Michelle: if, somehow, you find this article, stop here—do not read below. Friends, family, do not share it with her!

Note: see comments to RSVP, leave your email, and for any coordination, questions, and answers!

Update! Kelly (Michelle bestie, overseas) had the idea to host a zoom call on the evening of the 26th at 6pm MST for those who can’t attend in person. Here’s the info, only will work then: 

Walk the Talk Show Elephant Journal’s Personal Meeting Room

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Save this date: 6pm MST on the 26th.

You are cordially invited to…

Waylon’s secret (shhh) Proposal to Michelle.

Short and sweet!

Basically the plan is to invite dear friends, family, including hers–and you’ll all meet early at Chautauqua, on the lower lawn (Northeast corner of the big lawn, about 50 yards below the Dining Hall, see dropped pin on map and photos) and hide behind the bushes there. There will be an organizer to welcome you. Masks on, noses covered, distance as much as you can. You all will meet at 300 sharp. If you’re at all late, please don’t come as it might impact the proposal. You won’t be entirely hidden, just make sure you’re not showing your faces and not being too loud. Leticia and Daniel will help organize the Top-Secret Bush Squadron!

I’ll arrive with Michelle at 330, with Redford, and as we walk up (wait until we’re about 50 feet away, it’s a long lawn, we’ll be walking from just east of the main entrance of Chautaqua, heading east, along the bottom of the lawn) you all come out with hand-painted letters–

> if you’d like to do one of the letters, on used cardboard that you find (I’ll mount them afterwards in my backyard fence), let me know and I’ll assign you a letter. The wood can be any size, but the letter needs to be 1.5 feet tall, filled in with white, outlined in black. Wood, thick paper also okay. No plywood please, keeping it eco. They’ll spell out W I L L  Y O U   M A R R Y   M E ?.

So when you see us walking up, you wait until we get close, come out from behind the bushes, holding the letters in order (those without letters stand behind the letter bearers, just be part of the group). You’ll all be in a group/line with your backs directly to the Flatirons behind you. We’ll be in front of you by about 20 feet. Please don’t directly interact with Michelle, no hugs etc., this is the moment! But you can of course wave and say hi and all.

At that moment I’ll lower to one knee (just in front of the little rock in the photo where I’ll ask her to stand). Silence at that point please. Then I’ll propose, hopefully she’ll say yes (!), I’ll present her with the engagement ring, my friend Ryan will film, there will be a photographer, and when I rise you all can clap or whatever you’re inspired.

We’ll then warm up with hot toddies/toasts (thank you, Zeal!) (to-do for you: byo mug) and have a brief outdoor non-alcoholic tea party on the lawn (it might be getting darker/colder). If you’re inspired to bring champagne or whiskey, please get something local as possible, in glass. If you’re driving, please don’t drink much.

> It’s on Friday, February 26, from 3 sharp-345ish.
> If you would like to be part of this, you have to be on time.
> If you’re painting a letter, no flaking out please. [A few of the letters are already taken–reply if you’d like a letter and I’ll let you know.] > Bring a blanket to sit on after if so inspired, spending on weather.
> Dress warmly! BYO Mug!
> Please confirm with your email so I can connect you all in a group for any fun communications.

I think that’s it! You’re invited because you’re loved. ~ Waylon (and, Michelle)

The Spot. The Bushes. The Map.