We hadn't been spending much time together due to really busy schedules, so Luke suggested that we block off a few hours on a Saturday afternoon, October 18th. I readily agreed.

Saturday came, and after arriving home from a morning appointment, Luke directed me to change from my sandals into a pair of tennis shoes, and to grab a sweater. A quick change later, we were headed out the door and into the jeep. After securing my seat belt, he handed me a blindfold.

Thirty minutes later, with no idea where we were, I was allowed to remove the blindfold. Revealed before me was the back entrance to the Oregon Country Fair. Many of you may know the Oregon Country Fair is an event I won't miss, and a place and community that is very important to me. I look forward to it all year. Luke had been bugging me for months to come out here during the off season, to see what it is like without all the people.

We wandered past my dad's booth and along the Long Tom River. The Fair site is so beautiful in the fall, so many colors, so natural. Despite its emptiness, it doesn't feel abandoned, like a ghost town, it feels full and welcoming. The spirits of the fair family are still present.

We continued down the path until we reached the Shady Grove stage. This place is particularly special to me as it is the location of my first kiss. As I snapped photos of the foliage, Luke motioned for me to join him on the bench. He sat me down and told me that he couldn't be my boyfriend any more, and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. Grinning from ear to ear, I heard him ask if I would marry him. I couldn't say yes fast enough.