Happy Birthday Emily two z's two t's

Kyle: Emily, happy big 30. I love you for sticking with me when adversity hit us right into marriage. You were a rock throughout and made the worst time a better time. You're always the calmness that balances us while handling your career and a big move. Thank you, and I love you.

Lucy: There is so much to love about our middle child! However, one thing that stood out to me this year was Em's tenacity amongst significant changes. It is not easy to navigate life's curveballs, and especially not easy to do so with a cheerful smile on your face, friendships flourishing, and still being the person everyone wants to be around most in a room. Her character is steady, merciful to others, and so contagiously fun! I often think about the silly quote, "Your twenties are for learning, thirties for earning, and forties for owning." E, you have mastered your twenties! And I look forward to seeing the reward for all your learning in the next decade. HAPPY 30TH!

Trey: There's a lot to love about Emily, but my favorite thing is that she always tries to make life more joyful. If something isn't going according to plan, Emily doesn't seem to panic but keeps a positive outlook on life and the situation. She is always thankful for the past and expects good to come in the future. I admire that about her. She is also really funny when it comes to telling stories! Thankful for you, Emily! Happy Birthday!

Sally: Happy 30th birthday to our E Bug! Welcome to the thirties club! I'm so proud every day to be your sister. You are kind, beautiful, funny, smart, hardworking, and humble. You have rolled with the punches of the past year in a very impressive and admirable way, staying calm, cool, and collected through a lot of change. You are my role model. I love you so much and can't wait to watch you thrive as the chicest girl in Greenwich!

Taylor: Emily is a great sister to me, but especially to Sally, who has appreciated her support more than ever. I'm really lucky to also have her as a friend. She always makes herself available to talk, provide support, and share some cheap red wine. I have really enjoyed watching her with Collins as it's a side of her I haven't gotten to know before, and she's a natural. I had so much fun with her staying with us over Christmas; she was so helpful. She's welcome back anytime! 

Mom: I love everything about Emily! She exudes joy and happiness from the inside out. Everyone she meets is glad to know her and have her in their life. Making and keeping friends is seamless for Emily. Emily is also smart and works hard. A testament to her work ethic was everyone standing up to support her in keeping her job at Yeti. Emily truly loves and cares about everyone in her life. She is the best mom to Kevin, a thoughtful daughter, a devoted sister, a generous friend, and a loving wife. Keep your light shining, Emily. You are beautiful! 

Dad: Wow, eBug! Happy 30th birthday. Where did 30 years go? You have been such a joy to have as my daughter. Your gifts are many, but perhaps the most special is how you love and care for your most important people and pets (husband, in-laws, friends, co-workers, and family.) You light up every room you are in and make others feel good about themselves. You face adversity with a willingness to learn, grow, and find the positive side of any situation. Keep it going, and remember to balance caring for others with lots of self-care. You deserve it!

Happy Birthday Kyle Two z's Two t's

Emily: What a year with my husband! As I said in my vows, I love how Kyle is always so certain. When faced with the extremely heartbreaking and unexpected job loss, Kyle immediately set out to figure out what was next for our little family. I’m so proud of how Kyle handled the transition and was determined to get back on the life track he is always determined to achieve. It’s been exciting and fun to start a new chapter with him in the Northeast, and I am thankful he is so certain about loving Kevin and me. Kyle’s sometimes difficult to read, but ultimately, he is extremely loyal to those he loves, and I feel very lucky to be the VIP of that club!

Trey: It's hard to nail down one thing about Kyle, but I love that he is unconcerned with what others think of him. He doesn’t try to be anyone he’s not and he does or says what is most right to him in the moment. He is honest with himself and others. These are all traits that translate to success and that I am constantly trying to get better at. He also stayed later in Austin for our couple's shower when he needed to return home for work. That meant a lot to Lucy and me. Thankful for you, Kyle! Happy Birthday!

Lucy: One thing I love about Kyle is that he will never settle for less than excellent. In cooking or his job, Kyle deeply understands his value and the value of others. Kyle has a knack for holding out for the right timing and then taking an ordinary opportunity and turning it into something extraordinary. Although an overall challenging year for the Cazzetta newlyweds, I am so grateful for this quality in Kyle that led E&K to begin again in Greenwich! 

