Holden Holds my Heart...

Below is the glorious view of the Atlantic Ocean from the deck steps down to Holden Beach. I have already posted about what a special place Holden Beach is, a relaxing retreat where life's hardest decisions come down to things like - Which book to read in the afternoon? Do I want to "boogie board" or "body surf" the waves? Should we grill out or jaunt over to the Provision Company restaurant for some fresh seafood for dinner? Do I feel like having a Corona w/ a lime at 2pm out on the sun deck, just because I can?!? It's a place where commercialized super stores and giant hotel chains haven't made there way into town to crowd up the one bridge that takes you across the inland waterway to access all the beautiful beachfront homes. There's not even a Starbucks, which could be looked at as a bummer, however there is an awesome locally owned and operated java joint called "Cappuccino By the Sea" - full of treasured trinkets and tasty flavored lattes.

JJ and I were fortunate enough to be able to continue our now annual trip to Holden Beach a few weeks ago. A vacation I'd been thinking about all year long: 

So ready to unwind and relax in my "low rider" beach chair with my feet nestled in the sand. 

So ready to play all those "beach" tunes I'd loaded onto my iPod. 

So ready to enjoy quality time walking along the beach, hand in hand, with my best friend...

So ready to watch the sunrise over the east end of the island.

What I didn't know is that I was So ready to make the biggest decision of my life. While watching those beautiful rays of sun pop through the clouds, loving every minute of this remarkable moment, feeling the sun hit my smiling face - IT was happening...JJ down on one knee asking me to marry him. Tears of happiness & excitement overwhelmed both of us as we made the biggest decision of our lives...to spend it together...forever.