Tahoe- Take Me Away

Stephen and I celebrated our anniversary this week. Five years to the day was when we met. It was all in the name of pastrami. We met at a local sandwich shop. I saw Stephen first, there was some thing about those radiant blue eyes that drew my attention his way, it was as though his eyes spoke to me. The click was instant and the attraction deep.



Stephen arranged a phenomenal surprise vacation in South Tahoe, right on the beach. I was so touched by his efforts in creating the most romantic get away.
Lake Tahoe was amazingly blue, the color of indigo, the luster of the sun illuminated over the pine covered peaks, portraying its brilliant warmth over the large body of water. As we sat on the beach I became enthralled in my thoughts. My mind was free from any care, all worries washed away.















The elements became so symbolic as I reflected the thoughts of two lives intertwined.

Earth: represents the grounding of a soul who has roamed aimlessly in search for what was lost but becomes found. Planting roots with intent to flourish. Anchoring to a steadfast and unfaltering rock of trust.

Wind: is the constant movement of two lives, like the wind pushing and reshaping the clouds. Thus, to remember that life and love is ever changing.

Water: life ever flowing, the clarity and purity is vital to the survival of what is nourished from it. If the life within us is polluted, stagnant, or murky this is all we are capable of giving to another life.

Fire: is the wanting, the desire and esoteric passion. A remembrance to keep the fire warm, bright and inviting.




Some of the activities we indulged in consisted of:

Kayaking- Stephen professed I was "The Boss" I stubbornly divulged my qualifications as semi pro kayaker, due to the fact I use to ocean kayak when I lived in Hawaii and I was a camp counselor for a full summer. Stephen felt his credentials as an Eagle Scout and a Merritt badge in canoeing were exemplary and noble. So, with two bosses in one little kayak and tension weighing, it was quickly dissolved when both captains went rolling into the water after the kayak tipped. The shock of cold can be quite humbling. We laughed so hard, till our sides ached. We climbed back in the kayak and paddled off more harmonious for the remainder of our three hour excursion, enjoying the scenery and the ever so clear water below us.



Beach lounging on the beaches of Tahoe is so luring, the sand is pebble white and fine. Much wild life roams the beach: geese, gulls, ducks, and squirrels


Strolling the beach front shoppes we made a stop at a premier art gallery, some of the most exquisite art I have seen in quite some time. My favorite artist was a Vietnamese artist, Tuan, To experience the figurative sculpture created by this artist is to experience the human form glorified in bronze with masterful precision. However, the true uniqueness of his style is not only in the expression of human beauty, but to infuse physical “form” with an almost divine sense of weightlessness.
Tuan’s artwork radiates peacefulness and serenity through graceful lines and rhythmic compositions. While glorifying the human body, he, at the same time glorifies the human spirit, exalting the exhilarating experience of life. Tuan depicts his sculpture with a celestial beauty that carries his human figures beyond earthly existence and into the realm of the heavenly in quiet celebration of life. Modeled in clay and cast in bronze, Tuan’s sculptures appear to be magically suspended like angels on the wing.


Playing Poker at the Casino's on the Nevada side was a lot of fun. I am not much of a gambler but, it was fun to watch Stephen play the tables and I played a few games. I discovered virtual black jack, this became fascinating. We lost our shorts, usually Stephen wins or at least breaks even- No such luck this trip!

The food was sensationally delightful. For our anniversary dinner we ate at Ciera, a four diamond restaurant. So exquisite, a culinary heightened experience that I never knew existed. Stephen and I both ordered fillet mignon. It was the most tender steak, can only be described as a meat that melts in your mouth. The appetizer we ordered was Ahi- with a pepper crusted surrounding, in the most astounding way I have ever tasted this Hawaiian fish. Yukon potatoes were heavenly and the creamed spinach so savory. For desert a seductive chocolate cake with pureed fruits and a fabulous vanilla ice cream. Yes, I am over zealous when it comes to good food.

There were so many great and enjoyable restaurants. From Monster over sized BBQ ribs to a all you can eat Sushi. The Sushi bar prepared very fresh and flavorful rolls, my favorite was the "Ninja" roll and the ever so popular "Rainbow" roll.

Best part of the trip was the company. I truly married my best friend and thank God each day for the love of my life. This year has been a real growing year for our relationship and has proven we have the glue it takes to form a strong bond.
All elements are in harmony.

To us Stephen and the great man that you are in all things. Love you so much!