One year ago, today

Today, this August 11th of 2009, marks our one year anniversary. It was this day last summer that Martine flew into Burbank airport and I met her outside at the baggage claim, wearing a grin that I couldn't wipe off my face. I think I wore a trench in the concrete with my pacing, as I impatiently waited to finally be in her physical presence. She came through those doors, her beautiful blue eyes searching for me. When our eyes met, my heart skipped at least two beats, and when she smiled, I lost my breath. Then she put her arms around me. I already knew I was in love with her, but at that moment it was etched deeper into my heart.

I took her back to my tiny studio apartment so she could change for lunch. As we were heading out the door, she pulled me in and kissed me for the first time. My breath caught...again. I was sooooooooo nervous and shy, and she caught me off guard. It was exquisite. We had our first date that afternoon at The Abbey in West Hollywood. We sat in an outdoor booth, drank crisp, chilled white wine, ate yummy food, and spent a little more time talking and honing our non-verbal communication skills. My heart felt as though it would burst and it still does today, even more so. It may sound crazy, but I already knew by then that I wanted our relationship to be long-term and committed. When you know, you know...ya know?!

We've had more than our share of trials in this first year. Martine canceled part of a tour to be by my side when my brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, had surgery to remove it, and ultimately died from "complications" during his recovery. She altered one of her songs so we could perform it at his memorial service, and she honored me by suggesting I sing it to him. All of this happened within the first three months of our relationship. I'm still amazed by how she stood by me and held me up through all of that. I would have done the same thing for her, without hesitation. I am grateful we were able to spend a week with him before his surgery. It still makes me angry that they were both robbed of getting to know each other. I know he would have loved her and she would have loved him. I like to think the universe had bigger and better plans for his soul...but I'll never know. I also like to think he is watching over us as we experience our adventures, and that he's smiling down on us as he sees our love grow.

On April 10th, I left my employment at Chace Productions to go on the road with my love full-time. It was also some time after midnight, technically April 11th, that I got down on one knee and asked her if she would marry me. She said yes. Our lives have been full of a flurry of activity since then. We gave up our apartment, put a lot of things in storage, filled our van with the 'stuff' we needed with us, said farewell to Los Angeles, and drove across the country. We've played festivals, coffeehouses, cafes, house concerts, we've sold t-shirts, CDs, and photos, we've made and sold a lot of MuseKraft jewelry, we've video-blogged along the way, we've built a town on the dashboard of our van (Dascheville), we've been deliriously happy and silly, we've been grumpy, we've been tired, we've been excited...a little of everything, really. One thing remains steadfast; our love and mutual respect for one another. I know I've said this before, but I'm going to say it again. I thank the universe every day for bringing Martine into my life. She started out as a friendly voice (or text message), periodically popping up on my phone and, little by little, she captured my heart. It happened naturally. I still remember the day it hit me. I was leaving my apartment to go to the laundromat and I stopped dead in my tracks in the driveway. As a smile crept across my face, I said "oh, shit...I'm in trouble." Let me tell ya, it's the best kind of trouble to have. I am so grateful...so very grateful...for her. Did I mention how grateful I am?

Happy one year anniversary, my sweetheart. I look forward to many more wonderful years with you by my side, looking at me with those sparkling blue eyes, taking my breath away with your beautiful smile, loving me with your amazing heart and soul. Thank you.