Taylor: Needless to say, Kyle and I are very different from one another, but don’t they always say opposites attract? I’d say that we are a good example of this. Somehow, we managed to find each other in this big world. It was fate that brought us together. Kyle even accepted membership (ceremonially, but don’t tell anyone) into the Universal Life Church for me. I’m glad to be friends with Kyle, and he could easily have said the typical brother-in-law relationship was enough for him, but in typical Kyle fashion, he said, “Fuck that,” and here we are today. I’m thankful for this friendship.

Sally: Happy birthday to my first brother, Kyle. You know I love you very much.  I’m impressed with the way you and Emily have navigated this year. It wasn’t easy, but you rolled with the punches and ended up in the perfect place for you both. I love how you constantly visualize and plan for the best possible life for you and Emily. We can’t wait to visit very soon.

Page: I love having Kyle as my son-in-law. He is full of surprises, keeps in touch, and looks for ways to make life fun for everyone. He loves a good project, like putting a puzzle together, cooking a special meal, or landscaping a yard. And mostly I love how much Kyle adores Emily and wants to make her happy. We had a fantastic visit to Greenwich, highlighted by an amazing evening at The Yale Club. I can't wait to spend more time with Kyle in July and ongoing. I am especially looking forward to some golf in the Northeast when the time is right. Happy BD, Kyle. Make it a great year!

Cathy: Kyle, this has been a turbulent year for you, and I appreciate your determination to secure another job, fortitude to keep a positive attitude, and commitment to Emily as her partner through it all. Always know that Page and I are here for you. You have a kind and giving spirit, and I love how you enjoy cooking and gardening—two of my favorite interests. Have a wonderful birthday, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Up next: Sally's birthday (doing great things at 32)

Trey: One thing I love about Sally is that she cares for her family! She's always treated me like a little brother and ensured I was cared for. For example, she always ensures I have the coolest clothes from Zara Man. I also love to see her be a mom to Collins. It's really sweet! Happy Birthday, Sally!

Lucy: Not only is Sally freakishly and wonderfully creative, but she has a way of creating her own way and place in the world. There is no challenge she can't overcome or bad attitude she can't beat! The girl doesn't miss a beat (even, and ESPECIALLY after becoming a mom.)  Her can-do, will-do attitude has already taken her incredible places, and I can't wait to see what's in store for year 32! Buckle up, baby C - the world does not happen to your mom; Sally happens to the world. And we are all the better for it!

Emily: Sally is an amazing sister and best friend. There is never a moment when I'm with her that is not full of fun and laughter. She is creative and inspiring, knows precisely what she wants, and influences many people around her. I am so grateful I got to spend time with Sally in her first few weeks as a mother; she is a badass mom, and baby Collins is the luckiest little lady in the world. I'm also incredibly proud of Sally's career. She works hard, and watching how far she will go is exciting!

Kyle: What I love most about Sally is her ability not to skip a beat in the next chapter of life. She’s a wonderful mother, but she didn’t give up everything to be that. Her business rolls on, trips to France and New York are still on the table, and she’s still down for a fun night out. She continues to be herself in addition to being a great mother.

Cathy: What an incredible year you have created and crushed, Sally! You have shown great strength, perseverance, and determination. You set career goals and have attained them. Published not once, but twice. Soon to be three times! You endured your first pregnancy and birth with fortitude and grace. You blessed us all with beautiful Collins. And through it all, you continuously demonstrated kindness and generosity to family and friends. You are a fantastic woman. I am so proud of you. Collins has a great role model for a Mom. I see your spirit in Collins more and more each day. Happy Birthday!

Taylor: Sal is a unifier of people. Here in London, she is the first person many people look to include, and she brings people together. We've got a great group of friends here and talked recently about how lucky we are, but luck only gets you so far! Sal makes things happen, and she looks out for others. I'm glad and proud of her.

Dad: Sally recently told us she has made it her mission to be both a great mom and a dynamic businesswoman. She aspires to be grateful for everything, never bitter, overwhelmed, or a complainer. She intentionally states that she chose to bring Collins into the world with Taylor and to have her own business. Thus, no matter how tired she might be, she chooses gratitude at the end of the day. It makes me very proud to be her dad! Keep being brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous, Sally!

Birthday season in full gear: Cathy rolls on at 64!

Trey: One thing I love about Cathy is her sense of humor. Whenever I spend time around her, she always says something hilarious, which usually catches me off guard. I love how she brings joy to all situations. She is also great at getting stains out of clothes! My favorite meal that Cathy makes is her Enchiladas. They are so good! Happy Birthday!

