I wrote a couple months back about returning, contemplating cyclical natures one morning, and how some beings find their way back to their early homes. We've been missing Max at the shop as he and Julia too have traveled and traversed the wild and open road this month and returned to their early nests - and to the place that they were married, fifteen years ago on this very day. (Happy Anniversary, lovebirds!:)

And so again this morning I find myself commemorating many happy returns. About recommitting ourselves to what we value. We may visit and revisit the same coffee shop or restaurant or even the same vacation spot out of convenience or familiarity. But there are spaces and places and people we return to out of will and by measured choice - and with intention and with joy. We reserve blocks of time in our days, we put the names of friends and family on our calendars, and we book cabins many months ahead. For these unions and reunions that we manifest and that matter most.

As I think on all the small windows in our weeks, I appreciate the many things we do make time for - the people whom we all choose to reconnect with and the places we choose to return. I'm moved to see that folks from Brooklyn to Bakersfield and from Seattle to St. Augustine still open these weekly letters. And perhaps a few neighbors across the street from us might be swayed by the particular convenience, but we realize that many of you walk a dozen blocks and drive many miles to our little wine shop, this little nest on 40th St. We recognize that your return is one of will and choice and a commitment to us. We are committed to you too - and promise to do whatever it takes to remain worthy. We vow to do everything in our power to keep you happy. We do.

Here's to love and fidelity. To many happy returns.

Yours,

Daniel

(I promised myself I wouldn't cry..)