Elk Bugling

One of my very favorite memories, was going up to Mormon Lake to hear the Elk Bugle!! I had never heard a live Elk Bugle, and Danny wanted to share the amazing experience with me. I think he got MORE EXCITEMENT than he ANTICIPATED!!

We arrived to the "spot," only after back tracking a few times . . . I have never seen Danny lost! I think this one time, he may have been a little turned around!! As we got out of the truck, we heard an ELK BUGLE!! I think my face lit up like a Christmas Tree, and I remember squealing in delight. Danny had to remind me to be quiet cause I was going to scare them off. I just remember the feeling of excitement in my body having just heard that elk bugle, I think I probably walked around and said, "Holy cow!" It was the coolest thing ever!!

Later we heard, something HOWLING . . . now so much fun!! Elk I am good with . . . things that travel in packs and howl, not so much excitement as fear!! We went for a long walk . . . one of the things I love doing with Danny is walking in the forest or wilderness, and having him teach me so much about Arizona, the forest, and the animals!! We found a blind, set there for a while, hoping to see an Elk. No such luck!

One our way back, we stopped at a road side pull off (we do this a lot when we got for drives, it probably quadruples our driving time . . . but, we pull off and look a lot!), and looked at HUNDREDS of ELK . . . . they were far away in the Lake! But, I have never seen anything like it!! It was totally AMAZING!!

I love being outdoors with Danny. It is so peaceful and it is away from all the hectic chaotic life, just us!

Just Happy!!

One of the things that is amazing about having my best friend in my life is just the happiness it brings. Tonight, Danny showed up to hang out. I was in the midst of folding laundry. Not the happiest of activities!! And it instantly became a wonderful evening. We laughed and acted silly. It is wonderful to be able to feel and express the feelings without them being belittled or devalued.

Cinderella

I was treated like Cinderellaon this night. Danny delivered a dress to the house and told me to be ready at 6 p.m. I got dressed and done up pretty. At 6 p.m. the door bell rang, I opened it to find Danny standing there with a limousine. I was shocked! He would not tell me where we were going. 

We arrived at a restaurant in Scottsdalle, and entered to find we had a private room for us. As we entered the room, they started serving us a 6 course meal. I tried tuna for the first time. The things this man can get me to eat . . . something about him helps be to be brave . . . and I know that he won't stop encouraging me until I try some new things! We chatted and talk while we enjoyed our meal. 

Suddenly, Danny asked if all the servers could come into the room. He thanked them for a wonderful meal and service. Then, turned to me and told me how much he loved me. He said some very sweet things! He asked for my hand in marriage. I love this man so much!!  

Back to the limo we went! We enjoyed a wonderful ride home!

This man is my perfect compliment in life. When I am down, he knows how to cheer me up. When he is down, I know how to bring that smile back. When he is hurting or fearful, I am able to comfort him. When his soul is in turmoil, I am able to aide in returning peace to it. When I am sad, he is able to extend love and be that soft spot to land. If I am in a grumpy mood, only he has ever said, "J, its okay to feel how you feel.  I will be here when you decide you want to talk or need me."  Instantly, my mood changes because of him . . . because I feel safe to feel I am easily able to let go of the negative mood. He brings contentment to my heart. When I am scared, he is brave. His strengths are my weaknesses . . . and my strengths are his weaknesses. We both have our own interests and hobbies. However, we both are very much interested in the other's interest and hobbies. We are independent, yet yoked together. I feel alive in every moment of everyday! When we are together, everything . . . my feelings, the light, the color, experiences are more alive! I can glance at him and I know exactly what he is thinking. I know more about him than most people, I know his weaknesses and his strengths . . . in his hardest darkest moments I love him. I see good in him . . . I hope he will one day see himself as I do! He is amazing! In return, I have a man that sees good in me . . . a man who sees my weaknesses, realizes there is history with them, and consistently thinks of ways he can help me overcome my fears, short coming, and history to accomplish what it is I want. Yet, in all that . . . he stand amazed by me!

I have known since I was 17 years old that this man would be my rock. Times would come where we weren't together. And thru them all, there was not a day that went by that I did not think of my friend. He is my best friend. He has always been the person I have wanted to share experiences with and have by my side. I am blessed and will forever be grateful to have him. He is that person that every thought I want to share with . . .