~ Elizabeth ~

The recent Reno rain reminds me of my three years I spent in the luscious land of Portland, Oregon. This morning as I arose and got ready for work, Tess Henley's Pandora station serenaded me. My mind is filled with romanticism this time of year and Tess Henley's voice and lyrics exude romanticism. Her music brought back a beautiful memory. Here it is. 

It was a drizzly cool night in November. A close friend and I sat at North45, a bar known for their whiskey. Over two-hundred in fact, from around the world. The warmth of the whiskey on our lips, and the oak flavor on the back of our tongues assisted the night. The bar was full. The night's energy was high but in a rhythmical balance. Many women walked through the 'fogged up' glass door. The window seats were filled. We had prime spots at the center of the bar and were managing our space powerfully. We chatted work. We discussed future ideas, travel, events. And then we talked women. What we desire. What we are frustrated with. What we find beautiful, seductive, alluring, and enticing. We surveyed the room, we laughed, we gazed, we debated and then we went back to talking life and science. That is until she walked in. Her boots were sturdy, her leather jacket was weathered in a beautiful life experience way and her hair was long and free flowing with subtle curls that were incongruent yet elegantly balanced. Her scarf was bound around her neck tightly while her blouse was brilliantly unbuttoned just enough to see her soft and sensual skin. She was elegantly simple and seductively stunning. I hit my friends arm and with a smirk on my face and eyes wide open I gave him the head nod to check out the beauty that had entered our space. "She is stunning," I said. "You think," he replied. "Yes, I do." I began to share that she had just enough elegance with thankfully enough life experience and inner confidence. I could see it from her demeanor. She had lived, experience trials, persevered and knew she was beautiful. She knew she didn't have to try to hard though. She knew a like minded individual would see her depth of beauty and I'm still thankful to our universe that somehow I did! I leaned over to my friend and said, she looks like an Elizabeth. We had been guessing names periodically throughout the night. I had no reason for saying her name was Elizabeth other than a feeling. The bartender waited on them as they sat in a small two person table slightly just behind my left shoulder. The bartender returned to her post behind the bar to make their drinks. I knew the bartender enough to converse with her. I told her I thought she was stunning. She made their drinks, dropped them off and returned to the bar. I asked her if she knew her name and she said no. I asked her if she would go find out. She was curious why, but without question went with it and returned to the table. After a moment she returned to the bar and told me her name was Elizabeth! I turned to my friend with shock and confidence, actually more confidence for something resided within me when I first guessed. We laughed, embraced hands and might of even hugged a bit. It was a beautiful and powerful moment. 

After some time, we bought the second round of drinks and asked if we could join their table. They looked at each other and obliged. Conversation was fun. Many laughs filled the table. A few more drinks, many stories of our travels and current scenarios passed the night. We exchanged numbers and wished each other a beautiful night. We met a few times after. Never engaged physically, but that doesn't negate the beauty and sensuality of life and one another that we shared. She travelled and lived in Europe for close to a year after. I followed her travels through her artwork and beautiful photography she would post. I believe she is back in the majestic city of Portland, Oregon. Wherever she is, I know she continues to bring beauty into this day. So here's to Elizabeth. Here's to life. Here's to the moment and the energies that are present. May we tap into them, embrace them, and understand their names so that we can feel the power that I believe is intended. This season breathes romanticism for me, may it breathe whatever you will and desire it to breathe into you. 

Cheers, Elizabeth and all, wherever you may be.