LINKS + LESSONS // 03

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Monumental. That’s about the only way I can think of to describe this week.

It’s been an absolute whirlwind of day trips, family reunions, playdates, sleepovers, not to mention one very important birthday party. My heart (and my belly) is full. Life is good.

I learned the best surprises are the ones least expected.

Most of my time over the last several days has been spent offline, but I did read this great article about a woman who started a blog about learning to live by facing her fears, and I’ve decided to adopt the last line as my personal mantra for this summer: “‘Wheee!’ makes everything less scary.”

A very hot bath and my beloved foam roller are in my immediate future, followed closely by a Mexican coke spiked with cherry bitters because I’m crazy like that. Ok, ok, and NetFlix.

Weekend, ahoy!

STERLING’S GOLD, AND OTHER RECENT GEMS

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Do you like Mad Men? Of course you do.

Surely you can imagine my surprise when I discovered a copy of Roger Sterling’s book staring at me from the dollar shelf at the Kensington Library book sale last Saturday. I almost didn’t believe it was real. Even the librarian looked confused when I gave it to her along with the few other books I decided to purchase. Alas, it now lives in a place of honor: the bathroom bookshelf.

I’ve taken to meeting my neighbors. Tonight, I even stepped out for a quick walk around the block and ended up chatting with the sweet lady that lives four doors down. She’s been in our neighborhood 47 years! I wonder if I will ever be able to say that.

The obsession with Pompelmo continues, but having recently bought out our local supplier, I’m at a loss. Why oh why must the most delicious flavors be so hard to find? I’m sorry Limonata, but your lemony bubbles just aren’t doing it for me these days. Not since I’ve been corrupted by your tarty little cousin, grapefruit.

In closing, I shall leave you with my favorite song (and favorite video) from BOY:

PS: They’ll be in San Diego on October 27! Tickets are available here. I’m just saying.

AND NOW YOU KNOW

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I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right. I am that busy.

That story I promised? Well, trust me when I say it’s worth the wait. It only took me ten years to write! I’ve been combing through old boxes of photos looking for a few specific images to share along with the text, and since I worked so hard on it, I figured I’d do it the honor it deserves by sharing these elusive pictures. I know they’re in the garage somewhere. I hope.

In the meantime, I thought I’d let you in on a little secret: I’m currently obsessed with Pompelmo San Pellegrino.

You’re welcome.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMET!

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Today, we celebrated ten years of Emet Preston Miller!

I know I said yesterday that I’d be back today with something lovely, but the truth is, throwing a surprise party is kind of consuming, and I haven’t managed to finish that post just yet. Instead, I’ll tell you that the look on Emet’s face when he realized what was happening was something I’ll never forget.

Oh, how I love that son of mine. What a guy.

MONDAY MIND

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I haven’t been able to think clearly all day, and then I realized that it’s been a week since I last rode my bicycle. Nothing, not even running, cures my cloudy brain like a good ride. And cloudy, in this case, is an understatement.

I’d blame the heat, but I know better.

I’ll be back tomorrow with something I’ve been working on — and I get choked up just thinking about it — involving a certain boy who will wake up ten years old.

DOWN BY THE BAY

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image courtesy of mr. baker’s instagram feed

I’d post a recipe, but mostly I’ve been making cocktails for dinner, and I wouldn’t want you to get the wrong impression.

So, Campland!

Yesterday, we were invited to spend the day celebrating the birthday of Emet’s baseball coach, so we packed a cooler full of beer (and a bottle of plum tequila, ahem) and joined our friends at their campsite for an afternoon of fun. We’re excited to return next month for a whole week of beach camping shenanigans, including taking one of those fancy boats out for a spin around Mission Bay.

Have I mentioned how much I love summer?

LINKS + LESSONS // 02

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What a week!

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling like this summer needs to slow down just a little bit. So far, it’s been absolutely delicious, and it’s only about to get sweeter with the highly anticipated homecoming of two little munchkins who’ve been terribly missed. I plan on soaking up every last second of this season, and have no intentions of seeing it end anytime soon.

This week, I’ve really been reminded of the importance of trust in the Universe. And in myself. It’s far too easy to get swept away by all the what ifs and should haves in life, to ruminate and overanalyze, which is to the detriment of living in the present moment. I should know. I’m practically an expert in overthinking things, which almost never leads to anything except a whole lot of stress and not a lot of sleep.

It’s much more rewarding to relax into the rhythm of life. Because when you do, sometimes a quick day trip can turn into a surprise weekend getaway, and doesn’t that sound more fun?

I came across this great study of Herbert Spencer’s Philosophy of Style, filled with little tidbits on how to perfect the craft of the written word.

I was moved by this piece about how affected we daughters can be by our mother’s self-esteem.

Turns out, a Barbie modeled after an average woman looks healthy.

A certain obnoxious website has vegans everywhere shaking their fists at its creators.

On creating new narratives for Manic Pixie Dream Girls.

And with that, my friends, I’m off to enjoy a little reunion with some very special ladies, and two very special kids. Happy Friday!

CROWN THY GOOD WITH BROTHERHOOD

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There is so much that I’d like to say about how I feel about this country, and what the Declaration of Independence means to me. And while doing a little research on the subject, I came across this video essay by Bill Moyers which beautifully articulates the paradox that exists between, as he puts it, “what we know and how we live.”

I do believe that all are created equal. I do believe in the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I do believe in justice for all. And I believe that most people in this country feel the same way that I do, which is confused by the choices our government continues to make in the name of the preservation of freedom.

Today, I celebrate bravery. The kind that is willing to risk everything in order to stand with integrity and defend the honor of a nation founded on the principles of free speech and the right to peaceful protest. I stand with people like Edward Snowden, Wendy Davis, and the countless others who so courageously continue to fight to protect the people of this country. It is because of them that I remain hopeful in the legacy of a home for the free and the brave.

ON GOING WITH THE FLOW

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I woke up today, bright eyed and bushy tailed, with elaborate plans involving a drive to LA, sharing a long overdue bottle of wine with one of my most lovely friends, and a drive back home with two very special pint-sized passengers in tow. But within an hour of rising, all of my plans changed.

Now, I’m no stranger to last minute snafus. Which is not to say that I’m an expert at living in the moment, but rather that I have grown accustomed to unexpected developments, and have learned to see them as opportunities as opposed to obstacles. It has been my experience that when things go awry, if you allow space for the Universe, the Universe usually responds with something better than what you were expecting.

Which is exactly what happened today.