Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / anniversary / 12 on 12

12 on 12

October 12, 2010 at 9:45 am by Claudia

It’s our 12th anniversary today. I like saying it’s the 12th anniversary on the 12th.

12 years ago, wanting desperately to avoid the stress of a big wedding with all the logistics involved, we, with the blessing of our families, married in the small town of Nevada City, California. Don was acting in a one man show there and it was the perfect, charming place in which to marry. Since the traditional day off for the theater is Monday, that was our wedding day. We had 4 witnesses; Don’s brother and his wife, and our married friends who ran the theater. The wedding took place in the beautiful old Victorian Parlor of the National Hotel. I walked down a grand stairway in my wedding dress (found for me by my wonderful sister) and the moment I saw Don I started crying. Don cried. And our friends cried. It was incredibly moving and wondrous. And I remember every detail. I don’t know if I would have if we’d had all the hoopla of a big wedding. We were both ‘present’ in every way.

Did I mention that I had a cast on my left ankle? Oh yes.  Earlier in the summer, I fell down our back steps and broke my ankle.  I had fully planned for the cast to be off by the day of the wedding. But, the orthopedist informed me that my walking cast had to stay on a bit longer.  Tears flowed. I wanted to be a beautiful bride and how could I be that when I had a big old cast on my ankle? Don filled my heart as he has done so many times when he said that the cast would be part of our story. That it made the whole experience richer.

So I walked – carefully – down the stairs, assisted by my sister-in-law.

And it is part of our story.

Happy Anniversary, honey.

Filed Under: anniversary 46 Comments

Comments

  1. Jan M says

    October 12, 2010 at 9:56 am

    Happy Anniversary! May you have many more wonderful years together.

    Reply
  2. Rita says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:11 am

    Happy Anniversary Claudia and Done. I love the story. Have a special one today and everyday. Ciao Rita mammabellarte

    Reply
  3. fitty's pinky rose cottage says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:22 am

    Happy Anniversary dear Claudia! Have a special day and many many more!

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth and Gary says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:43 am

    A very happy anniversary to you two sweethearts!
    12 years of sharing your life with the one you love and who makes your heart sing, who could ask for anything more! Love is wonderful!
    Big hugs, Elizabeth

    Reply
  5. the gardeners cottage says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:49 am

    congratulations claudia and don. here’s to many, many more.

    ~janet

    Reply
  6. Caseymini says

    October 12, 2010 at 11:07 am

    Happy Anniversary to the two of you! May the rest of your many years together be as happy as the first 12!

    Reply
  7. cindy @ cottage instincts says

    October 12, 2010 at 11:12 am

    What a great story Claudia! Congrats on 12 years and here’s to many, many more full of making happy memories with the one who owns your heart :)

    Happy Anniversary!

    Reply
  8. Susy says

    October 12, 2010 at 11:13 am

    Oh my gosh you have a love story! How blessed you are. Happy Anniversary.

    Reply
  9. Beverly says

    October 12, 2010 at 11:16 am

    Wishes for a very happy anniversary for you and Don. I wish you many years of shared love and joy.

    Thank you for sharing your sweet memories with us.♥

    Reply
  10. Snappy Di says

    October 12, 2010 at 11:27 am

    Happy 12th!

    I’m pouting because as I read your post I kept hoping to see your wedding photo.

    pout pout.

    Di

    Reply
  11. Into Vintage says

    October 12, 2010 at 11:53 am

    Happy Anniversary Claudia & Don – great story! Coincidentally, I’ve attended a wedding in Nevada City and it really is a charming little town. Have a wonderful day, you two!

    Reply
  12. Createology says

    October 12, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    Happy 12th on the 12th. I am just finding your blog via Donna of Brynwood. I am so surprised that I am reading your post today as I am so fortunate that I LIVE in Nevada City for 12 years now. Such a small world…

    Reply
  13. Thoughtfully blended hearts says

    October 12, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    Wishing you a beautiful 12 on 12 anniversary!!! Great story!!!

    Reply
  14. Linda says

    October 12, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    Happy Anniversary. I hope you have many more…My husband & I had a very small wedding with just our parents & siblings. No one thought it would last because we were so young. But, on Sept. 29 of this year we celebrated 49 yrs together. Don’t give up during not so good times is the advice I always give to my children. Things will always be OK again if you really want it that way.

    Reply
  15. The Boston Lady says

    October 12, 2010 at 3:29 pm

    Happy 12th on the 12th to both of you! What a lovely story. Simplicity makes things last longer, I think. Ann

    Reply
  16. Marianne@Songbird says

    October 12, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    Happy Anniversary!! I hope you are both enjoying the day to its fullest.
    And many happy returns to the both of you!!

    Reply
  17. Frog Hollow Farm Girl says

    October 12, 2010 at 3:52 pm

    So lovely – congratulations 12×12 time! Ciao, bella!

    Reply
  18. Jill says

    October 12, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    Okay, I teared up picturing you on that staircase… I’m such a sucker for true romance. I think small, intimate weddings are the best. Happy Anniversary to you and Don~
    Hugs,
    Jill
    PS: I loooove Nevada City! Have you ever been to the Christmas Festivities there? It’s in the evenings (every wed or thur? of December), everyone bundled up, chestnuts roasting… so wonderful!

