Miles Apart: Buff Dude Reveals the Buzz on Crystals
Keri Meets Buff Dude: Is Ana’s Shop the Next Third Place?
Miles Apart: Buff Dude Reveals the Buzz on Crystals
1/31/2025
Dear Charlie,
You were right, Mountain Man is officially in the friend-zone for good. With everything going on, I just can’t deal with his cryptic mind games. He said he’s fine with it but then dropped, “I’ll always love you.” Love?! We never even got to first base. I will never understand this man!
Moving On
Get this, Keri told me Buff Dude stopped by the store while I was out. Naturally, I went on a very convincing rant about how wonderfully content and blissfully single I am (totally believable, right?). But then she hit me with, “You won’t have to worry about him; he won’t be into you.” Excuse me, what now?
I trust her, and know she’d never do anything to hurt me, but it’s hard not to wonder if she knows something she hasn’t shared with me yet? She has been talking about Buff Dude a lot lately, maybe she’s interested in him or something. Who knows?!
The plot thickens, eh? I’ll keep you posted. Maybe one day, I’ll take the time to have an actual conversation with him that lasts longer than two awkward smiles and a rushed “Hey” in the parking lot.
She said that Buff Dude initially came in because he wanted to see what all the buzz was about. He told her that everyone’s been talking about our crystals and how warm and welcoming the shop feels. People feel seen, heard, and validated here, not rushed or pressured. That’s exactly what I’ve always dreamed for this place.
Crystal Energy and the Third Place
I’ve noticed an increase in customers to the store lately. Some telling Keri and I that they’ve heard about our crystals. How they must be supercharged. Some customers even bring their own crystals in and just chill in the shop's energy as they slowly browse. I think it’s already time to create a bigger, cozier spot for people to hang out. Maybe add some warm drinks, soups, and comfort food like grilled cheese sandwiches to make it feel even cozier.
And then there’s the Big Red Garnet crystal. You know, the one that vibrates? I’m calling it “Big Red” now and ended up putting a “not for sale” sign by it.
It’s giving life to the other crystals. It’s on the top shelf directly below the skylight to soak up that moon energy, and it’s working wonders. There’s also the smaller charging crystals that I place near it at night. Then I put them near the other crystals during the day to spread the charge.
Could we really become known for our healing, vibrating crystals? It’s wild to think about, but this place is becoming more than just a place to buy things. It’s becoming the third place for people. That sanctuary outside of home and work. But there’s so much more here than just crystals here. So much more! I had no idea they would become the main attraction.
Odie
I miss you and Odie so much. Mom told me that the video I made for him, set to the song I wrote, really made her day. Odie seemed to love it too! Thanks again for sending that adorable clip of him watching it. Absolutely precious!
I named my newest song Paw Prints on Our Hearts because, well, that’s exactly what dogs do. They leave paw-shaped imprints on our lives, making everything richer and better. One day, I hope to have another dog. Life just feels a bit incomplete without one.
Thanks for FaceTiming me with your parents the other day. You’re always finding clever ways to close the miles apart gap and I love it!
They are such a joy to talk with. And I couldn’t help but laugh when your mom used your proper first name, Charles, when she thought you were up to shenanigans again. Classic.
Well, Charles, I hope your week goes as smoothly as your mom’s ability to spot your shenanigans from a mile away.
XO, Ana
P.S. Every family has a Jerry Springer moment, and I think I might be having mine now. Stay tuned.
The Miles Apart Series is based on Ana’s desire to bring back the excitement of handwritten letters. Start with this short introduction post to learn more.
You can find all these letters under Stories.
Offering Four Sections: Stories, GeekOut, Human Design, and Recipes.