291

Happy monthly anniversary, my love. 

Summer fades to cooler air, the sweet decomposition of fallen leaves, and the excuse to pile more blankets on the bed. Thank you for being kind to me as I still sit in limbo about my writing career. Thank you for believing in me when I don't. You see the longer view. You remember the good things I've done. I got us home from Europe. I found us a place to live and made sure we were comfortable. I stay healthy. I run. I keep going. And that's enough for you. I love you.

 290

Happy monthly anniversary, my love. The summer is starting to give up its wretched, prying heat at long last and we are both finding stability. I'm landing more opportunities for work. You are settling in at your job. We are in our home. Europe is behind us. We have the complete unclenching of the spirit that only comes when you have peace of being on familiar ground. It's more than enough and better than luck. It's the thing I see this month. And if things work out, we will have better news 30 days from now. Until then, I hope you are happy. 

 289

Another month together, my love. We swelter in the July heat as we continue through the summer, you working and me looking for someplace to land still. A couple things might shake out, but I'm still grateful to have enough breathing space to apply and not get discouraged when I get ghosted or come in second place in the final interview. It's been a tough job market, but it'll work out. I'm getting career assistance now and I feel like it's a good way forward. Thank you for believing in me and your patience. Happy monthly anniversary. 

 288

Happy anniversary, my love. Twenty-four years. One condo, two domestic apartments, five overseas apartments. Thousands of miles travelled together. Thousands of meals eaten together. Countless struggles shared and victories embraced. I love you. I hope you have enjoyed this journey so far. 

 287

Happy monthly anniversary, my love. We’ve been home, in our new home, for a month. The moving boxes are fewer. Pictures and other memories are going on walls. The haze of Europe is fading. We’ve always lived here, among the trees in our humble home outside of Seattle. We have put the traveling circus of Europe behind us and have chosen to breathe and rest among coffee, rain, friends, and much more. It is peaceful for now, and I hope you are happy amid the familiar green.