Happy Place

I'm ready to say sayonara to the rain and find my happiness in the midst of a psychedelic conga line at the bottom of a Mai Tai. Time to perfect my golf swing, get frisky with the pool boy, and go "annual tripping" to Palm Springs, California!

WHO? Grandma's Closet! Every time I go to Palm Springs, I score vintage Pucci, Gucci, Hermes and Louis at an Estate Sale or Consignment Store.

xxx

WHAT? Desert Modernism! Palm Springs has the largest concentration of mid-century architecture in the world! Pictured: The Legendary Kauffmann Desert House

WHERE? Joshua Tree National Park! Breathtaking desert landscape, eye-opening canyons, and the spirit of Gram Parsons! Pictured: Keith & Anita open their eyes at Joshua Tree.

WHEN? "The Two Hour Rule!"
Hollywood studios used to contractually obligate actors to reside/vacation within two-hours of the studio, in case they were needed for last minute shoots. This made Palm Springs a favorite hideaway for members of "The Rat Pack," Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and Bing Crosby (to name a few). The palpable "Old Hollywood" vibe in Palm Springs is largely attributed to "the rule."

Pictured: Peter Lawford, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe
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WHY? "Because we like you!"

Okay, so Disneyland's not exactly in the desert, but it's close enough! I'm taking my #1 nephew to the happiest place on earth!
Time to start packing and stop yacking... see ya!

baby·show·er·pho·bi·a (ba-bee-fb-)

n.

An abnormal fear of events that contain all-women

and no-alcohol.

Last Sunday, I (co)hosted my first baby shower. Before this event, I did not consider myself "crafty"... in fact, I used to consider myself "The Anti-Craft." However, through this experience, I discovered a talent for sewing rudimentary felt psychedelic mushrooms and woodland creatures! (Evidence below.)

Another shocker- the event was actually fun (and I didn't even touch the Chardonnay!) Who knew that transferring cotton balls from one bowl to another while blindfolded could be so hilarious? (Evidence below.)

Prior to Sunday, I was a self-diagnosed Babyshowerphobic- for some reason, events that involve all-women and no-alcohol give me anxiety. But this time, while the dudes were at a sports bar eating burgers and drinking beers (some of my favorite pastimes), I sat perfectly content holding a pile of baby onesies, surrounded by a group of lovely ladies. A breakthrough!

Me (right) with two of my favorite girls, Marissa and Maria.

Maria, center, is the guest of honor.

Love: ?

My 7 year old nephew recently got an email account. I found this message in my inbox this morning:

On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 8:01 AM, wrote:

Hi Aunt Lindsay,
I'm sending you something really cool, but you can't know until you open it. It's gonna be really cool, you're gonna have to look at it, you're gonna love it. (inserted link to video, below)
Love: ?

My neph is the coolest little dude! He's got a knack for making me happy.