One December Evening

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Poetry

After more than three decades, my husband and I still recall and celebrate the events leading up to the “I do’s” that we said in Southern California on January 21, 1989. Today is one of those events…our first date 36 years ago. We were 26 & 27, and while some fine details have faded with the years…many stay rooted as little nuggets of ‘the start of us’. The amazing restaurant for dinner, Sycamore Inn, then driving up the mountain to The Lodge for dancing.

If you’ve followed me for awhile, you know I’m a romantic, and this night was pure magic. There was an aura of romance embracing us throughout the evening: over light conversation at the restaurant, on the slow drive up the mountain to the lodge, sipping delicious “Michelle’s Climactic Adventures.” Well, let’s face it, anything with Baileys Irish Cream is sinful and delectable! Then the dancing…we ‘rocked out’ when the beat demanded and held each other close (as if never to let go) when the tune slowed. We danced all night, taking a few breathers, stepping out onto the large balcony. The chill in the air felt good on our hot skin, and the view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains pulled us deeper into the enchantment.

December 5, 1987 turned out to be ‘our beginning’ because six months following, Matt drove me back to the lodge on a sunny June afternoon, and after riding the ski lift to the top of that mountain, he popped the question. Then six months after that romantic proposal, I walked down the aisle wearing satin and lace as he stood waiting for me, looking handsome as ever.
And here we are nearing the end of 2023…grateful to still have each other and our two amazing children, who are now 32 & 28 years old.

And of course, inspiration over the years found its niche:

Simple Existence

I stare at this page,
milk white as the
blanketed ground
in winter’s staging.

Where are the syllables
to create a mixture of magic?

I fear they have flown
to faraway places,
across desert dunes
and boundless oceans
and might not return
so that I may tell him
(again)
how irreplaceable he is.

Instead,
I’ll touch his lips
with mine
and steady myself
in the arms of a man
satisfied with my
simple existence.

Love Note
across a backdrop
one star-studded evening
a love note lingers

Belonging

Do you trust me? Will you
take my hand and let me
lead the way to a place
transcending boundaries
of our reality? Let us get
lost in tranquility –
dancing to the majesty of 
the surroundings, feeling
rhythm vibrate through our
bones. For as long as our
hearts desire, this is our
destination. Time is but
a memory. Its existence
leaves no trace on the path
where we tread.
There is only you, me,
and the intensity 
of our belonging to each other.

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Photos of Sycamore Inn and The Mt. Baldy Lodge pulled from their websites.

Click on the image to purchase your copy. 💚

Thanks for stopping by today, and let’s continue to celebrate the dates
and events that remain joyful and significant in our personal stories!
~ Lauren ❤️

111 thoughts on “One December Evening”

  1. Lovely, Lauren. And definitely a love letter. 🙂 Peggy and I share a similar time frame, although at 46 and 39, we were a bit older. We met when I climbed off my bicycle in 1979 at the end of my 10,000 mile solo bike trek around the US and Canada. It was close to love at first sight. 🙂

    1. Thanks, Curt, and age is irrelevant. 🙂 I love how you two met, so thanks for sharing. We actually met in a funny way…we worked in the same building but hadn’t met yet. Then I was moving (to his neck of the woods unknowingly) and put my fridge up for sale (card on the board in the break room), and he was the lucky buyer! Yep, he bought my fridge, picked it up on a Saturday, and after talking for over an hour, we clicked. So he asked me out, and the rest is history. 🙂
      The moral of this story: Looking for love? Sell an appliance! 🥰

  3. Oh wow, true romance, and what a love story Lauren. 💞 Congratulations on your matrimonial journey together and girlfriend, cheers to many, many more! 💑🥂💖👰🏼🤵🏼

  9. When it’s right you just know, don’t you? I love your story and the poems it has inspired. Our 47th Anniversary will be on January 22! We got married in York, England which was exciting.

