Late Summer, 2007

Dear Journal,

I had the great pleasure of spending some time with a very special lady today—Ms. Silvia Rose. As I sit here, cradling my glass of cognac, I’m still awestruck by the fact that she was so completely enchanting. I’m compelled to write about this wonderful encounter, and record it here in my journal. The wonder of that decision is that it will allow me to immediately relive the experience, completely in my mind.

How to begin? I’ll start with the moment we met…

As I sat comfortably in my Louis XVI Splendide Armchair, I motioned to the bar keep that I’d like another Merlot for good measure. The waiting game is always par for the course, when one’s preparing to spend time with a special friend. Actually, this is usually the favorite part of the adventure for me. I thoroughly enjoy sitting in a small enclave within a luxury hotel and enjoying a full bodied red as I await the arrival of that special date. Although pictures do give an individual a certain idea of someone’s appearance, they don’t capture the real essence of who someone really is—that can only be done by meeting them in person. What’s always in question, however, is whether that special friend will actually have been worth the wait.

I remember that my nervous anticipation continued to build, and that led me to begin to do frivolous things, like trace the floral pattern on the padded armrest of the chair with my finger, or continuously check my watch for the immediate and precise time. Finally, it began to draw close to the witching hour, that exact moment of our planned connection time, and I recall that my pulse began to race a bit. Suddenly, I spotted a very attractive woman just near the grand entrance of the Hotel. Was it her?

The woman I spotted looked quite similar to the photos I viewed…but, her live presentation had a verve that’s hard to capture in words. Suddenly, she spotted me too. All I can remember is that her bright eyes lit up and she flashed a radiant smile my way, just before she began to walk over to where I was positioned. To say “walked” would be a bit misleading. In truth, Silvia strode over with all the confidence and grace of a runway model. Her slender and sleek figure moved effortlessly in her elegant sling-back heels, and within seconds she was closing in on the entrance to the bar. As she entered through the oak paneled doorway something happened. It was as if everything else around her just stopped (well, at least it did for me). I imagined, as I continued to look at her, that she’d be as comfortable on a beach in Saint Tropez as she would be on a cat walk in Milan. Moreover, she had a style and a genuine fashion sense that’s just not commonplace. From the moment she entered the room it was clear that she had a way with garments, and had certainly developed a style that’s all her own.

We chatted briefly, and it was evident that this well educated woman could hold her own in mixed company. Her charming European mannerisms, and very sexy accent, continued to hold my attention as we talked about the many intricacies of life. Soon after our initial introduction, it was time to move our adventure into the next stage of our journey. At that point, I couldn’t have been happier then to link her slender arm in mine, and stroll out of the bar, and into a world that we’d soon call our own—even if only for a short period of time.

In writing this, I realize that our parting has clearly given her an opportunity to take a piece of me with her. That’s fine though. I, too, was able to capture something that I’ll keep with me until our paths cross again. What’s that you might ask? Well, I was able to capture a special experience—an experience that many seek, but few enjoy. And with that in mind, I lay down my pen…until another day.