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 ❤️