  14. Awe, I so love your poetry Lauren. What a beautiful story. I can imagine perfectly each detail as your love was blossoming into a glorious marriage. Your dress is so similar to the one I wore so many years ago. Congratulations you two lovebirds. Happy dating anniversary! Hugs, C

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed the romance and poetry, Cheryl! And don’t you love the wedding dress styles back then? I still have my dress and love it, even though it’s a bit out of style. 🙂 We appreciate your good wishes! Hugs returned! 🩷

      2. I remember those days when you had just moved closer to me (sister) & we had so many plans, and then you met the Love of your Life . He was & is a great guy, was definitely “The One”! You’ve kept the romance alive and the love flowing. GOD bless you both!

  24. I love love love these beautiful stories, your beautiful story Lauren. Being romantic is so nice. I wish people around me would be more romantic!
    And when reading you, I can feel the love you are sharing and shared over the years, ups & downs of life.
    I’ll miss this special bond but life is full of surprises, isn’t it!
    Thanks for sharing with us. It’s a real gift for your readers.
    ❤️

    1. Thanks for your beautiful words, Marie. They truly warm my heart, and I’m glad you could feel the love while reading this post. There have been ups and downs, but not in our relationship. Things happen out of our control, but together, we are strong, and each other’s best friend. I’m so grateful, and I hope you find that bond too because life is full of surprises. We met because he was the buyer of the fridge I was selling. 🙂 So, yes, life brings surprises! Thanks again for your kindness, my friend. I am grateful for you. 💖🙏🌷

  27. I saw this on FB and commented there. Couldn’t make it to the Reader from FB to leave a comment. I’m not configured correctly and have no idea how to fix it. Any way, lovely lady.
    This kind of Relation-Ship 🚢 encapsulates what I feel Holy to be. Pure goodness ✨💞✨
    Bless this 🚢 Ship— the best!
    Lovely post.

    1. I haven’t seen your comment on FB yet, but I’ll head over there when I leave here. 🙂 There are many things in tech. that I can’t figure out. One is how you do those beautiful IG posts. I have no idea, so I just do simple photo posts, and occasionally create something on Canva. Oh well. But Selma, thank you for your lovely words. I am blessed and grateful to have found that one special person to share my life with. And I don’t take it for granted. Thanks so much, my friend. Sending hugs. 🩷💞

  28. This brought a huge smile dear Lauren.. How very romantic and loved that you took us back down your memory lane.. And so loved seeing the photos of your wedding and the photos of you both now…
    Big Hugs to you both…
    Your poems speak volumes of your love..
    Sending Love to you both.. xxx Enjoy your weekend to come xx ❤

    1. Thanks so much, Sue, for your lovely and loving words. I appreciate them very much. Sending love to you too. I’m so behind on reading blogs because today is my father-in-law’s service that we’ve been prepping for…anyway, enjoy your weekend too. Sending hugs your way. xoxoxo

      1. You’re so welcome, my friend. I wish you and your family a special time of love and remembrance as you say farewell to your father-in-law, the final loss of that generation for you, Lauren. 🙏🏼 (And I look forward to your visit this weekend 🙂)

    1. The night was truly magical and fun to reminisce on now and then, Pooja, and thanks for your kind words too. We look at old photos now and think, “We were so young!” 🙂 But I did love my wedding dress and I still have it and my mom’s. 💞

  35. Congratulations Lauren on what was a magical night that has evolved into magical years shared. Your poems highlight the magic that you continue to create. All the best to you in love and joy as you continue to venture forward. ❤️

  36. Dear Lauren,
    Your path has been strewn with the “gold of love”.
    It’s not worth any money, but it’s made you rich.
    From one in love to another in love.
    -Resa xoxoxo

  37. How completely and utterly romantic, Lauren. I just adore your free form poetry and how it allows you to find just the right words and imagery and flow. This post and it’s poems swept me away.

    1. Thanks so much for your wonderful words, Mike. I appreciate them very much as well as your wishes for the both of us. I posted my last post a couple of days ago for the year and will be signing off from blogland until 2024. So, I look forward to seeing you in the new year and reading your stunning poetry. And my wish is for your holiday season to offer some warmth and light. My wish for you….Sending hugs your way…❤️

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