Hi everyone,

As many of you know, today is mom/Emily/Em's birthday (as well as Bastille Day, a fact that mom always loved... it made her fancy herself a little bit French, or at least cosmopolitan, I think.) I'm not going to lie, I've spent most of the day so far in tears -- grief is no joke, and this loss feels so immeasurable at times that it takes your breath away. BUT, at the same time: what a life to celebrate!!! So if you'd like, I'd invite everyone to take some time today to honor mom's memory on her 81st birthday. Some ideas for things you might do, all of which I think she'd heartily approve:

- Call a friend for a leisurely visit
- Cuddle your kid or grandkid
- Buy or plant some flowers
- Pour a cold glass (or two) of Kendall Jackson and enjoy it in the summer sun. Or Chivas!
- Take a long bath (feel free to bring the Kenny J or the Chivas along)
- Take some time out with a good book (mystery writer Louise Penny was a most recent favorite)
- Watch playoff basketball tonight (there are Carolina Tar Heels on both the Bucks and the Suns - Justin Jackson and Cam Johnson - so ok to root for either team!) 
- Do something kind for someone else (and don't expect, or want, a damn thing in return)

If you have any other ideas, feel free to put them in the comments below! We'd love to hear them...

Another thing you can do in mom's honor is help a high school student further their education with a donation to Evanston Scholars. More to come about this amazing organization and how it is a perfect way to remember and honor mom, but for now, here's the link to donate: https://www.evanstonscholars.org/donate.html

Lots of love,
Carolyn