11.13.12
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 7:00AM 
You dislike this picture. It was taken from an awkward angle. I was holding the phone at a diagonal above our heads. The sun was bright and in our faces from the wrong direction...whatever that means in photo lingo. I love it for so many reasons beyond the composition of the photograph. I love that you are making me laugh, as you often do. I get your sense of humor and you exercise it constantly with me. You calm me when I need to be calmed, you give me pep talks when I need to be pepped, you're quiet when I need silence, but at any given time, you can make me laugh. I LOVE that. This picture is from last week when we were picnicking on the Salt Creek Hill - a place you and I both feel at peace. You for the ocean and how alive it makes you feel, and I for the overall expansiveness of the view. That view makes me feel small in a big world. This picture was from last Tuesday, we were both able to take a break in the middle of the day to picnic. I never take the flexibility of our work schedules for granted. The flexibility that allows us the freedom for the occasional mid-day picnic and that somehow we pay our bills and eat well. Sometimes I stress at you "we aren't working hard enough." Panic! This stress is not because I don't trust you. It is merely because sometimes, when we're eating a La Sirena picnic on the hill, this life feels too good to be true. Thank you for convincing me to do the work I enjoy. Please know I always want that for you too... even when I panic. Back to the picture. You're kissing me, and affection is second nature to you. For me, physical touch is something that is intentional. But for you, it is part of your communication. The bun squeezes while I'm cooking, the hand on my waist when you first wake up, the open armed late night greetings at the door when I get home from work. I hear you. I see you. I'm so lucky to be yours.
Today, November 13th, we have been married for two years. Remember the crazy fun, perfect party we had? Perfect... if you don't count the music going out when I was at the top of the aisle with my Dad. But all things considered, it was damn perfect. I think we would both agree that year one and year two of being married have been different. The floundering that happened in year one felt more steady as time passed. We dedicated year two to knowing each other better, to loving the other how they most feel loved instead of how we most easily give love. We don't get it right all the time, but this year, you have filled me up more than ever, and as I most needed you to. I feel known by you. That sounds so hippy-dippy, but I think that's what we all want in this life, to be understood, and you are the person who understands me. This year we chose to seek counsel, to get advice from the older and the wiser about marriage and communication. We learned to apologize quicker and more willingly than before. This past year is the one I most frequently stormed up to the couch late at night. One time I took all the bedding with me, practically guaranteeing you'd come after me. I love the (charming, in retrospect) visual of me wrapped in a giant comforter at the top of the stairs, upset about who knows what, while you're truly trying to talk me down (maybe arguing back?) and just as the crazy had run its course, you swooped in to make me laugh. Which is why we have a photo of this moment. One day when we get the hang of doing this well and become the older and the wiser, I will show young couples this photo. Let's keep it real, for everyones sake, you can love each other deeply and still get unbelievably pissed.
I love our real life - the laughing, the picnics, the affection, the learning, the fighting and desire to be a better version of ourselves out of the love for the other... and if any of it does turn out to be too good to be true, I will be right next to you the entire time.
Happy Anniversary, Hugh Forte. I love you SO much.
Reader Comments (84)
This made me tear up on the way to work. Beautiful. Cheers to many more years of love and joy with each other x
Well, I just forwarded this to Sam because it made me smile so darn much. As we, like most couples I'm sure, have had our crazy stair moments, too. Love the honesty of this post and the way you two set intentions for each new year. That's wonderful. Also: hooray for mid-day picnics! xx
S-Can't tell if my last comment posted or not, but here to report back that I sent this to Sam and he just came in to hug me and we had a good chuckle about how much this reminded us of us. Thanks for that :) Happy Anniversary!
Your words are resounding and so lovely. Congratulations on finding each other, and on two years of marriage! Xo
So Sweet. My favorite part is what you wrote about your fights. I think Passion is dead without fights and forgiveness. It is a bold kind of Love..not always comfortable but so so good for each other.
beautiful. I love this. happy anniversary to two people who clearly see love and marriage in the most raw and wonderful way.
So glad you posted this. Happy Anniversary you two!
This made me laugh and identify, and it made me thankful. God is good to sanctify and change us through marriage. He is I am, we are becoming. Thanks for sharing.