Taylor: Cathy is completely stepping up with her role as 'Peach.' She didn't miss a beat. I love watching her rejuvenated sense of purpose and fun. We're so lucky to have her around all the time. I'm very grateful to have a mother-in-law I love and enjoy having a glass of red with. My favorite dish of the moment is Cathy's Pad Thai.

Kyle: My favorite thing that Cathy cooks is Crème Brulee. It really was the best I've ever had. More importantly, the year she made it was the first year I spent away from my family for Thanksgiving. In my family, it's our biggest holiday for the largest family. She knew I wasn't happy to miss it, but she went out of her way to make my favorite dessert, which by the way, is a bitch to make. She made me feel loved and like family long before I officially became family. My favorite food shows my favorite quality and why I love her.

Lucy: One thing I love about Mom is that she is so fun to be around! We are so lucky to have a mom we love spending time with, and who makes every moment we are together fun, light, and memorable! Mom is playful and funny and always draws joy from those around her! As Dad would say, she really knows how to "suck the bone marrow out of life!" And I am so grateful that our mom will go to great lengths (even oceans!) to spend fun and quality time with her girls. We are so lucky!! It's simple, but Mom makes the best sandwich I've ever had. Turkey and cheese toastie on sourdough is good for me!

Emily: There is so much to say about Mama Peach! We've had such a big and exciting year, and Mom is so great at having fun and keeping everything together simultaneously. I loved having Mom visit Greenwich and see our new home. She is so generous and helpful, and we are very lucky to call her ours! Mom cooked many great dishes, but I always dream about her lasagna. Even now, surrounded by amazing Italian cuisine, nothing beats Peaches lasagna. Love you, Mom!

Sally: I've learned a lot recently about being a mom, and woah, it's not easy! We have such a good one—I think the best. It has been the biggest blessing to me (and Collins and T) to have Mom around to show us the ropes. We would not have survived these last four months without her. She knows everything and is my light post in all things, baby. I'm not sure how we got so lucky to have Peach down the road in England, but here we are. My favorite thing mom cooks is chicken salad or egg bites; I wouldn't have had nutrients this year without them.

gPa: There is not much I can add to these beautiful affirmations. Cathy is an amazing mother to our daughters and now to their spouses. I love how she can spend quality time with her first granddaughter and how her experience and nurturing are so comforting to Collins, Sal, and T. My favorite dish is lasagne, like Emily's. It is never the same, but always so good.

Lucy May Singletary: Happy 24th Birthday

Emily: I am so proud of Lucy's last year! It's not easy to enter the "real world" from college years, let alone have the challenges Lucy faced at her first job. I'm so proud of her for being aware of her mental health and knowing when enough is enough, but also how she continued reaching out to her friends and family when facing a difficult time and didn't let it beat her. Lucy is wise beyond her years; seeing her now tapping into all her creative talent is so exciting! I also love how often Lucy and I talk and catch up. Her trip to visit me and try on dresses was so easy and fun; I'm so lucky to have best friends with my sisters. I can't wait to be a part of her beautiful wedding. I love that we all get to be together to celebrate soon!

Sally: Happy 24th to our Lucy May!! So much to celebrate on the horizon! I love how Lucy has stayed the course this year. She realized a challenging situation wasn't working for her and made the conscious choice to pivot and find something that would serve her so that she could be the best version of herself. Doing that takes so much courage and wisdom; many would have taken a more passive approach. Now she is building a career in the creative world, shining her light big, and we couldn't be more proud!!

Taylor: Happy Birthday, Lucy! One of your most outstanding qualities is your strong faith. I admire that so much. In our world, it's rare to find someone very firmly committed to anything, and I've seen you exemplify firm commitment with your faith. You have shown it all 11 years I've known you. Seeing life as a father, I hope Collins will emulate this quality of yours. She has a great role model in you. We love you and can't wait for you to make another big commitment this summer. 

Trey: One thing I love about Lucy is how great of a teammate she is. The best teammates sit with you, encourage you when you're down, and celebrate with you when you're up. She does both of those things really well. She looks at every day purposefully and shines brightly to everyone around her. No wonder her name means "Light". I also love how lighthearted and funny she is. I knew she was the one for me when she told me she watched SpongeBob as a kid. I hit the jackpot. Can't wait to be married in a few months! I love you, Lu!