    Reply
  19. Rizzi says

    October 12, 2010 at 5:46 pm

    HI CLAUDIA,
    BEST WISHES, AND GOD BLESS YOU AND DON ON 12 YEARS OF A WONDERFUL MARRIAGE.
    MAY THERE BE 12 MORE
    WONDERFUL YEARS IN YOUR HAPPY LITTLE COTTAGE. RIZZI

    Reply
  20. Lisa says

    October 12, 2010 at 6:35 pm

    Happy Anniversary!! What a great story sounds like the PERFECT wedding!! Well done!
    Hugs, Lisa

    Reply
  21. Olive Cooper says

    October 12, 2010 at 6:54 pm

    What a perfect wedding! Tears are so much sweeter when both the bride and groom cry. The two of you have a rich life and a true compainion is difficult to find. Truly you are blessed. I know you know that. bighugs♥olive

    Reply
  22. birdie blue says

    October 12, 2010 at 7:17 pm

    happy anniversary, claudia! your wedding sounds like it was perfect.

    xo
    ~molly

    Reply
  23. She'sSewPretty says

    October 12, 2010 at 7:19 pm

    Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby! I hope you had a wonderful day!!

    Reply
  24. Kim says

    October 12, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    what a sweet story- Happy Anniversary to you both :)

    Reply
  25. Leann says

    October 12, 2010 at 9:58 pm

    What a great story – Don was right! Happy anniversary to you both – Wishing you many happy more years!

    Leann

    Reply
  26. NanE says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:10 pm

    Oh Claudia, what a wonderful story! I bet you were a beautiful bride. Sometimes I think kids these days with the $3,000.00 dresses and expensive receptions get so wrapped up in the “wedding” and don’t put enough thought into the “marriage”. Happy, Happy Anniversary and many more!

    Reply
  27. The Shanty Girl says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:52 pm

    Happy Anniversary! I went to Nevada City Ca, back in 1981….it is very pretty and I had fun! Thanks for sharing your memories!
    sherry

    Reply
  28. koralee says

    October 12, 2010 at 10:57 pm

    Congratulations to you both!!!

    Anniversaries are always so special no matter which one you are celebrating!

    hugs…

    Reply
  29. debi says

    October 12, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    Ahhhh What a sweet story!

    Happy Anniversary to you both!

    Reply
  30. Kdottie Designs says

    October 13, 2010 at 12:55 am

    Happy Anniversary! Beautiful story :)

    Reply
  31. Georgianna says

    October 13, 2010 at 2:40 am

    Happy Anniversary, dear friend!! Love your story. xoxo

    Reply
  32. TinaTx says

    October 13, 2010 at 8:56 am

    Happy Anniversary! Hope you have a most wonderful day!

    Reply
  33. Betty Jo says

    October 13, 2010 at 9:50 am

    Happy Anniversary Dear Claudia! I hope you had a wonderful day. How neat it was the 12th on the 12th. ♥

    Reply
  34. Creative Carmelina says

    October 13, 2010 at 10:36 am

    Claudia…

    this is such a sweet and endearing story! you are such a charming woman….and to hear you speak/write of your wedding day like this was oh so cute!

    Happy 12 12….This month is also my anniversary…
    I’ll be married 16 years this year….time sure flies when you’re happily married to the right guy! right!!!!!

    ciao bella
    thanks for sharing this piece of you…and be careful you don’t break any bones!

    CREATIVE CARMELINA

    Reply
  35. Rose Garden Romantic says

    October 13, 2010 at 12:21 pm

    Hi Claudia! Happy Anniversary! I used to live in CA and I LOVE Nevada City! It is such a charming town! I love all the little shops and the huge trees and hills. Wish I could live there.
    Michelle

    Reply
  36. Crystal Rose Cottage says

    October 13, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    Happy Anniversary! Sweet wedding story!~Hugs, Patti

    Reply
  37. Donna says

    October 13, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    Oh, Claudia – what a beautiful post! You and Don are truly soulmates (sigh…..)… Happy Anniversary!!! No picture of the bride in her cast? Pretty please?… Donna

    Reply
  38. Sweet Cottage Dreams says

    October 13, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    happy anniversary to a gorgeous couple!!

    xxoo

    Reply
  39. Dorthe says

    October 13, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    Claudia,- what a wonderfull wedding,–happy anniversary–
    in such a special place-only few loved people around,- and two happy lovers. I wish you both many wonderfull years to come.
    Hugs, Dorthe

    Reply
  40. Lynn says

    October 13, 2010 at 3:21 pm

    Happy anniversary, Claudia! Many many more!
    It sounds like you two are perfect for each other!

    Reply
  41. Dogwood says

    October 13, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    what a beautiful bride. love the dress. nevada city is the sweetest place. i was just in that darling little town yesterday. happy anniversary to the two of you…

    Reply
  42. Terri says

    October 13, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    Happy Anniversary to both of you!
    I love that you both were so Present at your wedding. What a blessing.
    Hugs,
    Terri

    Reply
  43. A Romantic Porch says

    October 13, 2010 at 11:13 pm

    Claudia, That IS such a beautiful story! Your story! And you are a very beautiful bride. Love is wonderful. May you have many more years and years of “wonderful”! xo rachel

    Reply
  44. kayellen says

    October 13, 2010 at 11:26 pm

    Blessing to you both!
    Happy Anniversary:))

    Kay Ellen

    Reply
  45. Linda says

    October 13, 2010 at 11:50 pm

    This is such a sweet post, Claudia! I just read the one with the cast photo, too! You both look SO happy! Happy Anniversary!

    Reply
  46. The Quintessential Magpie says

    October 17, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    Happy, Happy, HAPPY Anniversary, dear Claudia!

    I am crying reading this. It truly is part of your story, and I can always feel the love between you and Don when I read your blog. Good things come to those who wait! :-)

    XO,

    Sheila

    Reply
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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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