My 27th Birthday

 At the end of March Adam and I took our annual day trip to one of my favorite hidden gems in Arkansas, Eureka Springs! It's a very small town with a big personality. Eureka Springs, Arkansas, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s when it was discovered for its natural springs believed to have therapeutic properties. In 1879, the town was officially incorporated, and it quickly became a popular destination for health seekers and tourists. Its unique architecture, featuring Victorian-style homes and buildings, reflects the wealth generated from tourism, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town's scenic beauty and vibrant arts scene continue to attract visitors today, making it a cherished spot in the Ozark Mountains. The quincke charm and mystery of this town are captured in the architecture that is seamlessly built into the mountainside it is built upon. With The Cresant Hotal at the very top. The Crescent Hotel is often referred to as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.” Built-in 1886 as a luxury resort for wealthy travelers, the hotel boasts stunning Victorian architecture and sweeping views of the surrounding Ozarks. Originally intended as a college for young women, it later served as a hospital during World War II. The Crescent Hotel has gained a reputation for its ghostly residents and paranormal activity, making it a fascinating attraction for both history enthusiasts and those curious about the supernatural. Its rich history and enchanting atmosphere continue to draw visitors year-round, including Adam and me. It feels like we owe it to the past to make the trek to the top and overlook the town and valley below as a sign of respect for what once was. 

Our day began with a long car ride full of energy drinks and podcasts with lots of excitement and nervousness about my health. I haven't been on much pain management but was bringing the medications my doctor had given me for when things get back as well as my trusty cane for the day of walking ahead. I knew with the hills and limestone sidewalks I'd be needing all the help I could get. The year before we had gone with friends and I struggled through immense pain and left feeling unsatisfied with the trip so Adam and I were determined to have fun even if I was a bit loopy from the medications. 

We started at Sweet Spring our go-to parking spot in front of a cute art store. They had a bubble machine going which always added to the whimsical atmosphere of the town. We went from shop to shop talking with new faces and bumping into a few of our favorite owners along the way. A new favorite location is a small bead store where we spent probably over an hour picking our vibrant beads for various projects. Adam collected natural materials to make a windchime for his car and my ADHD self was picking beads for two different bookmarks and multiple sets of beads and charms for hair clips. 

As we made our way down the mountain roads, we stopped at our favorite coffee shop for a much-needed chia latte and some people-watching.

We took a moment to catch our breath and savor our drinks. I had been using my cane throughout the entire adventure, and although I was still feeling sore and moving slowly, Adam never minded. In fact, it only encouraged us to take our day moment by moment, being present and aware.

As we zigzagged through the town staying mostly on the main drag we stopped to admire one store that offered old-timey dress-up photography I was pointing and showing Adam the ones I would love to do together someday just for the fun of it when an older couple passed us on the street with the women beaming with a smile and said: "You two should definitely do it!" I laughed and called back "That's what I told him!" We all had a passing laugh when I turned back I noticed the very large sign that read "Marriages performed daily." ...I looked at Adam with both amusement and bewilderment we locked as eyes and laughed out "I didn't even see that! But I think that's what she was talking about" Adam agreed and we had a fun laugh about it. We had talked about marriage lately and it seemed like an amusing sign from the universe. 

Our day was winding down as we retraced our steps and entered a few more shops on our way back up the hillside to the car. At this point my need to rest was constant and it took us longer than usual to make it. When we were reunited with the car I could sit and truly relax when Adam checked in to make sure I still wanted to pay our visit to the Cresant Hotal. Of course, I did. It was redbud season in Arkansas and I wanted to see the blooms around the valley from the lookout balcony. It's a beautiful and magical spot with amazing views that can only be truly experienced in person.

To see the breeze rustle through every branch as far as the eye can see with the ground meeting the sky like motionless waves of green, brown, and purple. The whole day had been fairly quiet and we had the lookout to ourselves and very rare acruance. While enjoying the view mesmerized by the bright patches of fuchsia. Adam asked me to close my eyes. Hearing the wind and birds I felt Adam hold my hand and place a small soft box into it. My heart skipped a beat. "Open" In my hand was a small pink box with a ribbon tied into a bow on top. "Happy birthday" With shaking hands, confusion, excited I carefully opened the box very aware of my butter fingers. Inside a single golden ban made of leaves and gemstones. "It's a promise ring. I will marry you someday. This ring represents us right now." The ring was two vining branches reaching together and wrapped around my finger with alternating stones. Our birthstones. Perfect. Breath-taking and oh so us. 

It was a wonderful end to a wonderful day with a wonderful person. I couldn't stop smiling. I felt so loved and seen. I knew and have known for a long time we wanted to be together for the rest of our lives but to have such a thoughtful gift made my heart sing. Being 27 is looking pretty good.