True love at its purest :)...is when no matter what you know you count with at least one that special person, when silence is comfortable, & when the simple things together are the best times ever..
When I was reading this it made me feel familiar with my current relationship.. i shed tears of joy :)
we are not married yet because we are still students, we've been together for 3 years and a half and
we wish for a simple and joyful life together
Im the happiest i have ever been
Congrats on your amazing relationship,
thanks for sharing!
Sara. This post, you, your marriage, your honesty are stunning. I can so deeply identify with everything you say. I'm not married, but we celebrated our 3-year anniversary on 11/13 as well. This past year has been really tough, but I never regret seeing the hard times through. This stuff is not supposed to be easy or perfect! It's work. Thank you thank you for being so refreshingly honest. I read this at the perfect time. You never fail to inspire.
What a sweet tribute to your relationship -- and so beautifully written. Alex and I both loved the photo -- we've been there too :) Thanks for the brief glance into your life. Congratulations on the success of your marriage, and your artistic partnership too!!
Such a nice thing to read! :)
We just celebrated two years on November 14! Congratulations to you! :)
love! read this post again several times a year. congrats on your 2nd anniversary.
I love this post! I lovs the honesty, the romance, the simple "real life-ness" of it. Thank you for sharing & Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary to you!
Thank you for all your words and encouragement that the hard times are what makes a relationship true, real and gives it strength xx
You know you accidentally posted this on the Internet right? Everybody is reading it and getting tears all over the place ;)
thank you for sharing this and keeping it real! somehow this post made me so happy for you while reminding me how much I love my partner for so many of the same things. Congrats to both of you!
so sweet.
I love the idea of roasting the squash with balsamic vinegar and serve the salad inside it.
Original, tasty, and healthy. Another great recipe from you guys!
Congrats! this is so sweet!!!
haha! this pic makes me laugh out loud because this would SOOOO be me when mad at my honey! too cute :)
The realness of this post is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. And happy anniversary!
This is just great. I love how honest and loving it is. Happy anniversary!
the heart in this is beautiful. so utterly beautiful.
So cute!! Congratulations :)
Sara, you must be the most authentic, creative human being that's ever lived. :) I adore your blog and am an avid follower! I was sitting at a table with some friends some months back and we were talking about following your dreams, the ideal job, and finding joy in each moment. Your name came up. (We were also inhaling something fabulous from your cookbook!) You inspired us by your passion and true joy for cooking. You have an special gift. Congrats on 2 YEARS!!! It only gets better, I promise! Communication and honesty are key. So is keeping it simple. You deserve the best!
this was so beautiful! it brought so much real emotion up in myself. stay strong, you two seem perfect!
"i feel known by you"
romance.
congrats, x
Sara, I have tears in my eyes. Brandon and I have been married just over two years as well and I an so identify with everything you just said. It's such a zany adventure, this whole marriage thing, and having a partner to love you, know you, encourage you, make you laugh (and occasionally infuriate you!) is something I never want to take for granted. You've got a gift with words, girl - keep up this beautiful blog! Happy belated Anniversary to you and Hugh!! xo
Thanks for this post. So honest, and incredibly encouraging to me. You amaze me.
I believe the underlying reason I read my beloved list of blogs is for inspiration and the search for a feeling of connection.
Your site has always been an amazing inspiration source for me, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your writing and reflections. But this post was beyond beautiful. Thank you for your honesty. It was so reassuring to know that emotions I often struggle with are not singular to my experience. Having recently moved in with my long term boyfriend, it has been a joy...and stressful at time! And at times silly worries can build up and make one wonder if they are the only people in the world with relationship hurdles. I felt connection with this beautiful piece and wish you and your husband a wonderful 2013!
Now...onto that fantastic salad with quinioa, sweet potatoes and apples :)
Such a sweet, real post. You will treasure this years down the road. Love you both.
Ummm... WOW!! Amazing!! I just celebrated my one year wedding anniversary and can i just say your honesty and realness are SO! REFRESHING! It was emotional to read this!! Congratulations on your love and anniversary! May you have a lifetime of always getting closer to come!