Kyle: I love that you recognized the unhappiness in your current situation last year and made a significant change to correct the course. Life can be scary and volatile sometimes, and it's never easy to make those decisions, but I am so glad it worked out for you. Now, you get to do something you are passionate about and be part of a growing business. Congrats, and keep on keeping. 

Mum: Wow, Lucy. What a year it has been! You have handled your move, TFA, wedding planning, and a new job with poise, grace, strength, and determination. I am confident you have everything you need to succeed in life and marriage. You have a beautiful light. Keep it shining while you reach for the stars. I am by your side all the way. Happy Birthday, sweet Lu. I love everything about you! 

gPa: Happy Birthday, LuLu, from your adoring, grateful father. I could not be more proud of you for all the reasons others have stated above. Resilience, perseverance, reliability, and confidence come to mind. Also, last night, I thought of this famous quote from Marianne Williamson. I shared it with you at dinner, but I wanted to also post it here.

Paul Graham: The Top Idea in Your Mind (Do you have attention sinks?)

Hey girls and guys, 

I found the space to dive into another powerful essay from Paul Graham. Please find 15 minutes to read and think about this.

The Top Idea in Your Mind. YouTube narration here.

“There's a kind of thinking you do without trying to. I'm increasingly convinced this type of thinking is not merely helpful in solving hard problems but necessary. The tricky part is, you can only control it indirectly.”

In short, this essay is about the importance of the top idea in your mind. If you want to know that idea, "just take a shower!"

Some key takeaways:

• Fundraising for a startup is compared to the challenge of doing the work needed to drive the startup forward. (Been there, done that!)
• The Nile Perch reference: Have you ever been so worked up over something you can't see the forest for the trees? And while being worked up, do you harm or ignore the things that matter most? (Yep, this, too, has been me! See postscript for more on The Nile Perch.)
• The all-consuming power money can have on us, and how that is the same power we lose when we obsess over disputes or wrong-doings. (The second part of this takeaway is a powerful topic in and of itself.)

"Getting money is almost by definition an attention sink. The other is disputes. These too are engaging in the wrong way: they have the same velcro-like shape as genuinely interesting ideas, but without the substance. So avoid disputes if you want to get real work done."

How do you respond when someone has caused you harm? Are you hurt once or hurt twice?

"Someone who does you an injury hurts you twice: first by the injury itself, and second by taking up your time afterward thinking about it. If you learn to ignore injuries you can at least avoid the second half. I've found I can to some extent avoid thinking about nasty things people have done to me by telling myself: this doesn't deserve space in my head. I'm always delighted to find I've forgotten the details of disputes, because that means I hadn't been thinking about them.

Hope you get a chance to read.

Dad

P.S. "Nile perch were introduced to Lake Victoria in the 1950s to boost the fishing industry. The introduction caused an economic boom but also drove hundreds of species of native cichlids to near-extinction." [ref. Impact of an Invasive Species]

Dear Harvey: A nice gesture from a top-notch young man, Guy Liljenwall

Hanging with Harvey on the practice tee.

Dear Harvey,

It has simply been too long. I have many golf stories for you, including a magical summer of 2023 after I last wrote from Cornwall. Dear Harvey: Chasing Scratch (in Cornwall) 🏌️‍♂️⚓️⛳️⛵️☀️ - June 1, 2023.

I will be back in touch about the golf trip of all golf trips to Ireland with Uncle Charlie McDowell and his friends (in July) and an equally magical trip to St. Andrews (in August) to visit Ginny and Steve Booton and take on The Old Course. Plus, several other memorable loops around the London area, including Walton Heath Golf Club, which hosted the 2023 Women's Open Championship, a return to Swinley Forest Golf Club, and another crack at the spectacular Woking Golf Club. It would be hard to find three better heathland courses, but that will not stop me from trying! I am absolutely in love with golf in England. My American mates need to know England is every bit as magical and special when it comes to golf courses as the more popular Ireland or Scotland trips.

Do you remember when we lost Eric Liljenwall suddenly and at way too young of an age? Shortly after his death, I spent quality time with Eric's youngest son, Guy, shuttling him to junior golf tournaments and caddying for him. We were a good match, as Emily had left for her University golf career in Savannah, and Guy needed a caddy. I was the man for the job, though far from the excellent player his father was. 

