So I've fallen off the face of the Earth. I was doing pretty well considering I had started a new job and had a lot less time for side projects like this one. When I looked at the date of the last post, I found it hard to believe that it was the beginning of February. Well, right after I wrote that post, then came an interesting turn of events that threw me for a bit of a loop.
Brad had booked a cozy cottage for two just before Valentine’s Day weekend. The cabin was located in Hidden Valley, just outside of Hunstville, near Arrowhead Provincial Park. I'm not a huge fan of winter, but the idea of a snowy getaway complete with wood-burning fireplace never gets old.
The night we were scheduled to leave decided to be the biggest snow storm of the year and when Brad picked me up from work, I knew it was going to be a long drive. Well, a long drive turned into a really loooonnnnggg drive. What was supposed to be a 3-hour drive ended up taking over 5 hours. When we finally got to the cabin, I found it to be cute and charming - think leather couches, wooden everything and warm fireplace. A completely cozy hideaway.
That evening we dined on a fresh baguette, rich and creamy cheeses, and salty prosciutto. Brad had even bought the super expensive fig crackers I had been dying to try. I made sure to save room for dessert, which were freshly baked triple chocolate cookies (triple yum!). I thought it was a bit strange that Brad had rounded up each and every one of my favourite snacks. While I had unpacked the goodies, I also noticed pancake mix. I love pancakes - but Brad does not. I knew it must be a very special weekend if we were going to have pancakes at some point. Ah, the silly little things!
Brad asked me what I wanted to do the following day - fighting the urge to say “let’s alternate between eating cookies by the fire and hopping into the outdoor cedar hot tub”, I suggested we go to Arrowhead. Brad had planned and brought up our snowshoes, a purchase we had yet to use. It sounded like the perfect plan. The next morning, I woke up quite early (around 5:30) and dragged myself over to the leather couch where I read my book in peace, watching the light shimmer on the piles of snow that had fallen the day before. I even caught sight of a momma deer and her baby gracefully hopping through the snow to find some food. An all-around perfect morning, at least in my books. It was so quiet, quieter than I’ve experienced in a long time.
Looking back now, Brad was awfully quiet himself as we drove over to Arrowhead Provincial Park. The park is one of my all-time favourites, and Brad and I camped up there with our families when we were kids. Due to the whole knee kerfuffle I couldn't go skating on the giant outdoor ice rink, but we choose the snowshoe trail right beside it, the one that lead to my family’s evening walking trail in the summertime – to a little bridge crossing the river.
I normally hate the winter, but the snow-capped trees were so perfect. It wasn’t too cold (or I actually dressed appropriately for once). Hardly anyone had walked on the trail, so it was fresh and clean. The sun had finally poked out its head and everything around us appeared to sparkle. Snowshoeing with a bum knee wasn’t the easiest endeavour, but we weren’t in any rush. We finally made it to the bridge and we stopped to take some photos. Another woman had followed us down and stayed down for what felt like 10 minutes (oh wait, it was), and Brad kept taking photos. Finally, after what felt like forever she left, and I was about to do the same until…
Brad tugged on my jacket shyly to get me to turn around to face him, and told me he had a question to ask me. Right before my eyes, to my surprise, Brad proposed, right there in the middle of the snow and completely shocked me. It was such a magical moment, as cheesy as that sounds and I think he was so relieved once I had said yes. The beautiful solitaire ring that he picked out all by himself sparkled, catching all the light from the sun’s rays. It was perfect, and a moment I know we will remember very fondly for the rest of our lives.
Brad and I spent the next day in our own little world. We didn’t tell a soul, because we wanted to have it be our little secret for 24 hours. I’m so grateful we had that time to just enjoy the idea ourselves.
So, getting back to the “falling off the face of the Earth” part - ever since that weekend in February, my spare time has been dedicated to planning our wedding. I love the idea of making my own life and ensuring my days are filled with anything and everything that makes me happy. Writing has been a challenge for me, and I intend to get back to it.
Just wanted to keep you updated. I’ll be posting more soon as I’m typing this while waiting for my first of two flights with my final destination: JORDAN.
Yup, you heard it – this little lady is heading to the Middle East. Petra, Umm Quais, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum are all on the itinerary.
Stay tuned.
xx, Amanda
PS: Photos to come when I have better internet!