Autumn behaved itself that year, arriving right on time, just at the end of September, bringing T-shirt-warm days and sweater-cool nights, perfect for snuggling in a sleeping bag with someone on the beach, staring up at a star-studded night sky. 

Perfect weather for New Braunfel's Wurstfest, with a night breeze chilly enough to believe it came straight from the Alps. 

Perfect weather for nights spent two-stepping in old dancehalls, like Gruene and Gilley's.

Perfect weather for the Renaissance Festival nestled in the tall trees near Magnolia, Texas, where cool mornings warmed up enough for wearing shorts but not hot enough for sweating in front of your new boyfriend.

That year, we went twice to the Renaissance Festival.

After the second trip, a day with such a glorious blue sky that every blue sky I've seen since reminded me of that one…a day where everything seemed to glow in a magical light, dreamlike, sparkling with life, he asked me to marry him.

Now I remember why I love autumn!

Us at renaissance festival oct 11 81es

Happy 30th anniversary of that first autumn, Tom.

I still feel the magic!

 

 

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23 responses to “Now I Remember Why”

  1. Shrinky Avatar

    I love the rhythm and poetry woven through this, and I especially love the sentiment!
    Happy anniversary to both of you.

    Like

  2. Jillsy Girl Avatar

    My heart is just a flutter from reading this and seeing that photo!!

    Like

  3. linlah Avatar

    Is Ah too strong a word? Happy Anniversary.

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  4. Gail Avatar

    You truly have a way with words. Love the photo. Just so sweet!!

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  5. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    One of my favorites – he asked me to marry him that night!

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  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I think it's a perfect word!! Thank you!

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  7. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Mine, too! I know I'm blessed that it still makes it flutter 🙂

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  8. Liz White Avatar
    Liz White

    Such a sweet story! You both are so blessed and I’m glad that you are aware of that 🙂 Love the photo!

    Like

  9. Lady Fi Avatar

    Lucky you! Happy Anniversary!

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  10. Walker Avatar

    What a magical event. And, how wonderful to celebrate 30 years. Even though I don’t really ‘know’ you I have been able to see how special your relationship with Tom is and I envy you that.
    Congratulations to you both.

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  11. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks, Walker! Things haven't always been easy with us, but remembering those magical days reminds us of how precious our relationship is and motivates us to work through the tough times.

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  12. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I think I'm very lucky! Thanks!

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  13. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Liz! As you probably know, it's easy to let life get in the way of your relationship. Remembering these days reminds me how lucky and blessed I am!

    Like

  14. Debbie B Avatar

    Barbara, what a magical memory! I love how you shared it with us. Have you ever thought about where you would be today if you hadn’t said “yes!”?

    Like

  15. Spanisheyes Avatar

    Gosh, I had to look twice at the “perfect lovers” photo before realizing it was you!! To think someone captured this moment, wow! Not too many people have a treasure like this… how wonderful… I loved it! And congratulations, may you celebrate many, many more!

    Like

  16. Bella Casa Avatar

    Ah what sweet memories. A wonderful photo and such a great capture.

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  17. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks! Tom's best friend David was there with us that day and took quite a few wonderful pics of us. I'm so glad!!

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  18. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Yes, I have! (shudder!) And I thank him pretty often for asking me to dance that night!

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  19. Agnes Avatar

    The first commenter, Shrinky said everything I was going to say. Wonderful 🙂

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  20. Saqib Imran Avatar

    I Like the Poetry and the explanation is superb Keep it up Hope your life as good as you write….!!!

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