Birthdays, boys, and baseball

As many of you know, Scott and I have recently had the pleasure of landing back in the proverbial 'nest,' or at least the proverbial nest previously occupied by me. (We moved in with my parents.) I was a little nervous at first about how Daddy would react to having another man in the house. (Having had 3 daughters and no sons) Anyways, all of my worries were put to rest last night when I walked in on a heartwarming sight. Scott was on one couch and Daddy on the other watching nervously as the Rangers pull out another win. There is something so special about the bond of men and baseball. I think that simple image is one that I'll never forget. Two of the three most important men in my life (Harrison was not present) sharing a moment that at first thought seems insignificant.

Today is Daddy's birthday, and we surprised him with Rangers tickets to tonights game. I can't wait to see his excitement and to experience such an emotional pastime with my Dad. I love you Daddy. Happy Birthday!

Plano Polished

How cute is this new Plano nail salon?! Since I am again a 'Planonian' I can take advantage of this decidedly different establishment. Check out their website to see for yourself their commitment to uber-hygiene and relaxation. How many nail salons do you know that have 'core values'? I think I'll try them out this weekend. Anyone feel like getting 'polished'?

Portraits of the wild

How incredible is this gallery? Wild animals are just the most incredible thing when captured in photographs. The voyeurism that takes place almost makes me feel uncomfortable. We shouldn't be there, yet we are and the animals are no worse for it. I love the use of light and the way he structures the pictures to tell a story about the animals. Just breathtaking. (My Mom will love this.)

Everyone's an artist

Ever sit at your desk in the middle of the day feeling like your head might explode? You're not alone. I recently found this website that provides a therapeutic snack of art and simplicity. Breathe. Create. Enjoy. (and don't let your head explode)

HB's new wheels

My beautiful friend Heylee just got a new car. She had to say goodbye to a dear friend when she traded 'Little Red' in for her new, shiny, sporty car. I still remember the day Bamby D surprised Hale with Little Red almost 8 years ago. It was after dinner at T.G.I. Friday's. There was a big red bow and everything. It was the sort of surprise that normally only Santa can deliver. Anyway, Heylee has a new ride and a new car to make memories with. (Like the time we were pulled over in Little Red after curfew and the cops separated us to see if out stories matched up about where we were going, which they didn't.) But, like the memories of our adolescence, Little Red will also not be forgotten. Welcome to the family 'Minnie'.

*Note: Heylee's has super cute black racing stripes on the front, but I couldn't find a picture of that model.

Serenity through simplicity

My mother-in-law is wonderful. Most people get stuck with the witchy-sort of MIL, but mine isn't at all, she's wonderful. Anyway, we were talking on Saturday about the importance of simplicity in our lives. There is hardly anytime to breathe in my day, and I resent that this is entirely due to fact that I choose to be complicated. This article, by Gwen Nyhus Stewart, shares ten practical steps for a life of 'voluntary simplicity.'

Paradise Unpaved

I often feel that my use of public transportation and organic cotton grocery bags is measly compared to the sacrifices I should be making for the good of the earth. Here is a woman who followed her "green conscience" and took it to the next level. Not to mention, depicted her story in such an interesting way.

enjoy.