Over the holidays, we noticed a new sign up on one of our local hills. Just behind Taco Temple, and not far from where kindergartner Nate thought “God was buried.” In his defense, on the mountainside there’s an enormous cross made of rocks surrounded by stones stacked in the shape of what…
Clothes have power. The first day of school. An interview suit. A soccer uniform. Deep down, James knew. He was a quiet ambassador for this power. He harnessed it to make countless friends and to build connections with a community. After his initial diagnosis and the surgeries and treatments, he…
It’s been raining all day so this evening, the boys and I went down for pizza at the Bear and the Wren. We all agreed that the Bee Stang is the best— it’s the honey. Not sure how it came up but one part of our dinner conversation involved me…
Good morning party people— I didn’t post last night as I was busy battling evite. And given James’ style and affinity for typography, I couldn’t pick just any rando design. Please RSVP via this link to help us gauge an accurate headcount by January 7th. Kids of ALL ages are welcome. …
If it feels like things went really fast, it’s because they did. James just kept saying, “It’s too fast. It’s just too fast.” And it was. When you’re 47 you’re not ready to go. You’re just not. I had a moment of panic at the hospital when they brought the…
Tonight I’m supposed to be writing an obituary. Which technically I’ve only done for chickens— Rest in peace Chicken Sando, Death Destroyer, Chicken Nugget, and Princess Fucillo. Gosh, I’ve had more practice than I’d care to admit. We really are good chicken parents. But yes, I’m dragging my feet and…
Today is James’ half birthday— 47 and a half. I’m all about celebrating half birthdays. Any excuse for cupcakes is my motto, so I made little pecan tarts. And I love traditions. Last night I decided on the Fucillo family tradition of hors d’oeuvres for dinner. I made meatballs and…
When I was five, my mom tricked me into playing soccer by telling me my best friend Zoë was going to play, and then her mom, Lela, told Zoë I was going to play. We were the only two girls on our team in those days. Apparently I would stand on…
It’s Christmas Eve morning and here I am creating a project plan. Don’t judge. One of the things I’m really good at is recognizing what other people are good at. And bringing lots of people together to make something happen. So this morning James’ little brother, Uncle Brett, who has always…
I’ll never forget my first commute to my new job in San Luis Obispo, almost seven years ago. I drove down this beautiful mountain, past fields and vineyards, and the most contented cows. The sky was crystal clear. I passed the octagon barn and pulled into the parking lot just twelve minutes…