A Decade of Buddy

There's so much to say and not nearly enough time. The kids start school early August and then I suspect there will be way too much time and you'll quickly tire of me.

But meanwhile, our Buddy has turned 10 and I've not told you all about it. He and Biggest Brother have been gone all week visiting cousins and we're so excited to see them.

So I promise to send a newsy late summer update about our crew soon but until then, I want to celebrate our Number Two Son.  I suspect he's grown up a ton this week. Heaven knows it has been a big year: British school boy. American school boy. Cross Country runner. Broken clavicle. Star Wars and LEGO aficionado. Keen reader and straight A student. Our best snuggler and most cuddly. Champion of the Freckle Team.

He is a real sweetheart and our true buddy. Happy first decade and much love.

Beach Babies.

Sun. Sand. Rinse and Repeat. The best bits of summer are spent like this. Of all the places we've called home, we always feel most right near the water. Content with beach hair and bare feet.

These pix really highlight the breakdown of our Freckle Team v. Non Freckle Team, don't they? Would you believe yesterday the Non Freckle Team showed up en masse on the beach in coordinating aqua swimsuits? They say they didn't plan it, but I feel sure it was a challenge of sorts to us. We'll have to up our game.

Wide Open for Business

Friends!  I'm here and happily so and glad you are, too. We're positively swimming in lots and lots of summer fun. It is not even the 4th of July and it has been a wonderful whirlwind already. A trip to London, a gaggle of guests, long lie ins and lots of actual swimming, too! And that's before we've even had a beach trip. There is so much to tell you, but first I am tickled to say: I'm open for business!

I've just started an antique business in my very favorite antique mall in Nashville: GasLamp Too! It is where we've found all of our best Southern treasures and was programmed into our GPS while we were camped out in the hotel awaiting our goods' clearance through Customs last summer. (Can you believe that was nearly a year ago?!)

Now I have not just an official purpose to lurk about the shop lots, but even better, to purchase and share things I love. GasLamp has kindly to offered me this great space until my actual booth becomes available in August.

The kids and the Mister have been super to help with set up and display and lots of good cheer. And they've gone without the den for a few months while it has served as my warehouse of sorts. The other dealers have been gracious and welcoming and it is another lovely way for us to make new friends in Nashville. Hooray!

And I've already made my very first sale! A modest one to be sure but you've got to start somewhere, right? I cannot tell you how tickled I am to have started this adventure. Stay tuned.

More soon on our travels to London and all the joy summer has already delivered. And please get out your calendars to plan a visit and come see my shop -- soon and often!  xo