LINKS + LESSONS // 05 – BIRTHDAY EDITION

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Today took my breath away, from beginning to end. The whole week, really. It’s been a pretty special time of celebration and reflection; I’m feeling very doted upon and very, very lucky.

My magical friend Jessica gave me a cake. A cake! I haven’t had a birthday cake with candles since before Jade was born. Jessica brought the cake to a restaurant, and everyone sang and then cheered when I blew out my candles. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live, it was that special.

And she caught it on camera!

It’s enough to make any birthday heart burst, and mine has a million times over.

Today is also special because it marks the conclusion of my thirty day writing challenge. Phew! As such, I have decided to link to a few of my favorite posts from the past month:

The one about Emet’s birth. And mine too, really.

The first LINKS + LESSONS post.

That one time I posted an actual recipe!

My thoughts on Independence Day. Plus a video essay from Bill Moyers!

This one was posted on my lovely friend Kate’s blog, which I wrote about here.

I started this particular project with the specific intention of rediscovering my inherent happiness. I’d say it was a smashing success. The Power of Intention, indeed.

LINKS + LESSONS // 04

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On Wednesday I tweeted:

I’d like to rephrase. It was the best week. It was the worst week.

Oy vey iz mir.

But! We did have a pretty spectacular meal at our favorite Thai spot last night, and I’m wondering why I have never ordered the Fresh Rolls before? Game changer, those things.

Count that as my lesson: trying new things in familiar places might make for a whole new experience.

If your week was anything like mine, I figured you could use a little something to help you cheer up. So here is a video the mister showed me yesterday that really touched my heart.

On a similar topic, I came across this statement from Questlove regarding the Zimmerman verdict, and it’s worth a read.

Back when I was a student at NYU, a few friends and I were faithful ASSSSCAT devotees. I have always thought of that time as the heyday of the UCB Theater and when I read this interview with Amy Poehler and she mentioned the energy of the New York Comedy Scene, I sort of felt like she was talking about those days too. Ranger out!

I’m looking forward to some quiet family time this weekend, and possibly a trip to the beach. And lots and lots of chocolate ice cream.

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!

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!

LINKS + LESSONS // 01

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HELLO, FRIENDS!

Summer is finally here, and she brought along with her a few things that I’d been missing. Like riding my bike. And this silly ol’ blog.

This season has gotten off to a splendid start, as this has been one of the best weeks I’ve had all year. So many miles of San Diego streets have been explored, I’m starting to feel like a local. Not to mention the fact that, thanks to my guy, I have a nifty new home for all of my adventures. Also, our last minute decision to see Baths ended up being the most perfect date night, so pretty much my happiness sensors are overloaded and I couldn’t be more grateful.

That supermoon had magical powers, I just know it.

More than anything, this week has taught me that if you want something with your entire heart, and if you’re willing to be patient and do the work, the Universe will conspire to bring it to you. Actually, I learned that lesson from Paolo Coelho in 2004, but I didn’t really believe him until a few days ago.

Which brings me here, to the next chapter of my story, one in which I have sort of grown more into myself. I have big plans that I am thrilled to put in motion, starting with my very first ever weekly series.

And with that, I give you a few of my favorite finds from from here and there:

This inspiring letter from a woman responding to a question Harvard asked her 51 years ago.

These interesting charts comparing leading actors’ ages to that of their costars, which makes even less sense after seeing this.

As a proud eighties child, this list made me smile.

Lastly, on the day of the summer solstice, I read something that was just the swift-kick-in-the-pants I needed to make me realize that the only thing left for me to do was to just start writing. And so I have.

There’s no stopping me this time, either.