ask transplants what drew them here—literally why here when they could pick anywhere else lol—and many have said work or it’s more affordable or the cities are smaller but still fun. Your essay was the first time I’ve seen someone say for love. <3
Thank you so much, Mary! Omg I can only imagine how hard they were saying that THE over the high school loudspeakers 😂 and wow that’s actually fascinating. It always makes me laugh when people ask why I moved here thinking anywhere else would be better, but I really love it here (and love who’s here). I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else 🥲
Happy Anniversary, this was so beautiful! Sis stole your heart then made a home for it in Ohio. I love this!
Thank you, fam! She really did!!! Ohio forever now (whether we live here or not)
OK I was nearly crying by the end!
Alex!!! Alex Alex Alex!!! This piece is so spectacular because it marries two strong concepts together - the loved person and the loved place. The personal and the general, except that the general is also personal. And then on top of it, that sense of home.
I may be inspired to try a piece like this for Montreal (where we no longer live but where I moved to be with my husband for the first 7 years of our marriage).
Noha!!! Thank you ☺️☺️ I loved getting to talk with you this morning, and I’m so grateful you made the time to read this one. To share about ourselves is to share about our beloveds. I’d absolutely love to read your Montreal and look forward to you writing it!
I loved talking to you too! I'll share it with you if it ever becomes more than a nugget in my brain.