"This Magic Moment"

 

It was a very windy afternoon at La Jolla Cove. The previous day was Patrick's birthday and since I had worked 2 jobs back-to-back it had made it all but impossible for me to celebrate his special day until the day after - August 6.

I had decided to take him to dinner in La Jolla at Roppongi - but first we wanted to take a walk and take pictures - the norm for us. Nature and pictures.

I love a good sunset, any sunset actually. Even on this strangely windy afternoon. Kicking off my heels for some flipflops and a jacket we walked along the coastline eventually stopping at the overlook shelter by the seals. I've always loved that spot - the waves seem to crash even more there. I've been there so many times and always loved it - anytime of day, anytime of year.

Now even moreso...

Patrick set up my Canon camera to selftimer on my tripod so we can take some pics together in the humid wind. After we took a few with my hair all over the place and laughing impromptly, he then hugged me and with my arms still wrapped around his neck I felt him fish in his pocket - - I felt the tears well up as I realized what he was doing - - "You know I love you very much, baby" - he started - - I couldn't lift my head but kept my face buried the whole time in his neck. "And I am very happy, will you marry me, Elsa?" I still couldn't lift my face up but nodded 'yes' into his neck. He laughed and asked me, "is that a 'yes'?" I could only nod my head into his shoulder.

I knew better to stand in his way this time.

He knew me. And knew exactly how to do it. He knew what ring to get me - - dainty, clean and perfect on my tiny child hands. He knew how much more it'd mean to me to propose out in Nature, at my favorite time of day.. and by the sea that he loves so much himself.

Alas ring on hand.

Trip to Ireland in a few days.

The only question remaining is shall I bother using a hyphen on my last name with his?

God is Great!

click on slideshow below!

Engagement - August 6, 2009

Simple Pleasures

I once wrote a blog (see previous) about simple pleasures. Nowadays one can get very caught up in the many gadgetry, technical toys to play with. Perhaps it's a good thing to be reminded that quality time with loved ones doesn't require anything more than simply getting outdoors.

A couple weekends ago I told Patrick and his daughter, Ciara, that I was taking them to one of my favorite places in the afternoon. Ciara was bouncing around pleading, like any 8-year-old would, for me to tell her where I was taking them. I ignored her and told her after we did some chores around the house we would go.

Eventually I corralled everyone into my Scion car and I drove us to La Jolla Cove. I have always loved this place. It's great. You can go down into the sandy cove to the beach if you like, or stay dry and have a picnic in the grassy park. Or perhaps you choose to climb around the big rocks on another part of the beach or simply stroll along the sidewalk along the top of the cliffs and enjoy the view of the waves and people from above. Ciara had a blast and of course opted to go running into the water. Then we searched the tidepools while Patrick took some great shots of the big waves crashing. It was such a lovely afternoon - reminded me of my childhood when Sundays after church were always Family Day and my mom would pack a picnic and we'd drive the 8 of us to the beach, park, mountains or somewhere in nature. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful city with nice weather and I was so pleased to share it with my special ones.

At the end of the day I commented to P, "Wasn't that a lovely afternoon?" And he answered, "Yes... it was all about simple pleasures."

Simple Pleasures

Click to watch on slideshow :)