I heard from Guy this afternoon via text message. It warmed my heart to know he saved this note and took the time to share it back with me. Guy is on his way to a successful career in commercial real estate after graduating from the University of Arkansas.

"Hey Mr. Singletary, this is Guy Liljenwall. I had found an old letter you have given me, when we used to play in tournaments together. Started reminiscing about those golf tournaments. I hope you and your family are well!"

And Guy later sent this, which Emily will love:

Shout out to dear friend @Andres Gonzales, who taught me the simple putting drills using a six-inch ruler as an alignment aid. 

I am in a sales meeting this week in Sitges, Spain. Check out my view this morning from my room. (The rest of the day was all training in a crowded conference room, but at least I had the morning view.) 

And then Guy's text messages made my day!

A lot to learn in Spain, but these lights are not the same as the Sitges sunshine above!

Take good care, Harvey, and tell Eric hello.

gPage

The 'Guy' in the middle with the first-place flag must have had a great caddy!

Letters to Harvey from The Kingdom:

• Dear Harvey: Chasing Scratch (in Cornwall) 🏌️‍♂️⚓️⛳️⛵️☀️
• Dear Harvey: Stick-to-it-ness, Tattoos, and the Supernatural
• Dear Harvey: Thanks, Austin CC, for an amazing wedding (Emily & Kyle)
• Dear Harvey: WGC Dell Technologies Match Play (7 times and a wrap!)

• Dear Harvey: Bucket list month of July 🎾 ⛳️🏆
• Dear Harvey: Portsmouth UK & Hayling GC ⚓️ 🐚 🚀 ⛳️ 🕵🏼‍♀️
• Dear Harvey: On business in Spain (Parador de El Saler GC) ⛵️🍤🍷🏌️‍♀️🏖
• Dear Harvey: St. Enodoc Golf Club - Church Course (Cornwall) ⛳️ ⛪️ 🎢
• Dear Harvey: Trevose Golf & Country Club (Cornwall) 🏌️‍♂️⚓️🦈
• Dear Harvey: Ernie Els or Ernie the Milk Man 🥛🍼🥛
• Dear Harvey: Grateful is the right word (#GDTBATH)
• Dear Harvey: (Uncle Charlie) McDowell trumped by (Great Uncle Fred) McLeod
• Dear Harvey: The Jack Burke Sr. Golf Legacy Tree
• Dear Harvey: gPage-A-Palooza 2022
• Dear Harvey: The Stage Golfing Society (London)
• Dear Harvey: First Woman Captain (The Richmond Golf Club)
• A couple of gems: Muirfield and North Berwick
• Tube to Tee: Sudbury Golf Club
• Hugging Harvey Goodbye and off to London for a Bit

Other 'golfy' scribblings:

• I Knew Harvey Invitational Golf and Dinner + Ode to Harvey (tribute poem)
• Dear Harvey: "Up against a kid" by Bo Links (slightly modified for gender)
• Dear Harvey: Life is long if you know how to use it
• Stay Whole Tuesday: Stillness, Rome, Herb Brooks, and Harvey Penick
• Patty Sheehan: "Some kind of peacefulness about what you are doing."
• Oscillate, as in Oscillating Dynamic Variable Resistance
• All bets are won or lost on the first tee
• 5.5.05 - 5.5.20 It has been 15 (Bart Star) years since I wrote this . . . Stay Whole!
• Pete Dye (1925 - 2020)
• Dear Harvey: Ace on 16
• Swing sequence - 4th of July (thanks, Emily)
• Fit as a Fiddle Friday: Deceleration with Tom Kite
• My Flat Ass Fitness Rules (12 of them)
• Rudy's 360 boys with Tom Kite - two-time NCAA champions!
• Roane Puett: Austin CC Legendary Golf Member and Friend
• It's complicated: A special video clip from Emily's college golf experience
• Celebrating Dan Bates: Why do men have a hard time getting to know each other?

"Millions of people were charmed by the homespun golf advice dispensed in Harvey Penick's Little Red Book, a sports classic that became the best-selling sports book of all time. Yet, beyond the Texas golf courses where Penick happily toiled for the better part of eight decades, few people knew the self-made golf pro who coaxed the best out of countless greats -- Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw, Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright -- all champions who considered Penick their coach and lifelong friend." - Kevin Robbins, author of Harvey Penick: The Life and Wisdom of the Man Who Wrote the Book on Golf.