365 Degrees

And So Ends My 37th Year (Or, About Being Fortunate.)

I celebrated the arrival of my 38th year this weekend. (Which means, of course, that I turned 37...)

I had the good fortune to be surrounded by wonderful friends and an amazing boyfriend all weekend. To eat delicious food, drink my favorite wine, and spend a solitary hour at SFMoMA feeding my other senses. To treat myself to a little present from my favorite shop, and to lay my head down in a home I truly love.

If you ever catch me saying that I wish I could go back to my younger days, you have my full permission to flick me squarely on the forehead.

Many Yodas, There Are

I'm fortunate to be surrounded by some pretty amazing kids.

With them, I get to exercise  "auntie-privilege" -- a very special role that means I get to play with LEGOs, read silly books in goofy accents, make cool-gross science projects, and blow zrbtts on bellies until we both fall to the floor laughing. It's awesome.

Watching these kids evolve and grow, watching their places in their respective families take root, and seeing how incredibly important it is to give them a voice and encourage their individuality has been so inspiring. 

I know motherhood still isn't for me, but jeeze, am I ever lucky to love--and be loved by--these awesome little people. They have an awful lot of lessons to teach me.

Connected Memories

Father's Day. People tell me it "gets easier every year," but that hasn't been my experience. Trouble is, I keep thinking it WILL get easier, and so get bowled over when it's not. 

This year, I was in Manhattan for work, with the rare gift of total anonymity.

I went for a run on the High Line, walked the city, took in a magnificent sunset, and ate dinner alone. In the absence of expectation to engage with people, I engaged with memories of my childhood in New York. And in those memories, I found my dad's company. 

Sometimes, I just need to be reminded that grief and solace both come in many forms. 

[036/365] Celebrating

You know those people who are just consummate hosts? The type who not only throws the best parties, but also makes sure no one's glass is ever empty and stays late to clean up at other people's parties. We all know one. 

This year, a group of us came together to plan a surprise birthday party for our friend Andie, who is just one of those hostesses. Measuring yourself to the standard-bearer is a pretty good way to inspire greatness.

[030/365] Additive

In the courtyard at the Oakland Amtrak station stands an statue of C.L. Dellums, the late civil rights and labor activist and vice president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.

This weekend, someone added a bit of sartorial color to the elegant Mr. Dellums. 

[029/365] Dichotomy, Perfected

 

[023/365] Blending

Yesterday, I was over at St. George Spirits while Dave was working on the blend for the Lot 10 Whiskey. 

The application of art, science, instinct and skill in craft distilling is totally enchanting. So, too, is the resulting elixir.

[020/365] 12:01:00

At the eleventh hour, Congress approved a budget which continues to fund Planned Parenthood, despite Republican threats to bring the government to a screeching halt over a political non-issue.

Call this one an "anti-inspiration."

[017/365] Geeking Out

Have you seen this graphic? It makes me very happy. And whenever I think someone is deserving (clearly, you all are), I share it with them. Usually, a debate about whether we're truly geeks or dorks ensues.

This was one of those nights when the debate disappears down a rabbit hole I couldn't have predicted. Arguments about whether sci-fi is better when it inspires suspension of disbelief, or when it's truly (frighteningly) believable. Questioning whether greatness requires obsession, whether in wine-making, mathematics, or marketing.

My brain was buzzing, and it wasn't just because of the Gavi.

[014/365] Finzw8

I have this friend, Scott. He's a pretty amazing guy. The kind of guy you go hiking with, talk about really random and personal stuff with, grab a beer with, and devour Ethiopian food with. All in the same day.

Scott also happens to be a very talented photographer, and I'm so proud of him for taking a personal risk and opening his first show this weekend during Oakland Art Murmur (aka, First Fridays).

Go check out his work.